The 14 Best Chemical Exfoliators for Smooth, Soft, and Radiant Skin

Cleansing and sun protection are arguably the two absolute non-negotiables of any skincare routine, but exfoliating is almost as important. Regular exfoliation is essential not only for improving the texture and tone of your skin but also for ensuring that any other products you’re using penetrate better and ultimately work more effectively.

You have two options when it comes to how you exfoliate. Physical exfoliants, like scrubs, work by mechanically buffing off dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, explains Dr. Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist in Greenwich, Connecticut, who adds that they have a nice advantage compared to their counterparts. “Physical exfoliants may tear and compromise the skin barrier, causing agitation and in some cases, exacerbating dermatitis and acne. Chemical exfoliants at low percentages work to slowly and gently resurface the skin,” she explains.

There are all different types of chemical exfoliants to choose from, both when it comes to type and product format, and not all are created equal. So, we conducted extensive research, consulted experts, and considered our editors experiences in order to find the best ones on the market. We evaluated each one based on the formula, ingredients, application, and effectiveness, and ahead, were sharing our top picks.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Budget:The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution at SephoraJump to ReviewBest Drugstore:L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Glycolic Acid Cleanser at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Glycolic Acid:The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Lactic Acid:Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid TreatmentJump to ReviewBest for Acne-Prone Skin:Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster at AmazonJump to ReviewBest With Salicylic Acid:Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantJump to ReviewBest With PHAs:Heritage Rosewater Clay Mask at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Toner:Bolden Glycolic Acid Toner at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Pads:First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads at AmazonJump to Review

Best Overall

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Sephora

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Team buuk.top sings the praises of this classic product time and time again, as do beauty editors everywhere. The daily peel pads feature a combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic and lactic, and salicylic, to be exact). They come in a two-step process; swipe the acid-containing pad on first, then use the second one, which both neutralizes it and delivers a dose of retinol for extra anti-aging benefits.1Its extremely potent and weve found it to be really effective at smoothing the skin texture and reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

• Type: Chemical, pads
• Active Ingredients: 5 alpha beta acids, chamomile, retinol, green tea extract
• Size: 30 treatments
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Budget

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

The Ordinary

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This $7 Peel Scared Me at First, But Then It Gave Me a Serious Glow

Even though this rings in at just less than $10, it still packs a solid exfoliating punch that’s just as powerful—if not more so—than its pricier counterparts. As the name suggests, it contains a 30 percent concentration of glycolic and lactic acids, and a 2 percent concentration of salicylic acid, a powerful trio to help not only smooth and even skin, but also help decongest clogged pores. FYI, it’s intense though, so make sure to leave it on no longer than the directed 10 minutes.

• Type: Chemical, peel
• Active Ingredients:Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, vitamin B5, black carrot, Tasmanian pepperberry
• Size: 1 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Drugstore

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel

Amazon

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This drugstore cleanser is super effective, yet gentle enough to use daily. It contains both glycolic and salicylic acids, boosting skin radiance and evening out tone all while helping minimize the look of pores, in one fell swoop. It’s also a super-easy way to work exfoliating into your daily routine, and because it’s a wash-off formula, it is a good choice for those with sensitive skin, too. And if you struggle with breakouts on your chest and back, we recommend keeping this in your shower and applying it to those areas daily—it can remove excess oil and keep the skin smooth.

• Type: Chemical, cleanser
• Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid
• Size: 6.7 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: No

The 16 Best Drugstore Exfoliators of 2023 for Glowing Skin

Best With Glycolic Acid

The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner

Sephora

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Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size and weight of any of the alpha-hydroxy acids, it’s great at penetrating deeper into the skin, where it can help promote cell turnover, explains Nichols. She adds that it’s especially helpful for targeting pigment and discoloration as well as evening out the skin overall. With continued use, glycolic acid can help stimulate collagen production to fight wrinkles.2This is one of her favorite glycolic acid-based options, a nighttime treatment that she says leaves her skin glowing.

