The 10 Best Exfoliators for Your Face (Tried & Tested Favorites)

If there’s one skincare step that has completely changed my skin, it’s exfoliation. But let’s be real—not all exfoliators are created equal. Some are way too harsh (hello, irritated skin), while others do absolutely nothing.

As someone with combination skin, I’ve tried everything—scrubs, acids, drugstore, luxury—and I’m here to share the best of the best.

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Whether your skin is dry, oily, sensitive, or a mix of everything (like mine), there’s a perfect exfoliator out there for you. Let’s get into it!

1. Best Overall Exfoliator for All Skin Types

If you want a foolproof exfoliator that works for almost everyone, you need Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (buy it here)

✔ Gently unclogs pores without irritation
✔ Leaves skin noticeably smoother & brighter
✔ Works for dry, oily, sensitive, and combo skin

This is the exfoliator I always go back to. It’s a BHA (beta hydroxy acid), meaning it gets deep into pores to clear congestion while still being gentle. If you’re unsure where to start, this is the one.

2. Best Exfoliator for Dry Skin

Dry skin needs gentle exfoliation—none of that super gritty stuff. A good AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) will dissolve dead skin cells without stripping moisture.

✨ Best pick: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (buy it here)

✔ Hydrating & exfoliating at the same time
✔ Gentle enough for sensitive skin
✔ Budget-friendly

For more picks, check out my full guide to the best exfoliators for dry skin.

3. Best Exfoliator for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you need an exfoliator with salicylic acid (BHA). It’s oil-soluble, meaning it gets inside your pores to dissolve all that gunk.

✨ Best pick: CeraVe SA Cleanser (buy it here)

For more options, check out my best exfoliators for oily skin.

4. Best Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin

If your skin gets irritated just by looking at an exfoliator, you need something super gentle—like PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) or enzyme exfoliants.

✨ Best pick: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum (buy it here)
✔ Super gentle, yet still effective
✔ Hydrates while exfoliating
✔ Leaves skin glowing without irritation

More options here: Best exfoliators for sensitive skin.

5. Best Exfoliator for Combination Skin (My Fave!)

Combination skin is tricky—you don’t want anything too drying or too rich. I swear by Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (buy it here) because it balances everything out.

✔ Exfoliates without making dry areas drier
✔ Helps unclog pores in oily areas
✔ Works overnight for effortless glow

If you also have combo skin, you’ll love my best exfoliators for combination skin guide.

6. Best Drugstore Exfoliator (Affordable & Effective!)

Not all good exfoliators have to be expensive! Pixi Glow Tonic (buy it here) is a cult-favorite for a reason.

✔ 5% glycolic acid for gentle exfoliation
✔ Hydrating & soothing (thanks to aloe!)
✔ Brightens dull skin fast

7. Best Luxury Exfoliator (Worth the Splurge!)

Sometimes, you just want to treat yourself, and Sunday Riley Good Genes (buy it here) is totally worth it.

✔ Instantly makes skin smoother & brighter
✔ Uses lactic acid (perfect for dry & combo skin)
✔ Smells expensive (because it is)

If you’re willing to splurge, this one is game-changing.

8. Best Exfoliating Face Scrub

Not all scrubs are bad! The trick is choosing one with fine, non-abrasive particles. My pick? Tatcha The Rice Polish (buy it here).

✔ Turns into a creamy foam
✔ Exfoliates without damaging your skin
✔ Leaves skin feeling so soft

I go deeper into scrubs in this post.

9. Best Chemical Exfoliant (for Those Who Hate Scrubs!)

If you don’t like scrubs but still want smooth skin, go for Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner (buy it here)).

✔ Super gentle (perfect for beginners)
✔ Hydrates & exfoliates in one step
✔ Smells amazing

10. Best Natural & Clean Beauty Exfoliator

If you prefer clean beauty, Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum (buy it here) is a must-try.

✔ No harsh chemicals or fragrances
✔ Hydrating & effective
✔ Works for all skin types

Which One is Right for You?

Finding the perfect exfoliator is all about knowing your skin type and choosing something that works with your skin, not against it. If you’re still not sure, here’s a quick recap:

✔ Best overall: Paula’s Choice BHA
✔ Best for dry skin: The Ordinary Lactic Acid
✔ Best for oily skin: CeraVe SA Cleanser
✔ Best for sensitive skin: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow
✔ Best for combo skin: Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos
✔ Best budget option: Pixi Glow Tonic
✔ Best splurge: Sunday Riley Good Genes

Want to go deeper? Check out my full guide to exfoliation and find the best one for your skin!

Now tell me—what’s your go-to exfoliator? Let’s compare notes in the comments!