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
Gentle Exfoliation that Unclogs, Refines, and Brightens
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.
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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 | Cetaphil Daily Exfoliating Cleanser | ![]() | Gentle Daily Exfoliation for Smoother, Healthier-Looking Skin | Physical | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin | Bamboo Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Micro-Fine Granules | Face | 178 mL | |
2 | Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | ![]() | Gentle Exfoliation that Unclogs, Refines, and Brightens | Chemical | All Skin Types, Normal, Oily | Salicylic Acid (BHA), Green Tea Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol | Face | 30 mL | |
3 | Human Nature Niacinamide Scrub Mask | ![]() | Glow Naturally, Scrub Beautifully | Physical | Dry Sin, Sensitive Skin, Oily Skin | Niacinamide, Bamboo Scrubs, Kaolin Clay, Vitamin E, Bergamot Peel Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrated Silica, Natural Ingredients | Face | 100 mL | |
4 | COSRX BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid | ![]() | Powerful Pore Clearing and Brightening | Chemical | Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin | Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Water, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Hexanediol, Arginine | Face | 100 mL | |
5 | Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off | ![]() | Smooth, Glow, and Renew with Every Wash | Physical | All Skin Types, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin | Black Sugar | Face | 100 mL | |
6 | Isntree Chestnut BHA 2% Clear Liquid | ![]() | Gentle Exfoliation, Clear Skin | Oil Skiny, Acne-Prone Skin | Oil Skiny, Acne-Prone Skin | Propanediol, Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Chestnut Shell Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium, Willow Bark Extract, Allantoin | Face | 100 mL | |
7 | Céleteque Hydration Gentle Exfoliating Facial Wash | ![]() | Refresh and Renew: Gentle Exfoliation | Physical | Sensitive Skin | Sodium Lactate, Cellulose, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol, Chamomilla Matricaria Flower Water, Jojoba Esters, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Phenoxyethanol | Face | 100 mL | |
8 | SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | ![]() | Clear Skin, 30 Days to Miracle Radiance | Chemical | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Oily Skin | Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Poly Hydroxy Acid, Tea Tree Water Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Papaya Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Peppermint Oil | Face | 30 mL | |
9 | Neogen Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling Lemon Pads | ![]() | Reveal Radiance, One Peel at a Time | Physical and Chemical | All Skin Types, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin | Lemon Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Papaya Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Green Tea Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract | Face | 30 pads | |
10 | The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution | ![]() | Powerful Exfoliation for Brighter, Smoother Skin in Minutes | Chemical | All Skin Types, Not for Sensitive | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative, Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot Extract | Face | 30 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The inclusion of bamboo extract, pro-vitamin B5, and vitamin E is praised for leaving skin feeling smooth, soft, and radiant. Several reviewers report improved skin texture and smoother, healthier-looking skin after regular use. A few users find the exfoliating beads a bit rough or harsh, especially for very sensitive skin.
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Bamboo Extract, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Micro-Fine Granules |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 178 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users report significant improvements in skin clarity, texture, and tone within a week. It has anti-aging benefits such as reducing fine lines and wrinkles and improving sun-damaged skin. Some users experience a "purging" phase where breakouts may temporarily worsen before the skin improves.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Normal, Oily |
Key Ingredients | Salicylic Acid (BHA), Green Tea Leaf Extract, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Best for | Dry Sin, Sensitive Skin, Oily Skin |
Key Ingredients | Niacinamide, Bamboo Scrubs, Kaolin Clay, Vitamin E, Bergamot Peel Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrated Silica, Natural Ingredients |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Best for | Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Betaine Salicylate, Willow Bark Water, Niacinamide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Hexanediol, Arginine |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users consider it a "holy grail" exfoliator that effectively removes dead skin cells while hydrating the skin, leaving it smooth, plump, and radiant. The scent is generally described as sweet and pleasant, not overpowering. It does not come with a spatula, which some find inconvenient and less hygienic.
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Black Sugar |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Type | Oil Skiny, Acne-Prone Skin |
---|---|
Best for | Oil Skiny, Acne-Prone Skin |
Key Ingredients | Propanediol, Hexanediol, Salicylic Acid, Chestnut Shell Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium, Willow Bark Extract, Allantoin |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many reviewers note the product is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and pH balanced, which reduces the risk of breakouts and irritation. Some users found it more effective than other cleansers. Some caution that those with active pimples or very sensitive skin should use it sparingly.
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Best for | Sensitive Skin |
Key Ingredients | Sodium Lactate, Cellulose, Panthenol, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol, Chamomilla Matricaria Flower Water, Jojoba Esters, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Phenoxyethanol |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 100 mL |
Users with sensitive, combination, and acne-prone skin praise the toner for its effective oil control and mild exfoliation that smooths skin texture. Many appreciate the lightweight, refreshing texture that absorbs quickly. Some users experienced irritation or breakouts when using the toner daily.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Sensitive Skin, Acne-Prone Skin, Oily Skin |
Key Ingredients | Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Poly Hydroxy Acid, Tea Tree Water Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Papaya Extract, Witch Hazel Extract, Salicylic Acid, Lactobionic Acid, Citric Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Peppermint Oil |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
The pads provide a convenient, easy-to-use exfoliation combining both mechanical and chemical exfoliation in one step. The product is gentle enough for sensitive skin and does not cause irritation for many users. Some users find the product only moderately effective or "just okay," feeling it does not deliver dramatic results.
Type | Physical and Chemical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Sensitive Skin, Dry Skin |
Key Ingredients | Lemon Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Papaya Fruit Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Green Tea Extract, Tea Tree Oil, Centella Asiatica Extract |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 30 pads |
Features and benefits:
Reviews mention:
Many users report significantly clearer, smoother, and softer skin after use, with noticeable reduction in pore congestion and improved skin texture. One user noted their pores looked exceptionally clean and felt like the product "resets" the pores weekly. Some users found it necessary to limit application to specific congested areas.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Best for | All Skin Types, Not for Sensitive |
Key Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Citric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tasmanian Pepperberry Derivative, Hyaluronic Acid Crosspolymer, Vitamin B5, Black Carrot Extract |
Scope | Face |
Net Weight | 30 mL |
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!
9 Best Moisturizers for Combination Skin in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed By Dermatologist
10 Best Toners for Sensitive Skin in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
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10 Best Korean Eye Creams in the Philippines 2024 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist
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: Cetaphil|Daily Exfoliating Cleanser
No. 2: Paula’s Choice|Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
No. 3: Human Nature|Niacinamide Scrub Mask
No. 4: COSRX|BHA 4% Blackhead Power Liquid
No. 5: Skinfood|Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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