Exfoliation sloughs away dead skin cells, resulting in a much-improved appearance of the skin. Fortunately, with these wonder products called physical and chemical exfoliators, the glowing and smoother skin we all dream of is now easier to achieve. What's more, is that some exfoliators can be used on the face, neck, body, and underarms!
However, with the plethora of options available in the market, it can be tricky to pick one. Hence, we have crafted a top 10 list of recommendations to help you score the most suitable exfoliator for your skin. We also included a buying guide and some tips to help you narrow down your choices—with insights and tips from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan!
Quick List - Top Exfoliators
Paula’s Choice
2% BHA Leave-On Exfoliant with Green Tea to Unclog Pores and Reduce Wrinkles
The Ordinary
Glycolic Acid-Infused Toner for Improved Skin Tone and Texture
The Ordinary
A Combination of AHA and BHA for Those Who Want Deeper Exfoliation
Graduated Dermatology Residency from the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH), Dr. Aznaida L. Tawagon-Pandapatan is a Fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society. She is the co-founder of Pandapatan Dermatology Clinic in Marawi City. She is also a part-time faculty of Xavier University-JPRSM in Cagayan de Oro. She is passionate about skin health and skincare, and dreams of world peace.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
The skin naturally exfoliates on its own, but this process tends to slow down as we age. There are also instances when dead skin cells do not shed fully, leaving your skin with dry and flaky patches. Using an exfoliator, especially for rough and bumpy skin, can help speed up the shedding of dead skin cells and encourage the turnover of new ones for smoother and more radiant skin.
Exfoliation can also improve the efficacy of other skincare products you're using, as it can let them penetrate your skin deeper without being hindered by any barrier. On top of that, it can also offer deeper cleansing. It can wash away deep-seated grime and dirt that your cleanser might have missed, and it improves blackheads as well.
The keratinocytes in our epidermis have a cell turnover of about 40-50 days. This process slows down as we grow older. Also, due to some factors (hormones, environmental), some of the keratinocytes do not separate from their neighboring cells properly, thus giving us rough, dull skin. And this is where exfoliants can help us to get healthier, smoother skin.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
When choosing an exfoliator, it is necessary to take your skin type into account. This way, you can minimize the risk of irritation, and it can let you achieve your desired result. Whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, or if you have specific concerns, know which type of exfoliator is best for you in the section below.
If one of your aims is to reduce dark spots and blemishes and achieve a glowing complexion, opt for exfoliants with ingredients like honey, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ground almond, and cornmeal. These ingredients are packed with antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can aid in wound healing and lightening of acne scars and dark spots.
Other beneficial ingredients are ginseng and Tasmanian pepperberry, which help with circulation in your skin's blood vessels, leading to an even and radiant skin tone. Aside from that, they have the added advantage of being able to stimulate collagen production.
If your skin is leaning more on the dry side, it is ideal to look for gentle chemical exfoliators with glycolic acid. Among all alpha-hydroxy acids, glycolic acid has the tiniest molecules that allow them to deeply penetrate and exfoliate the skin effectively. It's also good to try exfoliants with nourishing ingredients like Vitamin B, shea butter, ceramides, coconut extract, and aloe vera.
These ingredients help boost the hydration levels in your skin and add extra value for those with dry skin or those who are prone to developing dry and flaky patches. It's also best to avoid physical exfoliators that can be too harsh and cause microtears in your skin.
AHAs like lactic and glycolic acids in low percentages can be good for home use. For those with dry skin, it is still best to find a formula with moisturizers incorporated in them to avoid getting irritated. Look for shea butter, glycerine, avocado oil, and the like in the ingredient list.
Overproduction of sebum clogs the pores and has the tendency to cause acne and blackheads. Hence, your best bet is to avoid exfoliants with comedogenic ingredients like lanolin or argan oil. Instead, look for exfoliators that are infused with salicylic acid. This beta-hydroxy acid does not just get rid of dead skin cells but also deeply penetrates and unclog pores.
Stronger exfoliators are more recommended to people with oily skin than those with dry skin. So if you have oily skin, you can also use physical exfoliants like grain-based scrubs, as long as they're used gently and within the right frequency.
The BHA salicylic acid is great in penetrating sebum, thus best used by people with oily or combination skin (oily T-zone) or those who have acne. As a beginner, you may opt for short-contact products like wash-off masks or cleansers with salicylic acid. Once you have established that you can tolerate it, you may shift to leave-on toners or moisturizers with salicylic acid content.
