The 16 Best Face Exfoliators for Smooth, Radiant Skin, According to Dermatologists

Since it hit the scene in 2000, the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant has been one of the most popular facial exfoliants on the market. Beta hydroxy acid (aka salicylic acid, which is commonly found in acne spot treatments) is the potent liquid’s star ingredient; it has the ability to sink deep into the skin to loosen up dead cells and de-gunk pores. The acne-fighting all-star ingredient is accompanied by antioxidant-rich green tea extract that soothes irritation, plus moisture-boosting methylpropanediol. This trio of ingredients prevents this formula from feeling overly astringent on the skin, which is common in many exfoliating toners. Honored in WWD’s list of the Greatest Skin Care Products of All Time, one bottle of this potent liquid sells every six seconds.

Editor testing and review notes: “I love incorporating this exfoliating toner into my skin care routine once or twice a week to soften my skin and clear out my pores. I have combination skin that errs more dry than oily, and I find that Paula’s Choice BHA toner does an excellent job in removing dullness and dry spots on my cheeks while erasing blackheads on my nose. I’ll typically use it during the evening and follow up with a hydrating face serum; this combination fully rehabs and rebalances my complexion.” — WWD Shop Senior Beauty and Lifestyle Commerce Editor Claire Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $35

Shani Darden is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after estheticians. (Some of her celeb regulars include Jessica Alba, Shay Mitchell, and January Jones.) While it’s near impossible to score an appointment for a bespoke facial with Darden herself, you can experience her signature results with her Triple Acid Signature Peel.

The two-step facial starts with an exfoliating gel treatment you paint onto your skin with an included brush. Wait one minute, then follow up with the Kaolin clay mask that neutralizes the gel’s acids and draws debris and dead skin out of the pores. The two-step process masterfully combines some of the best exfoliating ingredients for all skin types and skin concerns. Glycolic acid and two types of clay help to target breakouts and blackheads, lactic acid sloughs skin without dehydrating dry skin types, and mandelic acid boosts overall skin brightness.

Editor testing and review notes: “You should see my skin after I’ve used this face mask: It’s positively glowing. You can feel it working when you apply the first step, then after one minute, a little more intense tingling as you massage on the Kaolin clay mask. I’ll let that sit for 10 minutes, then rinse it off with warm water. My skin always gets a nice flush after I use this mask (not so red that I’m worried about irritation), so I’ll usually follow up with a cooling serum or ice roller for a full at-home spa experience. But the best part is when I wake up the following morning — my pores look tighter, there’s nary a blackhead in sight, and my skin feels and looks impossibly smooth.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $39

One of the simplest ways to ensure you’re properly exfoliating your skin is with regular use of a dead skin-sloughing cleanser. The most luxurious — and effective — option you can find is Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser. Packed with plant-based, primarily organic ingredients sourced from the brand’s Vermont farm, this face wash enlists both chemical and physical exfoliants that effectively rinse away dead skin cells and help to release any buildup deep in the pores. On top of those exfoliators (pomegranate enzymes, bergamot, and coral clay), this cleanser also contains ingredients like aloe vera and coconut derivatives to rehydrate skin.

Editor testing and review notes: “The magic of Tata Harper’s cleanser is that your skin gets clearer and brighter every time you use it — there’s no ‘plateau’ period where you find yourself wondering why you’re not getting the same results you did after the first few uses. The cleanser has a gritty texture that feels like heaven to use after a long day of wearing makeup or when you’re groggy in the morning and trying to get out of the door. It foams just a bit when I massage it on, which I love because it allows me to work the product into the contours of my face near my nose and around my hair line to effectively clean and clear out my complexion.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $70

Developed by renowned dermatologist and reconstructive skin cancer surgeon Dr. Antony Nakhla, every drop of Eighth Day’s Resurfacing Tonic delivers a cocktail of chemical exfoliants that dissolve dead skin and encourage cell turnover. On top of those glycolic and lactic acids, the tonic includes witch hazel to help treat and prevent breakouts, as well as cucumber and aloe extracts that calm inflammation and help your skin handle the intensity of the aforementioned exfoliants. Like a Zamboni for unwanted texture and dullness, Eighth Day’s Resurfacing Tonic creates a clean, smooth canvas for additional skin care products or makeup you apply the day after you pat it on.

