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The 7 Best Chemical Exfoliants for Smooth, Glass-Like Skin
Address hyperpigmentation, clogged pores, and dullness with one product.
Sorry gritty scrubs, but chemical exfoliators are the best way to slough off dead skin cells at home. While we all used to adore our sugar and apricot concoctions with bits of walnut shells in them, physical exfoliators have gone out of style in recent years. It turns out that they are a bit too harsh for our faces and could cause more harm than good. I used to think that I could scrub the teenage breakouts right off my face, but I found out the hard way that was not the case. No matter your skin type or concern, chemical exfoliators are one of the most effective ways to get the job done.
As Dr. Deanne Mraz, a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, Connecticut, says, “everyone can benefit from some form of chemical exfoliation.”
Now, how exactly do chemical exfoliants get all of that gunk out of our pores and slough away unwanted dead skin? “They work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells and therefore help to eliminate the buildup of dead skin cells, leaving the skin appearing brighter, more radiant and feeling softer and smoother,” explains Dr. Marisa Garshick, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “By helping to get rid of that buildup, they also help to enhance penetration of products in a skin care routine.” All in all, as long as you don’t overdo it (which can lead to a compromised skin barrier), chemical exfoliation keeps your skin happy, texture-free, and glowing.
Our top picks for the best chemical exfoliants of 2024
Depending on your skin concern and type, there are three main types of chemical exfoliants to choose from: AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs. Our experts recommend sensitive, mature, or dull and hyperpigmented skin go for AHAs like glycolic and lactic acids. Oily skin will appreciate the pore penetrating and unclogging powers of BHAs—the most well-known of which is salicylic acid. Finally, PHAs like lactobionic acid are also on the gentler side and suitable for reactive skin and those looking to soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Below, we reveal what we think are the seven best chemical exfoliants on the market. After doing plenty of research, asking our experts, and testing formulas on our faces, we found the formulas that deliver clearer, brighter, and smoother skin below.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-drying
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
If clogged pores and blackheads are your main concern, BHAs like salicylic acid will be your best friend (put down those damaging pore strips!). While AHAs only really work on the surface of the skin, BHAs can penetrate the surface and go deep into your pores to clear them. There’s a reason this award-winning product, which features the hard-working ingredient, is Paula’s Choice’s number one bestseller; users notice smoother, brighter, softer skin in a matter of a few short weeks.
Key ingredient: Salicylic acid
Size: 4 fl. oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I remember first learning about this product from YouTube in the mid-2010s; the fact that its popularity has endured and even exploded since then speaks to how well it actually works. I’ve tried so many fancy, hyped skin care products, and most of the time, I can’t tell if they’re doing anything. But I actually see a difference when I use this liquid exfoliant—especially on my nose, which becomes significantly smoother and less blackhead-prone.”—Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Pros
- Easy to use
- TSA-friendly
Cons
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
You may have heard about this peel pad on TikTok, or from an Instagram post, or while scrolling through the many posts raving about it on Reddit. In any case, it’s clear that the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel may be one of—if not the—internet’s favorite exfoliant. It’s a two-step process; the first step involves a peel pad soaked in seven acids, while the second pad is meant to nourish, brighten, and soothe the skin. Some loyal fans have been using this product for decades and credit it with keeping their skin young and radiant.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, citric acid
Size: 60 pack
Dermstore rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I used to apply these peel pads back in the day as an acne-riddled teenager. While they didn’t rid my skin of all of my blemishes as they do for some people, they did make my skin feel notably softer and smoother, with not a dry patch in sight. Now that my skin is clear, I use them to sort of ‘reset’ my skin and get it ready to absorb all of my other skin care products. My skin has never felt softer.”—Carol Lee
iS Clinical Active Peel System
Pros
- Easy to travel with
Cons
- Can cause a burning sensation
Another lauded two-step peel, this chemical exfoliant employs medical-grade skin care ingredients to polish, hydrate, and refresh. The first step, which exfoliates, has a slight burning sensation, while the second more hydrating step offers an icy cooling feel. But it’s all worth it—as one loyal user notes, “you can see results right after a single use.”
