22 Best Face Exfoliators for Glowing Skin, Approved by Dermatologists

For people who find peels too harsh or irritating, this mild version may do the trick. “It can be used a couple of times weekly to effectively smooth out skin in a gentle way,” says Dr. Jacobs, who’s a fan of the formula. It's free of the typical acids, instead using papaya enzymes to exfoliate.

• Pros: Gentle; accessible price
• Cons: Contains fragrance; results are more subtle.
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 3.04 oz.

Sunday Riley serums are a classic for a reason: Not only do the skin care products work, but they're also super gentle. The namesake lactic acid “works to remove dead skin from the surface by dissolving the bonds that hold skin cells together,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, tells Glamour. “This results reveal brighter skin and reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.” The prickly pear extract helps to reduce redness, and it’s well tolerated by his patients with sensitive skin, he says. “This is gentle enough for me to use daily,” adds MacKenzie. “When I run out and miss a week, I notice immediately that my skin looks duller. A makeup artist once told me to apply this before primer to help foundation glide on smoothly and I have never looked back.”

• Pros: Works for all skin types
• Cons: Not very moisturizing
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1.7 oz.

“I fell in love with Paula's Choice during pregnancy when my already sensitive skin became painfully dry and the brand's Skin Balancing Pore-Reducing Toner saved the day,” says MacKenzie. “Postpartum, this BHA-based exfoliator has been a favorite. It's gentle but still makes a noticeable difference for my dull, sleep-deprived skin.” It's also recommended by both Dr. Arora and Dr. Chang. “The beta hydroxy acid sheds built-up layers of skin effectively,” says Dr. Arora. Dr. Chang particularly likes this one for acne-prone skin. “I prefer BHAs for acne-prone skin because they can penetrate deep into the pores without being too harsh,” she explains.

• Pros: Gentle; lightweight; nonsticky texture
• Cons: Strong scent
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 4 oz.

Another gentle exfoliating option for oily skin is La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Clarifying Solution Acne Toner. “It's a dual-active-ingredient toner with salicylic acid and glycolic acid, which help remove pore-clogging debris and smooth skin texture,” Navin S. Arora, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, tells Glamour.

• Pros: Affordable
• Cons: May be too harsh for the most sensitive skin
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 6.76 oz

For combination skin, Dr. Chang like's Murad's AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. “It provides gentle exfoliation with a combination of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids and contains biodegradable jojoba beads that help exfoliate while moisturizing the skin,” she says. Sodium PCA, a humectant, helps draw moisture into the outer layers of the skin.

• Pros: Hydrating; suitable for all skin types
• Cons: Expensive
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 6.75 oz.

Exfoliation doesn't occur in a vacuum. With this dual-phase treatment, it happens alongside moisture; one phase sloughs off dead skin cells via papaya, pineapple, and cranberry enzymes, while the oil phase pairs squalane with a blend of meadowfoam and jojoba seed oils. “Since the weather is getting cooler—and drier—I've switched to this as my daily exfoliant,” says Glamour contributor Deanna Pai. “It feels nourishing on my skin and not at all drying, but it does have the slip of an oil on it.”

• Pros: Hydrating; gentle; a little goes a long way.
• Cons: Might feel oily on skin
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 4.6 oz.

Since Glamour contributor Lisa DeSantis is a fan of the brand’s facial cleanser, she was stoked when they released this complementary scrub version. “It's surprisingly gentle enough for daily use, but it also annihilates the pesky blackheads on my nose that I'm constantly battling with,” she says. It pairs salicylic acid—which is oil-soluble, allowing it to clear pores and tackle blemishes—with jojoba beads that buff away dead skin.

• Pros: Can be used daily; not drying
• Cons: Tough to rinse off
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 4 oz.

Retinol is like long-term exfoliation. “A retinol or, even better yet, a retinoid will stimulate collagen production and expedite cellular turnover, revealing newer, fresher, smoother, and more even-toned skin,” says Dr. Hartman, who points to this serum as one of his favorites. “It uses 1.5% encapsulated retinol, which makes it more stable and easier to tolerate by many.” Plus, vitamins E and C help moisturize and even out skin tone, respectively. Take a look at our list of best retinols for major results in your skin care routine.

• Pros: Encapsulation minimizes irritation; rich in antioxidants.
• Cons: Might be too irritating for sensitive types
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1 oz.

Glamour commerce writer Andrea Navarro considers this exfoliating face wash her go-to skin care product for tackling rough texture. “The particles are microfine, so it doesn’t feel like a harsh exfoliation, but I do like the satisfaction of a physical scrub,” she says. “Once I’m done, my skin doesn’t feel any tightness or discomfort, and I can move onto a serum and moisturizer like usual.” It pairs both AHAs and salicylic acid with jojoba beads for comprehensive exfoliation, while citrus oils help control excess oil.

• Pros: Generous amount of product; helps control oil
• Cons: Pricey
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 6 oz.

Even the best exfoliating products may cause redness among people who are already prone to it. This facial scrub is the exception. “I like that this physical exfoliant is gentle yet effective, sloughing away dead skin cells and impurities without causing irritation,” says Dr. Engelman. “Hydrated silica gently exfoliates, while aloe and glycerin cool and hydrate the skin.” Plus, since it uses only manual exfoliators, you can ease up on the pressure for an even gentler treatment.

• Pros: Easy to use; minimal risk of irritation
• Cons: Effects are more subtle.
• Exfoliant type: Physical
• Size: 5 oz.