• Type: Chemical, toner
• Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid
• Size: 3.4 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Lactic Acid

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Amazon

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Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

“Lactic acid is another favorite chemical exfoliating ingredient of mine because it can be used as both a humectant and an exfoliant,” says Nichols. Translation? Not only does it exfoliate, but it also attracts water to the skin and is hydrating, which is good for combatting any dryness that can sometimes come with chemical exfoliants. Plus, since lactic acid is mild, it works well with most of the skincare products you’re already using, she adds. It’s the star of the show in this treatment, which she says can be used as a mask for 15 minutes. If your skin is a little more tolerant, you can also use it as a leave-on serum overnight. Its extremely highly-rated, with many online reviewers saying it truly works to fade dark spots, even skin texture, and help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Type: Chemical, serum/mask
• Active Ingredients: Lactic acid
• Size: 0.5, 1,1.7 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Amazon

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Azelaic acid isn’t a chemical exfoliant in and of itself, although Nichols says it’s great for preventing breakouts and targeting stubborn redness. Here, it’s paired with exfoliating salicylic acid to help dissolve oil and unclog pores. The combo addresses stubborn breakouts and ultimately minimizes discoloration for a more even complexion, says Nichols. (There’s redness-calming licorice root extract in the mix, too.)3Another plus: Azelaic acid is one of the few acne-fighting ingredients generally considered to be safe to use during pregnancy.4

• Type: Chemical, cream
• Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Size: 1 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With Salicylic Acid

Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Amazon

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I Tried Paulas Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and It Smoothed My Skin in a Week

Salicylic acid is unique because it’s oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores where it can break down excess oil that can clog pores and lead to blackheads and breakouts.5It makes this leave-on pick an especially good choice for those with oily skin, although it does work for all skin types. We also like that there’s antioxidant-rich green tea in the formula, and while it’s meant to be used as you would as serum, we find that it works well as a toner, too.6

• Type: Chemical, leave-on treatment
• Active Ingredients:Salicylic acid, green tea
• Size: 1 oz. or 4 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best With PHAs

Heritage Rosewater Clay Mask

Amazon

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AHAs and BHAs aren’t the only chemical exfoliants on the block. Polyhydroxy acids are also popular; they’re much larger molecules than the others, meaning they don’t penetrate as deeply but also don’t have the same likelihood of irritation.7The point is, they’re great for sensitive skin. Nichols likes this mask: “It contains gluconolactone, a PHA, that gently exfoliates and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles without irritating,” she explains. It also relies on kaolin clay to help gently pull out excess oil.

• Type:Chemical, mask
• Active Ingredients: Gluconolactone, kaolin clay
• Size: 2 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

The 13 Best Exfoliators That Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin

Best Toner

Bolden Brightening Glycolic Acid Toner

BOLDEN

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Another great pick that boasts glycolic acid, we like that this one also has the added benefit of containing several other, good-for-your-skin ingredients. Namely, hydrating hyaluronic acid to help combat any unwanted dryness, as well as niacinamide, which helps strengthen the skin barrier and boosts skin in and of itself.8Simply swipe it on post-cleansing and pre-sunscreen. Happy reviewers rave about how well it combats dark spots and discoloration, particularly on darker skin tones.

• Type: Chemical, toner
• Active Ingredients:Glycolic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Size: 7.5 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Pads

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Amazon

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Single-use peel pads are quite possibly one of the easiest ways to make exfoliating a regular part of your skincare routine—all you have to do is wipe them across your face and you’re good to go. These are a buuk.top-favorite because theyre loaded with both glycolic and lactic acids, alongside licorice extract and lemon peel. They’re gentle enough that they can even be used twice daily and are also great for using on your back and décolletage.

• Type: Chemical, pads
• Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid
• Size: 60 pads
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Mask

Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel

Renée Rouleau

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This exfoliating mask is another staple for team buuk.top—we have yet to meet someone who hasn’t loved it when they tested it out. Per the name, it relies on berries that are both great sources of AHAs and BHAs (more specifically, mandelic acid, lactic, salicylic, tartaric, and malic acids), and are also loaded with good-for-your-skin antioxidants to help ward off free radical damage. It looks—and smells—like homemade raspberry jam, making the experience of using it truly delightful.

