13 best face exfoliators of 2026, reviewed on camera
Exfoliators have come a long way since the harsh, gritty scrubs of the early 2000s. Nowadays, the best face exfoliators are formulated with smarter actives, gentler formulas and skin-barrier-friendly ingredients, making them essential players in any routine alongside retinol, vitamin C and SPF. Put simply: a good exfoliant is no longer optional if smoother texture, clearer pores and long-lasting glow are on your wish list.
From overnight chemical exfoliants powered by AHAs, BHAs and PHAs to softer physical formulas designed to lift away dullness without stripping, today’s exfoliators offer a customised approach to resurfacing. How do they actually work? As clinical aesthetician and Mortar & Milk co-founder Pamela Marshall explains: “exfoliation promotes cell turnover, allowing old dead keratinocytes (that's skin cells) to shed, which enables new healthy skin to come toward the surface."
By removing excess product build-up, loosening dead skin cells and clearing congested pores in a way your cleanser can’t, exfoliators help the rest of your skincare penetrate more effectively. The payoff is visible: smoother makeup application, a more even skin tone and a fresher, brighter finish - especially when used consistently.
The bottom line: whatever your skin type: sensitive, dry, oily, combination or acne-prone, there’s an exfoliator that can support your concerns without compromising your barrier. Below, the Glamour beauty team share the most effective formulas we rely on. Each one has been vetted by experts and tested in our own routines to bring you the glow-boosting exfoliants genuinely worth adding to your shelf.
- Meet the experts
- How we tested the best face exfoliators
- Why you can trust us
- The best face exfoliators
- What are the benefits of exfoliating?
- How do I exfoliate my face gently?
- Is exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin?
- How often should you exfoliate?
- Should you exfoliate with a physical scrub or a chemical exfoliant?
- Who shouldn't use an exfoliator?
Meet the experts:
- Pamela Marshall, clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk
- Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer at Medik8
- Dr Angela Tewari, CeraVe's Consultant Dermatologist
- Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible: Your No Nonsense Guide To Great Skin.
How I tested the best face exfoliators
When it comes to testing skincare, the Glamour beauty team doesn’t cut corners — and our approach to testing the best face exfoliators is thorough. Collectively, our editors (and trusted freelance contributors) have trialled dozens of formulas, so we know exactly what separates the kind-to-skin heroes from the ones that don’t deliver. For this edit, I – and fellow editors – tested each exfoliator for a minimum of 4–6 weeks, giving us the chance to see beyond immediately noticeable results and understand how each formula performs with long-term use.
I made sure that we tested across a wide range of skin types, tones, age groups and skin concerns — from oily and breakout-prone to dry, sensitive or dull skin. That way, we could assess whether each formula actually lived up to its claims (whether that was to slough away dead cells, unclog pores, or help fade dark spots for a brighter, more radiant complexion). To ensure a fair verdict, we also kept the rest of our routine unchanged.
When testing, we looked at various factors, including texture and the initial feel when first applied (did it feel gentle or too harsh?), efficacy (was there a sizeable improvement in skin smoothness, brightness or clarity over time?), and ingredients — with extra points for fragrance-free formulas suitable for sensitive skin. Most importantly, we avoided anything that risked irritation or over-exfoliation. Only the products that impressed us across the board — gentle yet brightening, effective yet kind, and genuinely glow-giving — earned their place in this final line-up. Find out more about how we test here.
Why you can trust us
- Ali Pantony, Glamour's Website Director: Ali is a highly experienced and award-winning editor and book author, currently serving as Glamour's Website Director who oversees all of the magazines digital content. Previously Acting Features Director roles at Grazia and ES Magazine, her writing and product testing expertise knows no bounds – whether it comes down to fashion, beauty or tech.
- Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor: Denise has half a decade's worth of product testing experience under her belt, especially when it comes to skincare. Having written for esteemed international publications like Vogue, GQ, Who What Wear, Refinery29, Cosmopolitan and Marie Claire, she's particularly passionate about identifying formulas that work on all skin tones and democratising information on skincare ingredients.
- Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Manager: Since joining Glamour UK as the magazine's Social Media Manager, Robyn has been leading the strategy, direction, and vision for Glamour's social channels. Elsewhere, she's also heavily involved in the team's effort to elevate the site's shopping content – having reviewed dozens of fashion, interior and beauty products.
Ahead, the best face exfoliators, tried & tested by the Glamour team.
Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor.
- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid (BHA), 2% tranexamic acid, sake extract, aloe vera
- Skin type: Sensitive, blemish-prone, and generally, all skin types
- Size: 150 ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: It goes without saying that Medik8 is the go-to brand for quality science-backed skincare. And in our humble opinion, the brand's Press & Clear toner is one of the best liquid exfoliators around. Use it as part of your daily routine just as you would with any other face toner and you rest assured that it won't result in any irritation whatsoever. Courtesy of the included 2% encapsulated salicylic and 2% tranexamic acids, it's formulated to gently clarify the skin while reducing the appearance of blemishes, pores and skin texture.
What really sets it apart is how comfortable it feels on the skin - even when used daily. It slots seamlessly into a routine without any of the usual side effects you’d expect from a BHA toner: no tightness, no redness, just consistently clearer, smoother skin week after week. The slow-release delivery system means the actives get to work without overwhelming the barrier, making it ideal for those who are prone to flare-ups or who usually can’t tolerate chemical exfoliants.
- Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Contributor and Georgia Brown, Glamour's Freelance Commerce Writer.
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (2%)
- Skin type: All
- Size: 118ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: You don't need need to be a skincare expert to know just that Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is one of the most coveted formulas around. It's is a fast-absorbing leave-on chemical exfoliant that's meant to remove built-up dead skin cells both on the surface of your skin and deep inside your pores to help you achieve smooth and even complexion over prolonged use. Formulated with salicylic acid (a type of BHA that's a commonly used ingredient for acne-prone skin), this formula is also praised for its anti-inflammatory properties to reduce the appearance of blackheads, redness and blemishes.
Georgia adds: “When I hit my twenties, I was suddenly dealing with angry hormonal breakouts and a constant cycle of flare-ups that no product seemed to help – and many even made worse. I ended up stripping my skincare routine right back to the bare minimum: a gentle cleanser, a barrier-friendly moisturiser, and this. The Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant was one of the only products that actually made a difference. It helped unclog my pores without irritating my skin, calmed the redness, and slowly but surely brought my complexion back under control.”
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Tester: Robyn Eugene, Glamour's Social Media Manager.
- Key ingredients: AHAs (tartaric, lactic, citric), BHA (salicylic acid), chickpea flour
- Skin type: Combination · Oily
- Size: 50ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes (vegan)
Why we love it: Featuring a clever blend of tartaric, lactic and citric acids, this formula from Drunk Elephant offers one of the most effective facial-like results. It comes in a form of an exfoliating mask that uses both alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) and beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) to leave your skin dolphin-soft and reveal a clearer complexion. It's also rich in antioxidants and delivers a soothing effect – courtesy of surprising ingredients such as chickpea flour. With continued weekly use, it helped keep oiliness in check and maintain that clean, polished look Babyfacial is known for. It’s a true power treatment - one you reach for when your skin needs a reset and you want guaranteed glow. Did we mention that it's also vegan and cruelty-free? See our full Drunk Elephat Babyfacial review here.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Tester: Ali Pantony, Glamour's Website Director.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid (7%), Tasmanian pepperberry, aloe vera, ginseng root
- Skin type: Oily and acne-prone skin
- Size: 240ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: Glycolic acid is widely considered as one of the most effective skincare ingredients for oily and acne-prone skin types, and with good reason. The good news? This alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) is also a key element of this powerhouse toner from The Ordinary, which helps gently exfoliate the skin to smooth out texture, as well as reduce dullness and congestion. It's also infused with Tasmanian pepperberry and aloe vera to help simultaneously soothe the skin, alongside ginseng root for a glowy, radiant finish.
