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Dull, rough skin is nothing to fret about. There’s a simple fix that can make your skin look smoother and feel softer, as well as treat dark spots, blackheads, and fine lines and wrinkles: adding a face exfoliator to your routine.
“Facial exfoliators remove the dull outer layer of skin cells and help promote cell turnover,” says Dr. Sonia Batra, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Batra Dermatology. She adds that the process exposes the fresher skin underneath and allows products to penetrate the skin more quickly and easily. Those with breakout-prone or oily skin might especially appreciate facial exfoliators, as certain types can de-gunk pores and fight acne-causing bacteria.
Our picks for the best face exfoliators in 2024
Best Overall Face Exfoliator
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Read more
Face exfoliators can be sorted into two categories: chemical and physical. When it comes to chemical exfoliators, Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology, suggests leaning toward ones that feature alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes, as these are generally more gentle on the skin. On the other hand, beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) like salicylic acid can penetrate the skin deeper and get into your pores, so they can be an effective option for anyone with oily skin or those who deal with blackheads and breakouts regularly. Meanwhile, Dr. Robinson recommends physical exfoliators that contain “small, smooth particles such as rice powder or jojoba beads” to avoid irritating or damaging the skin and avoiding formulas with microbeads “unless they are specifically labeled as biodegradable,” she says.
We understand that's a lot of information to digest, so to make this entire shopping experience easier, we’ve done all of your homework for you. We interviewed a panel of dermatologists and estheticians about exfoliators, tested countless formulas on our faces, and read hundreds of customer reviews to find the 18 best face exfoliators for every skin type and concern. Scroll through to find your key to baby-soft skin.
Pros
- Made for all skin types
- Exfoliates, brightens, and tightens
Cons
- May experience initial irritation
This best-selling face exfoliator hydrates and illuminates the skin while also removing dead skin cells, minimizing the appearance of wrinkles, and evening out skin tone. It’s suitable for oily, dry, normal, and combination skin and should be applied every other day. Plus, it’s paraben- and fragrance-free, so you’ll be less likely to get irritated if you have sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea extract
Skin types: Oily, combination, dry, normal
Sizes: 1–4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I consider this to be the baby version of P50. If you would like bright, glowing skin and are slightly scared by anything too intense, try this exfoliating toner. At one point, five of my friends were on this at the same time and for a brief, glorious period, we were all pimple-free with tight skin. Do use a cotton pad to put this on.” –Kathleen Hou, ELLE beauty director
Pros
- Brightening properties
- Subtle glow
Cons
- Takes a while to see results
The most common ingredients for reducing the appearance of dark spots are typically AHAs (salicylic, glycolic), but this toner from Farmacy introduces a few other potent and effective elements to your routine. Tranexamic acid is great for discoloration and scarring and is made stronger with azelaic acid to create a brightening toner that can fade spots with consistent use.
Key ingredients: Tranexamic and azelaic acid
Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Size: 4 fl oz
Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “My dark marks are more stubborn than a two-year-old, which means I need a whole lot of patience and effective methods to calm the chaos happening on my skin. Incorporating this toner into my routine helped my skin appear brighter and lightened some of my scars. My texture is also smoother now, and my makeup even sits on my face better.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
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Pros
- Designed for daily use
- Helps with acne
Cons
- May not be suitable for super sensitive skin
Add this exfoliating powder to your skin care routine, especially if you have acne-prone skin. Salicylic acid minimizes blemishes and redness, while the powder activates upon contact with water impart smoother and brighter skin.
Key ingredients: Rice, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal
Skin types: All skin types
Sizes: 0.45–2.6 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.86/5 stars
Our expert says: “One of my skin care sins is that I don’t exfoliate enough due to my allergies, which make my skin sensitive to many enzyme formulas. I went for a facial at the Dermalogica spa in Los Angeles and their esthetician, Anya, was so knowledgeable. We used this exfoliant on my skin and it revealed a brighter, smoother texture. I was instantly hooked.”—Danielle James, beauty expert
Pros
- Great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Can run out quickly
Esthetician and acne specialist Sofie Pavitt’s gentle exfoliating serum is a must-have for textured, dull skin. Using mandelic acid and hyaluronic acid, this daily treatment is gentle enough to use every day, while keeping breakouts and congested skin at bay.
