ZO Skin Health · Acne treatment pads
Oil Control Pads
Pre-soaked 2% salicylic acid pads that cut through excess oil and keep breakout-prone skin clear — the stronger of our two ZO pads.
Available at Amara Clinic, Terenure, Dublin — reserve at reception or start it on your next visit.
“The stronger pad — for skin that is genuinely oily, not just occasionally shiny.”
What it is
Pre-soaked pads formulated with 2% salicylic acid — the maximum over-the-counter strength — alongside soothing and oil-absorbing ingredients. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it travels into the pore itself rather than working only on the surface, which is why it suits congestion and breakouts better than a water-soluble acid does. The pad format means you get a consistent dose every time without measuring.
Who it’s for
Genuinely oily and breakout-prone skin — visible shine through the day, blackheads, and skin that congests easily. If your skin is combination and you mainly want pores to look refined, the Complexion Renewal Pads are the gentler choice; these are a step up in strength. Not for dry or sensitive skin.
Key ingredients
- Salicylic acid 2% — Oil-soluble acid at maximum over-the-counter strength — clears inside the pore, not just on the surface
- Oil-absorbing agents — Reduce surface shine through the day
- Soothing botanicals — Offset the drying effect so the acid stays tolerable
How to use it
Swipe one pad over clean skin once daily, avoiding the eye area and any dry patches. Build to twice daily only if your skin tolerates it comfortably. Follow with a moisturiser — controlling oil does not mean skipping hydration — and wear SPF daily, as acids increase sun sensitivity.
Dr Paul’s take
People buy these two pads the wrong way round more often than any other ZO pairing. If you are properly oily and break out, start here — 2% salicylic is the strength that actually shifts congestion. If your skin is combination and your real complaint is how your pores look, the Complexion Renewal Pads will suit you better and irritate you less. And a word on expectations: pads help oily, congested skin. They are not a treatment for moderate or cystic acne, which needs a doctor and a prescription rather than a product off a shelf.
Common questions
What is the difference between ZO Oil Control Pads and Complexion Renewal Pads?
Both are salicylic-acid pads at €85, but Oil Control Pads are the stronger option at 2% salicylic acid and are aimed at genuinely oily, breakout-prone skin. Complexion Renewal Pads are gentler and better suited to combination skin where the main concern is congestion and the look of pores. If you are unsure which you need, a free skin assessment will tell you.
Will Oil Control Pads clear my acne?
They help oily, congested and blackhead-prone skin, and 2% salicylic acid is a genuinely effective ingredient for that. But moderate, painful or cystic acne is a medical condition that needs a doctor and prescription treatment — a pad is not a substitute. Amara is doctor-led, so we can assess that here, and your own GP can manage it too. Results vary from person to person.
Can I use them with retinol or Daily Power Defense?
Yes, but not on the same night to begin with. Alternate them while your skin adjusts, and if you get tightness or flaking, reduce the pads to a few times a week. Do not layer several acids at once.
Are they safe in pregnancy?
Salicylic acid in a leave-on product is one to check with your doctor or midwife during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Tell us at your consultation and we will build the routine around it.
Not sure if Oil Control Pads is right for your skin?
Book a skin consultation — we’ll build a routine around your skin, not a shelf of products you don’t need.
Book a skin consultation →Works well with
See the full range and how it fits together in our guide to ZO Skin Health in Ireland.
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