While using it on the face goes without question, many dermatologists also recommend using this toner strategically on your body, as it's said to help with conditions such as keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as “strawberry skin”). Applied with a cotton pad, it doubles as a brilliant treatment for rough knees, dull elbows and even for brightening underarms and minimising body odour. For anyone dealing with dullness or uneven texture from head to toe, it’s a budget-friendly multitasker that more than earns its cult status.
Tester: Samantha Reynolds, Former PA to Acting Executive Editor at Glamour UK.
Key ingredients: Oat, coconut, papain, AHAs & BHAs
Skin type: All
Size: 75ml
Cruelty-free? YesWhy we love it: Looking to exfoliate your complexion while softening your skin and helping it retain moisture? Say no more. This gentle formula from Dermalogica is made of oat and coconut and uses nourishing botanical extracts to buff away dead skin cells effectively without causing any irritation or flare-ups. Infused with papaian extract and a blend of both AHAs and BHAs, this exfoliant is suitable for all skin types and helps achieve that coveted luminous finish. The tiny exfoliating grains work alongside the gentle acids to polish the skin’s surface without any harsh friction, leaving it soft and plump rather than tight or dry.
With repeated use, we noticed a more refined texture, subtle radiance and a refreshed glow that makes makeup apply more evenly. Top marks!
Summer Fridays Gentle Reset Daily Exfoliating Pads
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, gluconolactone
- Skin type: All
- Size: 30 pads
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: Powered by a gentle blend of glycolic, lactic, mandelic acids and gluconolactone, these dreamy exfoliating pads help buff away dead skin cells and brighten dark spots without irritation. “I loved the dual-sided desigh of the pads: the smooth side felt nice and nourishing on the skin, while the textured side offered gentle exfoliation. What really sold me was how it balanced exfoliation with hydration. By morning, I can always count on it to leave my skin plump, dewy and bouncy,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour’s Beauty Contributor.
We love how effortless it is to incorporate these pads into a nightly routine - there’s no need to measure out acids or worry about over-exfoliating. The pads leave the skin feeling instantly refreshed and subtly lifted, making them a perfect travel-friendly option for on-the-go glow.
Tester: Denise Primbet, GLAMOUR's Beauty Contributor.
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid (4.5%), salicylic acid (0.45%)
- Skin type: Oily · Acne-prone
- Size: 70 pads
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: These Korean dual-textured pads offer a chic hybrid formula: one side exfoliates with 4.5% lactic acid (AHA) and 0.45% salicylic acid (BHA) to gently smooth and unclog pores, while the other seals in hydration. “I noticed fewer blackheads around my nose within just two weeks — and my skin felt significantly smoother as a result. However, they can feel a little tacky post-application — but a lightweight moisturiser quickly solves that,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour’s Beauty Contributor
The dual-sided design means you can tailor each swipe to your skin’s needs: buff away congestion on problem areas while soothing and prepping other zones for moisturiser. Over time, we found that consistent use left our complexion clearer, pores less noticeable, and skin texture refined, without any dryness or irritation.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel
- Key ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid
- Skin type: Oily, mature skin
- Size: 30 pads
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: If you're searching for the ultimate resurfacer, look no further than Dr. Dennis Gross' famous two-step chemical exfoliant. These peel pads have proven strength and results, delivering significantly reduced pores and less visible fine lines. If you are an acid beginner, Dr Gross' universal strength version is where you need to start. The real standout is how instantly effective these pads feel, yet they remain surprisingly comfortable on the skin when used as directed. Over time, consistent use visibly smooths texture, brightens dullness, and helps refine pores, making it ideal for anyone tackling congestion or early signs of aging.
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Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
- Key ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, fruit enzymes, exfoliating beads
- Skin type: All
- Size: 28g
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: Kate Somerville one of the most coveted facialists on the celebrity circuit, and we can certainly benefit from her skincare skills at home. This product has been dubbed 'the 2-minute facial' and takes on a dual action, featuring both physical and chemical exfoliants for next level radiance.