Key ingredients: Mandelic acid, hyaluronic acid
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Sophie Pavitt Skin rating: 4.9/5 stars
Our expert says: “I’m just finishing up my third bottle of this serum, and I don't think I can ever live without it now—it’s so, so gentle. I didn’t experience any stinging or redness when I first started using it, and now, months later, my skin looks more even and bright. And as for breakouts? We broke up.”—Tatjana Freund, beauty expert
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5
Best Face Exfoliator to Shrink Pores
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Now 14% Off
Pros
- Suitable for mature skin
- Tiny amount goes a long way
Cons
- Some dislike the scent
This triple-threat exfoliator combines physical, chemical, and enzymatic exfoliation for the ultimate skin treatment. In less than two minutes, it sloughs away dead skin cells to reveal a radiant complexion. You’ll even notice a reduction in the size of your pores and skin texture.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid
Skin types: Normal, dry, combination, oily
Sizes: 0.5–5 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “In the early aughts, I remember seeing celebrities going to Kate Somerville for facials and recommending a version of this exfoliator. When I finally tried it as an adult, I was glad to find that it was a classic for a reason. The grainage on this is very fine, but it doesn’t leave your skin feeling parched or tight. I like the clean feeling that this gives me.”—Kathleen Hou
Pros
- Safe for beginners
Cons
- Two-step process
The Dr. Dennis Gross peel pads are one of the most beloved exfoliating treatments. Dramatically effective and yet still gentle, this two-step product combats signs of aging, uneven skin texture, and clogged pores.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, malic acid, green tea extract, green tea extract
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 35 pack
Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “As someone with stubborn dark marks, all I want to use are products that can get rid of them fast. These peeling pads are gentle enough for me to use a few times a week and have drastically helped my spots lighten to reveal a clearer, more even-toned complexion.”—Nerisha Penrose
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Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Can be used multiple times per week
Cons
- Scent can be overbearing
Whether you have dry, normal, oily, or combination skin, this face exfoliator is suitable for all skin types. Made from active botanicals, the exfoliating scrub refines the skin’s texture while unclogging pores for a fresh and clean feel. It's designed to be used two to three times per week, followed by SPF 30 to prevent sun damage.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, ivory palm seeds, green tea extract, and coconut extract
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 3.4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 stars
Our expert says: “I’m a big fan of Mario Badescu’s affordable, time-tested skin care products, so I was eager to test out the brand’s plant-based exfoliating scrub to help combat congestion around my nose and T-zone area. Since I have sensitive skin, I’ve used it modestly as a targeted treatment once a week, and a little goes a long way. It helps unclog my pores and smooth pesky bumps so I can avoid the temptation to act as my own esthetician.” –Sam Peters, Hearst senior commerce editor
Pros
- Protects skin barrier and removes dead skin cells
- Brightens and evens complexion
Cons
- Two-step process
Treat your skin to this two-step resurfacing peel to provide a spa-like quality treatment from the comfort of your home. The vitamin C crystals improve cell turnover for a smoother complexion while infusing skin with antioxidants for added benefits. This face exfoliator duo can be used one to two times per week for brighter and smoother skin.
Key ingredients: Vitamin C
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 1.7 fl. oz
Amazon rating: 4/5 stars
Our expert says: “It’s like taking the spa home with you. I love the citrus smell! As someone who does not exfoliate as much as they should (I know, it is my skin care sin), this works so well and helps to quickly turn over my skin. I love the cirtrus scent.”—Danielle James
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9
Most Powerful Liquid Exfoliant
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating and Brightening Peeling Solution
Pros
- Multi-use treatment
Cons
- Too strong for sensitive skin
This blood-red liquid treatment launched thousands of viral TikToks, for good reason. Of all the exfoliants on the market, this is one of the strongest. When used correctly, a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid can dramatically brighten and resurface the skin. But follow the directions to the letter–this isn't a product to experiment with. Is this too strong for your sensitive skin? You can also use it as a foot treatment to get rid of peeling heels.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, citric acid, Tasmanian pepperberry
Skin types: Dull, acne-prone
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.4/5 stars
Our expert says: “When my skin was extremely acne-prone, clogged, and dull, this treatment was my savior. When used sparingly–and correctly–this immediately added a glow after my weekly treatment. Now that my skin is more stable, I skip using it on my face and instead use it on rough heels as a mini foot treatment.”—Tatjana Freund
Pros
- Sinks in quickly
- Pleasant scent
Cons
- May take time to see results
Bioelements’s new skin care line for acne-prone skin is focused on treating and preventing breakouts without stripping or disrupting the skin barrier like traditional acne-fighting products. Even the liquid chemical exfoliator in the collection has barrier-boosting ingredients like aloe vera, willowherb, and hibiscus extracts in addition to its blend of salicylic acid (BHA) and gluconolactone (PHA).
