Somme Transport Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads

Pre-soaked exfoliating pads formulated with 8% glycolic acid, MDT5™ (a proprietary delivery system), aloe vera, and botanical extracts. Designed for daily chemical exfoliation. Suitable for all skin types according to the brand.

What's In It:

• Glycolic Acid (8%): An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from sugar cane. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant that works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed more easily.

• MDT5™ (Proprietary Delivery System): Somme's trademarked ingredient technology that includes retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), niacinamide, and other actives.

• Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Provides a soothing base.

• Panthenol (Provitamin B5): Helps with hydration.

• Niacinamide: Vitamin B3.

• Retinyl Palmitate/Carrot Polypeptide: A form of vitamin A combined with peptides.

• Botanical Extracts: Includes chamomile, orange, lavender, lime, sandalwood, melon, raspberry, and violet.

• Menthol: Creates a cooling sensation.

What It Does:

These are pre-soaked pads designed for chemical exfoliation. You wipe them across your face, and the glycolic acid works to exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface. The pads are left on (not rinsed off).

How to Use It:

1. Use on clean, dry skin
2. Remove one pad from the jar (tilt jar at an angle and press down with your fingernail to lift just one pad)
3. Swipe pad across face, neck, and chest if desired
4. Allow to air dry (do not rinse off)
5. Follow with serum and/or moisturizer
6. Always use sunscreen during the day (essential with AHAs)

How Often to Start:

If you're new to glycolic acid:

• Week 1-2: Use every other evening
• Week 3-4: Use nightly if well-tolerated
• For sensitive skin: Squeeze excess liquid back into jar for the first few uses

Best For:

• All skin types (according to brand, though start slowly if sensitive) • Those interested in chemical exfoliation • People who prefer pad format over liquid toners

What to Expect:

Immediate: Your skin may tingle slightly—this is normal with AHAs. The menthol creates a cooling sensation.

First few weeks: Your skin may experience an "adjustment period" with dryness, flaking, or even breakouts. The brand calls this "purging" or "detoxification." While some initial adjustment is normal with exfoliants, if irritation is severe or lasts beyond 2-3 weeks, reduce frequency or discontinue use.

Over time (with consistent use): Chemical exfoliation can make skin feel smoother. Results typically become visible after several weeks of consistent use.

Important Notes:

⚠️ SUNSCREEN IS MANDATORY: Glycolic acid makes your skin more sensitive to sun damage. You must use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every single day when using this product, even on cloudy days.

⚠️ Evening use recommended: Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid increase sun sensitivity, so evening use is typically safer than morning use.

⚠️ Contains Retinyl Palmitate: Pregnant or nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using products with vitamin A derivatives.

⚠️ Don't combine with other strong actives on the same night:

• Don't use with other AHAs or BHAs
• Don't use with retinol or prescription retinoids on the same night
• Don't use with physical scrubs

Using too many exfoliating products at once can over-exfoliate and damage your skin.

⚠️ Start slowly: Even if the brand says it's for all skin types, everyone's tolerance is different. Begin with every other night and work up.

⚠️ Watch for over-exfoliation: Signs include persistent redness, increased sensitivity, burning, excessive dryness, or worsening skin condition. If this occurs, stop using and focus on gentle, hydrating products until your skin recovers.

• For external use only: Avoid contact with eyes.

• Pads are thin: This is intentional for better saturation. Use the technique described (tilt jar at angle) to remove just one pad.

About "Purging":

The brand mentions that dryness, oiliness, or blemishes may occur and this is a "good sign." While some initial adjustment to chemical exfoliants is normal, be cautious:

• True purging typically lasts 2-4 weeks and occurs in areas where you normally break out
• Irritation can look similar but indicates the product is too harsh for your skin
• If skin doesn't improve after 4 weeks or gets progressively worse, stop using the product

Product Details:

• Contains 8% glycolic acid (AHA)
• Pre-soaked exfoliating pads
• Includes retinyl palmitate and niacinamide
• Increases sun sensitivity—daily sunscreen required
• All skin types (start slowly if sensitive)

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycolic Acid, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Hydroxide, Polysorbate 20, Glycerin, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Butylene Glycol, Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Extract, Methylisothiazolinone, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Peel Extract, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Wood Extract, Menthol, Cucumis Melo (Melon) Fruit Extract, Dipteryx Odorata Seed Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Viola Odorata Flower/Leaf Extract, Niacinamide, Retinyl Palmitate/Carrot Polypeptide, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Methylsilanol Pectinate