Editor testing and review notes: “If you like to feel your facial exfoliator working its magic on your skin, this splurge-worthy pick is for you. I usually dispense about two drops on a cotton pad that I press onto my face, which is plenty to cover my entire complexion. This is one of those products that you’ll build up tolerance to the more you use it; I began with once a week use and have increased to every other day. Compared to similar exfoliating toners, this one works quickly — great for special events or when your skin needs a glow up quickly.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $125

Dermplaning treatments are a type of manual exfoliation where a scalpel skims the surface of the skin to remove peach fuzz and dead skin with it. While you can get the non-invasive, painless treatment done by a dermatologist or aesthecian, at-home dermaplaning razors are a popular alternative for those who want to DIY it (quick disclaimer: those with shaky hands, active acne, or ultra-sensitive skin should go the professional route).

Flamingo’s Refillable Dermaplane Razor features a weighty handle that helps to stabilize your wrist and hand, while the stainless steel Japanese precision blades pick up dead skin and the finest of facial hairs for a smooth result.

Editor testing and review notes: “I’ve been dermaplaning at home for about four years now, testing $2 razors to $200 dermaplaning devices along the way. Flamingo’s strikes the perfect balance in terms of affordability (I usually slot in a fresh blade every other week, so the cost adds up with pricier tools) as well as impressive results. It feels comfortable and high-quality in my hand, and I have yet to nick my skin in the process courtesy of the handle’s design that’s easy to control as I sweep the tool across my face. It’s become an essential step in my beauty routine — my makeup goes on like butter after I’ve dermaplaned with the Flamingo razor.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $14

Two WWD Shop editors can’t get enough of Naturopathica’s Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel for its incredible skin-softening results. This facial exfoliating mask relies on plant-based ingredients that help to detach dead skin cells from fresh ones that lie underneath (hello, radiance!), courtesy of cherry derivatives, lactic acid, and pineapple enzymes. Most skin types will feel a little tingling when it’s applied — that’s your sign that the potent formula is doing its skin-resurfacing work.

Editor testing and review notes: “Be prepared to look a little crazy when you have this face mask slathered on your skin; it fittingly looks like cherry jam. I always slip into a robe and wear a spa headband to prevent it from staining my clothes or getting in my hair. But that’s part of my love for this product — it has the scent, texture, and results of something you’d only expect to experience at a spa. Compared to similar exfoliants I’ve tested, this one gets top marks for how soft it leaves my skin and because those results last me a full week.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $66

$12.99 $21.99 41% off

$21.99

Exfoliation is a key way to combat acne. In fact, most skin care products for acne contain some form of BHAs to whisk away oil and acne-causing bacteria. Many treatments are so strong that they end up exacerbating dryness, yet this affordable Cerave Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment combines AHAs and BHAs with calming niacinamide and barrier-strengthening ceramides to keep your complexion well-hydrated. Dr Ahram recommends it to plenty of her patients because of its low price and proven acne-fighting ingredients like 2 percent salicylic acid. The mild-yet-effective formula also features glycolic and lactic acids and is “fragrance free for those with sensitive skin” she says. Rather than applying this all over like most acne serums, it’s best used as an acne spot treatment to clear out and exfoliate stubborn lesions. 

What testers say: “I have had acne all my life — and I’m now almost 37 years old. I’ve tried so many products and I’ve found stuff that slows down the breakouts but not that eliminates them. To be honest, I’d never tried CeraVe because I figured if it wasn’t expensive it probably didn’t work. Well a couple months ago I broke down and tried it and I am so glad I did! My acne is GONE. I use the Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment in the morning after washing my face and the Retinol Serum for Acne at night.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $12.99

With Tatcha’s Rice Polish in tow, there’s no need to settle for harsh face scrubs that result in scratched-up skin. This travel-friendly facial exfoliant is a powder formula created with rice bran; pour a dime sized amount in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of water, and rub your hands together to bring it to a lather. As you massage that mixture onto your skin, you’ll notice that this exfoliant has a soft grit to it that gently lifts and sloughs off dead cells and debris from daily life — it’s a particularly great choice for city slickers who want to level up their double cleanse.

