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. Some of 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:
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How we tested the best exfoliators
To find the best face exfoliators, we took a three-pronged approach. We asked a skin doctor which kind of exfoliants work best; tested said doctor’s recommendations for how they make skin look and feel; then we pooled additional picks tried and trusted by Vogue editors. Rating each on their texture, effectiveness and where they fell on the skin-sensitising spectrum, we whittled down a vast selection of exfoliators to arrive at a shortlist of our favourite finds. Find them below.
Best exfoliator for acne: Medik8 Press & Clear
- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid and tranexamic acid, aloe vera
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: Promising clearer skin in just a week, this Medik8 formula is gentle and effective, combining salicylic and tranexamic acids to target blemish-prone skin that also errs on the sensitive side too. 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.
- How to use: Saturate a cotton round with several pumps of the solution and swipe over the skin. It can also be pressed over pimples for a more targeted spot treatment.
- Size: 150ml
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 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 enhances radiance with every use, plus moisturising factors that leave skin feeling soothed.
- How to use: Once or twice a week, use it as you would a face wash and then rinse and pat dry.
- Size: 56g
Best for glass skin: TirTir Milk Skin Toner
- Key ingredients: chamomile extract, niacinamide, rice bran extract, peptides and ceramides
- Chemical/physical: gentle chemical exfoliation from rice bran enzymes
- Why we recommend it: Just one use of TirTir’s viral milk toner is enough to impart an otherworldly glow. That is in large part due to its milky mixture of humectants and emollients that almost polish the moisture barrier, plus peptides that help to firm and smooth. A must-try for immediately glassy skin, it refines texture and blemishes over time too – we saw clearer, brighter looking skin in just six weeks.
- How to use: Dispense a few drops into the palms of your hands and press onto a clean face before applying your serum or moisturiser. Alternatively, you can soak a cotton pad with the solution and swipe it across the skin
- Size: 150ml
The A List favourite: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Treatment
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, aloe vera juice, retinyl palmitate, papain
- Chemical/physical: chemical and physical
- Why we recommend it: Beloved by Hollywood’s biggest stars, celebrity facialist Kate Somerville knows what makes skin glow. This home mask brings her world-renowned treatments within reach, significantly brightening skin in two minutes with the best exfoliants for the job. Editor’s note: It’s loaded with enzymes and actives that powerfully dissolve dead skin, so expect a tingling sensation. If you’re sensitive, we recommend shortening the leave-on time to keep things comfortable.
- How to use: Spread a thin layer over a wet face and massage gently, then leave on for up to 2 minutes before rinsing.
- Size: 60ml
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. Its blend of AHAs and BHAs foams up inside pores to thoroughly decongest blockages, while dissolving the dead skin that is dulling your shine. It also lathers on anti-inflammatory agents to keep irritation at bay. A little goes a very long way, so you don’t need to use much to see results.
- How to use: 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.
- Sizes: 13g, 74g
Read more: The Best Body Scrubs For Smooth Skin
The gentle pad: Anua Azelaic 10 + Hyaluron Redness Soothing Pad
- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica and cica
- Chemical/physical: physical
- Why we recommend it: At most, you’ll get a mild manual exfoliation out of these pads – but sometimes, that’s exactly what you need. Finely woven in cotton, they are non-abrasive on the skin and soaked in all the best soothing ingredients, making them a great choice for when you may have overdone it with strong actives in your routine. Korean skincare is great for mending the moisture barrier, and these pads are a fine example. When used in circular motions, I’ve found they deftly lift off impurities while adding moisture that plumps and smooths the skin. Bonus points for the azelaic acid formulation – it’s antibacterial, and also helps to fade hyperpigmentation. As a blemish-prone girly, I approve.
- How to use: Sweep pads over the skin as you would a toner, or leave in place for 10 minutes to soothe and smooth irritated, dry skin.
- Size: 90 pads
Best for dull skin: 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's advice (see below), 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.
- How to use: Spread a maximum of 2 pumps of the serum onto a clean face and leave on the skin.