If you both have oily and dry sections on your face, you have a combination skin type. Thus, you can look for chemical exfoliators infused with both AHA and BHA. Salicylic acid can help unclog pores, while glycolic acid can hydrate skin.
It can be tricky to manage combination skin, as you have to deal with the specific concerns of both dry and oily skin. However, one thing is for sure - avoid products that contain alcohol, which can irritate both skin types. Always go for gentle formulations to prevent causing areas of sensitivity.
Combination AHA-BHA exfoliators are best for those who have resilient skin. If you have sensitive skin, best to stick with a single type of exfoliant as these combination types have the potential to irritate your skin. Even for those with resilient skin, go slow. Also, don't forget to do a patch test first prior to using these on your face.
Exfoliators can be classified as either physical or chemical. Physical exfoliants require manual scrubbing of the skin to get rid of dead skin cells, while chemical exfoliants use acids to break the bonds between the cells in the top layer of the skin. As discussed above, the kind of formulation you choose will depend on your skin concerns.
While physical exfoliants deliver quicker results, they can be harsh on the skin. If you do decide to go for a physical type, make sure it is fine-grained and gentle. It's best to avoid those with plastic microbeads, as they tend to be more abrasive on the skin, as well as more harmful for the environment. Natural grains like sugar, strawberry seeds, and bamboo granules are a better option.
Physical exfoliators like beads, sugar, oatmeal, washcloths, and others, need to be scrubbed to the skin to dislodge epidermal cells manually. But this type of exfoliation is not ideal for those with sensitive skin.
On the other hand, chemical exfoliants work without the need for physical scrubbing. They’re considered the gentler option between the two. They are usually composed of chemicals like alpha or beta hydroxy acids that dissolve dead skin cells to reveal the new layer of skin underneath.
Chemical exfoliants at home include fruit enzymes, AHAs, and BHAs. There are other chemicals that are commonly used in dermatological clinics such as phenol, which should never be used at home.
While it may seem convenient and economical to just use the same exfoliator for your entire body and face, it might cause more harm than good. Exfoliators formulated for the body tend to contain stronger chemical concentrations that may be too harsh for your face.
The skin in your face is also more delicate than the other parts of your body, so using harsh products may cause irritations and even breakouts. On the other hand, using a face exfoliator for your body may not cause harm, but it might not be that effective as well.
Face exfoliants generally contain lower percentages of chemical exfoliants or finer beads. So always check if the exfoliator you are purchasing is for the body or for the face. Body exfoliators should never be used for the face unless specified in the product to be safe for face use.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Type | Best for | Key Ingredients | Scope | Net Weight | |||||
1 | Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | ![]() | 2% BHA Leave-On Exfoliant with Green Tea to Unclog Pores and Reduce Wrinkles | Chemical Exfoliator | All Skin Types | Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extracts | Face, Neck | 118ml | |
2 | The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution | ![]() | Glycolic Acid-Infused Toner for Improved Skin Tone and Texture | Chemical Exfoliator | All Skin Types | Glycolic Acid,Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative | Face, Neck | 240ml | |
3 | CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Cleanser for Exfoliating and Hydrating Rough and Bumpy Skin | Chemical Exfoliator | Normal Skin Type | Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid | Face and Body | 237ml | |
4 | The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | ![]() | A Combination of AHA and BHA for Those Who Want Deeper Exfoliation | Chemical Exfoliator | Experienced Users of Acid Exfoliation | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid,Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid | Face | 30ml | |
5 | Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser | ![]() | Daily Exfoliating Cleanser That's Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin | Physical Exfoliator | All Skin Types | Bamboo Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E | Face | 178ml | |
6 | COSRX One Step Original Clear Pad | ![]() | Easy-to-Use Exfoliant Best for Exfoliating Beginners | Chemical Exfoliator | Oily Skin, Acne-prone Skin | BHA, Willow Bark Water | Face | 145ml, 70 pads | |
7 | Céleteque Gentle Exfoliating Facial Wash | ![]() | Affordable Exfoliator to Revitalize Tired-Looking Skin | Physical Exfoliator | Normal Skin Type | Vitamins C & E | Face | 60ml | |
8 | Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off | ![]() | Reveal Supple Skin With a Fusion of Black Sugar and Moisturizing Ingredients | Physical Exfoliator | Dry Skin | Black Sugar | Face | 100ml | |
9 | Fresh Skinlab Jeju Aloe Ice Facial Scrub | ![]() | An Acne-Clearing Facial Scrub That Leaves a Cooling Sensation | Physical Exfoliator | All Skin Types | Real Strawberry Seeds, Bamboo Granules | Face | 50ml | |
10 | Some By Mi Bye Bye Blackhead 30 Days Miracle Green Tea Tox Bubble Cleanser | ![]() | Has Naturally-Derived BHA That Clears Out Impurities From Your Pores | Chemical Exfoliator | All Skin Types | Naturally Sourced BHA, 16 Different Kinds of Tea | Face | 120ml |
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a clinically proven leave-on exfoliant renowned for its transformative effects on the skin. Featuring the powerhouse ingredient, 2% salicylic acid (BHA), it not only exfoliates effectively but also unclogs pores with remarkable results.
