I Asked Derms to Name the Best Face Exfoliators in Existence—They Came Back with These 13

Pros: Hybrid exfoliant, hydrates skin barrier, leaves skin glowy

Cons: None we can think of

Type: Physical and chemical | Key ingredients: Magnesium flakes, zinc gluconate, PHAs | Skin type: Normal, dry, oily

Sofie Pavitt’s Studio-Smooth Microdermabrasion Scrub was the top recommendation from several of our experts. This multitasking formula combines physical and chemical exfoliants to buff away dead skin cells and gently resurface fresh, glowing skin in one fell swoop. “It uses magnesium flakes alongside zinc and PHAs, so it feels super purifying and gives you that really satisfying physical exfoliation without leaving the skin feeling stripped or overly dry,” says medical aesthetician and founder of Sloan Studios, Malika Sloan.

While De Feis says that people with sensitive or dry skin should be wary of physical scrubs, Pavitt’s formula is an exception. The exfoliant’s PHAs work hard to restore hydration, though the formula effectively controls sebum production. “[It] has the addition of zinc PCA for sebum regulation, which is extra beneficial for oily skin types,” she explains. In short, 10s across the board.

Customer review: “I seriously cannot believe how good this is. I bought it on a whim without expecting much, and it completely surprised me. My skin felt so soft after the first use, and the biggest difference I noticed was how much better my makeup looked. It got rid of all the dry, dead skin, so everything applied so much smoother and looked way more natural. My makeup has been looking flawless! This is one of those products where you actually notice a difference right away, which doesn’t happen often. It’s 100% worth the money, and I’m honestly so happy I picked it up.”

Pros: Budget-friendly, gentle formula, suitable for sensitive skin

Cons: Not the most efficacious if you want deep exfoliation

Type: Physical | Key ingredients: Vitamin B5, vitamin E, glycerin | Skin type: All

We love a luxury product at Who What Wear, but beauty experts know that top-tier products can often be found in the drugstore aisle. In fact, this gentle, low-priced exfoliant from Cetaphil was one of the top recommendations from board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, when we asked. “This is a good option because its microfine particles provide gentle surface exfoliation while glycerin, vitamin B5, and vitamin E help keep the skin feeling soft rather than stripped,” she explains.

Customer review: “I have sensitive skin so Cetaphil products are perfect for me. This face wash won’t rip off the top lining of your skin, but you’ll still feel clean after using it. I never get breakouts from using it. Overall value is great. Two bottles last me a few months (and I use it every day).”

Pros: Smooths uneven tone and texture, minimizes appearance of pores, reveals a noticeable glow

Cons: Leaves a mild tingling sensation

Type: Pads (60) | Key ingredients: Lactic, mandelic, salicylic, and succinic acids; peptides, saccharide isomerate | Skin type: Normal, combination, dry, oily

My mother and I both fell in love with these Drmtlgy peel pads from the first use. Gentle enough for everyday use (and for our rosacea-stricken skin), these pads instantly penetrated and revived the skin barrier—leaving us with glowing, youthful skin. “These pads use a 4-acid system with 5% mandelic acid, 2% lactic acid, 2% salicylic acid and 2% succinic acid, giving you a combination of surface exfoliation, pore-clearing and brightening benefits,” explains Garshick, who also recommends the pads. The derm specifically calls out its mixture of glycerin, allantoin, and saccharide isomerate, which hydrates the skin and prevents the “stripped or overly dry feeling that can occur with exfoliating acids.”

Customer review: “Okay… I’m obsessed with these. I didn’t realize how much my skin needed a good exfoliating pad until I tried these. My face feels incredibly soft and smooth afterward, and I swear it gets rid of all that dull, built-up stuff without making my skin feel tight. I also love that they’re dual-sided, and the blend of AHAs and BHAs is exactly what my skin loves. Definitely one of those products I’ll keep buying.”

Pros: Melts away dead skin cells overnight, brightens complexion, hydrates barrier

Cons: Quite expensive

Type: Chemical | Key ingredients: 10% glycolic acid, 2% phytic acid, 1% soothing complex | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, oily

Sloan highlights this chemical exfoliant as another one of her personal recommendations for its brightening and skin-smoothing properties. “It’s an amazing 10% glycolic treatment that you can use a few nights a week before moisturizer,” she explains. Between its purifying combination of plant-derived acids and a soothing botanical oil complex, the product cleanses the skin of impurities and sustains a calm skin barrier. “It works overnight to exfoliate and brighten, and you wake up with an insane glow,” she adds.

Customer review: “I am acne-prone and oily. This product is a lifesaver. It will dry up my acne within 24 hours while also creating a glow on my face. I am absolutely obsessed and repurchase any time I am near getting low—I cannot go without this product!”

