We Tested 33 Chemical Exfoliators—These 19 Gave Us Baby-Smooth Skin

Best Overall

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

View On Amazon $35 View On Sephora $13 View On Dermstore $32

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Size: 1–8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This holy-grail product from Paula’s Choice is tough to beat when it comes to gentle yet effective exfoliation. It's essentially a toner you can swipe on with a cotton pad or pat on with your fingertips. The formula immediately transformed our skin—it looked more even after the first use. But it provided long-term results, too. By the end of the test, we noticed smaller-looking pores and an all-around smoother, calmer complexion.

The hero ingredient is salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores where it breaks down excess sebum that can lead to blackheads or breakouts. You'll also get a dose of green tea to reduce redness.

It can be slightly drying, but you don't have to use it on your entire face or apply it evenly. For instance, we put a little extra on our noses and other blackhead-prone areas, and our skin drank it right up.

Read Full Review: I Tried Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and It Smoothed My Skin in a Week

Best Budget

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

View On Ulta View On Goodmolecules.com

Type: Serum/overnight treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This leave-on treatment from Good Molecules will do wonders for your complexion, and it'll only run you a few bucks. The lightweight serum spreads easily and absorbs quickly (though it might leave you feeling slightly sticky immediately after application).

We let it soak in overnight and woke up to glowier, tighter skin. Although following with a moisturizer prevented it from drying out our skin, we experienced some stinging at first—but it wasn't overly harsh.

Best Splurge

U Beauty Resurfacing Compound

View On Amazon $228 View On Dermstore $228 View On Nordstrom $88

Type: Serum/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, retinol | Size: 0.5–1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

U Beauty's Resurfacing Compound is a leave-on exfoliant you apply like a serum. Following the directions, we massaged in one pump morning and night, and it played well under our moisturizers and sunscreen.

The mild formula didn't cause any sensitivity or even tingling. Our faces felt smooth and tight after using it. And, throughout the testing period, we noticed an improvement in skin texture and radiance. The results weren't as dramatic or fast as others we tried, but this product definitely does its job. If you're open to spending a bit more on premium products and don't mind playing the long-haul skincare game, this serum is for you.

Best for Overnight

Caudalie Vinoperfect Night Cream

View On Amazon $69 View On Sephora $69 View On Dermstore $69

Type: Night cream/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, vine sap extract | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

Caudalie Vinoperfect is a thick cream you're supposed to leave on overnight and wash off in the morning, making it a no-fuss addition to your skincare routine. It's easy to slather on and has a nice woody-citrus scent. After washing our faces with it for the first time, we woke up the next morning with skin that felt noticeably smoother.

The first few times we applied it, we experienced some tingling, but our skin eventually got used to it. After using it nightly for six weeks, our complexions were glowier and we even noticed our fine lines were less visible. We do wish it came in a pump rather than a screw-top container though.

Best for Everyday Use

Elf Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Exfoliant

View On Amazon $9 View On Target $10 View On Walmart $10

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, licorice root extract | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This cleanser has a creamy, lotion-like consistency. Though e.l.f. recommends using it two or three times a week, we found it gentle enough for daily use, especially since you wash it right off.

Dead skin (along with product) quickly pilled up and rolled off our faces when we lathered up with it. After rinsing, our skin was undoubtedly smoother and more radiant, without any redness. While it didn’t really reduce the look of pores if you notice dullness and uneven texture on the regular, we think you’ll love this product.

Best for Travel

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

View On Amazon $20 View On Sephora $20 View On Dermstore $153

Type: Pre-soaked pads | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, salicylic acid, retinol | Size: 5–60 treatments | Cruelty-Free: Yes

These individually wrapped, pre-soaked peel pads are a clutch choice for jetsetters. They feature a combo of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA), including glycolic, lactic, malic, and salicylic acid. You'll also get a dose of retinol and various skin-friendly antioxidants.

The first cloth of the two-step system has an astringent-like feel that might cause some stinging, but we felt like the formula really penetrated our skin. The second one has a much more calming feel. We saw results with just one use, and after using the pads every two to three days for six weeks, our skin was substantially smoother with a healthy-looking glow. Yes, these peel pads are a two-step process, but they complement each other so well that we can’t complain.