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, gluconolactone, aloe leaf juice, thyme flower and leaf extract, hibiscus flower extract
Skin types: Acne-prone, oily, combination, sensitive, normal
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Bioelements rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Bioelements reviewer says: “After 30 days of using this Bioelements product, I’m amazed by the results. Its 2 percent BHA + PHA formula has been a game-changer in my skincare routine. Pores have visibly minimized, dead skin has been sloughed off, and acne breakouts have significantly decreased. My skin feels noticeably smoother, and blackheads have improved.”
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Pros
- Soft and gentle
- Removes makeup
Cons
- Small bottle for the price
Individuals with sensitive skin will benefit from this exfoliant made with ultra-fine pumice particles designed to remove excess dead skin cells. The gel-like consistency prevents unwanted irritation while offering gentle exfoliation and additional hydration, thanks to infused glycerin and thermal spring water.
Key ingredients: Ultra-fine pumice particles, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
Skin types: Combination, sensitive, normal
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: ““Love this! Tiny tube, but lasts a long time—you don’t need much. The tiny scrubbing agents really clean your face down deep. I use it each night, and [my] pores are cleaned completely. No redness or dryness. Face feels smooth!””
Pros
- Brightening lemon peel helps to correct
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some users note it can feel too gritty
Search “exfoliators” on Amazon, and this bestseller by Acure will appear on the first page. While this is a physical scrub, it’s formulated with micro, non-abrasive beads that leave the skin smooth to the touch. Plus, its skin-loving ingredients—like sea kelp and madonna lily—work to brighten and even out the skin.
Key ingredients: Sea kelp, lemon peel, madonna lily
Skin types: All
Size: 4 fl oz
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: “This scrub does exactly what it claims. My face feels smooth after using, allowing my serums and moisturizers to really penetrate and work as they are supposed to. I have tried others, just because I always get this one here, and I forget to order sometimes, but they never compare (and are all currently in my bathroom cabinet nearly full). This is not a gentle scrub, but that’s why I like it. If you don’t like an actual grainy scrub texture, this is not for you. I’ve been buying this for at least five years now and will continue to do so!”
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Pros
- Pleasant fragrance
- Not too abrasive
Cons
- Need a decent amount of product
This exfoliating face scrub removes excess oil and build-up from the skin without completely stripping it of moisture. The sugar gently exfoliates while simultaneously polishing and softening skin for a smooth, even complexion. Plus, it’s formulated without parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, and other ingredients that aren’t good for the skin.
Key ingredients: Probiotic extracts, sugar, papaya, and pineapple enzymes
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 2.9 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have always struggled with super dry and flaky skin and tried too many products that did not work. This is the only one so far to make my skin feel fresh and moisturized all day!”
Pros
- Gentle
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Can take time to see results
In true CeraVe fashion, this nighttime exfoliating treatment aims to reduce signs of aging and brighten the skin while still adding moisture and nourishment. With a combination of glycolic acid, lactic acid, and plenty of ceramides, this is a product that is safe to use for sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, ceramides, licorice root extract
Skin types: All skin types
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is very light, but helps so much. I put my moisturizer on afterwards and go to bed. The next morning, you can tell it’s helping the scarring and the acne. I have really sensitive skin, but so far, none of CeraVe’s products have given me a bad reaction. Totally recommend this!”
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Pros
- Peels away dead skin
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Pump tends not to work
If you’re not interested in spending big bucks on a face exfoliator, you’ll want to try this one from e.l.f. This peeling exfoliant gently removes dead skin cells from the surface to reveal radiant, luminous skin. The vegan and cruelty-free formula is suitable for all skin types and is less than $10 per tube.
