19 Best Face Exfoliators to Smooth Out Stubborn Texture

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: rice powder, salicylic acid, licorice root extract, green tea, colloidal oatmeal, allantoin | Who it's for: normal to oily skin types | Fragrance-free: no

Best Exfoliating Serum: SkinCeuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst

Why it's worth it: If you prefer chemical exfoliation over gritty scrubs, try SkinCeuticals's Cell Cycle Catalyst serum. This lightweight, fluid-like serum instantly absorbs onto the skin's surface without leaving behind any stickiness or greasy film. In terms of chemical exfoliators, this serum contains the works—as in, a 7.7% concentration of phytic, mandelic, glycolic, and salicylic acids—to instantly dissolve pore-clogging oil, sweat, and dead cells. SkinCeuticals's serum also contains 1% taurine, an amino acid that boosts skin moisture and promotes cellular renewal.

Tester feedback: "I'm all about chemical exfoliation because I don't love the feeling of rubbing a grainy scrub on my face (even though I know there are gentle options out there!). SkinCeuticals is basically the North Star of skin care for beauty editors, so as soon as Cell Cycle Catalyst dropped, I knew I had to test it out," explains Sarah Han, Allure’s commerce editor. "Since I'm in my early 30s I'm trying to be more consistent with exfoliation and ramping up cell turnover—since, well, my body's natural processes are slowing down. I really like that there's a blend of different AHAs and BHAs to target/penetrate the skin at different levels. I'll note that my skin's quite resilient so a 7.7% concentration of acids doesn't phase me, but it's also not particularly high, so I think it's safe for most skin types to use. After a few weeks of use, my skin looks clearer and more even-toned than it did when I was mostly using hydrating serums."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: phytic acid, mandelic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, taurine (amino acid) | Who it's for: normal to oily skin types, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating Toner: OleHenriksen Glow2Oh 7% AHA Exfoliating Dark Spot Toner

Why it's worth it: There are plenty of exfoliating toners to choose from, but multiple Allure editors agree that OleHenriksen's Glow2Oh Dark Spot Toner is the ruler of them all. Its fast-absorbing, non-sticky feel on skin makes it easy to layer with the rest of our skin-care regimens, and its blend of witch hazel water, glycolic, and lactic acids is gentle on delicate skin (thanks to the added soothing abilities of chamomile and sugar cane extracts) as they target discoloration and acne, making it a great exfoliating pick for daily use. For good measure against hyperpigmentation, this toner is also enriched with licorice root and lemon extracts.

Tester feedback: "I like to think that OleHenriksen Glow2Oh Dark Spot Toner and I are in an open relationship. My job keeps me busy testing all sorts of other exfoliating skin-care products, but I've returned home to this little blue bottle time and time again since its launch five or six years ago," explains Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen. "How could I not? Even with just one or two uses per week, its AHA-heavy formula is the only one that can satisfy my need for clear, spotless, and blindingly dewy skin."

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: witch hazel water, glycolic acid, lactic acid, chamomile extract, sugar cane extract, licorice root extract, lemon extract | Who it's for: normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin, discoloration-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no

More face exfoliators we love:

Best Exfoliating Mask: Chanel Le Masque Camellia Exfoliating Mask

Why it's worth it: If your complexion errs on the oilier side of the skin type spectrum, you'll love the oil-absorbing properties of Chanel's Le Masque Camellia Exfoliating Mask. Think of this as a souped-up version of your favorite clay mask; it utilizes white clay to minimize excess oil and sweat as camellia seed shells and jojoba beads delicately buff away flaky, dry patches of skin. The results: skin that's smooth, soft, and mattified.

Editor's tip: To further boost the softness of your skin, we recommend following this mask with Chanel's conditioning Le Lift Pro cream for its moisturizing, antioxidant-rich blend of camellia extract and camellia oil.

Type: physical | Key ingredients: white clay, jojoba beads, camellia seed shells | Who it's for: normal-to-oily skin types, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no

Best Physical Exfoliator: Dr. Loretta Resurfacing Enzyme Polish

Why it's worth it: Dr. Loretta's Resurfacing Enzyme Polish won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for being the best face scrub—because it is. The bio-fermented polish (which lends it the scrubbing action) is satisfying to massage in but doesn't feel harsh or drying. The combination of pomegranate and radish root gently resurface skin, while niacinamide (a well-known brightening agent) and panthenol leave skin soft, smooth, and calm. Let it sit on your skin for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing for enhanced brightening results.