Best Hydrating

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pore-Tight Toner

View On Sephora $16 View On Walmart $44 View On Glowrecipe.com

Type: Toner/leave-on or rinse-off | Key Ingredients: Polyhydroxy acids, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract | Size: 1.4–5.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This toner from Glow Recipe hydrates with watermelon and cactus water while it exfoliates with PHAs and BHAs, so it's a good option for people with dry skin who want to avoid too much peeling or an overly tight feeling. It has a slippery consistency that dries down into a slightly tacky finish. It's meant to be left on and layered under moisturizer or used as a mask and rinsed off after about 10 minutes.

We used it every other day in the evening after cleansing. While we experienced some temporary flushing, it didn't irritate sensitive skin. With consistent use, this product helped decongest pores and made our T-zones less greasy. We also liked the fresh cucumber-melon scent.

Read Full Review: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner Review—A Dual Acid Formula

Best Brightening

Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

View On Amazon $39 View On Sephora $39 View On Dermstore $39

Type: Cream/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Azelaic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 0.17–1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chemical exfoliants help sluff away dead skin which makes it dull, so it’s no surprise that a good one like Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Booster will help brighten your complexion. It can be applied on its own, combined with your moisturizer, or used as a spot treatment. We found the thick cream easy to distribute and not harsh at all. Immediately after applying it, our skin looked more even-toned and plump with a natural glow.

This product also seemed to help with uneven texture on the chin, cheeks, and forehead. Azelaic acid isn't a chemical exfoliant in and of itself, although Dr. Nichols says it's great for preventing breakouts and targeting rosacea. While the ingredient is combined with salicylic acid, it may not be strong enough to replace your regular exfoliator.

Best Leave-On Formula

Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Resurfacing Treatment

View On Amazon $68 View On Sephora $68 View On Ulta

Type: Serum/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, fruit enzymes | Size: 1–4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Looking for something you don't have to wash off? This liquid exfoliant will deliver results without causing sensitivity. Unlike Kate Somerville's famous wash-off formula, this version of ExfoliKate is meant to be left on the skin and followed with a moisturizer. The lightweight, watery liquid spreads easily and absorbs quickly.

We found this product gentle yet effective—there was a slight stinging sensation at first, but it only lasted a couple of minutes. It seemed to help fade dark spots and create a more even-toned complexion while leaving us with consistently soft, supple skin. Just a heads up, it has a chemical, yeast-like scent, but it's not super strong.

Best for Beginners

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

View On Amazon $32 View On Sephora $20 View On Ulta $38

Type: Pre-soaked pads | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid | Size: 28–60 pads | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chemical exfoliant newbies may prefer these convenient, pre-soaked pads. Laced with glycolic acid and lactic acid, these thin pads are smooth on one side and textured on the other. They're incredibly easy to use and gentle enough that you can swipe them on once or twice a day. Beyond dousing your skin with chemical exfoliants, the act of rubbing them around your face counts as physical exfoliation, too.

Our skin looked dewier on day one, and, with consistent use, our complexions were smoother and more radiant with improved texture. Although this product isn't as potent as other options we tried, it's ideal for beginners and daily use.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner

View on Ulta View On Amazon $19 View On Cosrx.com

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, apple fruit water | Size: 0.7–5.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Regular breakouts and clogged pores go hand-in-hand, but this toner goes to the source to help you keep both at bay. We love that you can spray this toner directly onto your face or swipe it on with a cotton pad. It absorbed quickly without drying us out. The formula left our skin feeling squeaky clean and seemed to open up our pores, too. After a few uses, we noticed dead skin flaking off and a reduction in acne flare-ups.

We did experience some mild irritation at first, but nothing too intense. The results weren't as dramatic as other options we tested, but overall, this product lived up to its claims in terms of balancing oil production, clearing blackheads, and smoothing the skin.

Best for Enlarged Pores

Holifrog Shasta Exfoliating Daily Cleanser

View On Dermstore $38 View On Alyaka.com View On Holifrog.com

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid | Size: 5.1 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

While no product can truly make pores disappear, this daily face wash can help minimize the appearance of pores and achieve more even-toned skin. It cleared up our complexions within a couple of weeks. It also smoothed out rough, dry patches on our cheeks and foreheads.

