When it comes to finding the best exfoliators for your face, there are a few things you should consider. Are you looking for an everyday polish that can brighten dull skin? A gentle clarifier that won’t compromise a sensitive complexion? Or perhaps you’re dealing with congestion deep beneath the surface and need a facial exfoliant with more excavating power. Fortunately, skincare has come a long way since the reign of notoriously abrasive scrubs, and we’ve tried a deluge of options that help with all those demands. The best face exfoliators in 2025 can smooth texture, decongest pores and reveal clearer skin, all while keeping your barrier intact.
What is the best face exfoliator? Our top picks:
- Best powder face exfoliator: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £18
- Best face exfoliator for acne: Medik8 Press and Clear BHA 2% BHA Tonic, £35
- Best face scrub: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish, £62
- Best for blackheads: Medicube Zero Pore Pad, £20.50
- Best exfoliating serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, £36
- Best for brightening: Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Brightening & Exfoliating Polish, £55
In this article
What to avoid in a face exfoliator
On your quest for clearer skin, it might be tempting to reach for strong actives or gritty exfoliants, but these can often do more harm than good. “Steer clear of large, jagged particles – think of those really rough apricot kernel scrubs which can be quite aggressive,” warns NHS doctor Dr Kemi Fabusiwa, as these can create micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation, sensitisation and potential damage. Additionally, if you’re choosing a scrub formula, pay attention to the ingredient base. “Scrubs that are just exfoliating particles in a watery or alcohol-based solution can strip your skin of its natural moisture.”
What to look for in face exfoliator
To kickstart exfoliation, you’ll need ingredients that help removw dead skin cells to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. Physical exfoliators do this with grainy particles or abrasive materials (think: microfiber cloths or salt crystals) that immediately buff away dead skin. Pads, scrubs and even facial brushes are effective options in this category.
On the other hand, there are active ingredients that boost exfoliation by speeding up cell turnover (see retinols) or loosening dead skin cells. Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) are great for superficial exfoliation as they target the skin’s surface, while Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic and lactic acid work more deeply, dissolving bonds between old cells. If you have oily or acne prone skin, Beta hydroxy acid (BHAs) like salicylic acid are worth looking out for as they act on pores to clear excess sebum.
Which face exfoliator is best – chemical or physical?
Whether chemical or physical, the best face exfoliator for you will depend on your skin type. Dr Kemi prescribes either type of exfoliant in her practice depending on patient skin concerns and has some advice for helping you choose.
- Physical exfoliants: Including scrubs, cleansing brushes, or microdermabrasion, Dr Kemi says physical exfoliants are good for addressing superficial dryness, mild congestion, and improving skin texture. “I might recommend them for someone with generally healthy skin who just wants a bit of a polish. However, I’m cautious with physical exfoliants for patients with sensitive skin, active acne, rosacea, or inflammatory conditions, as they can sometimes exacerbate these issues.”
- Chemical exfoliants: Comprising AHAs (such as glycolic and lactic acid), BHAS (such as salicylic acid) or enzymes, these work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells. “I often lean towards chemical exfoliants for patients dealing with acne (especially salicylic acid), hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and more significant textural issues. They can offer a more even and controlled exfoliation.”
Still not sure what to go for? It‘s worth noting the doctor leans towards chemical exfoliants, citing their versatility and the fact they are often gentler when correctly used. “They can target specific skin concerns more effectively without the risk of the micro-tears that can sometimes occur with physical scrubbing,” she explains. “It’s crucial to start slowly with chemical exfoliants and use sun protection diligently, as they can increase sun sensitivity.”
How often should I exfoliate my face?
Most experts recommend exfoliating once per week, especially if you are using stimulating actives or skin-abrading scrubs. Gentle exfoliants, such as those containing PHAs that work on the surface without impairing the skin barrier, are suitable for sensitive skin and can be used more frequently as needed. We recommend starting low and observing skin for signs of sensitivity to avoid overdoing it. If in doubt, seek advice from your derm or doctor on the ideal frequency of use for your specific skin type.
The instant brightener: Perricone MD Exfoliating Polish
- Key ingredients: Vitamin C ester, ferulic acid, fruit enzymes
- Chemical/physical: Hybrid
- Why we recommend it: With an elegantly fine grit and the gentle exfoliating power of papaya enzyme, Perricone MD‘s polish is a sensorial delight. Massaged on wet skin, it effuses pleasant fruity notes while sloughing off old cells, and you’ll feel it is working thanks to the hydrated silica granules in its blend. The kind of formula Dr Kemi recommends for dull skin, it is supercharged with brightening vitamin C that enhance radiance with every use, plus moisturising factors that leave skin feeling soothed.
Best powder face exfoliator: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Key ingredients: rice bran extract, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: A favourite among Vogue editors, this fine powder is full of ingredients that refine and respect the skin barrier. To apply, tip half a teaspoon into wet palms to activate the formula, then massage on the face for up to 60 seconds – you can add more or less water to turn it into a paste that’s as thick or thin as you like. Its blend of AHAs and BHAs foam up inside pores to thoroughly decongest blockages, while dissolving the dead skin dulling your shine. It also lathers on antinflammatory agents to keep irritation at bay. A little goes a very long way, so you don’t need to use much to see results.