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: niacinamide, pomegranate extract, safflower seed oil | Who it's for: anyone looking for a brightening boost | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Chemical Exfoliator: U Beauty Resurfacing Compound

Why it's worth it: The Resurfacing Compound is a high-performance, multipurpose formula that basically combines an entire skin-care routine in one potent product. AHAs, hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins C and E, and retinol (a type of vitamin A) are all included to target fine lines, discoloration, visible pores, and beyond. The result? Brighter, clearer, and smoother skin without experiencing signs of irritation in the process.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: mandelic acid, retinol, glycolic acid | Who it's for: those willing to invest in one do-it-all product | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating Essence: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment

Why it's worth it: Bringing together the best of an essence and a toner, this formula features an exfoliating treatment suspended in an oil. (Because it's a bi-phase formula, shake thoroughly before you apply.) In other words, it actively nourishes the skin while gentle exfoliants—namely, fruit enzymes—lightly resurface skin. The oil in question is a blend of meadowfoam and camellia seed oils, which give skin a glow without leaving behind residue. Worth keeping in mind: If you don't love oils, this might not be the best option for you.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: peptides, papaya extract, squalane | Who it's for: people who need extra moisture | Fragrance-free: no

Best Daily Use Exfoliator: Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

Why it's worth it: Though Cosrx's AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner contains a slew of active chemical exfoliators, this pick was formulated to be gentle enough for daily use. It’s fortified with pore-clearing ingredients like glycolic acid, willow bark water, and betaine salicylate (a salicylic acid specifically derived from sugar beets) in one spray-on, mess-free formula. Each spritz feels soothing on the skin, thanks to calming additives allantoin and panthenol.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: glycolic acid, betaine salicylate, willow bark water, apple fruit water, allantoin, panthenol | Who it's for: dry to oily skin, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dullness: Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Why it's worth it: Dull skin deserves brightening TLC in the form of Tata Harper's Resurfacing Mask. This pick minimizes skin discoloration and boosts radiance with pomegranate enzymes and beta hydroxy acids derived from white willow bark extract, which penetrate pores and promote cellular turnover for glowing skin. For added mattifying benefits, this mask is also spiked with oil-absorbing pink clay. Since this mask contains active ingredients, the brand recommends using its intensive formula up to three times per week.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: pomegranate enzymes, white willow bark extract, pink clay, aloe vera extract | Who it's for: normal-to-oily skin, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no (essential oil-based fragrance)

Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Large pores, meet your match. Along with other dermatologists, Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of virtual dermatology clinic Skin Refinery, is a fan of SkinMedica's AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser because it contains a host of good-for-you ingredients. This face wash has "a blend of AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), BHA (salicylic), and jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and polish, while lavender helps to soothe the skin," she notes. "BHA is lipid-soluble, so it can really get deeper into the pores for a good clean," making it the perfect option for oily and combination skin types.

Editor's tip: Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, also approves this cleanser, adding that the blend helps "to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin's texture and complexion."

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads | Who it's for: oily skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman 1802 Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser

Why it's worth it: Like a milk bath for skin, Beekman 1802's Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner for sensitive skin, harnesses the natural lactic acid found in goat milk. It works alongside jojoba beads to slough away dead skin cells without harming the skin barrier, making it a winner for sensitive skin.

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: goat milk, oat extract, jojoba seed wax | Who it's for: anyone with sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Why it's worth it: Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, only has good things to say about Kate Somerville's iconic ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. "With papaya and pumpkin enzymes working as natural AHAs, as well as salicylic acid, this is a great option for all skin types," she says. While some initial tingling is normal, rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E work hard to soothe and moisturize skin. This isn't meant for daily use—instead, stick to once or twice a week.

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: lactic acid, fruit enzymes, aloe vera | Who it's for: dry skin types | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Spots: Glytone Enhance Brightening Solution

Why it's worth it: Glytone's Enhance Brightening Solution is a top choice by Dr. Libby, who says that it "uses glycolic and salicylic acids to exfoliate skin and unclog pores, [as well as] niacinamide and an azelaic acid derivative to brighten skin and treat dark spots." ​​This product's main aim is to address uneven skin tone, and it can be used after a peel to amplify the results. Many reviewers rave about its ability to address hyperpigmentation on your décolletage, a commonly overlooked area.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: azelaic acid derivative, niacinamide, glycolic acid | Who it's for: people targeting dark spots or discoloration | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Large Pores: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Why it's worth it: There are skin-care products that live up to the hype, and then there's Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which lives well beyond a viral moment. This is due in part to the 2% concentration of salicylic acid (BHA), which can clear clogged pores and, no surprise, is especially loved for fighting blackheads and acne. What's more: Antioxidant-rich green tea counters irritation typically experienced with harsh exfoliators.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: salicylic acid, green tea | Who it's for: those looking to reduce the look of large pores | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sun Damage: Isdin Isdinceutics MelaClear

Why it's worth it: For reactive skin types, cosmetic chemist and Beautystat founder Ron Robinson recommends a gentle chemical exfoliant mixed with skin-calming ingredients. Isdin's Isdinceutics MelaClear contains "a stable form of vitamin C and phytic acid [for exfoliation]," he says. “It also contains calming green tea, which provides gentle chemical exfoliation without irritation.”

