The 14 Best Face Exfoliators Of 2023 For Every Single Skin Type & Goal

Even as someone who doesn’t have sensitive skin, I find myself gravitating towards Tata Harper’s essential oil-free Superkind line. Trust: These products may be gentle, but they deliver ultra-glowy results. This creamy mask features self-neutralizing AHAs, along with white kaolin clay to delicately unglue dead skin cells and absorb excess oil. 

What does “self-neutralizing” mean, you ask? Well, after you apply the mask and let it set for the allotted 20 minutes, the AHAs actually stop working—so you don’t have to worry about leaving it on for too long and risking irritation. Feel free to marinate as long as you like. 

What our tester says

“Perhaps one of my favorite masks of all time, this lush formula is a delight. It's slightly enzymatic, decadently hydrating, and seriously brightening. When I'm lucky enough to have a jar, I use it once a week—and take advantage of every last drop. I recommend it to everyone I know.” — Alexandra Engler, mbg beauty director

Mature skin also tends to be on the drier and sensitive side, so gentle acids have their place here, too. Great news: This Savor Beauty mask includes lactic acid and gluconic acid, which are two of the best chemical exfoliants for fragile skin. The former is an AHA that doesn’t penetrate as deeply as others. The latter is a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), which has an even larger molecular structure than AHAs and BHAs, so it’s super delicate on the skin. 

Not to mention, this PHA also functions as a humectant, which means it simultaneously draws water into the skin, making it instantly appear more firm and plump. As if that wasn’t enough, the formula also relies on pumpkin enzymes to brighten and smooth the complexion. 

What our tester says

“This formula was practically made for me. It's for those with sensitive skin, but are starting to see signs of aging. (It's a tough balance! You want to be proactive with fine lines, but you certainly don't want to be too aggressive to the point of irritation.) This blends together lactic acid, pumpkin enzymes, and gluconic acid (which helps with collagen). The result is smoother, happier skin.” — Engler

It’s a cult-favorite for a reason: The 2% salicylic acid exfoliator works hard to unclog pores and balance the skin’s sebum levels, resulting in a brighter, smoother complexion. Salicylic acid is top notch for acne-prone skin, as the oil-soluble BHA can shimmy its way deep inside the pores and unclog them at the source. I will say that a little bit of this solution goes a long way—some people have experienced irritation when used in excess—but you’d be surprised by how smooth your skin looks after just a few swipes. 

What our tester says

“There's been an obvious improvement in my overall complexion that goes beyond breakouts. I feel like my skin absorbs other products better, likely due to the reduction in excess oil. My tinted moisturizer also glides on easier, and I don't have to powder away the appearance of my pores.” — Braelyn Wood, mbg deputy commerce editor 

This essence is so hydrating, it’s easy to forget it has exfoliating properties, too. The brand calls it a 3-in-1 formula that functions like a gentle exfoliant (powered by phytic, gluconic, and salicylic acids), a purifying toner, and a refreshing essence that floods the skin with antioxidants. Of course, it also features the signature Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8), composed of amino acids, vitamins, and synthesized molecules to promote cellular regeneration. 

What our tester says

When an exfoliator feels this hydrating, I have to intentionally keep myself from slathering it on every single day (admittedly, I have overwhelmed my skin barrier time and again). However, this essence is so gentle and hydrating that I actually can use it every day if I wanted to. My skin feels soft and smooth with zero irritation—in fact, the formula actually calms my redness and leaves me glowing.

Physical exfoliators are great for an immediate glow—they contain small particles to manually lift and remove dead skin cells, whereas it takes a bit of time for a chemical exfoliator to promote cell turnover. That’s what makes this mask so effective for skin-brightening: It contains gentle rice particles to physically slough away dead skin, as well as glycolic acid and lactic acid to unglue those bonds. Finally, you’ll find pomegranate, pumpkin, and papaya enzymes to rid dead skin cells at the surface. I personally love a good enzyme mask—consider this one supercharged. 

What our tester says

As someone who routinely tests a bunch of products, I really appreciate the mask format. See, with a serum or toner, it’s easy for some (well, me) to over-exfoliate. “With a mask, you use it up to three times a week and will not go overboard,” board-certified dermatologist Elena Jones, M.D., chief dermatologist of Humanrace, once told mbg. And my partner has officially stolen this one from me—it’s that good. 

This mask is jam-packed with skin-resurfacing AHAs—like glycolic, lactic, mandelic, malic, phytic, and tartaric—as well as gluconic acid, a lovely PHA that simultaneously hydrates. You’ll also find an ingredient called potassium azeloyl diglycinate, which is a derivative of azelaic acid and superb for fading hyperpigmentation. 

Like its name suggests, the mask includes plenty of berry extracts to brighten the skin and provide antioxidant protection. Not for nothing, it looks, feels, and smells just like strawberry jam, so much so that you may even be tempted to take a bite. (Please don’t, but really, the sensorial experience is unmatched!) 

What our tester says

Any time my skin looks a little meh, I bring out this peel. Instantly, my complexion looks 10x brighter, smoother, and more even-toned. I will say, she’s a strong one—those with sensitive skin might want to proceed with caution. But if you can handle most at-home chemical peels, you should be A-OK. 

Exfoliating cleansers can be tricky: You want one that effectively unclogs pores and reduces excess oil without stripping your barrier. (If you’re left with a tight feeling post-cleanse, that’s a surefire sign your barrier is begging for a different product.) This cleanser certainly fits the bill in terms of efficacy—it contains 2% salicylic acid, plus a handful of fruit-derived AHAs to smooth congested skin—but with green tea, aloe vera, and gentle, coconut-derived surfactants, it won’t ever leave you feeling dry. 