Editor testing and review notes: “When my combination skin begins to feel overly oily, this is the first product I turn to. The formula does an amazing job of removing excess grime from my day-to-day in New York City while tamping down areas prone to shine in my T-zone area. I find that if I use it two to three days in a row, it helps my skin feel more balanced and calm. And best of all, you’ll be surprised by how much you can get out of one jar, given that a little goes a long way.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $68

Dr. Dennis Gross pioneered the at-home chemical peel with his Alpha Beta Universal Peel Pads. Over 20 years since its introduction, the peel has gained a cult-like following and remains one of the brand’s top sellers (one is sold every two seconds!). The easy-to-follow two-step treatment can be completed daily for gentle exfoliation. Infused with the brand’s signature Alpha Beta acid blend (a mix of glycolic, citric, malic, lactic, and salicylic acids), the first pad disintegrates dead skin cells and whisks away other debris.

The second pad is steeped with resveratrol and green tea and acts as a neutralizer to soothe the skin and prevent chemical burns. With the swipe-and-go format, the convenient pads are ideal for those new to chemical peels and exfoliating in general. Keep in mind that while it works for virtually every skin type, it may not be potent enough for oily, acne-prone skin. If you fall into that category, opt for the Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads instead. 

Editor testing and review notes: “These peel pads are a staple in my skin care routine year round: During the summer, I rely on them to remove pesky sunscreen residue and decrease oiliness in my combination skin; and during the winter, they’re amazing for staving off dullness. The two-step system is foolproof and because they’re individually packaged, they’re easy to travel with. I notice brighter, smoother skin when I use these twice weekly — and my makeup goes on like butter to boot.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $92

In a perfect world, we’d be able to get weekly facials to de-gunk our skin and combat dullness. (Maybe one day!) Luckily, this intensive exfoliating treatment from Kate Somerville is like a facial in a bottle. It produces results that rival an in-office treatment with an esthetician — and in just two minutes to boot. This powerful formula utilizes a potent mix of exfoliating acids (both AHAs and BHAs) and papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes to chemically dissolve pore-clogging oils, while gentle silica offers a touch of physical exfoliation to slough off dead surface cells. It packs quite the punch, but skin isn’t left feeling dry or irritated thanks to a revitalizing, skin-soothing mix of aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E. Beyond the professional-level exfoliation, using this treatment twice a week can help smooth out texture and refine the look of pores.

What testers say: “I am on my 3rd bottle & Love this! I even decided to invest in the jumbo size! I use Exfolikate 2x a week. I massage it into damp skin, wait 2-3 mins & then rinse. My skin looks & feels so smooth, firm, and absolutely radiant.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $78

Pumpkin spice season may be over, but this three-in-one pumpkin enzyme mask remains a staple in Dr. Mack’s exfoliating arsenal year round. “I love this mask because it works well for all skin types,” she says. “It exfoliates with pumpkin enzyme, peels with alpha hydroxy acid, and polishes with aluminum oxide crystals. The ingredients target multiple areas and concerns making it a real powerhouse.” The fast-acting, pumpkin pie-scented formula helps even out skin tone, minimize fine lines and wrinkles, and completely clarifies skin so it looks radiant and smooth. Peter Thomas Roth’s Pumpkin Enzyme Mask is the best facial exfoliator to use when you’re short on time — it only needs to be left on for three to seven minutes, depending on skin sensitivity. 

What testers say: “Bought this kind of expecting to be disappointed as with most skincare products that just don’t do much of anything for your skin — but this actually worked! The smell is pleasant, the microbeads are fine enough to provide good exfoliation and you can feel the tingle working. After just a couple uses my skin was visibly clearer and brighter. Will repurchase over and over again, even though this one jar will probably last a while since a little goes a long way. I love this mask.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $60

After struggling with dull, lackluster skin last winter, I decided to incorporate this Flower Acid Algae Serum from Mara into my routine — and it made a world of a difference. The effective formula melds a high concentration of lactic acid with a trifecta of flower acids (derived from daisy, hibiscus, and everlasting blooms) and polyhydroxy acid to dramatically retexturize and brighten skin. It does tingle a bit upon application, but that sensation dwindles as a mix of proprietary plankton and algae flood the skin with moisture. While my skin is pretty normal year round, it tends to get dry during the colder months. Even though this is such a potent formula, it never exacerbated dryness, though I’m sure following up with a rich moisturizer enforced my skin barrier further. For me, twice a week usage was sufficient to unveil luminous, soft results in less than a month. 