If you're looking for something comparable to an in-office chemical peel at home, Dr. Chang likes Neostrata's Smooth Surface Glycolic Chemical Peel. It's not for the faint of heart—this two-step exfoliator packs a serious punch with 10% glycolic acid—but delivers noticeable results, she says: “It exfoliates, improves skin texture, and reduces pigmentation for a more even complexion.” To use, pour the solution into the jar of pads before applying.

• Pros: Noticeable results at home
• Cons: May be too harsh for those with sensitive skin
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 36 pads

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is like an at-home chemical peel—although, as the brand warns, it’s not for the faint of heart (and therefore best for experienced users of chemical exfoliators). But its effects are immediate. “My skin looked refreshed and brighter when I washed off the mask, and the healthy, lit-up look lasted overnight and into the next few days,” says Glamour contributor Jenny Singer. “Over several uses I noticed that some of the acne scarring on my face had lightened noticeably.”

• Pros: Affordable; potent
• Cons: Potentially irritating for some skin types
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1 oz.

New York City dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, formulated this mask to deliver near-instant brightening. Wu turns to it when she needs extra brightening, which comes courtesy of the combination of lactic, glycolic, and tranexamic acids (the latter works from within the skin to target excess pigment production). “True to its name, it helps majorly fade dark marks from breakouts while leaving my skin dolphin-smooth,” she says. “You can use it up to three times a week, but I usually reserve it for once weekly treatments when my skin is in need of an emergency overhaul.”

• Pros: Needs to be used only a few times a week; lasting results
• Cons: Potentially irritating
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1.7 oz.

These peel pads aren’t just effective; they’re also compostable. They use a combination of glycolic and lactic acids to exfoliate, while cucumber extract calms skin. “I’m not as diligent as I should be about using them every day, but when I have an event coming up that I know I want my skin to glow for, I start incorporating them into my routine on the days leading up to it,” says Glamour's DeSantis. These pads can cause a tingle, says MacKenzie: “I always follow with a face oil and cream-based moisturizer to avoid irritating my sensitive skin.”

• Pros: Easy to use; refillable; gentle
• Cons: The pads are a little small.
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 60 pads

If you're down to splurge, Dr. Arora is a fan of Skinceuticals Retexturing Activator. This facial exfoliator serum helps to support a healthy skin barrier thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid. Fermented kombucha will leave skin feeling soft. But the hero ingredient here is a hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound. The latter breaks down dead skin cells while the former acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the outer layers of the skin.

• Pros: Hydrating; gentle
• Cons: Expensive
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1 oz.

"Glytone Enhance Brightening Serum has a powerful combination of ingredients to help brighten the skin and reduce dark spots, including glycolic acid, azelaic acid, and vitamin E,” says Dr. Chang. Azelaic acid also multitasks, killing the bacteria that causes acne and treating the inflammation behind skin conditions like rosacea. It's one of Dr. Chang's favorite exfoliators because it also hydrates thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid, which draws moisture into the skin, for an overall plumped and hydrated effect.

• Pros: Hydrating; brightening
• Cons: Pricey
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1 oz.

Just add water to this powder exfoliant, which turns into satisfying foam. “This exfoliator combines the power of hojicha powder and lactic acid to gently exfoliate the skin,” says Dr. Jacobs, who notes that it’s suitable for most skin types. (Hojicha is a type of green tea.) Not only does it have lactic acid, but it also uses a combo of mung beans and oats to gently buff away dead skin, leaving it brighter but not at all irritated.

• Pros: Gentle enough for most skin types; great for travel
• Cons: Polarizing scent; can be tricky to get the right amount
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 2.3 oz.

Think of this as boot camp for your skin. Rather than long-term, the serum is meant to be applied 30 nights in a row ahead of a big event. “It gets a little tingly in the beginning, but never painful,” says Wu, who credits the glycolic and lactic acids and fruit enzymes with tackling dullness and buildup. “My glow after a month? Otherworldly.” If that sounds intense, no sweat: It also contains hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and peptides to nourish and soothe skin.

• Pros: Easy to incorporate; actively soothing
• Cons: Leaves skin vulnerable to sun exposure, so not recommended in summer
• Exfoliant type: Chemical
• Size: 1.01 oz.

Serving as a hybrid of physical and chemical exfoliators, gommage is “a gentle and effective way to exfoliate the skin without irritating it,” Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Diego, tells Glamour. She loves this gommage, which, she says, “binds to keratin in dead skin cells and gently pills it off the skin.” She likes that it’s simple, safe, and easy to use; she uses it after cleansing to thoroughly remove makeup and sunscreen. It’s also safe for use after procedures like laser resurfacing.

• Pros: Gentle; works for double cleansing
• Cons: Has a learning curve
• Exfoliant type: Chemical and physical
• Size: 5 oz.

Exfoliator brushes are polarizing among dermatologists. “There's a potential for irritation,” Dr. Chang explains. “The brushes can be abrasive and cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to worsened inflammation.” If you're an OG Clairisonic girlie who just can't quit buffing with a brush, Dr. Arora recommends this version that's gentle enough for daily cleansing when used properly. “Think of it as a sonic toothbrush for the face,” he says. In other words, don't get too rough and let the brush do most of the scrubbing. Sonic waves help loosen dirt from deep within pores and antimicrobial bristles prevent the buildup of bacteria that can cause acne and inflammation.

• Pros: Waterproof
• Cons: Room for user error that could damage skin
• Exfoliant type: Physical