Puff or Pass: Are these 2-in-1 acid peeling pads the real deal?

If you’re not too familiar with Chemical Exfoliants, they sound downright terrifying. It certainly doesn’t help that they’re also known as Acids, conjuring to mind old Filipino movies and teleseryes with old-school physically abusive contrabidas! But those in the know cherish how their favorite acid exfoliant formulas are capable of being super effective yet surprisingly gentle. And I feel exactly the same way about the Puffy Pod (P995 for a jar of 60 pads).

Cute name and packaging aside, these two-way mild peeling pads are pre-soaked in an alcohol-free AHA and BHA solution. This double-acting formula addresses the topmost layer of skin as well as penetrates deep into the pores to remove clogging. The round pad itself has one embossed side for additional physical exfoliation, while the other side is smooth for when you prefer the exfoliation remain strictly on the acids’ part. After cleansing, I like using the embossed side first on my T-zone. Then I flip the pad and use the smooth side on my entire face to get as much of the liquid onto my skin. This is followed by my regular serum and moisturizer steps.

There are two variants: The yellow Lemon scent and the pink Sweet Citrus scent. I have only tried the former, and it has a soft, faintly sweet lemony scent. It isn’t cloying or candy-like, and the scent is gone as soon as the pad is no longer touching the skin.

If you’re a newbie to acids, I think this would be a great introduction. Aside from the convenience of having the pads pre-soaked with essence, the exfoliating formula is mild and hydrating. The combination of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and ceramide prevents any moisture stripping, even on my dry skin. No stinging. I did not experience any purging from the get-go. There was also no visible skin peeling going on.

But here’s the thing… what really sold me on the Puffy Pod during my three-month trial is how it shut down the cystic pimples that were about to form on my chin. Just as the area starts to feel sensitive and the beginnings of a vague lump shape can be felt, I use the Puffy Pod before bed and again for the next 2-3 days. Lo and behold, the pimple never actually fully forms! It doesn’t even get the chance to turn red. The swelling simply goes down. No pus, no fuss.

It’s worth mentioning that the ingredients list also includes lemon fruit extract, grapefruit fruit extract, yuzu fruit extract, orange fruit extract, bergamot fruit oil, and lime juice. I know there are some users who are wary of citrus components as potential irritants. But like I said, I didn’t suffer any irritation at all.

I plan to keep my Puffy Pod jar close by as a maintenance skincare product, alternating with my hydrating toner a couple of times a week. And as a reminder, don’t forget to slather on sunscreen daily as AHA can cause skin sensitivity to the sun!

FYI, J-Beauty brand, BCL, is the mother company behind Puffy Pod. They also produce the AHA cleanser line as well as Saborino 60-second sheet masks and Momopuri peach ceramide skincare. Locally, you can grab the Puffy Pod from Beauty Box Corp., who also distributes our fave K-Palette brow products.