The Best Face Exfoliators Won’t Wreck Your Skin Barrier—Promise

Using one of the best face exfoliators is a key step in any skin-care routine. These formulas work hard to slough away dead skin cells, unclog pores, minimize the look of fine lines, and boost overall radiance—and can make the rest of your products work even better. Whether you prefer chemical or physical exfoliants, regular use can help reveal a smoother, more hydrated complexion throughout the year.

When paired with the moisturizing products your skin craves, exfoliation can also help your serums and moisturizers absorb more effectively, maximizing their benefits. From serum-like alpha and beta hydroxy acids that gently dissolve buildup, to gritty yet delicate scrubs that polish your skin, these are the exfoliators our editors actually use, and yes, we’ve got the receipts (a.k.a. selfies). Scroll on for our tried-and-loved picks, plus pro tips from board-certified derms to keep your skin smooth and clear.

Our Top Face Exfoliators

Best Overall: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Why it’s worth it: First and foremost, Allure editors adore Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant for its cushiony, powder-to-cream formula. Unlike chunkier facial scrubs with that trademark gritty feel, this ultra-fine, rice-based exfoliating powder gently buffs the skin without causing micro-tears, irritation, or redness in the process (no wonder this exfoliator won both our Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Awards). This formula is also spiked with salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid known for its pore-unclogging properties.

Best Peel: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Why it’s worth it: Have a wedding in your future, or just want to give your skin a reboot? Shani Darden’s Best of Beauty-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance and softness, thanks to a two-step process that deep cleans skin. The first step uses a blend of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids to slough away dead skin cells. That makes it all the easier for the clay mask—your second step—to clear oil and gunk from pores. (The mask contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, so it won’t leave skin painfully tight, but you should still follow up with a nourishing moisturizer after.) It’s potent, so you only need to use it every other week.

Best Cleanser: 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, 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,” Dr. Park notes. “BHA is lipid-soluble, so it can really get deeper into the pores for a good clean,” making it an ideal choice for oily and combination skin types. Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, adds that the blend helps “to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin’s texture and complexion.”

Best Scrub: Ole Henriksen 10% AHA Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub

Why it’s worth it: Besides the fact that it’s simply delightful to slather a strawberry lemonade slushy texture on your face, Ole Henriksen’s 10% AHA Strawberry Lemonade Smoothing Scrub is a sweet spin-off of the brand’s OG Lemonade Scrub. It’s the same glow-boosting formula we’ve always loved—10% alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic) plus ultra-fine sugar and lemon peel powder for a double dose of exfoliation, while adding a juicy burst of citrus. Sure, some situations call for fragrance-free, but we can get down with an exfoliating scrub that smells like summer in a jar.

Best Peel Pads: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Why it’s worth it: If the word “peel” makes you nervous, don’t worry—Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels are way more gentle than they sound. The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow. Step one clears away dead skin and gunk; step two adds in soothing, anti-aging ingredients. “These peel pads contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. You know what they say: Just a few swipes a day keeps the dullness at bay.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

Why it’s worth it: Sometimes used interchangeably with toners, tonics like Medik8 Press & Glow Exfoliating PHA Tonic put a higher prioritization on hydration and moisture—while still providing the gentle resurfacing you might want and expect. “Press & Glow is a daily exfoliating PHA tonic that gently removes dead surface cells to reveal more radiant skin,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure. The key player here is gluconolactone, a moisture-locking polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that gently exfoliates. With calming ingredients like aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extract, it’s even safe for sensitive skin.

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 are at work to soothe and moisturize skin. Remember, this pick isn’t meant for daily use—instead, stick to once or twice a week.

Best for Uneven Texture: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Why it’s worth it: We totally get that skin-care can be a self-care ritual, but some nights you just want to wash your face and get into bed ASAP. Enter: Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser, which is a two-in-one gem that cleanses and exfoliates in a single, time-saving step. This hybrid exfoliating cleansing uses apricot microspheres, phytic acid salt, and BHA from willow bark to gently polish away dead skin while removing dirt, oil, and makeup. The creamy formula feels luxe (and smells like a fancy facial), but works fast so that you can glow and go.

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 partly due to the 2% concentration of salicylic acid, the highest amount in over-the-counter products. “Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities,” Claire Chang, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, told Allure. “It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin.” What’s more, antioxidant-rich green tea counters irritation typically experienced with harsh exfoliators.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are chemical exfoliators?

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 Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology. “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,” she explains.” Resurfaced skin can also allow subsequent skin-care products to absorb more effectively.

Choosing a formula that contains the best exfoliant ingredients for your skin type is also critical. Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, 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 this 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.” For people with more resilient skin who require an intensive acne-fighting treatment, we recommend using salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid with a small molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate pores more effectively than other exfoliating actives.

What are physical exfoliators?

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, which can contribute to breakouts,” Dr. Henry explains. She recommends using an exfoliating face scrub with salicylic acid, 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.”

Can you over-exfoliate?

Despite the benefits of using an exfoliator, overuse can cause 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 seeking. 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.

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

Meet the experts

• 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.
• Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology in the tri-state area.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City, and a member of Medik8’s Global Panel of Experts.

How we test and review products

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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