Pixi Glow Tonic Glycolic Acid Toner
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid (5%), aloe vera, ginseng
- Skin type: Combination
- Size: 250ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: There's a good reason why this face toner is dubbed as one of the most viral skincare formulas out there. It's one of the most dreamy liquid exfoliants, packed with ingredients such as glycolic acid, aloe vera and ginseng. It’s gentle enough to use everyday but we suggest adding it to your nighttime routine, as the acids increase skin’s sensitivity to UV rays (you’ll still need to slather on a moisturiser with SPF in the morning).
The best part is how affordable it is, on top of being suitable for all skin types. A classic.
Paula's Choice Calm 1% BHA Sensitive Skin Exfoliant
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid (1%), prebiotic sugars, mushroom extract
- Skin type: Sensitive
- Size: 118ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: If you're someone who has sensitive skin and have always steered clear of irritation-prone formulas, let us introduce you to this quality exfoliant from Paula's Choice. Enriched with prebiotic sugars and mushroom extracts to strengthen your natural skin barrier and smooth out your skin texture, this product provides a gentle way of exfoliating (even on a daily basis).
If you find chemical exfoliants too harsh, this is a game-changer for delicate skin - it gently unclogs pores and smooths texture without any stinging or redness. The lightweight liquid absorbs quickly, leaving skin calm, hydrated, and refreshed, while the barrier-supporting ingredients work behind the scenes to make the skin more resilient over time.
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash
- Key ingredients: AHAs, BHA, antioxidant-rich extracts
- Skin type: All
- Size: 150ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: Now, if you're on the market for a quality resurfacing cleanser, it doesn't get better than Elemis. This face wash features an antioxidant-rich formula that delivers a pleasant clarifying effect. Designed to gently rinse away impurities, this exfoliating foam will help reveal clear complexion in no time. An easy 10/10.
We love how this cleanser manages to balance gentle exfoliation with hydration, leaving the skin feeling clean but never stripped. The rich foam lifts away impurities and dead skin cells while antioxidant-rich ingredients help protect and soothe, giving a healthy, refreshed glow with each use.
Enjoy extra savings when shopping for the best face exfoliators using these LookFantastic discount codes.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with Glycolic Acid
- Key ingredients: Glycolic acid (5%), niacinamide, aloe vera
- Skin type: Mature
- Size: 30ml
- Cruelty-free? Yes
Why we love it: As the name suggests, this product is pretty much liquid gold. This AHA exfoliant is one of the most effective formulations around for mature skin, as it also helps with reducing visibility of fine lines, wrinkles, enlarged pores, blackheads, blemishes, pigmentation, scarring and redness. We found that over time, consistent use visibly refines texture, reduces congestion, and evens out skin tone, giving a more youthful and radiant appearance. Its multitasking benefits make it a standout in any anti-aging routine, perfect for anyone looking to combine gentle exfoliation with targeted skin-rejuvenating effects. A must!
What are the benefits of exfoliating?
“The purpose of exfoliation is to remove the upper layer of dead skin cells resulting in a brighter, more even complexion, potentially with reduced congestion or blackheads," says Dr Anjali Mahto, consultant dermatologist and author of The Skincare Bible: Your No Nonsense Guide To Great Skin.
"Exfoliation will not only make the texture of the skin look better, but will also improve age spots and uneven skin tone, as well as allowing better penetration of your serum or moisturiser.”
How do I exfoliate my face gently?
The key here is not to over do it - and that goes for frequency as well as how harsh you're scrubbing (if you're using a physical exfoliant).
If you're new to exfoliating, opt for a mild chemical exfoliant (like lactic acid or PHA) or a very fine physical polish, and use it no more than 1–3 times a week depending on your skin type. Always apply to clean, damp skin, avoid scrubbing with pressure, and follow with a hydrating serum and moisturiser to support your barrier. If you notice redness or tightness, scale back - gentle exfoliation should leave your skin smooth and comfortable, never sensitised.