This fragrance and paraben-free formula is gentle on all skin types, including sensitive skin. It contains green tea extract that has soothing effects, irritation relief, potent anti-aging benefits, and visibly reduces sun damage. Users have noted significant improvements in skin texture, a more even complexion, and increased hydration.
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Green Tea Extracts |
Scope | Face, Neck |
Net Weight | 118ml |
The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is a highly effective exfoliating toner that offers mild exfoliation for improved skin radiance and visible clarity. With a 7% concentration of glycolic acid, an AHA, it significantly smooths skin texture, promotes a more even skin tone, and reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles with regular use.
The water-based toner is suitable for daily use and has a pH of approximately 3.6, which maximizes the effectiveness of the acid and reduces irritation. This vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free formula is ideal for targeting textural irregularities, dullness, and uneven skin tone. It is recommended to wear sunscreen while using this product to protect the skin from increased sensitivity to the sun.
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Glycolic Acid,Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative |
Scope | Face, Neck |
Net Weight | 240ml |
CeraVe's Renewing SA Cleanser can help address various skin concerns. Apart from working as a cleanser that washes out accumulated dirt and grime, you can also use it as a gentle exfoliator to remove dead skin cells. It is infused with salicylic acid that helps unclog pores for smoother and softer skin.
It also comes with ceramide that aids in restoring and maintaining your skin's barrier to lock in moisture and shield it from environmental stressors. Another plus is that it has a non-irritating, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formula, which suits various skin types, including those with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | Normal Skin Type |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid |
Scope | Face and Body |
Net Weight | 237ml |
Unlike exfoliants solely infused with either AHA or BHA that focus on targeting specific skin woes, this one has both. It provides deeper exfoliation that will give you brighter and smoother skin. It contains AHAs, including glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acid, that even out skin complexion and boost radiance.
It is also infused with salicylic acid, a BHA known to have the power to exfoliate the skin while unclogging pores. To effectively use this formula, do not use it on wet skin and leave it on for no more than 10 minutes, then rinse it. It's also best suited for non-beginners when it comes to acid exfoliation.
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | Experienced Users of Acid Exfoliation |
Key Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid,Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 30ml |
Known for their gentle products that clean your skin without leaving it feeling dry and tight, Cetaphil's exfoliating cleanser is mild enough for sensitive skin. It is formulated with micro-fine beads that effectively exfoliate the skin without causing tears and damage. It is also enriched with bamboo and coconut extracts, skin conditioners, and vitamin complex, so using it doesn't result in over-stripping or drying.
Moreover, it helps improve skin texture to unveil healthier and more radiant-looking skin. Even better, it is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and dermatologically tested, so it is safe to use for all skin types. Users agree that it gently cleanses the face, which is why most people purchase it repeatedly!
Type | Physical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Bamboo Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 178ml |
If you want to try chemical exfoliators but are too scared, you can start here. Unlike others that require physical scrubbing or massaging onto the face, this one offers the most foolproof application method, perfect if you're new to exfoliating. To use it, simply swipe the cotton pad across the face.
It comes with double-sided cotton pads - one side is pre-soaked with toner, while the other is saturated with salicylic acid (BHA) and willow bark water. It sloughs away dead skin cells and dirt for smooth and glowing skin. It is also convenient and best for quick touch-ups to prep your skin for makeup.
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | Oily Skin, Acne-prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | BHA, Willow Bark Water |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 145ml, 70 pads |
Here's an exfoliator that won't break the bank! For a budget-friendly amount, you can get a hold of Céleteque's gentle cleanser, which is guaranteed to deliver results. It contains nourishing and plastic-free beads that remove dead skin cells, leaving you with healthier skin.
It is also enriched with vitamins C and E to aid in nourishing and revitalizing your skin. On top of that, it can decongest clogged pores to give you a smoother complexion and more supple skin. Most importantly, it is dermatologically tested and non-comedogenic.
