Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads Review
The Verdict
Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads pack a genuinely high concentration of lactic acid into a convenient pre-soaked pad, backed by retinol and the CoQ10/SOD antioxidant pairing Priori is known for. That strength is the whole point and also the caveat: this isn't a starter exfoliant, it needs strict daily SPF, and anyone pregnant, breastfeeding or new to acids should look elsewhere first or get advice from our team. For skin that's already built tolerance to AHAs and wants a grab-and-go professional peel step, it's a well-formulated option within the Priori range.
Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads | Exfoliating AHA Pads | 30 Pads
£72.25
Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads are pre-soaked exfoliating pads built around a 25% lactic acid (AHA) complex, formulated at a low pH for efficient exfoliation, and finished with retinol, CoQ10 (Ubiquinone), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and salicylic acid. They're designed to help sweep away the look of dullness, refine the appearance of texture and enlarged-looking pores, and support a more even, luminous-looking complexion with regular use — used one to two evenings a week, not daily.
What is Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads?
This is a 30-pad tub of pre-moistened exfoliating pads from Priori's Q+SOD line — the same antioxidant family running through the brand's cleanser, serum and moisturiser. Each pad is soaked in a pH-balanced (around pH 3.45) solution built on a 25% lactic acid concentration, putting it in professional-strength territory rather than an everyday, low-percentage exfoliant. Alongside the AHA, the formula carries retinol, salicylic acid (a BHA), and Priori's Q+SOD antioxidant complex of CoQ10 and Superoxide Dismutase, aimed at uneven-looking tone, dullness, fine lines and enlarged-looking pores across all skin types — with sensitive skin asked to introduce it gradually.
Quick facts
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | 30 pre-soaked exfoliating pads |
| Key actives | 25% lactic acid (AHA), retinol, salicylic acid (BHA), CoQ10 + SOD antioxidant complex |
| pH | Approx. 3.45, optimised for AHA efficacy |
| Frequency | 1–2 times weekly, evening use, building up gradually |
| Skin types | All skin types seeking gentle exfoliation; introduce gradually on sensitive skin |
| Free from | Formulated without parabens |
| Made in | USA |
| Price band | Priori's professional-strength peel-pad tier — check the product page for current price |
Who it's for — and who should look elsewhere first
These pads suit skin that's already comfortable with AHA exfoliation and wants a step up — visible dullness, uneven-looking tone, rough texture, enlarged-looking pores or the appearance of fine lines are the concerns Priori is targeting here. Because the pads combine a 25% AHA with retinol and a BHA in one step, they're not a sensible first exfoliant: build tolerance with a single, lower-strength active before moving on to a combination formula this concentrated. Very reactive, broken or actively inflamed skin should sit this one out, and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should contact our team for advice before use.
How to use it
- Apply to completely dry, cleansed skin — wipe one pad over face, neck and décolleté, avoiding the eye and lip area.
- Use 1–2 evenings a week to start, increasing gradually only once skin has shown it tolerates the frequency.
- Let the pad air-dry fully; there's no need to rinse it off.
- Follow with a barrier-supporting moisturiser once the solution has absorbed.
- Apply a broad-spectrum SPF the following morning, and keep it up for a week after you stop using the pads — AHAs increase photosensitivity.
- Patch-test on the inner forearm 24–48 hours before first full-face use.
Key ingredients
The headline active is lactic acid at 25% — an AHA that loosens the bonds between dead skin cells, helping improve the look of texture and tone, while its humectant properties help skin hold onto moisture as it exfoliates. Salicylic acid, a BHA, works alongside it to help clear congestion within pores.
Retinol supports the look of smoother texture and more even tone over time, without needing to be layered from a separate product — and adding another retinol product on the same night raises the risk of over-exfoliation, since one is already built in here.
Priori's Q+SOD complex — CoQ10 (Ubiquinone) and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) — rounds out the formula as an antioxidant pairing, included to help support skin against everyday environmental stressors while the exfoliating actives work.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
How it compares within the Priori range
| Product | Key actives | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads (this product) | 25% lactic acid + retinol + salicylic acid + CoQ10/SOD | A pre-soaked, professional-strength weekly peel step for AHA-tolerant skin |
| Q+SOD fx220 Brightening Serum | 15% lactic acid + 0.15% retinol + CoQ10/SOD | A lower-strength, leave-on version of the same Q+SOD approach, targeted at pigmentation |
| Q+SOD fx240 Moisturising Crème | Q+SOD antioxidant complex | Barrier support and hydration to pair alongside either exfoliating step |
If 25% lactic acid feels like too much to start with, our Q+SOD fx220 Brightening Serum review covers a lower-percentage, leave-on alternative. Pairing either step with a barrier-focused moisturiser such as Q+SOD fx240 Moisturising Crème helps keep skin comfortable while the actives work. Browse the full Priori range on Skintique Academy for the rest of the line.
Frequently asked questions
Are these peel pads suitable for beginners to acids?
No. At 25% lactic acid plus retinol and salicylic acid in one step, this is a professional-strength combination formula. If you haven't used an AHA or retinol before, build tolerance with a single, lower-strength active first.
How often should I use Priori Q+SOD Enlightening Peel Pads?
Start with once weekly in the evening, and only increase to twice weekly once your skin has shown it tolerates the frequency without persistent redness or irritation.
Do I need to use SPF with this product?
Yes. The AHA content increases sun sensitivity, so a broad-spectrum SPF every morning is essential while using the pads and for a week after you stop.
Can I use these if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, please contact our team for advice before use.
Can I layer a separate retinol serum with these pads?
The pads already contain retinol alongside a high-strength AHA, so adding another retinol product on the same night raises the risk of over-exfoliation. If you want a dedicated retinol step, use it on a different evening to the pads.