- Size: 30ml
Read more: The Best Glycolic Acid Products For Brightening, Bumps & More
Best exfoliating face wash: 111SKIN Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser
- Key ingredients: Papain enzymes, shikimic acid, NAC Y² complex
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: Born out of the famed Harley Street skincare clinic, we’d expect nothing less than a stellar exfoliator from 111SKIN. This face wash delivers on all fronts, from the elegant fine lather it produces to the way it positively descales the skin. Deploying enzymes from papaya and star anise to dissolve the ‘glue’ that keeps dead skin cells clinging to the skin, consider it a pressure wash for dull complexions. “I am always amazed at how much brighter my skin is after using this potent powdered face wash. Thanks to the clinic’s proprietary NAC Y² complex, it keeps skin comfortable as it does away with old cells. It is incredibly efficient (needing only 60 seconds to transform a dry face), and I’ve noticed my hands get smoother and brighter with daily use. A side effect I can get behind.” – Tracy Achonwa, contributing beauty writer
- How to use: Shake a 10 pence coin-sized amount into your palm and add a few drops of water, then massage the emulsion into the face and rinse
- Size: 90 pads
The dermatologist-approved: Dr Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask
- Key ingredients: 15% glycolic acid, lactic acid, tranexamic acid and glycerin
- Chemical/physical: chemical
- Why we recommend it: This mask is among the most powerful products we tried for exfoliation, with a spicy sensation that beginners should brace themselves for. In just one session, we noticed it obliterates that dull cast that creeps up on dry skin and leaves the complexion cushion-soft. Formulated by dermatologist Dr Shereen Idriss, it’s about as effective as exfoliants come. But heed her warning: “There’s such a thing as over-exfoliation. If using Flash Mask, you don’t need any other exfoliants (including retinol) on the same day.”
- How to use: Apply a layer to a dry face, excluding the eye contour, and leave on for up to 15 minutes. Rinse and pat dry to reveal brighter skin.
- Size: 50ml
Best exfoliating tool: Geske 9-in-1 Ultrasonic Skin Scrubber
- Chemical/physical: physical
- Why we recommend it: If Geske’s exfoliator looks familiar, it’s because you’ll likely have seen similar devices in your facialist’s office. Great for extractions, it uses ultrasonic vibrations to coax blackheads and debris out of skin. There’s a bit of a learning curve to mastering the right glide, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll notice your skin feels squeaky clean. As if that wasn’t enough, the microcurrent it deploys promises to tone and firm the face.
- How to use: Switch on the device’s exfoliator setting. Using light pressure, guide the tool over the face, focusing on congested or particularly rough areas. We recommend leaving a fortnight between sessions and seeing how your skin responds – it’s powerful enough for infrequent use.
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 can penetrate freshly resurfaced skin, softening lines and keeping your complexion plump.
- How to use: Swipe the step 1 pad over clean skin until the pad has lost its moisture, and leave to absorb for a few minutes. Follow up with the step 2 pad for a soothing finish.
- Sizes: Available in packs of 5, 30 and 60 applications
Best affordable 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 lather into a creamy foam that won’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.
- Size: 150ml
Best face scrub: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish
- Key ingredients: magnesium crystals, vitamins A, C and E
- Chemical/physical: physical
- 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 a glow-giving blend of vitamins A, 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.
- How to use: Gently massage a penny-sized amount onto damp skin, then rinse.
- Sizes: 16g, 65g
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.
- How to use: Sweep over the face to exfoliate rough patches. Can also be left on rough patches like elbows until the serum has absorbed.
- Size: 70 pads
What to look for in face exfoliator
To kickstart exfoliation, you’ll need ingredients that help remove dead skin cells to reveal fresher, brighter skin underneath. Physical exfoliators do this with grainy particles or abrasive materials (think: microfibre 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. Poly hydroxy acids (PHAs) are great for superficial exfoliation as they target the skin’s surface, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) such as glycolic 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.
What to avoid in a face exfoliator
On your quest for clear skin, it might be tempting to reach for the strongest 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.”
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 the patient's 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 overall, citing their versatility and the fact that 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 dermatologist or doctor on the ideal frequency of use for your specific skin type.
Meet the experts:
- Dr Kemi Fabisuwa is an NHS Doctor specialising in skin and bodycare.
- Dr Shereene Idriss is a dermatologist and the founder of Idrisss Dermatology Clinic.