The 7 best exfoliators for your face, from BHA to gentle PHAs

Key takeaways

• Chemical exfoliants use acids to loosen dead skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says people with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator.

• Our top pick is Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, a fragrance-free salicylic acid liquid for oily skin, clogged pores and blackheads.

• For sensitive skin, Medik8 Press & Glow and The INKEY List PHA Toner use gluconolactone, a gentler PHA, and both are labeled fragrance-free.

• For a multitasking option, the Resurfacing Compound from U Beauty pairs Glycolic, Mandelic and Lactobionic Acids with a Retinol Ester and Vitamin C in one serum.

• AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid make skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen daily.

How to choose a face exfoliator

Chemical exfoliants come in three main families, and our guide to AHA vs BHA covers the differences in more depth:

• BHAs (salicylic acid) are oil-soluble, so they suit oily skin, blackheads and clogged pores.

• AHAs (glycolic, lactic) work on the surface and suit dull, dry or uneven-looking skin.

• PHAs (gluconolactone) are newer and are often suggested for sensitive skin.

The AAD warns that exfoliating “is not for everyone” and, if not done properly, “could do more harm than good.” It notes that pairing exfoliation with retinoids or benzoyl peroxide may worsen dry skin, that more aggressive exfoliation can lead to increased pigmentation in darker skin tones, and that you shouldn’t exfoliate sunburned skin. The more aggressive the exfoliant, the less often it needs to be used.

Sun protection matters too. The FDA found that four weeks of AHA use raised skin’s sensitivity to UV reddening by 18%, an effect that faded within a week of stopping.

We compared each product on its published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at its acid type and strength, pH where the brand states it, whether fragrance is listed, how often the brand says to use it, and the price.

1. Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: best overall

Paula’s Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a leave-on liquid with 2% salicylic acid and green tea, in a short, eight-ingredient formula. Paula’s Choice labels it fragrance-free and alcohol-free and says it’s clinically proven to boost cell turnover for smoother, clearer-looking skin in as little as one week.

Key features:

• 2% salicylic acid. It’s oil-soluble, so it works on clogged pores and blackheads.

• Fragrance-free. Paula’s Choice says so on the product page.

• Flexible use. Paula’s Choice says it can be used up to twice a day if your skin tolerates it, followed by sunscreen in the daytime.

Tradeoff: at $37 it’s mid-priced, and Paula’s Choice says to check with your doctor first if you have a salicylate allergy.

Best for: oily and combination skin with clogged pores and blackheads.

Price: $37 for 4 fl oz.

2. Medik8 Press & Glow: best for sensitive skin

Medik8 Press & Glow is a daily exfoliating toner with 5.5% gluconolactone, a PHA, plus aloe and prickly pear flower extract. Medik8 labels it fragrance-free and alcohol-free, and in a 52-person consumer study, 96% of people with sensitive skin agreed it was gentle.

Key features:

• 5.5% PHA. Gluconolactone is a gentler alternative to AHAs.

• Published study figures. In a 31-person clinical study, Medik8 reports a 20% improvement in skin glow after four weeks.

• Refill available. Medik8 sells a refill for $30.

Tradeoff: Medik8 recommends a 24-hour patch test before first use, and it’s pricier than The INKEY List’s PHA toner up front.

Best for: sensitive skin, or anyone pairing an exfoliant with a retinoid.

Price: $35 for 200 ml.

3. U Beauty Resurfacing Compound: best multitasking exfoliating serum

U Beauty calls the Resurfacing Compound its “Holy-Grail Multitasking Serum.” The multitasking serum combines the benefits of up to 8 skincare steps in one formula, pairing a blend of exfoliating acids (Glycolic, Mandelic and Lactobionic Acids) with Retinyl Palmitate, a Retinol Ester, and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, a form of Vitamin C, all powered by proprietary SIREN Capsule Technology™. U Beauty says it helps visibly improve uneven-looking texture, the look of pores and discoloration for glass-like skin.

Key features:

• Acids, a Retinol Ester and Vitamin C in 1 step. It’s applied all over the face after cleansing, before moisturizer.

• Published study figures. In an independent 30-volunteer instrumental study, 96% saw a reduction in the look of pore size after 15 days of consistent use, once a day, according to U Beauty.

• Three sizes. It comes in 15 ml, 30 ml and 50 ml, in an airless pump.

Tradeoff: at $228 for 50 ml it has the highest price tag here, and it contains a fragrance ingredient, methyldihydrojasmonate. U Beauty suggests evening-only use if irritation occurs at first, and SPF whenever you go outside.