What our tester says

I love, love, love a salicylic acid cleanser. Especially for those prone to over-exfoliating (ahem, raises hand), it’s something you can use every day without fear of irritation and still get that lovely skin-sloughing sensation. Not to mention, this formula has green tea to soothe any redness you may face; if you have textured skin, this formula is a must (use it in the shower, and thank me later.) Just make sure you don’t incorporate any other exfoliants in your routine if you do use this cleanser—you still don’t want to overdo it. 

Oh, the mighty peel pad. They’ve come a long way from the alcohol-soaked circular pads that may have left your skin stinging back in the day. No, these glycolic acid-infused beauties come buffered with coconut milk and glycerin to simultaneously soothe and hydrate. Glycolic acid is still pretty potent, so those with sensitive skin may want to take caution, but these pads are a great option for those who love a simple swipe-and-go. 

I would consider this toner the plant-based version of the Paula’s Choice famous 2% BHA toner (which also made this list!). Thanks to the 2% salicylic acid, it helps dissolve excess oil and dead skin cells, yet anti-inflammatory borage extract and hydrating tremella mushroom mean it won’t ever strip the skin. Like all of Alpyn Beauty’s offerings, the plants in this formula are wild-crafted—meaning, they’re harvested from their natural ecosystem (rather than on a farm) and extra-resilient against environmental stressors. 

What our tester says

As I previously wrote for Talk Of The Team, I wasn’t surprised to fall in love with Alpyn’s exfoliator. It really is one of the most gentle leave-on treatments I’ve used—not even a tingle. But my skin definitely looks brighter and more even-toned the next morning, so I can tell it’s working. 

Clay masks receive a bad rap—many can be super-drying and make the skin feel so tight that it’s difficult to even smile or speak while you wear it. This is not one of those clay masks. It contains kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb excess oil and draw impurities from the pores, but the spirulina and fermented sea kelp extracts keep it hydrating and soft. It also contains sulfur, which "helps with oily skin as it can help with the overproduction of sebum,” Ife J. Rodney previously told mbg. Leave it on for 10 minutes, splash with water, and it instantly melts into a creamy foam. 

What our tester says

True to its claims, this clay mask feels deliciously creamy on the skin. Seriously, no tugging or tightness! That’s a victory in my eyes, as I usually avoid proper clay masks for that very reason. I have combination skin, so I apply only on my T-zone where I accrue the most oil—it has done wonders to balance my complexion. (And for especially stubborn spots, I’ll always slap on a Mighty Patch.)

Esthetician Shani Darden is known for prepping celebrity clients before they hit the red carpet—so she launched the perfect exfoliator to achieve those results at home. The biweekly treatment includes a gentle chemical peel featuring lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids, as well as a neutralizing mask with kaolin and bentonite clays to calm the skin and refine pores. 

What our tester says

As someone with textbook combination skin (read: oily on the T-zone and perpetually dry everywhere else), this is a fabulous option to really target congested areas without stripping your whole complexion. The two-step treatment does take more time than your average peel, but I enjoy nourishing my skin with the cooling clay mask immediately after—this at-home experience really feels like a treat.  

Calling all fans of skin cycling: Why not kick off exfoliation night from the derm who coined the term? This potent-yet-gentle serum contains AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to thoroughly resurface skin without stripping it raw. It also comes fortified with postbiotics to simultaneously strengthen the skin barrier, so you can consider it a hero for pretty much any skin concern (acne, dark spots, fine lines, etc.). 

What our tester says

“The superstar derm has done it again! I love anything from Dr. Bowe, and this serum just adds to the list. In the powerful formula you'll find glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid (the big three as I call them)—alongside postbiotics to nurture the biome. An absolutely stacked formula.” — Engler

OK, on a scale of superfine granules to harsh walnut shells, this face polish certainly falls in the former camp. Some might not consider it a “scrub” at all, but I’d argue that’s a good thing! You have to be very careful when using scrubs so that they don’t create microtears and wreck your skin barrier. 

And Tatcha’s Rice Polish remains a gentle cult-favorite for a reason: It features Japanese rice powder, created through a special milling process to grind it extremely finely. The tiny granules gently buff away dead skin, while papaya enzymes work to remove dead skin cells from the topmost layer. Once emulsified with water, it easily lathers up into a dreamy foam. 

What our tester says

This is my go-to exfoliator during the summer when I need a little extra help clearing my pores of sweat. I love how clean and supple my skin feels after using it—and thanks to the manual exfoliation, I notice an immediately brighter glow. There’s no water in the formula (you have to activate the powder with water each time you use it), so it has lasted me a very long time. A great investment, I’d say! 

Squalane is a godsend for dry skin. "It is used as an emollient in skin care, which maintains the skin's moisture barrier and hydration," says board-certified dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. It’s also what makes this lactic acid exfoliator oh-so creamy, infusing the skin with moisture as the gentle AHA sloughs off dead cells. Apply this serum during your evening routine, and trust, you’ll be greeted by impossibly radiant skin come morning. 

What our tester says

“An overnight treatment that puts in the work. Layer this potent lactic acid number under a hydrating cream and I promise you that you'll wake up with glowing skin. The brand's signature squalane also helps buffer any irritation, given 10% lactic acid can be a lot for some folks.” — Engler