Pros: Non-irritating formula, effectively removes buildup, unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores

Cons: Formula type may be too abrasive for sensitive skin; fragranced

Type: Physical | Key ingredients: Bamboo, aloe, pink grapefruit extract | Skin type: Normal

Though this pick from Grown Alchemist is a physical exfoliant, it’s a surprisingly gentle one. Mixed with bamboo particles and botanical extracts like grapefruit and peppermint leaf, this scrub works hard to buff away buildup and impurities while keeping the skin feeling soft and supple. While it may not be gentle enough for very sensitive skin, this is a great physical exfoliant for those with uncompromised barriers.

Customer review: “I got [this]first as a sample in [an]Advent calendar, and I loved it so much I had to buy the full-size version. It helps smooth my skin out without it feeling like I’ve been scrubbing it raw. It also smells incredible.”

Pros: Minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, boosts hydration, smooths skin tone and texture

Cons: May be too abrasive for someone

Type: Peel pads (20) | Key ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid; retinol, ectoin | Skin type: All

Mature skin can be easily irritated due to a thinning dermis, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use exfoliators. In fact, derms actually recommend them for your skin type—especially this one from RoC. “This is particularly appealing for mature skin because it combines exfoliation with retinol, addressing both surface texture and longer-term signs of skin aging,” says Garshick. “Step one uses glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids to resurface the skin, while step two contains RoC’s retinol along with ectoin, allantoin, and bisabolol to help smooth and soothe.”

Customer review: “I’ve been really impressed with the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads! The two-step treatment is easy to use and leaves my skin feeling smoother, softer, and refreshed. After using them, my skin looks brighter and more radiant, and with regular use, it helps improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture. I also like that they give my skincare routine a little extra boost without being complicated. Overall, these peel pads are a great at-home treatment for anyone looking for smoother, brighter.”

Pros: Smooths skin texture and tone, offers a healthy glow, non-irritating formula

Cons: None we can think of

Type: Toner | Key ingredients: 5.5% PHA, glycerin, aloe vera | Skin type: All

Exfoliants can be tough on dry skin, but this toner from Medik8 strikes the perfect balance between clarifying and hydrating. “This exfoliant is good for those with dry skin as it incorporates polyhydroxy acid (PHA), which provides mild exfoliation while being generally less irritating than stronger AHAs,” says Garshick. “It also contains aloe vera and prickly pear extract to help support hydration, making it a good option for those who want smoother, more radiant skin without stripping the skin barrier.”

Customer review: “I have granulomatous rosacea, and it’s a nightmare, but consistent use of this (in combo with prescriptions and a PHA serum) has helped keep my skin texture soft and pustules and redness in check. I react to the majority of acids out there, so I was so happy this caused no irritation, allergic reaction, or stinging. It is actually soothing, and I look forward to using it. I saw noticeable improvement in my skin texture within a few days, and it has finally helped rid me of the dreaded flakes I was getting when I applied makeup (no matter how much moisturizer I lathered on). I can’t recommend this enough.”

Pros: Effectively unclogs pores, controls sebum, hydrates fresh skin

Cons: May be a bit too dehydrating for dry skin types

Type: Chemical | Key ingredients: 2% BHA, green tea, methylpropanediol | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination, oily

This is one of the best exfoliants I’ve ever personally tried (and I have very sensitive skin), but this chemical exfoliant really excels for those with oily skin due to its powerful ingredient list. “For oily skin, salicylic acid is a great choice because it is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate into the pore and help dissolve excess sebum and buildup,” Garshick explains. “This is a great lightweight option that is easy to use,” she adds. The derm also spotlights the formula’s green tea extract, which works hard to soothe freshly toned skin, blast clogged pores, and smooth uneven texture.

Customer review: “Noticed immediate improvement in the feel and look of the skin of my forehead once I began using this product. I’d been suffering from acne and have had none since! I will faithfully continue to use this product.”

Pros: Lightweight texture, prevents breakouts, clears blemishes

Cons: May be too astringent for everyday use

Type: Chemical | Key ingredients: 1.5% salicylic, glycolic, and lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) | Skin type: Oily and acne-prone

People with acneic skin are likely no strangers to a good exfoliant, but not all are created equal. “This is a nice option for acne-prone skin because it contains a triple acid complex including 1.5% salicylic acid with glycolic acid and lipohydroxy acid (LHA),” says Garshick. These ingredients effectively unclog buildup in pores, minimize breakouts, and smooth texture. “I also like that the formula includes niacinamide and La Roche-Posay Thermal Water, which can help support the skin barrier and soothe potential irritation associated with exfoliating ingredients.”

Customer review: “After improving my hormonal acne tremendously over the years with Spiro and retinol, I still had big pimples that hurt, lasted a long time, and left dark marks. This serum has been the final piece of the puzzle in preventing new acne!”

