We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.
When it comes to exfoliating your face, whether you choose a product containing manual exfoliators (that's scrubs to you and me) or something packed with alpha or beta-hydroxy acids, the benefits of regular exfoliation are pretty much endless.
'Your skin naturally sheds, as it does, so new cell growth is stimulated. However, in modern times several things may disrupt it,'explains celebrity facialist, Debbie Thomas. 'This results in more dead skin build up and less fresh plump new cells this will leave the skin looking dull, make imperfections like fine lines or pores more visible as well as contributing to congestion. If the new healthy skin cells aren’t being made as effectively then you can lose some of the plump appearance. By using the appropriate exfoliator, you can get your skin back into a positive shedding cycle.'
We're talking the ability to diminish superficial acne scarring, blemishes, blackheads, excess oil, rough skin texture, hyper-pigmentation and inflammation - and that's before we've even touched on the fact that exfoliators will make your skincare work even harder or the amazing glow-boosting effects. Instagram filter? What Instagram filter?
Check out the very best face exfoliators for radiant, boosted, healthy skin...
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
If you've not seen the videos of this viral wonder doing the rounds, you might be thankful; Yes, when it's applied, you do look start to look reminiscent of Patrick Bateman in certain American Psycho scenes. However, we can attest that once washed off, the results are something to scream about in a good way. Leave this 30% AHA's and 2% BHA on for ten minutes or less, and you'll be left looking like you've got brand new skin.
Youth To The People Kombucha 11% AHA Exfoliation Power Toner - £33
There's been a lot of talk about overdoing it on the exfoliating recently, so it's not surprising if you're choosing to err on the side of caution when it comes to choosing your exfoliator. This super gentle toner contains 11% AHAs and packs some serious results when it comes to minimising the appearance of pores. Not just a one trick pony, it's also formulated with kombucha black tea and willow bark to enhance the protection of your skin's microbiome.
Allies of Skin Mandelic Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum - £89
While mandelic acid might not get the same fanfare as its more famous AHA counterparts, if you have sensitive skin and want something gentle that's just as effective, this is the acid for you. As well as getting rid of dead skin build-up, the salicylic acid helps to clear out sebum while mandelic acid and bakuchiol helps to minimise the appearance of melasma and dark spots. A truly multi-hyphenate exfoliating serum.
Ameliorate Resurfacing Facial Mask - £22
When it comes to body exfoliation (keratosis pilaris we're looking at you), Ameliorate is top tier at getting rid of those stubborn little bumps. Safe to say that our attention was caught when we heard they were turning their exfoliating expertise to our faces, and we weren't disappointed. Not only does this cream mask take dead skin cells and other accumulated debris to task, but it also simultaneously hits your skin with a wave of hydration, so you'll find no dry or flaky skin here post-masking.
The queen of enviable A-list skin, Dr. Barbara Sturm knows a thing or two about clear complexions. Slough away dead, dry and dull skin whilst keeping things hydrated with Silk Extract, Shea Butter and Jojoba Oil. Tight, post-exfoliated skin is officially a thing of the past.
The cult skincare brand strikes once again! This time with a game changing exfoliator that quite literally peels away to reveal a more radiant you. A feast of Tartaric, Lactic and Citric acids combine to dissolve dead skin cells and impurities leaving your face feeling all kinds of glowy.
A decent face exfoliator doesn't have to cost the earth. Wishful's fruit enzyme scrub is formulated with AHA, BHA and Cellulose exfoliants to gently buff away dull and dead skin cells whilst papaya and pineapple extracts leave your complexion brighter than ever.
SkinCeuitcals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser - £42.31
A cleanser is a great way to introduce acid exfoliators into your skincare routine if you’re on the cautious side. This cleanser gently starts to foam when massaged in with water which then works to eradicate any pesky blemishes to leave skin clear and silky smooth, without that tight-feeling dryness.
Oskia Liquid Mask Lactic Acid Micro Peel - £68
This exfoliator contains 10% lactic acid and a bunch of antioxidants to leave you with a radiant looking complexion. Apply before you snooze and this will work overnight to get rid of any unwanted skin bumpiness and leave you looking more hydrated too.
Murad Age Reform AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser - £39
This brilliant exfoliator marries both AHAs and BHAs (namely glycolic, salicylic and lactic acids - perfect for obliterating spots and bumps) with jojoba beads to make light work of chipping away at flaky, dead skin, oil and blemishes. It's perfect for prepping skin for luxe serums and moisturisers.
REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask - £36
Not only does this smell of oranges (not the point but an added bonus) but the powerful mix of AHA’s such as glycolic, citric, lactic and tartaric acid means any flakiness disappears in a matter of minutes and you’re left with healthy, gleaming skin.
Who said exfoliators leave your skin feeling dry and tight? Clearly, they hadn't treated themselves to a DIY facial with La Mer's oil exfoliator aka the finest sugar scrub formulated to leave your face feeling seriously soft. Let the crystals buff away dead skin whilst the legendary Miracle Broth brings a major dose of hydration to the table.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant - £31
For those that are blemish prone, which of course leads to redness that needs to be addressed too, Paula Choice's 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant will address all your skincare woes. Formulated with salicylic acid, this powerful liquid works to minimise the appearance of pores and unclog them, to leave you with happier looking skin.
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel - £89
A favourite amongst beauty editors alike, Dr Dennis Gross is the king of ‘lunchtime peels’: all the glowy skin without any of the redness downtime. We challenge you to not notice an immediate difference after one swipe of these peel pads and the handy 2-step packet makes them ideal for travel or in case of any urgent exfoliator emergencies (they happen).
Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads - £40
A lazy girls solution for exfoliating, these pads are pre-soaked with pro-biotics and lactic acid to easily swipe away any dead skin cells, without irritating skin. The gentle exfoliation will stimulate the skin’s surface renewal cycle to brighten and boost radiance. Ticks all our boxes
Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel Resurfacing Facial Pads - £70
From wrinkles, to crater-sized pores, these pads can aid in all of your anti-ageing skincare worries. Packed with AHA’s and BHA’s, these swipe away any uneven skin texture, without leaving skin sensitive and red.
Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask - £50
A cult classic for a reason, apply this mask for a few minutes and watch the magic happen. Skin will tingle but afterwards you’ll be left with instantly brighter, glowier skin. Ideal for when skin either isn’t behaving or just looking a bit meh, this will give it an instant boost.
Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator - £21
Grapefruit, mint and sweet orange give your daily exfoliation a refreshing twist, while natural micro-grains (derived from corn) offer physical exfoliation to leave skin smooth and clear of impurities. And with 97% natural ingredients, this is one for the earth lovers out there.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser - £29
Formulated with the natural exfoliant pearlstone, this clear gel gently scrubs off dead skin cells whilst drawing out oil and dirt from your skin. Ideal for any city dwellers feeling the effects of the smog.
Shiseido WASO Soft + Cushy Polisher - £29.51
Forget rough, scratchy scrubs, this super fine exfoliator uses micro granules to slough away old skin cells, and sebum-absorbing powder to remove impurities. Those with dry or sensitive skin, this is a once a week situation to treat yo'self to, rather than a daily scrub.
15 Of The Best Beauty Travel Sets For Summer
ELLE Edits: Best LED Face Masks For 2025
The 7 Best Salty Perfumes For Summer And Beyond
Here's Why You Should Probably Join Beauty Pie