It's important to bear in mind that over-exfoliating can cause issues, so monitor your usage and keep an eye on how your skin responds. You can react accordingly by upping or lowering the frequency with which you use it. “Exfoliating more than your skin needs can deplete its barrier function and cause capillary damage, leaving skin dehydrated and weak,” explains Pamela.
In terms of ingredients, glycolic acid is a hero exfoliator and one of the most common ones you'll spot in chemical exfoliators that will work on most skin types. That said, before deciding whether it will work for you, be sure to check the concentration on the bottle. For example, Pixi's iconic best-selling product, the Glow Tonic, contains 5%, which is about average. More than that and you might want to limit your usage to once a week.
Is exfoliation suitable for sensitive skin?
The short answer is yes, but only when incorporating the right gentle formulas and when used in moderation. If your skin appears red, flaky or irritated, you're probably using a product that is too strong, or applying it too often, so pare it back.
As for sensitive skin or dry skin, lactic acid and enzyme exfoliators can be a more gentle alternative. And more importantly, don't forget to supplement your skin with a reliable sunscreen or even a moisturiser with SPF (with soothing and hydrating ingredients such as green tea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and/or vitamin E), since exfoliation makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
How often should you exfoliate?
In general, depending on the type and strength of the exfoliator you've chosen, it's a good idea to exfoliate 2-3 times a week in order to lift any dead skin cells, clean out your pores and reveal your skin's natural glow. For a more thorough look at this, take a look at our complete guide to exfoliating.
Should you exfoliate with a physical scrub or a chemical exfoliant?
There are two types of exfoliator to choose from: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators like scrubs, flannels and cleansing brushes involve manually buffing the skin, with salt, grains, bristles or fibres. “A facial scrub is a physical exfoliant that is usually formulated with exfoliating beads or natural grains such as sugar, salt or jojoba,” says Daniel Isaacs, Chief Product Officer at Medik8. “These work by gently and ‘physically’ polishing the surface of the skin; removing dead skin cells to reveal a radiant, refreshed-looking complexion underneath.”
Elsewhere, Daniel explains that chemical (or liquid) exfoliators include products that contain acids such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and mandelic acid that ‘chemically’ exfoliate the skin rather than physically polishing away dead skin cells through a few swipes of a cotton pad. Alternatively, some exfoliators also include fruit enzymes such as pumpkin and pineapple.
“There are many different types of exfoliating acids, but the main categories are AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids). These acids help to break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed away more easily and therefore stimulating faster skin cell turnover.”
They work in a similar way to a nail polish remover, breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together in order to lift them away. The difference, is they're much, much gentler and more diluted compared to their physical counterparts.
Who shouldn't use an exfoliator?
The face scrubs included in our edit below are gentle and formulated for daily or weekly use, but those with certain skin concerns should be careful with any type of exfoliation. If you're dealing with a breakout more often than not, look for exfoliating acids, like the aforementioned BHAs and AHAs, over scrubs. For combination skin, derms often recommend a physical-chemical hybrid. The sandy texture removes dead skin cells with friction, while acids and enzymes get rid of oil without bothering your dry spots.
“It’s important not to overload the skin with too many exfoliants in one regime as this could lead to an impaired skin barrier and, ultimately, sensitised skin,” Daniel says. “If you’re using high-strength exfoliating treatments, we always recommend that you follow the product’s specific guidelines. Additionally, we recommend that you look at the ingredients in the rest of your skincare routine, to ensure that you’re not overloading your complexion with too many exfoliating acids.”
Dr Tewari agrees: “I think those that have rosacea, sensitive skin or have acne-prone skin and have treated their skin already with a number of acids need to be very careful and need to ensure if they want to use a scrub the kernels are very fine and don't cause any skin abrasions.”
For more makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Contributing Beauty Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.