• Type: Chemical, mask
• Active Ingredients:Mandelic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, blueberry extract, raspberry seed oil, pomegranate extract, bromelain, strawberry fruit
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Splurge

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Sephora

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This pick is expensive, but it works as a cleanser, scrub, peel, and mask all in one, helping to justify the cost. It pairs lactic acid with a trio of fruit enzymes (papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin) that further help to amp up the exfoliating benefits.9Best of all? It works in as little as 60 seconds (leave it on for up to two minutes if you don’t have sensitive skin), and you’ll notice that your skin is softer and smoother even after just one application.

• Type: Chemical, cleanser/scrub/peel/mask
• Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, fruit enzymes
• Size: 2 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

We Found the 8 Best Exfoliating Face Washes for Clean, Smooth Skin

Best for Body

CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Amazon

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Yep, the skin on your body needs to be exfoliated, too. Using an exfoliating body wash is one of the best ways to do so; this is one of Dr. Nichols’s favorites. The salicylic acid in the mix makes it great for combatting breakouts on the back and chest, and she adds that this foaming wash also helps to smooth out uneven, rough texture. We also appreciate that its a gentle and non-irritating formula, making it a great option for a wide range of skin types.

• Type: Chemical, body wash
• Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid
• Size: 10 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: No

We Tested the Best Body Scrubs - These 12 Will Deliver Silky-Smooth Skin

Best for Ingrown Hairs

Topicals High Roller Ingrown Hair Tonic

Sephora

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If you struggle with ingrown hairs under your arms or in your bikini area, this roll-on serum could be a game-changer for you. The formula contains salicylic acid, zinc PCA, and glycolic acid to lift away dead surface cells that can clog pores and lead to ingrown hairs. It also works to tame irritation and redness as well as refine uneven texture. Its effective yet gentle enough for daily use, though beware that it can cause sun sensitivity, so be sure to apply SPF on top if youre going to be exposed to the sun.

• Type: Chemical, serum
• Active Ingredients:Salicylic acid, zinc PCA, glycolic acid
• Size: 1.7 oz.
• Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

There’s a wide array of chemical exfoliators out there with something to fit every skin type and complexion concern. The Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel is our favorite, essentially an easy-to-use, two-step at-home peel that combines alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids. The Renee Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel is another team buuk.top staple, which also combines a combo of AHAs and BHAs, works quickly, and smells fruity and delicious. If you’re prone to breakouts, try the Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Booster; it uses salicylic acid and azelaic acid to both unclog pores and tamp down redness. And don’t forget that you should exfoliate your body, too. Stash the salicylic-acid-based CeraVe SA Body Wash in your shower and it will be easy to do so daily.

What to Look For in a Chemical Exfoliant

AHAs

Alpha-hydroxy acids, or AHAs, are one of the best choices for gentle chemical exfoliation, unclogging the pores, evening out the skin, and helping with inflammatory conditions like acne and rosacea. Common examples of AHAs include glycolic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid. While these acids are relatively gentle, it’s important to patch test any new product, especially if you have sensitive skin.10Also, remember that when it comes to AHAs it’s less about the dosage and more about the consistency of use. Our best overall pick, the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, is a great option that contains AHAs.

Hydrating Ingredients

Exfoliating can dry the skin out. After all, you are removing the dead skin and debris from the top layer of your skin. To maintain your skins hydration, opt for exfoliators that also contain hydrating ingredients. Think moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid or glycerin (a humectant).

FAQ

Can I use a chemical exfoliant every day?

While some products are safe to use every day, most experts recommend exfoliating two to three times per week. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid over-exfoliating as it may be too harsh.

What is the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

Physical exfoliants use, as the name says, something physical (such as sugars) to remove dead skin cells, whereas chemical exfoliants use acids (like glycolic, lactic, salicylic) to exfoliate the skin.

How We Researched & Tested

To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. Our team also incorporated their own personal experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.

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