Want Baby-Soft Skin? We Found the 19 Best Chemical Exfoliators, Starting at Just $10 (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, green tea | Size: 1–8 oz | 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 transforms skin—it looked more even after the first use. But it provided long-term results, too. By the end of the test, our testers' pores looked smaller and had an all-around smoother, calmer complexion.

The hero ingredient is salicylic acid, which is oil-soluble, meaning it can penetrate deep into pores to break 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, you can put a little extra on your nose and other blackhead-prone areas.

Type: Serum/overnight treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 1 oz | 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).

Let it soak in overnight and you'll wake up to glowing, tighter skin. Although following with a moisturizer prevented it from drying out our tester's skin, they experienced some stinging at first—but it wasn't overly harsh.

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

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

The mild formula didn't cause any sensitivity or even tingling. Her face felt smooth and tight after using it. And, throughout the testing period, she noticed an improvement in skin texture and radiance. The results weren't as dramatic or fast as others she'd 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.

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

Caudalie Vinoperfect is a thick cream you 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 her face with it for the first time, our tester woke up the next morning with skin that felt noticeably smoother.

The first few times she applied it, she experienced some tingling, but her skin eventually got used to it. After using it nightly for six weeks, her complexion was glowing and she even noticed her fine lines were less visible. She wished it came in a pump rather than a screw-top container though.

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

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

Dead skin (along with product) quickly pilled up and rolled off our tester's face when she lathered up with it. After rinsing, her 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.

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 the formula really penetrates the skin. The second one has a much more calming feel. Our tester saw results with just one use, and after using the pads every two to three days for six weeks, her 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.

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

This toner from Glow Recipe hydrates with watermelon and cactus water while exfoliating 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.

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

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

Chemical exfoliants help sluff away dead skin that makes it look dull, so it’s no surprise that a good one like Paula's Choice Azelaic Acid Booster brightens 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 tester's 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.

Type: Serum/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, fruit enzymes | Size: 1–4 oz | 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.

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

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 to swipe 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 tester's skin looked dewier on day one, and, with consistent use, her complexion was 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.

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, apple fruit water | Size: 0.7–5.1 oz | 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 it directly onto your face or swipe it on with a cotton pad. It absorbed quickly but wasn't drying. The formula left the skin feeling squeaky clean and seemed to open up the pores. After a few uses, our tester noticed dead skin flaking off and a reduction in acne flare-ups.

They 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.

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, tartaric acid | Size: 5.1 oz | 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 tester's complexions within a couple of weeks. It also smoothed out rough, dry patches on their cheeks and foreheads.

After six weeks of use, their skin felt softer and looked illuminated. They liked the silky feel of the cleanser, but it has a chemical smell they weren't thrilled about.

Type: Mask/rinse-off treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide, papaya enzymes | Size: 1.7 oz | 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. Our tester left it on for 15 minutes, and after rinsing it off, her skin felt clean and looked noticeably smoother.

It stung slightly for a few minutes the first time she 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.

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

Folks with reactive complexions will appreciate how this mild treatment delivers the benefits of exfoliation for sensitive skin without 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, the skin felt softer, more radiant, and 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).

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, chamomile, blue algae extract | Size: 4 oz | 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, gliding easily onto the skin. It started working immediately. The formula leans on BHA all-star salicylic acid to mitigate breakouts while 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.

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

This exfoliant from The Ordinary blends glycolic acid and aloe vera to control sebum (aka oily skin) while 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 with a cotton pad. Our tester's 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, their 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.

Type: Serum/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, centella asiatica, zinc, triluronic acid | Size: 1 oz | 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.

Our tester ester applied the silky, gel-like serum and didn't experience any stinging or redness but definitely noticed it working. They weren't blown away by how it exfoliated but their pores looked smaller at the end of the testing period. We think it's a good option to wear under makeup if you want to treat pimples during the day.

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

If you’re looking for an exfoliant that also removes your makeup, this one’s your guy. The formula is noncomedogenic, 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 the skin feeling so clean.

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

Type: Toner/leave-on treatment | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This plant-based toner is not only vegan but cruelty-free and formulated without gluten or synthetic fragrance. Applying it felt like rubbing water on the skin—our tester experienced virtually no negative effects. But it did provide significant benefits like fewer blackheads and acne.

They used it at night and woke up in the morning with illuminated, even-toned skin. Because glycolic acid has the smallest molecular size and weight of all alpha-hydroxy acids, it can penetrate deeper into the skin to promote cell turnover, according to Dr. Nichols. It can be slightly drying though so make sure to follow with a nourishing moisturizer.

FAQ

• Can I use a chemical exfoliant every day?

  While some products are safe to use every day, most experts recommend exfoliating two to three times per week. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid over-exfoliating, as it may be too harsh and could compromise the skin barrier.

• What is the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

  Physical exfoliation involves, as the name says, something physical (such as sugar granules or a rough washcloth) to mechanically remove dead skin cells by buffing them away. Chemical exfoliants use acids (like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic) or enzymes to exfoliate by dissolving the outermost layer of dead skin.