The Sorella Apothecary Mandelic & Willow Bark Peel Pads deliver a complete two-step exfoliating and conditioning treatment in a convenient pad format, designed to clear pores, reduce breakouts, and fade post-breakout dark spots without the downtime of a professional peel.

Step 1 does the active work: l-mandelic acid, a larger-molecule alpha hydroxy acid, exfoliates the surface and inside the pore more gently than glycolic acid, making it well-suited for sensitive and breakout-prone skin. Willow bark extract contributes natural salicylates to help decongest pores and control excess oil. A botanical blend of bilberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple extracts provides additional AHA-like activity to support cell turnover, while witch hazel and chamomile help calm visible redness during exfoliation. Phytic acid and copper PCA work together to address discoloration and support a more even-toned complexion.

Step 2 functions as a leave-on conditioning treatment applied immediately after. Aloe, allantoin, and calendula soothe the skin barrier that Step 1 has just worked on. A proprietary tri-mineral complex of copper PCA, zinc PCA, and sodium PCA replenishes the skin while regulating oil and supporting tissue repair. Watermelon fruit extract and sodium lactate deliver lightweight hydration so skin finishes comfortable, not stripped. Fragrance-free and paraben-free.

Key Benefits

Unclogs and Clarifies Pores L-mandelic acid and willow bark extract dissolve the buildup inside pores that leads to breakouts, helping pores look smaller and skin look clearer over time.

Reduces Active Breakouts and Controls Oil Zinc PCA and willow bark extract work together to regulate sebum production and create an environment where blemishes are less likely to form.

Fades Post-Breakout Dark Spots Phytic acid and copper PCA target post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation at the source, gradually lightening the marks breakouts leave behind.

Accelerates Cell Turnover A five-extract botanical AHA complex from bilberry, sugar cane, orange, lemon, and sugar maple supports surface renewal so texture becomes smoother and skin tone more consistent.

Soothes and Restores After Exfoliation Step 2's combination of aloe, allantoin, calendula, and chamomile calms the skin immediately following the active pad, leaving the barrier nourished rather than reactive.

This system is built for oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types that deal with a cycle of breakouts, clogged pores, and the dark spots those breakouts leave behind. If your skin can tolerate exfoliation but has reacted poorly to glycolic acid or stronger peels in the past, mandelic acid is a gentler entry point that still delivers real results.

It also works well for anyone with uneven skin tone or rough texture who wants an at-home exfoliation routine they can maintain between professional treatments. Because Step 2 functions as a leave-on serum, the full system fits into an existing routine without adding a lot of extra steps.

If your skin is sensitized, actively inflamed, or you are new to acid exfoliation, starting at once per week allows your skin to adjust before building up frequency.

When you first open a new jar, flip the entire stack of pads upside down and let them sit for a minute before pulling the first pad. This ensures the solution is evenly distributed from pad one so you get consistent results throughout the jar, not just toward the bottom.

Prepare: Cleanse skin thoroughly and allow it to dry completely before beginning.

Apply Step 1: Swipe the Step 1 pad across the face using overlapping passes until the pad is dry. Do not rinse. Wait approximately 2 minutes until the skin feels dry.

Apply Step 2: Immediately follow with the Step 2 pad over the same area and leave it on as you would a serum. Do not rinse.

Finish: Apply your moisturizer on top. In the morning, always follow with SPF.

Frequency: Use 2 to 3 times per week, preferably in the evening.

Storage: Keep in a cool, dry location with the protective disk in place between uses to prevent the pads from drying out. Upon first opening, flip the stack of pads to allow the solution to soak through evenly.