What testers say: “WOW! Honestly it’s so rare that you can see an immediate change the first time you use a product but this one actually blew my socks off! I’ve been using Skinceuticals Glycolic and Sunday Riley lactic acid to get these results for months, and I see it right away with this! It does burn a little for 10 seconds (I have fair/sensitive skin) but it disappears right away which is nice. My skin looks so dewy and glowy! This is absolutely a keeper and I’m excited to see what it does over the coming weeks.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $74

“I love this product for more sensitive and reactive skin types,” says Dr. Mack. “It contains 9% lactic acid combined with a ‘soothing complex’ composed of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and green and white tea extract to provide a calming effect.” The gentle serum seamlessly smooths out texture, refines the look of pores, and improves skin clarity — and noticeable results can be seen in as little as one week.

Editor testing and review notes: “When I need my skin to look amazing overnight, this is the face serum I reach for. Shani Darden’s formulations are always gentle and effective, and this one provides major exfoliation with zero irritation on my sensitive skin. It layers beautifully under other skin care products, and I love that I can use it nightly without worrying about redness or peeling.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $89

There’s no denying that everyone’s skin needs a little TLC, and that’s exactly what this serum provides. Although, instead of ‘tender loving care’ the TLC in this Drunk Elephant exfoliator indicates the AHA blend: A mix of tartaric, lactic, and citric acids — along with glycolic acid — lifts away dead skin cells to reveal a smoother, more even surface. “The combinations of AHAs and salicylic acid really resurfaces skin,” says Dr. Ahram, who suggests using it twice a week if you have normal skin. (Those with oily and acne-prone skin can apply it every other day.) In addition to the acids, raspberry fruit extract, cactus extract, and horse chestnut prevent skin from getting irritated and drying out. These ingredients soothe and rehydrate skin while also administering a boost of antioxidant protection. 

What testers say: “This was too strong for my 42 year old combination oily skin, but it worked wonders for my teenage son! It cleared up his acne overnight.”

Price upon publish date of this article: $90

Beauty professionals and celebrities alike have waxed poetic about Renee Rouleau’s multi-tasking Triple Berry Smoothing Peel for years due to its ability to completely decongest pores, fade dark spots, and brighten skin. It suddenly went off the market a few years ago because of supply chain issues, but it’s now back and better than ever with an enhanced exfoliating formula.

Upon opening the jar, you’ll notice the jam-like texture — and sweet berry scent — that comes from antioxidant-rich blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry extracts. Though the peels’ namesake, these aren’t the hero ingredients. A slew of AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, malic, mandelic, phytic, and tartaric acids create a super strong exfoliator, but calming bisabolol and allantoin counteract any harshness by soothing and balancing the skin. 

Editor testing and review notes: “This face mask is a key part of my at-home facial routines when I need my skin to look flawless but don’t have time for a spa appointment. I like to apply it with a makeup brush (it can be messy if you use fingers) then follow up with a hydrating face mask. It sloughs off dead skin and imparts a gorgeous, radiant glow.” — Sullivan

Price upon publish date of this article: $88.50

If your main exfoliation goals include brightening your complexion and improving tone and texture, Dr. Garshick recommends these luxe peel pads. “These contain a combination of three key hydroxy acids including lactic acid, salicylic acid, and glycolic acid in combination with AlphaRet, a proprietary retinoid,” she says. “The lactic and glycolic acid help to lighten discoloration while salicylic acid helps to unclog pores and the AlphaRet retinoid helps to boost collagen, making it a great all-in-one option that can be used 1-2 times per week.” Dr. Mack is also a fan, adding that it can minimize fine lines, signs of aging, and even breakouts. 

What testers say: “I have a lot of discoloration after having cystic acne for so long and nothing has really helped but I notice a difference with this one! I also have pretty sensitive skin and this didn’t make it react badly. I recommend it!”

Price upon publish date of this article: $120