The very best formulas for refining pores, fading dark spots, and boosting glow. Using one of the best face exfoliators is a key step in any skin-care routine (yes, even if you have sensitive skin). These formulas work hard to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores to minimize the look of fine lines and boost radiance—plus, they help the rest of your skin-care products absorb better. Whether you prefer physical or chemical exfoliants, using one regularly can help reveal a smoother, more even-toned complexion. From serums with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that gently dissolve buildup, to gritty yet delicate scrubs that polish your skin, these are the exfoliators our editors actually use, and we’ve got the receipts (a.k.a. selfies) to prove it. Scroll on for our tried-and-loved picks, plus pro tips from board-certified derms to keep your skin smooth and clear for the long haul.
Our Top Face Exfoliators
Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $94
Best for Oily Skin: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, $69
Best for Dry Skin: Eadem Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence, $42
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic, $35
Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Why it’s worth it: If the word “peel” makes you nervous, don’t worry—Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels are of the gentle variety. The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow. “These peel pads contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist, told Allure. Step one clears away dead skin and gunk with exfoliating acids like lactic, malic, and glycolic; step two adds in soothing, anti-aging ingredients like green tea and adenosine. You know what they say: Just a few swipes a day keeps dullness at bay.
Best for Oily Skin: Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
Why it’s worth it: Exfoliation doesn’t get much easier than swiping on a pad. The Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads, a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, combine lactic acid with three enzymes that help loosen and remove dead skin cells before they can build up and contribute to clogged pores. That can give it an extra edge compared to other formulas: “Using two mechanisms could improve exfoliation without requiring a high concentration of either ingredient,” says Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan.
Each pad also has a textured side for a little extra buffing and a smooth side for a gentler swipe. While oily skin types will especially appreciate the pore-clearing benefits, our editors with dry and sensitive skin also noticed smoother, brighter skin without the usual post-exfoliation tightness, thanks in part to moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, betaine, and shea butter. Plus, in addition to being an exfoliant, “lactic acid is also a humectant, meaning it can help support skin hydration even while exfoliating,” adds Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
Best for Dry Skin: Eadem Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence
Why it’s worth it: If you still believe that the harsher the exfoliation, the better the results, Eadem’s Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence might change your mind. Unlike the watery, sometimes irritating formulas you might associate with exfoliating acids, this 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner has a “milky, almost lotion-like texture that feels extra soothing if you have dry skin,” says Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans.
But don’t mistake its gentle feel for a lack of exfoliating power. Dr. Turegano points to its 9% blend of “lactic, azelaic, and tranexamic acids” that “helps slough away dead skin cells, smooth rough patches, and fade the look of dark spots.” And because dry skin needs moisture just as much as it needs exfoliation, panthenol helps support the skin barrier, while rice water and colloidal oatmeal help keep skin hydrated and soothed.
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Exfoliating Tonic
Why it’s worth it: Dark spots have a way of sticking around long after whatever caused them—whether that’s acne, sun exposure, or inflammation—has cleared up. That’s because excess melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color) can linger in the skin for months. The Rose Ingleton MD SuperFruit Exfoliating Tonic helps move things along with 8% glycolic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells to gradually reveal a brighter, more even-looking complexion. “It’s very lightweight, and I especially like it for someone whose skin looks dull or uneven and wants that fresh, polished look without using a scrub,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
The 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner also contains a blend of Jamaican superfruit extracts, including sugarcane, orange, and lemon, plus licorice root extract to help fade the look of discoloration. And because glycolic acid can be drying, aloe, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid help keep skin hydrated. Still, 8% is on the stronger side for an at-home exfoliant, so ease into it, especially if you’re already using retinol or other exfoliating acids.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic
Why it’s worth it: Exfoliating can be tricky (if not impossible) when your skin is easily irritated, but Medik8’s Press & Glow Exfoliating PHA Tonic takes a gentler approach. Instead of stronger acids like glycolic, it uses 5.5% gluconolactone, a type of polyhydroxy acid that “gently removes dead skin cells while helping skin hold onto moisture,” says Dr. Turegano. It also contains glycerin, which draws water into the skin to keep it hydrated. “It’s one of my favorite humectants to keep the skin looking fresh and bouncy,” says Carlos Vieira, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extracts also help soothe skin and keep irritation to a minimum.
Best Fast-Acting: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel
Why it’s worth it: Have a wedding in your future or just want to give your skin a reboot? Shani Darden’s Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance, thanks to a two-step process that deeply resurfaces and cleanses skin. The first step uses a blend of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids to remove dead skin cells, which makes it all the easier for the neutralizing clay mask—your second step—to clear oil and gunk from pores. (The mask contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, so it won’t leave skin feeling tight, but you should still follow up with a nourishing moisturizer after.) It’s potent, so you only need to use it every other week at most, or as needed for special occasions.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Why it’s worth it: There are skin-care products that live up to the hype, and then there’s the Best of Beauty Award-winning Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which lives well beyond a viral moment. This is partly due to the 2% concentration of salicylic acid, which is the highest amount allowed in over-the-counter products. “Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities,” Claire Chang, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, told Allure. “It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin.” So, if you struggle with texture or acne, consistent use will help with cellular turnover to promote clearer, smoother skin. Antioxidant-rich green tea counters irritation typically experienced with harsh exfoliators, for softer skin without the sensitivity.
Other face exfoliators we like
Best for Mature Skin: SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads
Why it’s worth it: SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet line has earned a following among dermatologists, thanks to a combination of a retinoid and lactic acid that helps smooth fine lines, uneven tone, and rough texture. Its AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads take things a step further by adding glycolic acid to remove dead skin cells on the surface and salicylic acid to clear out the pore-clogging buildup that can lead to breakouts. Dr. Turegano loves the formula for “tackling several skin concerns at once, from dullness to fine lines.”
But with a retinoid and multiple exfoliating acids working together, these pads aren’t exactly beginner-friendly, especially if your skin is sensitive or easily irritated. “The brand recommends up to three evenings a week, but I’d start with one or two, especially if you’re already using other active ingredients,” says Dr. Turegano, who adds, “I personally use this once a week.”
Best Drugstore: RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads
Why it’s worth it: Yet another exfoliating pad loaded with retinol, the RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing 2-Step Peel Pads tackle two common concerns with aging skin: dullness and wrinkles. Step one is an exfoliating pad soaked in a blend of acids, including lactic, glycolic, and mandelic, which together help loosen and remove dead skin cells to make skin look smoother and brighter. “The peel step helps get rid of that dull surface layer that can make mature skin look flat.” says Dr. Karcher.
Step two is a retinol treatment that “is working more gradually on cell turnover, texture and fine lines,” she says. It also contains ectoin and allantoin to soothe and support skin, which is especially important when you’re using multiple active ingredients. Because both steps contain potent active ingredients, start slowly rather than using them every night, especially if your skin is dry or sensitive.
Read more about our favorite treatments for dull skin:
7 Best Toners for Mature Skin to Bring Back Balance
7 Best Alpha Hydroxy Acid Products for Your Smoothest Skin Yet
7 Best Exfoliating Pads to Smooth Texture and Boost Glow
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