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The Best Chemical Exfoliants for a Head-to-Toe Glow
Smoother, clearer, brighter skin guaranteed.
For healthy, clear, and radiant skin you have to exfoliate regularly. Yes, cleansing and moisturizing are essential, too, but neither can work optimally unless you remove the dead skin cells and dirt that inevitably accumulate. To exfoliate, you have two options: physical exfoliation, which sloughs off dead skin with a tool or a granular scrub, or chemical exfoliation. "Chemical exfoliants break up the “glue” that holds skin cells together. As the old, outermost skin cells shed, they reveal new skin," says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York. All skin types can use a chemical exfoliant to smooth skin, reduce dullness, brighten, and improve the appearance of pores, says Murphy-Rose. However, there are different types and strengths. We break it down below.
What are the types of chemical exfoliants?
Chemical exfoliants are categorized into three main categories: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), Rose says. You'll often find formulas that contain acids from multiple categories. Here are the key differences between them:
Alpha hydroxy acids
AHAs include glycolic, mandelic, malic, citric, lactic, and natural fruit acids. These ingredients are best for treating hyperpigmentation and tackling signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles, says Rose. All skin types can incorporate an AHA into their routine; of course, the higher the percentage, the stronger the exfoliation (over-the-counter acids range from 5 to 30 percent, but more is not necessarily better, and the pH of the product can also affect how harsh it feels).
Lactic acid is the most hydrating option, making it especially great for dry skin. Glycolic acid is the smallest molecule, so it penetrates the deepest, and can also stimulate collagen production. Very often, chemical exfoliants contain a blend of these AHAs because they work well together, making the formula more hydrating, more stable, less irritating, or better able to fend off free radicals.
Beta hydroxy acids
Salicylic acid is the beta hydroxy acid star and is "the only acid that travels into the pores to deeply clean and reduce sebum buildup," says Rose. This is why it's the ideal exfoliant for oily and acne-prone skin types; it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, calming redness and irritation.
Polyhydroxy acids
This category offers the most gentle chemical exfoliants, making it ideal for sensitive skin. "Common PHAs are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose," Rose says. They're cousins to alpha hydroxy acids, with a larger molecular size, so they don't penetrate or irritate the skin. "PHAs also provide antioxidant and hydrating benefits," Rose says.
How to choose a chemical exfoliant
Chemical exfoliants are available in many forms, from wash-off and leave-on masks to serums and cleansers. You can even find options that exfoliate the body and scalp, too. "Choosing between a toner, serum, or cleanser is personal preference, but be mindful that products that stay on the skin for a longer period of time will have stronger effects than a rinse-off cleanser because the acid isn't on the skin for long," says Rose. To help you pick a formula, we narrowed down the best chemical exfoliants for every skin type and concern.
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Brighter, clearer, and more even skin is almost guaranteed with this liquid exfoliant. It contains salicylic acid to exfoliate and decongest pores, green tea to soothe, and methyl propanediol to hydrate the skin and boost radiance.
Glytone Mild Gel Cleanser
Rose calls this one of her favorite hydroxy acid facial cleansers. It contains glycolic acid and is gentle enough to use every day.
Tatcha The Texture Tonic
Swipe this formula on after cleansing to help minimize the look of uneven texture. It contains fruit acids, which exfoliate and brighten, as well as niacinamide and Japanese mugwort to combat redness and the look of large pores.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One AHA Lactic Acid Treatment
Even though this is an exfoliating treatment, it has the consistency of a hydrating serum. Over time, lactic acid helps improves skin texture, reducing the look of pores and fine lines. It also helps to brighten hyperpigmentation, thanks to lemongrass.
Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum
Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid AHA Exfoliating Serum
AHAs (latic acid) and PHAs (gluconolactone) come together in this gentle formula to refine, brighten, and retexturize skin. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate its soothing complex made of hyaluronic acid, aloe juice, and green tea extract.
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA
First Aid Beauty Ingrown Hair Pads with BHA & AHA
Prevent pesky ingrown hairs and razor bumps with these glycolic- and salicylic-acid-infused exfoliating pads. Skin feels smoother and less irritated after each use.
TULA Skincare Biodegradable Toner Pads
TULA Skincare Biodegradable Toner Pads
These fast-acting pads improve the look and feel of skin with exfoliating lactic acid and pre- and probiotic extracts that help balance and nourish skin. They also contain niacinamide to help brighten and balance sebum production.
CeraVe SA Body Wash
Keep the skin below your neck glowing, smooth, and breakout-free with this drugstore body wash formulated with exfoliating salicylic acid plus ceramides to protect the skin barrier.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Resurfacing Night Serum
This serum is chock-full of exfoliating acids, including salicylic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric. It works overnight to unveil clear and luminous skin.
St. Ives Apricot AHA Exfoliating Toner
St. Ives Apricot AHA Exfoliating Toner
St. Ives recently launched a collection of exfoliating toners for those who aren't fans of or can't tolerate the brand's physical scrubs. They're available in a rose, apricot, and no-fragrance option, each catering to different skin types. This one is for combination skin and contains glycolic acid to whisk away dead skin cells.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E +Salicylic Acid Serum
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 12% Pure Vitamin C + E +Salicylic Acid Serum
This 2023 Beauty O-Ward winner deserves a spot in your morning routine for its ability to brighten, minimize fine lines, protect against pollutants, and promote a smooth skin texture.
Dr. Bowe Beauty Exfoliation Night
Apply this exfoliating serum at night and wake up to visibly brighter, smoother, and more refined-looking skin. It contains a powerful blend of AHA, PHA, and BHAs, but it isn't irritating.
Garnier Micellar Skinactive Gentle Peeling Water
Garnier Micellar Skinactive Gentle Peeling Water
Your regular makeup-removing micellar water just got an upgrade. This formula, made with 1 percent PHA and glycolic acid, effectively removes makeup and dirt but also gently exfoliates the skin for an even deeper clean. You can use it as a makeup remover, cleanser, or toner.
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Facial Exfoliator
If you have very sensitive skin, try this PHA formula to exfoliate the skin without compromising its barrier. It's gentle enough to use daily and contains oat oil, so your skin is left moisturized and not stripped.
Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Renew Treatment
Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Renew Treatment
The skin on your scalp needs exfoliation, too; this helps remove buildup and promote healthy hair growth. This salicylic acid-based formula helps calm irritation and itchiness, balances oil production, and can help treat dandruff and psoriasis.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Exfoliating Peeling Solution
It's a TikTok viral sensation for good reason. Beyond the affordable price point and enticing hue, this lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acid blend smooths skin tone and texture. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse.
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream
SkinBetter Science Intensive AlphaRet Overnight Cream
While the idea of mixing retinol and acid sounds like a sensitive skin nightmare, this formula manages to get the job done with little to no irritation. "It contains a smart combination of hydroxy acids and a uniquely formulated form of vitamin A," says Rose. "It's a dermatologist favorite because it boosts collagen production, combats fine lines, and improves tone and texture."
ZitSticka PRESS Exfoliating Hydro-Mask
These refreshing sheet masks, steeped in glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, exfoliate and hydrate skin at the same time. They're perfect for when you feel like your skin is suddenly breaking out and needs a reset.
Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok
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