# ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads for combination skin

**Lovi Fit: High fit for combination skin.**
Combination Skin Fit: High · Effectiveness: High · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Canada.

Brand: [ZO Skin Health](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/brands/zo-skin-health)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with combination skin: an oily T-zone, enlarged pores, and dry cheeks. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

A great choice for combination skin; a few products fit it even better.

## Why this fit

- Offers excellent exfoliation for your combination skin, as salicylic acid and glycolic acid work to smooth texture and decongest
- The moderate concentrations of these acids provide effective keratolytic action and seboregulation, addressing your oily shine.
- The formula is safe for your skin, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/oily-skin): Superior
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/dry-skin): Average
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin): High (this page)
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/sensitive-skin): High
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/acne-prone-skin): High
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/dark-spots): High
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/mature-skin): High
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Superior

## Key ingredients

Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Plantago Major Leaf Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract

## What the research says

- Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/))
- The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/))
- A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase. ([BioMed Research International, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33150170/))
- Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene showed no hindrance compared to adapalene monotherapy and provided benefits in reducing complications in 25 subjects with mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/))
- Repeated short-contact 70% glycolic acid peels provided superior results in atrophic acne scars compared to daily low-strength glycolic acid cream or placebo in 58 women over 24 weeks. ([International Journal of Dermatology, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11095203/))
- Serial glycolic acid peels combined with a modified Kligman formula significantly reduced facial PIH severity in Indian patients compared to the modified Kligman formula alone. ([Dermatologic Surgery, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28114204/))
- Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients. ([CMAJ, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20837684/))
- Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38590107/))
- Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients. ([Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20488582/))
- Plantain leaf proteins exhibit a wound-healing effect on vertebrate skin both in vitro and in vivo. ([Prikladnaia Biokhimiia I Mikrobiologiia, 2011](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22808737/))
- Plantago lanceolata water extract improves skin wound healing in rats by inducing the transition of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts, increasing wound contraction rates, and enhancing tensile strength through greater extracellular matrix protein organization compared to untreated wounds. ([The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 2015](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25244603/))
- Plantago major and Plantago lanceolata extracts incorporated into 3D-printed polysaccharide dressings enhanced fibroblast wound closure to 64% and 52%, respectively, compared to 29% for the control. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41592645/))
- Topical steroid withdrawal is driven by excess mitochondrial NAD+ metabolism that can be successfully targeted using complex I-inhibiting interventions such as metformin and berberine. ([The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2025](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40088241/))
- Topical steroid withdrawal presents as a distinct dermatopathology characterized by burning, flushing, thermodysregulation, and elevated mitochondrial NAD+ oxidation, which can be improved by targeting complex I with metformin or berberine. ([MedRxiv, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38712043/))
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel formulations of berberine chloride-loaded escinosomes increased skin residence time and transdermal permeability while maintaining high safety and biocompatibility without skin irritation. ([International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32682035/))

## What reviewers say

Based on a very large amount of data, these pads are widely praised for effectively managing oily, acne-prone, and congested skin by combining salicylic and glycolic acids to exfoliate and clear pores. While many users achieve a brighter, smoother, and more balanced complexion, those with highly sensitive or dry skin should introduce them gradually due to the inclusion of denatured alcohol and fragrance.

- Liked: Convenient to use (often mentioned)
- Liked: Effective exfoliation (often mentioned)
- Liked: Reduces oil (often mentioned)
- Liked: Brightens skin (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Contains alcohol (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: High price (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes irritation (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant product in your PM routine starting once a week, then increase frequency carefully if your skin feels fine.
- Apply this exfoliant step after cleansing and toner, but right before your moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and wait a minute before layering.
- Apply the exfoliant to clean, dry skin to help control your oily shine comfortably.
- Avoid the eye area and do a patch test before your first use.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### What makes ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads a great fit for combination skin?

ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads are a great fit for combination skin because glycolic acid and salicylic acid smooth rough texture and clear clogged pores while helping control oily shine. The formula has an excellent safety profile, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for combination skin?

Glycolic acid and salicylic acid make this exfoliant a great fit for your combination skin by smoothing texture, clearing out clogged pores, and helping control oily shine. This formula is safe for your skin and is unlikely to cause irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### What does Glycolic Acid do for combination skin?

Glycolic acid helps smooth and brighten combination skin by gently loosening dead surface cells to speed up skin renewal. This ingredient is unlikely to cause irritation when used properly, but it needs a reliable sunscreen during the day since it makes skin more sensitive to the sun.
Sources: [Acta Dermato-venereologica, 1995](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8651024/), [Archives of Dermatological Research, 1997](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9248619/)

### What does Salicylic Acid do for combination skin?

Salicylic acid helps clear clogged pores and balance oily areas while remaining gentle enough for dry spots on combination skin. It reduces breakouts and oiliness effectively with a low likelihood of irritation.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for combination skin?

This exfoliant treatment goes in the evening routine after cleansing and before moisturizing. Start using it once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and sees good results, you may carefully use it more often.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant in your evening routine, but apply it on a different night than your retinol to avoid irritation. Using these active products on separate nights helps keep your combination skin calm and smooth while still clearing out pores.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

Start by using these pads once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and shows good results, you may carefully use them more often. This gradual approach helps your combination skin adjust smoothly to the salicylic and glycolic acids without irritation.
Sources: [Dermatologic Surgery, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14725662/), [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32356917/)

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for combination skin?

These pads are a great fit for your combination skin because glycolic acid and salicylic acid work together to smooth texture and clear out pores without causing irritation. This exfoliant helps control oily shine while keeping breakouts and clogged pores unlikely.
Sources: [Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37941097/), [Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38051857/)

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It contains fragrance (parfum, limonene, linalool, and hexyl cinnamal) and drying alcohol (sd alcohol 40-b).

## Alternatives for combination skin

- [Skin1004 Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/skin1004/probio-cica-intensive-ampoule/for/combination-skin) — High fit — CA$24.44 at Amazon
- [Dr.Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/dr-althea/vitamin-c-boosting-serum/for/combination-skin) — High fit — CA$27.99 at Amazon
- [COSRX The Vitamin C 23 Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/the-vitamin-c-23-serum/for/combination-skin) — Average fit — CA$33.98 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [Fresh Soy Face Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/fresh/soy-face-cleanser/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$44.95 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Paula's Choice Pore-Reducing Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/paula-s-choice/skin-balancing-pore-reducing-toner/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$37.60 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion with Birch Sap](https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/cosrx/oil-free-ultra-moisturizing-lotion-with-birch-sap/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — CA$29.98 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Canada has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Sd Alcohol 40-B, Propylene Glycol, Salicylic Acid, Urea, Glycolic Acid, Pterocarpus Soyauxii Extract Wood, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Hordeum Distichon Extract Hordeum Vulgare Extract, Spiraea Ulmaria Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Plantago Lanceolata Leaf Extract, Crithmum Maritimum Extract, Butylene Glycol, Parfum, Limonene, Linalool, Hexyl Cinnamal, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Sodium Hydroxide
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin (this page)
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/zo-skin-health/complexion-renewal-pads/for/combination-skin