Key ingredients: Citric acid, salicylic acid
Size: 15 pack
Dermstore rating: 4.9/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: “I tried these peel pads because multiple Redditors claimed that they were better than any other peel pad on the market. I didn’t want to fall in love with them, considering their high price tag, but that’s exactly what happened. I couldn’t help it—they’re the secret to glass skin. When I wake up the next morning after indulging in a treatment set, my skin has such a shine to it that I can almost see my reflection in my forehead. They didn’t irritate my sensitive skin, but I also only use them once a week to avoid the grave mistake of over-exfoliating.”—Carol Lee
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Pros
- Provides instant results
- Can be used all over the body
Cons
- May lead to irritation if used too often
This exfoliating mask from Drunk Elephant contains both AHAs and BHA—the “T.L.C.” part of its name comes from the tartaric acid, lactic acid, and citric acid inside the formula, which can “help with discoloration as well as fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Garshick. “Because it packs a punch, it should only be used once per week.”
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, tartaric acid, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid
Size: 0.5 fl. oz.
Drunk Elephant rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Drunk Elephant reviewer says: “I’ve been in the beauty industry for over 22 years now as a licensed cosmetologist, esthetician, and professional makeup artist. The T.L.C. Sukari Baby facial is absolutely an amazing product. I recommend it to clients all the time and have even heard of OB/GYNs recommending it to patients after birth to lighten the belly line some women get. Anyone with texture issues, acne, hyperpigmentation, dullness, etc. would absolutely benefit from this weekly mask. I also love using it on the back of my hands because I get super dry skin due to constantly being in water. The only thing I recommend is really listening to your skin after applying and allowing your skin to acclimate.”
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Clears pores
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
“This serum contains a blend of AHAs and BHAs to gently enhance skin cell turnover to leave the skin texture feeling softer and smoother,” reports Dr. Garshick. Clinical trials show that the formula both brightens skin and softens the look of fine lines and wrinkles within weeks.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid
Size: 1 fl. oz.
Blue Mercury rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Blue Mercury reviewer says: [This is a] great product! Yes, it [feels] like water. Apply with [your] fingers to your face. It helps with discoloration, SH, but what amazed me [most] was [seeing the size of] my pores reduced. [My] pores [are] no longer visible. I am now on my third bottle. Although it says apply once daily, I did apply it twice. I just started my night routine very early n gave it some time before going into other products.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Salicylic Acid Acne Treatment
Pros
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
“Containing salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lipo hydroxy acid, this serum works to address breakouts and blemishes by helping to get rid of dead skin cells, as well as unclogging the pores,” says Dr. Garshick. She also appreciates that the formula also has niacinamide and La Roche Posay Thermal Water, which help combat any irritation you might experience from the acids—after all, reducing irritation is the key to happier, healthier skin.
Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lipo-hydroxy acid
Size: 1 oz.
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An La Roche-Posay reviewer says: “This has worked wonders on my skin. [I apply] a few drops every morning after washing with the Mela B3 cleanser, and it’s been keeping my hormonal acne at bay. I now have it on autoship so I’m never without it.”
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Pros
- Refillable packaging
Cons
- Results can take time
I’d recommend these lactic and glycolic acids-infused pads to anyone who wants to try a peel pad but has very sensitive skin. The acids that star in the formula slough away dead skin cells and lighten hyperpigmentation, but they’re on the gentler side as far as exfoliants go. “It is a great option for all skin types as it is alcohol-free and free of artificial fragrance, parabens, phthalates and formaldehyde,” adds Dr. Garshick.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid
Size: 60 pads
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “The best. It’s the perfect product for makeup prep or any time, really. It doesn’t make me red or irritated, and it helps so much with any dry patches or texture you may have.”
Meet the Experts
Dr. Deanne Mraz is a board-certified dermatologist and the president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT.
Dr. Marisa Garshick is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
How often can you use chemical exfoliants?
It all depends on the strength of the formula and how sensitive or strong your skin is. “Sometimes, depending on the season, you may also need to adjust frequency of use—for example, skin can be more sensitive in the dry, winter months, and you may need to either reduce frequency or use a gentler product for that season,” explains Dr. Mraz. She’s a proponent of exfoliating about three to five times a week.
On the other hand, Dr. Garshick prefers a light hand—probably a good idea for those of us with more reactive skin. “It is best to use exfoliating products one to two times per week and avoid use at the same time of other harsh active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide or retinoids,” she says.
How should you apply chemical exfoliants?
There are a lot of different types of chemical exfoliants, so it really does depend on the formulations. But generally, you should apply them on skin that’s clean and dry, according to Dr. Garshick. “After exfoliating, it is important to apply a gentle moisturizer to help soothe and nourish the skin,” she adds.
Additionally, Dr. Mraz made sure to mention that you should only use them in the evening, “as they can make the skin more sensitive to the UV light as well as environmental irritants,” she says.
Why Trust Elle Beauty?
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted dermatologists about chemical exfoliants and how they work. Lee also searched the internet for top-rated chemical exfoliants, perused sites for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
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