Key ingredients: Papaya, licorice and tangerine extracts
Skin types: All
Size: 3.04 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I have very sensitive skin and a bit of rosacea. I only use this about three times a week, and my skin feels so clean, and it doesn’t bother my rosacea due to the gentle exfoliating. You can’t go wrong with e.l.f. products, whether you’re vegan or not. The prices of the products are a plus as well.”
Pros
- Adds a glow
- Multi-use
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
Typically, dull skin can be attributed to either dehydration, clogged pores–or both! This treatment uses the exfoliating properties of lactic acid and brightening licorice to plump fine lines and return a healthy sheen to the skin. You can use this as a nighttime serum or as a wash-off mask if you have sensitive skin.
Key ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice
Skin types: Dull, mature
Sizes: 0.5–1.7 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “I had heard great things about this and finally decided to purchase it. Now, I am mad at myself for not trying it earlier. After applying at bedtime, I wake us with smooth, soft, hydrated skin. Love this product.”
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Pros
- Quick results
- Clears up acne
Cons
- Can run out quickly
When your skin begins to feel dull and you notice more blackheads or breakouts, it's a sign that it’s time to add this product to your nightly routine. A blend of acids exfoliates the face and adds a glow while reducing signs of aging and breakouts.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, tartaric acid
Skin types: All skin types
Sizes: 1–1.69 fl. oz.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Ulta reviewer says: “I have never loved a product more than this one. It seriously took away all of my acne overnight, and I wake up with the clearest, smoothest, softest skin. My pores and fine lines aren’t as noticeable either. When I’m out of this product, I notice that my acne immediately starts coming back, so I don’t mind paying the price because it’s 100 percent worth it. I’m 26, and my skin has never looked better.”
Pros
- Sweet citrus fragrance
- Hydrates and nourishes skin
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Pesky, dry skin can be a pain to deal with and even more frustrating when looking for a face exfoliator. That said, this natural exfoliant uses strawberry seeds and brown sugar to buff away dead skin cells while brightening and soothing the skin. Plus, it’ll leave your face with a delightful citrus smell that you can bask in long after each use.
Key ingredients: Brown sugar, real wild strawberries, plum seed oil, grapeseed oil
Skin types: Normal, dry, oily, combination
Sizes: 1–4.4 fl. oz.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “When my skin looks dull, this is my go-to exfoliator. I leave it on for about 5–10 minutes and then rinse. It always leaves my face glowing and refreshed. It smells nice, too.”
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Meet the Experts
Dr. Sonia Batra is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Batra Dermatology.
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology.
Rachel Lee Lozina is a New York State licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, NY.
Edyta Jarosz is a master esthetician at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue.
Dr. Hadley King is a board-certified dermatologist, specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.
What are the benefits of face exfoliators?
There are a wide variety of benefits when it comes to face exfoliators. “They help remove dead skin, revealing healthier, more hydrated skin underneath it, stimulate collagen and improve circulation, unclog pores, help with product absorption, and improve skin color and texture,” says Rachel Lee Lozina, New York State licensed esthetician and founder of Blue Water Spa in Oyster Bay, NY.
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King adds that using a face exfoliator can help keep skin clean, reduce acne breakouts, and smooth the skin to help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Tatjana Freund
Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor
Tatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zoë Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.
Carol Lee
Carol Lee is the Associate Beauty E-Commerce Writer at ELLE.com, where she covers all things beauty and personal care. Before joining the team, she was an editor at Food Network Magazine and HGTV Magazine and ran the beauty section at The Pioneer Woman. Carol received her bachelor’s degree in Journalism from New York University and was one of the first customers to visit Glossier’s flagship store in New York’s Soho neighborhood. Over the years, she’s tested countless makeup, hair, and skin care products, and written hundreds of articles covering the beauty space, from pieces about the trendiest launches to roundups of the best products on the market. As a Korean-American, she grew up in a sea of Korean makeup and skin care products and is a bona fide expert on the ever-expanding world of K-beauty, helping lead our coverage. Additionally, she’s also always on the hunt for the perfect lipstick and watches the same few comfort sitcoms (Frasier, Cheers, Seinfeld, New Girl, etc.) over and over again.