Type | Physical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | Normal Skin Type |
Key Ingredients | Vitamins C & E |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 60ml |
If you love exfoliating the traditional way using facial scrubs, you'll love this physical exfoliant from Skin Food. It contains black sugar granules that gently slough away dead skin cells, excess oil, and grime. You can use this if you want to get rid of dry, rough patches and reveal silky and supple skin.
This exfoliant is also infused with nourishing contents, like macadamia seed oil and shea butter. These ingredients help moisturize your skin and combat the dry and tight feeling usually associated with facial scrubbing.
Type | Physical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Black Sugar |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100ml |
The Fresh Skinlab Jeju Aloe Ice Facial Scrub offers a unique formula with niacinamide and Centella Asiatica for a refreshing skincare experience. It contains walnut shell powder that effectively removes excess sebum, dirt, and impurities, leaving the skin clean and less oily with a lasting cooling sensation. This scrub is designed to eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, and dead skin cells, especially on the T-Zone area, to reveal a consistently smooth and clear complexion.
Infused with salicylic acid and 98% aloe vera extracts from Jeju Island, the scrub not only soothes the skin but also prevents acne breakouts, dryness, and oily skin. Users love its skin-softening effects and appreciate the gentle nature of the walnut shell powder, which doesn't scratch the face, unlike other scrubs. The added cooling effect enhances the overall appeal of this carefully crafted facial scrub.
Type | Physical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Real Strawberry Seeds, Bamboo Granules |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 50ml |
Type | Chemical Exfoliator |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types |
Key Ingredients | Naturally Sourced BHA, 16 Different Kinds of Tea |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 120ml |
While exfoliation can provide benefits to your skin, it may also cause harm when done incorrectly. Below are some things to keep in mind to make the most out of your exfoliator.
If you have acne or are on an anti-aging regimen, you most likely have either benzoyl peroxide or retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin, retinol, retinal) in your regimen. These will already give you good cell turn-over and there is no need to use additional exfoliants, as these can result in irritations and even erosions. If you think you will still benefit from exfoliants, talk to a dermatologist first.
It is always best to do a patch test prior to using chemical or physical exfoliants. Make sure to wash them off completely with every use. Bland moisturizers are a must after each exfoliation session—look for a good balance of humectants and occlusives.
If you have tried your own regimen and you feel it is not working for you, it is always best to consult a board-certified dermatologist. There could be other important factors that the derm will be able to help you with. The derm will be able to find these out upon complete physical examination (in person or online) and upon complete medical history.
If you have sensitive skin, stick to low-percentage, wash-off, chemical exfoliants and avoid leaving them on for more than 10 minutes. You should also avoid physical exfoliants. If you find a chemical exfoliant that works for you, stick with it. Do not experiment with using physical and chemical exfoliants at the same time.
If you have retinoids and benzoyl peroxide in your regimen, ask a board-certified dermatologist first if you can still benefit from exfoliants and which exfoliant can be safe to add to your regimen.
Exfoliants do help our epidermal keratinocytes to shed off effortlessly, but we should always be careful in using too many exfoliants on our skin. Check your current regimen—it is best to have just one exfoliant in there.
For example, if you have a cleanser with glycolic acid, a sunscreen with salicylic acid, and a moisturizer with lactic acid, chances are you might be over-stripping your skin, and this may lead to irritation, flaking, itchiness, or even hyperpigmentation. Ideally, keep only one and drop the other two. If you cannot decide which one to keep, consult a board-certified dermatologist, we have your best interests at heart!
Learn more about exfoliators as Dr. Aznaida answers some of the most asked questions on the internet!
Exfoliants are best used at night, twice a week. For those with resilient skin, they can tolerate exfoliants every other night or even nightly.
Always apply a bland moisturizer. Do not apply other harsh products such as those containing alcohol, other acids (in toners), benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. You may apply your retinoids the 1-2 days after.
Whether you have normal, oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, there are skincare products that are specifically formulated for you. Check out these articles featuring various skincare items, such as moisturizers, toners, sunscreens, and Korean eye creams, which you can add to your routine!
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Author: R. Victoriano
Editor: A. Mangulabnan
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Paula’s Choice|Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
No. 2: The Ordinary|Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
No. 3: CeraVe|Renewing SA Cleanser
No. 4: The Ordinary|AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
No. 5: Cetaphil|Daily Exfoliating Cleanser
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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