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: vitamin C, phytic acid, green tea | Who it's for: those who want more bang for their buck | Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Inflammation: Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator

Why it's worth it: Thanks to superfine, uniform-sized microcrystalline, a 100% plant-based, biodegradable alternative to microbeads, Versed Day Maker Microcrystal Exfoliator is the perfect solution to the rough, gritty scrubs you might've subjected your skin to in the past. The formula also contains an antioxidant-rich blend of blackcurrant and raspberry leaf extract to balance oil production and reduce inflammation, so your skin doesn't erupt with breakouts.

Type: physical | Key ingredients: microcrystalline, raspberry leaf extract, jojoba oil | Who it's for: those avoiding exfoliating acids | Fragrance-free: no

Best for Acne: Glow Recipe Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

Why it's worth it: Glow Recipe's Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum is a great option for those who want a serum-textured exfoliator over an acidic toner. A combination of BHAs and AHAs gently smooth texture, while strawberry combats excess oil, making this treatment a great option for those with acne-prone skin. Hyaluronic acid and allantoin reduce any risk of over-exfoliating. It doesn't hurt that this lightweight serum comes in a pretty pink bottle you can proudly display on your bathroom counter.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: salicylic acid, mandelic acid, azelaic acid | Who it's for: anyone prone to breakouts | Fragrance-free: no

Most Intensive Exfoliant: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Why it's worth it: Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is just that effective: It's infused with a 25% AHA blend (made up of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) and 2% BHA (salicylic acid), which brighten and clarify your complexion without leaving skin feeling raw. One Allure editor swears by this stuff for its ability to brighten—which is also thanks to chickpea flour—without irritating her sensitive skin.

Editor's tip: For a less intense (and pregnancy-safe) option, Dr. Park recommends Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum, which has a 12% AHA/BHA blend to resurface skin.

Type: chemical | Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, pumpkin ferment | Who it's for: people who've been exfoliating regularly | Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating Booster: Klur Skin Soil

Why it's worth it: Once properly mixed in, Klur's powder-like Skin Soil Multiuse Additive Exfoliating Grain turns your favorite water-based cleanser into a low-friction, enzymatic exfoliating paste. Refined grains like rice bran, rosehip seed, and papain enzyme powders gently polish uneven surface areas, lifting away pore-clogging dirt and kick-starting cell turnover. You'll find that your subsequent skin-care products absorb more deeply after this double-duty cleansing step.

Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: rice bran, papaya extract, rosehip seed | Who it's for: people who don't mind a little DIY action | Fragrance-free: yes

Chemical exfoliators are active ingredients that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and reveal newer and healthier cells beneath, according to Dr. Libby. "They also help unclog pores and exfoliate away surface skin cells; they also brighten skin, improve skin cell turnover and renewal, and some may even help stimulate collagen production within the skin." Resurfaced skin can also allow subsequent skin-care products to sink in more effectively (and work better as a result).

We can't stress enough how important it is to choose a formula that contains the best exfoliants for your skin type. Dr. Henry suggests initially avoiding mechanical exfoliation if you have sensitive skin and instead choosing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid. "They exfoliate the upper layers of the skin while also hydrating and helping your skin retain moisture," she says. Dr. Libby echoes similar advice: "If you have sensitive skin, start with polyhydroxy acids, or lactic acid and mandelic acid, which are larger alpha hydroxy acid molecules [that] do not penetrate as deeply into the skin and are least likely to cause irritation." As for those with more resilient skin in need of an intensive acne-fighting treatment, we suggest sticking to salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid that's small in molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate your pores the furthest in comparison to other exfoliating actives.

Dr. Henry says physical exfoliation is key for oily skin since it helps remove any layers of oil buildup. "When you have oily skin, your dead skin cells are more adherent and don't flake off as quickly, and this can contribute to breakouts," Dr. Henry explains. She recommends using an exfoliating scrub with salicylic acid (a type of beta hydroxy acid, or BHA), which "gently speeds up skin turnover and better penetrates oil and oily follicles" to keep skin clean and clear of blemishes. Dr. Libby suggests salicylic acid, too, which she says "is excellent at targeting oil and unclogging pores."

Despite the benefits of using an exfoliator, overuse can lead to redness, irritation, breakouts, and damage to your moisture barrier. Additionally, using an exfoliator that's either too harsh or too gentle for your skin type can rob you of that luminous finish you're going for. To strike an optimal balance, first, make sure you're not exfoliating too often—no more than three times a week, or look into the dermatologist-approved skin-cycling trend, a regimen that alternates between using active ingredients and letting the skin rest.

For dry or sensitive skin, one to two times a week should be enough. Dr. Henry recommends exfoliating with a physical exfoliator for about 30 seconds (or less) using small, gentle, circular motions. For chemical exfoliators, she recommends following the instructions printed on the packaging, as they can vary by product.

• Joyce Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of virtual dermatology clinic Skin Refinery.
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
• Ron Robinson is a cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best face exfoliators, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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