Best for acne: Medik8 Press & Clear
- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid and tranexamic acid, aloe vera
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: This toner is powerful enough to shrink pesky pimples, but gentle enough not to damage the moisture barrier in pursuit of clearer skin. The pH-balanced formula maintains the acid mantle of the skin, which is key for keeping infection out. While BHAs target clogged pores, the tranexamic acid here prevents the dark marks that acne can leave behind, making it a good choice for blemish-prone skin. “I’ve found this works a treat when saturated on a cotton round and pressed against the skin for a few seconds, even on hormonal breakouts that linger beneath the surface,” contributing beauty writer Tracy Achonwa says.
Best for blackheads: Medicube Zero Pore Pad
- Key ingredients: White willow bark (BHA), fruit complex (AHAs), allantoin, panthenol, Cypress tree leaf, hyaluronic acid
- Chemical/physical: chemical, with a dual-sided pad that offers a textured exfoliating fabric and a smoother side for initial application
- Why we recommend it: A cult K-Beauty find, reviewers rave about Medicube’s pads for how well they eliminate pores – and when we tried them, they did not disappoint. They’re steeped in hydroxy acids that dissolve skin plugs and pull blackheads from congested areas with ease, while deploying oil-controlling extracts to regulate pore size. Swept over the skin, they deliver a glassy dew courtesy of sodium hyaluronate. They are also handy for rubbing or leaving in situ over dry areas like the elbows, where they work gently to exfoliate rough skin.
Read more: The Best Body Scrubs For Summer Ready Skin
Best face scrub: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish
- Key ingredients: magnesium crystals, vitamins A, C and E
- Chemical/physical: hybrid
- Why we recommend it: As scrubs go, this sophisticated formula is far removed from coarser blends that have given physical exfoliants a bad name. For starters, the crystals it contains are invisible to the naked eye, only making their presence known when massaged on the skin. Helped by retinol and a glow-giving blend of vitamin C and E, it addresses fine lines and dullness over time. Take it from us – you only need a small scoop to reap the benefits, as this one works impressively well to reveal softened, smoother skin. “I’ve taken to mixing this into a pump of gentle face wash in the palm of my hands to dilute its powerful effects. It is supremely effective at sloughing off dry patches and drawing out debris from pores, so proceed with caution on any areas of broken skin.” – Tracy Achonwa, contributing beauty writer.
Best chemical peel: Dr Dennis Gross Daily Peel Pads
- Key ingredients: Step 1 pad: 5 AHAs including lactic, salicylic and malic acid. Step 2 pad: chamomile, copper PCA, vitamin C, zinc
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: Formulated to simulate the effects of a clinical peel at home, this is one of the best exfoliators we’ve tried for smooth skin maintenance. Fear not: it doesn’t induce downtime or flaking; instead, it quickly dissolves the top layer of dead cells to reveal new layers that are younger, smoother, and brighter. Effective for everything from wrinkles to irregular texture, Dr Gross has designed it to peel, rejuvenate and restore. The first pad sweeps exfoliants on, while the second neutralises acids and calms skin with a replenishing blend in which myriad antioxidants feature. Among them, a choice amount of retinol copper peptides are able to penetrate freshly resurfaced skin, softening lines and keeping your complexion plump.
Best serum: Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, prickly pear extract, liquorice, lactic acid
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: Per Dr Kemi, glycolic acid works by dissolving bonds between dead skin cells, and as one of the smallest AHAs, it penetrates deeply to resurface old skin. It’s the main event in this formula – which we recommend for nighttime use because of how powerfully it exfoliates and reverses signs of sun damage. To keep skin calm as it gets to work, there is a healthy helping of prickly pear extract, which quells inflammation and promotes elastin production. Resulting in tighter, clearer skin, it aids in lightening dark marks along with liquorice root. A potent exfoliator that is best for those after accelerated results.
Best gentle exfoliating toner: Fenty Skin Cherry Dub BHA
- Key ingredients: Barbados acerola cherry, salicylic acid, willow bark extract, aloe juice
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: Harnessing the antioxidant power of acelora cherries, look here for a gentle exfoliant that protects skin as it works. It looks and smells edible, plus leaves skin visibly refreshed thanks to a watery formulation that skin drinks up like a sponge. Gentle enough to apply daily, salicylic acid works here to keep pores and oil under control.
Best exfoliating cleanser: Anua Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
- Key ingredients: Heartleaf powder, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, quercetin
- Chemical/physical: hybrid
- Why we recommend it: Best on a budget, this cleanser works gradually to smooth texture, while offering immediate sebum control for oily skin. It stars soft grains of ground heartleaf that gently polish dead skin and lathers into a creamy foam that doesn’t strip moisture as it draws whiteheads up and out of pores. Loved by loyalists for its action on sebaceous filaments, it’s one that gets you a deep clean while supplying anti-inflammatory quercetin. Expect fresh, supple skin with consistent use.