Best for: people who want an exfoliating serum that also covers Vitamin C and a Retinol Ester, allowing a longer routine to get shorter.

Price: $228 for 50 ml.

4. The INKEY List PHA Toner: best budget PHA

The INKEY List PHA Toner has 3% gluconolactone and 3% niacinamide, with aloe and glycerin, at a stated pH of 3.62. The INKEY List labels it fragrance-free and vegan.

Key features:

• PHA plus niacinamide. Our guide to what niacinamide does covers the research on it.

• Fragrance-free. The INKEY List says so on the product page.

• Low price. It’s $18 for 100 ml.

Tradeoff: The INKEY List advises against layering it with AHAs, BHAs or retinol, and says results can take up to six weeks.

Best for: sensitive or first-time exfoliators on a budget.

Price: $18 for 100 ml.

5. Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%: best budget BHA

Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% has encapsulated salicylic acid with Australian finger lime and other fruit extracts, at a stated pH of 3.5 to 4.0. Naturium labels it fragrance-free.

Key features:

• 2% salicylic acid. It’s the same strength as our top pick.

• Fragrance-free. Naturium says so on the product page.

• Gradual start. Naturium suggests every other night at first, building to daily use.

Tradeoff: Naturium’s pore claim comes from an eight-week clinical study, but the page doesn’t say how many people took part.

Best for: oily skin that wants a BHA at a lower price.

Price: $19 for 4 fl oz.

6. Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment: best AHA serum

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment is a leave-on serum with a 9.2% blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids at pH 3.5, with sodium hyaluronate. Good Molecules recommends using it at night up to three times a week, or once a week for very sensitive skin.

Key features:

• Mostly glycolic acid. It’s an AHA-led formula for dull, uneven-looking skin.

• Night-only use. Good Molecules says to always wear sunscreen when AHAs are part of your routine.

• Very low price. It’s the least expensive pick here.

Tradeoff: at 9.2% it has the highest total acid percentage here, and its ingredient list includes denatured alcohol, so it isn’t the best starting point for sensitive skin.

Best for: combination skin that wants an inexpensive AHA treatment.

Price: $6 for 30 ml.

7. Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel Serum: best AHA, BHA and PHA blend

Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel Serum combines 5.5% AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid), 0.18% salicylic acid and 3% gluconolactone, with panthenol and allantoin. Kiehl’s says it’s safe to use up to twice a day, with sunscreen in the morning.

Key features:

• All three acid types. It combines an AHA, a BHA and a PHA in one serum.

• Published study figures. In a four-week consumer perception study, 91% agreed their skin looked smoother, according to Kiehl’s.

• Two sizes. It comes in 30 ml and 50 ml.

Tradeoff: at $55 for 30 ml it’s one of the pricier picks, and Kiehl’s doesn’t say how many people were in its study.

Best for: people who want a single serum that covers several acids.

Price: $55 for 30 ml.

How to exfoliate your face safely

• Start slowly. Cleveland Clinic suggests starting glycolic acid once or twice a week and working up from there. Our guide to how often to exfoliate covers each skin type.

• Use one acid at a time at first. Don’t stack a BHA, an AHA and a retinoid when you’re new to acids. Our guide to retinol for beginners explains how to add a retinoid slowly.

• Wear sunscreen every day. The FDA advises sun protection with BHA products as well as AHAs. Our guide to mineral vs chemical sunscreen explains the options.

• Stop if it stings. The FDA advises stopping and seeing a doctor if you get irritation or prolonged stinging.

• Pair it with a gentle cleanser. If you’re acne-prone, our list of face washes for acne covers cleansers that won’t double up on harsh ingredients.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to exfoliate your face?

For most people, a mild chemical exfoliant used a few times a week. The AAD says people with dry, sensitive or acne-prone skin may prefer a washcloth and a mild chemical exfoliator over a scrub.

Is a chemical exfoliant better than a scrub?

Often, yes, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The AAD notes that aggressive exfoliation can cause problems, including darker patches in darker skin tones.

How often should I exfoliate my face?

It depends on the product and your skin. Start once or twice a week and build up slowly. The AAD says the more aggressive the exfoliant, the less often you need it.

Which exfoliator is best for sensitive skin?

A PHA like gluconolactone is usually the gentlest place to start. Medik8 Press & Glow and The INKEY List PHA Toner are both labeled fragrance-free.

Can I use an exfoliator with retinol?

Carefully. The AAD warns that combining exfoliation with retinoids can worsen dryness. Use them on different nights at first, or pick a gentle PHA.