Pros: Evens skin tone, calms redness, diminishes dark spots

Cons: On the expensive side

Type: Chemical | Key ingredients: 10% azelaic acid, 1% kojic acid, 3% hexyrescorcinol complex | Skin type: All, including sensitive and rosacea-prone

People with rosacea often have very sensitive skin, but they, too, need to practice exfoliation every once in a while. This was another pick with several derms’ stamps of approval, but it especially shines in the redness department thanks to one of its key ingredients: azelaic acid. “Azelaic acid, in general, is a great option for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin,” says De Feis. “The Allies of Skin one is very comprehensive with the addition of skin brighteners,” she adds, as ingredients like kojic acid and bakuchiol help diminish dark spots and quell redness.

Customer review: “I don’t have a ton of skin issues, but I am 40 and trying to find ways to make my skin look and feel a little bit better. My main concerns are mostly redness, but also a little elasticity. I’ve tried a reasonable amount of products from various lines, and I’ve never found that anything made ANY difference. Since adding this in recently, my skin feels even better, and my redness is reduced. This is the closest thing to a miracle that I’ve found, and the price is certainly worth it. It’s pretty lightweight (milky), it does not pill under makeup or sunscreen, and it works nicely with other AM and PM skin products. Will continue to purchase.”

Pros: Easy to use, gentle on sensitive skin, hydrating ingredients

Cons: Some shoppers say the reformulated pads aren’t as effective as the older iteration

Type: Pads (60) | Key ingredients: Glycolic and lactic acids | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination

Exfoliants can be scary territory for those with irritable skin types, but First Aid Beauty’s Facial Radiance Pads are a derm-approved pick for someone who needs gentle sloughing. “These are a good option for someone who wants the benefits of an AHA without irritation,” says Garshick. “Glycolic and lactic acids help gently improve dullness and uneven texture, while the soothing, hydrating formulation makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin,” she adds. Plus, the pre-soaked pads make it easy to apply—just rub in a circular motion on the cheeks, chin, jawline, and forehead, and go.

Customer review: “So gentle yet effective. I was officially convinced once I ran out for a few days and then I immediately felt their absence. I will not let that happen again. I have sensitive skin with fragrance allergies. These pads let me indulge in self-care while respecting my allergies.”

Pros: Works on face and body, sloughs away dead skin cells physically and chemically

Cons: Must use a sizeable amount of product to see a difference

Type: Chemical and physical | Key ingredients: Papain enzymes, salicylic acid, rice bran, colloidal oatmeal | Skin type: Normal, oily, combination

“This is a unique option because it combines physical, enzymatic and chemical exfoliation in a very fine powder,” Garshick starts. The active-infused powder-to-foam formula creates a tincture that is both physically and chemically exfoliating. “Papain helps break down dead skin cells, while salicylic acid is particularly helpful for oily or acne-prone skin because it is oil-soluble […] while the rice bran extract is rich in antioxidants,” she explains. “It also contains colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to soothe and calm the skin.”

Customer review: “I think most of Dermalogica’s products are overrated. Not this one. My skin is too thin for the rougher stuff, and it tends to be dehydrated, but the pores are easily clogged, especially from reapplying sunblock. I wanted an effective, fine-grained exfoliant that had just a little acid in it. I bought the mini. This product did exactly what I wanted it to do: sweep away any remaining debris after cleansing. It makes every other product I use work better, and clears up the occasional bump of milia/acne/who-knows-what. If not for the price, I’d use it head to toe. Best skincare product I’ve found in probably 20 years. “

Pros: Diminishes the appearance of dark spots plus uneven tone and texture, calms redness, gentle formula that soothes sensitive skin

Cons: Some shoppers don’t feel that it was strong enough to see serious results

Type: Chemical | Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, azelaic acid, ceramides | Skin type: Combination, oily

“Experiment Continuum is one of the most innovative and versatile exfoliants that I’ve come across in a long time,” says De Feis. “It’s effective for literally every skin type, including acne-prone, dry, sensitive, and even rosacea-prone, since it uses encapsulated salicylic acid and a water-soluble azelaic acid derivative for gentle delivery,” she explains. The best part, though, is that it does all this while soothing the skin with calming ingredients like allantoin and ceramides to strengthen, soften, and calm the skin barrier. It combines so many of our favorite actives (salicylic, azelaic, PHAs, you name it) and truly does it all—fading hyperpigmentation, calming irritation, blasting blemishes, and controlling oil production. Oh, and it’s under $35.

Customer review: “I bought this on a whim because I would give a limb for the moisture mesh and the lip balms from Experiment. I instantly knew I would love this too. Finished my first bottle, and my second bottle is being delivered today. This really helps even out my skin tone. I have some minor rosacea, and this keeps my redness down. I do not get many breakouts, but I have noticed that my skin has been incredibly clear with this.”