15 Chemical Exfoliants That Won't Irritate Sensitive Skin

Dr. King is a fan of Revision Skincare's Papaya Enzyme Cleanser because of its gentle formula. The star of said formula is papain, an enzyme from papaya extract that gently exfoliates, leaving the skin softer, smoother, and more vibrant.

Another one with papain in it is the Cosrx Low pH Good Night Soft Peeling Gel. Dr. King loves recommending this fragrance-free treatment to those with sensitive skin because it'll slough off all dead skin cells without irritating the skin. Plus, it has three different forms of hyaluronic acid in it, so hydration is big here.

Don't be intimidated by the percentage of acid in Naturium's Mandelic Topical Acid 12%. "This contains a blend of 12 percent mandelic acid, natural fruit acids, and niacinamide to exfoliate without leaving the skin dry or irritated," Dr. Garshick tells Allure. "Making it a great option for those with sensitive skin." As an added bonus, it's also fragrance- and paraben-free — two additives that can further irritate skin.

As the name suggests, No7's Laboratories Resurfacing Peel 15% Glycolic Acid is formulated with glycolic acid, one of the most common and powerful types of AHAs. To avoid any irritation, board-certified dermatologist Tess Mauricio, MD who is based in Beverly Hills, recommends applying the liquid after cleansing and leaving it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. "Your skin can feel immediately smoother even after the first application," she tells Allure.

Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 is a fan-favorite lotion that's formulated with multiple chemical exfoliants, including lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid), and salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid). According to Dr. Hayag, the formula is also infused with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide to "help leave your skin with a more radiant complexion."

Board-certified dermatologist Elyse Love, MD, who is based in New York City, recommends Obagi Clinical's Kinetin+ Exfoliating Facial Cleansing Gel for sensitive skin since it's formulated with gentle papaya-derived exfoliants. The hypoallergenic cleanser also effectively removes dirt, oil, and makeup while unclogging pores and leaving skin soft and smooth.

The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% + HA peel is especially ideal for sensitive-skinned folks since it's formulated with hyaluronic acid, which hydrates skin and prevents dry out as the acid smooths away dullness. 

"This toner helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin as it uses PHAs to gently remove dead cells," Dr. Garshick explains. Additionally, The Inkey List PHA Toner also contains moisturizing aloe leaf juice and niacinamide. Garshick credits both of these ingredients with being "calming and soothing on the skin."

Allure editors have already confirmed that Sunday Riley's Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment lives up to the hype, and board-certified dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, agrees. "The lactic acid plumps the skin," she tells Allure. According to Dr. Jaliman, the glowy skin-inducing treatment is infused with licorice extract to diminish the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. There's also aloe to eliminate redness, and lemongrass, which gets rid of bacteria with its natural antiseptic properties.

In addition to First Aid Beauty's Facial Radiance Pads being free of irritation-inducing alcohol, artificial fragrances, parabens, and phthalates — the pads are soaked in a combination of lactic and glycolic acids. "These exfoliating peel pads leave the skin looking and feeling soft and smooth," says Dr. Garshick.

Sloughing has never been sweeter, thanks to Glow Recipe's Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask. "This product combines AHAs with a soothing moisturizer to decrease chances of irritation," Dr. Love tells Allure. The mask features hydrating hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich pumpkin extract, soothing watermelon extract, and a blend of AHAs, including glycolic and lactic acids, to smooth skin overnight as you sleep.

Tiny plant-based fibers in this Bliss Jelly Glow Peel act, as the brand describes, like micro-lint rollers to catch and sweep away flaky, dry skin. There are also pineapple and papaya enzymes, which exfoliate from beneath the skin's surface. Niacinamide brightens while a trio of moisturizers — including hyaluronic acid, coconut fruit extract, and pro-vitamin B5 — hydrate skin. The gel is basically a one-step glow-up in a tube. 

Another Best of Beauty winner, E.L.F. Cosmetics's Gentle Peeling Exfoliant looks to a combination of brightening licorice root, exfoliating papaya extract, and antioxidant-enriched tangerine extract to protect skin and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion in seconds.