After six weeks of use, our skin felt softer and had an illuminated appearance. We liked the silky feel of the cleanser, but it has a chemical smell we weren't thrilled about.

Best for Fine Lines

Hyper Skin Hyper Even Fade and Glow Mask

View On Sephora $48 View On Hyperskin.com View On Thirteenlune.com

Type: Mask/rinse-off treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, papaya enzymes | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Containing two powerful AHAs, plus salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, and niacinamide, this exfoliating mask pulls out all the stops to minimize fine lines, improve elasticity, and firm up your skin. Hyper Skin's Fade and Glow Mask has a thick, creamy consistency that spreads easily. We left it on for 15 minutes, and after rinsing it off, our skin felt clean and looked noticeably smoother.

It stung slightly for a few minutes the first time we used it. While it didn't seem to cause any real negative reactions, it might be too strong for daily use if your skin is more sensitive. Overall, we were pleased with the results.

Best for Sensitive Skin

No7 Laboratories Resurfacing Peel

View On Amazon $23 View On No7beauty.com

Type: Rinse-off treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Folks with sensitive, reactive complexions will appreciate how this mild treatment delivers the benefits of exfoliation without redness or irritation. This watery gel solution is meant to be rinsed off after five minutes. It's really easy to spread around your face, and a little goes a long way. Upon washing it off, our skin felt not only softer and more radiant but also hydrated. With consistent use, it seemed to help face scars and prevent breakouts.

The formula is gentle for the most part. But using it every day might be too much, especially if your skin is reactive (the brand recommends three times a week, max).

Best for Redness

PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant with 2% Salicylic Acid

View On Amazon $11 View On Ulta View On Target $11

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, chamomile, blue algae extract | Size: 4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This leave-on toner is truly a multitasker: it can help heal and prevent acne, unclog pores, keep oil under control, and soothe inflammation. It goes on like a toner and glides easily onto our skin. We felt like it started working immediately. The formula leans on BHA all-star salicylic acid to mitigate breakouts while also clearing away sebum which can lead to white and blackheads.

It also helps soothe inflammation and tamper redness thanks to chamomile and blue algae extract. Though the brand suggests using it up to twice a day, we think it might be a little too potent for daily use. It can be a bit drying so start slowly to avoid a tight, stripped feeling.

Best for Oily Skin

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner

View On Sephora $9 View On Ulta $13 View On Target $9

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, aloe vera | Size: 3.4–8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This exfoliant from The Ordinary blends glycolic acid and aloe vera to control sebum (aka oily skin) while also unclogging pores and soothing redness and irritation. It has a watery consistency and comes out of the bottle pretty fast, but it's easy to spread around with a cotton pad. Our skin was undeniably smoother after the first use and continued to improve over time.

The formula truly does help control oil production and prevent breakouts, and, after six weeks, our skin had a nice glow. It's meant to be left on, but if you find it too harsh or drying, you can rinse it off after a few minutes.

Best for Treating Breakouts

PEACE OUT Acne Treatment Serum

View On Amazon $34 View On Sephora $34 View On Ulta

Type: Serum/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, centella asiatica, zinc, triluronic acid | Size: 1 ounce | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Peace Out Acne Serum is aptly named since it's designed to target and zap pimples. We love that you can use this product as often as twice a day as a serum or spot treatment since it both treats and prevents future breakouts.

We applied the silky, gel-like serum and didn't experience any stinging or redness but definitely noticed it working. While we weren't blown away by the results in terms of general exfoliation, our pores looked smaller after using it. We think it's a good option to wear under makeup if you want to treat pimples during the day.

Best for Makeup Removal

SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser Gel

View on Dermstore View On Skinstore.com $42 View On Skinceuticals.com

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, phytic acid, aloe vera | Size: 5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No

If you’re looking for an exfoliant that will also remove your makeup, this one’s your guy. The formula is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores so we love it for oily, acne-prone, or combination skin. The cleansing gel was a pleasure to use. It foams up really nicely and has a refreshing citrus scent. It removed almost all traces of makeup and left our faces feeling so clean.

During the testing period, our skin became softer and glowier. And it wasn't so strong that we had to adjust our skincare routine, but we suggest using retinol or similar actives on days you're not using this product.