THE TOP 10 BEST FACIAL EXFOLIATORS
A luminous, radiant, even looking complexion is what skin care dreams are made of. But sourcing the best facial exfoliator to achieve the coveted lit-from-within glow can sometimes be a daunting task.
With so many versions available and an array of different textures, ingredient combinations and actives playing major roles—hello physical and chemical exfoliators – here at Cult Beauty, we’ve collated a list of the top 10 best facial exfoliators to make it easy for you to get your glow.
10 BEST FACIAL EXFOLIATORS
- Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
- REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
- Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
- Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial
- Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
- Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
- FaceGym Skin Changer 2-in-1 Exfoliating Succinic Acid and Pumpkin Extract Essence Toner
- Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C
THE BEST FACIAL EXFOLIATORS
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
1754
£35.00
Formulated to slough away dead skin cells and ideal for those with blemish-prone, oily or combination skin types, Paula’s Choice’s Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is the powerhouse potion for radiant looking skin. Holding the title for the best facial exfoliator since it launched, this liquid skin-enhancer is gentle but incredibly effective. Not only does it help unclog pores, but it boosts hydration and soothes too thanks to the green tea extract within its formula.
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
244
£30.00
Stimulate your skin’s natural resurfacing prowess with REN Clean Skincare’s Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic. Infused with lactic acid and willow bark extract, this famed formula tones and reduces the appearance of pores instantly. What’s more, it also features azelaic acid which instantly works to grant your complexion that enviable, healthy-looking dew.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
112
£18.00
Discover smoother, brighter, more even looking skin with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Uniquely formulated to be activated by water, this powder exfoliant tackles excess oiliness, premature fine lines, uneven texture and dryness. Powered by salicylic acid, rice enzymes and a fusion of papain, phytic acid and soothing allatoin, it gently but effectively polishes your complexion without causing any discomfort.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
1305
£8.90
If you’re after something with a little more oompf, introduce your complexion to The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution. Incredibly powerful, this deep exfoliating treatment is the ideal weekly treat to ensure radiant results. Melding AHAs and BHAs into one single solution, this has made our list of the best facial exfoliators thanks to its ability to exfoliate the topmost layers of your skin and clear deep congestion in your pores.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
63
£69.00
Known as the ‘Hollywood 2-Minute Facial’ Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is adored by the A-Listers for good reason. Uniting alpha-hydroxy acid with lactic acid, this skin enhancer sloughs away dead cells without stripping your skin of its natural and essential oils. Never leaving your complexion feeling tight or dry, it’s infused with papaya, aloe vera, vitamin E and honey to ensure your skin feels nourished, soft and smooth.
Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial
44
£52.00
Unveil luminous skin day after day with Charlotte Tilbury’s Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial. Powered by a dual action formula of exfoliating acids and a hydrating cocktail of hyaluronic acid, resurrection leaf, glycerin and aloe, this glow-giving formula locks in moisture while dissolving dulling dead skin.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
234
£72.00
Formulated specifically for ultra-stubborn and dull skin, Drunk Elephant’s T.L.C Sukari Babyfacial is the closest thing to a facial from home. Supercharged with a whopping 25% AHA and 2% blend of glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric and salicylic acids, this resurfacing skin care saviour visibly improves the texture and tone of your complexion. What’s more, enriched with a soothing antioxidant blend of matcha tea, milk thistle and pumpkin, it also comforts and brightens to leave skin feeling baby soft .
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
14
£88.00
Visibly level up your luminosity with Murad’s Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial. Offering the same level of smoothness you’d get from a microdermabrasion session, this clever concoction is formulated with a micro-mineral exfoliants to remove dead surface cells, high-performing enzymes to dissolve oil debris and a blend of glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to brighten and purify your pores. But that’s not all. Powered by Murad’s Vita-C Complex of highly absorbable vitamin C, it offers skin a higher antioxidant defence for a vibrant sign off.
FaceGym Skin Changer 2-in-1 Exfoliating Succinic Acid and Pumpkin Extract Essence Toner
20
£45.00
Restore your skin with FaceGym’s Skin Changer 2-in-1 Exfoliating Succinic Acid and Pumpkin Extract Essence Toner. Treating skin to the exfoliating power of 2% succinic acid, reviving pumpkin extract and pore-minimising quince lead extract, this boastful blend works like magic to target lacklustre complexions by detoxifying and unclogging pores. The results? Skin that looks healthier, happier and much more radiant.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C
9
£50.99
Renowned as the one-step-wonder for gorgeously glowy skin, Alpha-H's Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C combats everything from uneven skin to fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation and impurities. Not only is it powered by exfoliating acids, but as it is formulated with a low-pH delivery system and infused with skin-softening silk proteins, liquorice root and pepper, it stimulates your skin’s natural renewal process for a complexion that looks visibly more radiant.
FACIAL EXFOLATOR FAQs
What facial exfoliators do dermatologists recommend?
The best facial exfoliators recommended by dermatologists depend on your skin type and texture. Most dermatologists will recommend a gentle solution to avoid causing unwanted irritation. They recommend using it once a week and then slowly building up your tolerance as time goes on. Popular facial exfoliators dermatologists like are The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant and Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels.
Which exfoliant is best for aging skin?
A chemical exfoliant is best for ageing skin as it provides a more even, less abrasive way to tackle texture and fine lines. A formula that is powered by AHA’s like glycolic and lactic acid work best as they help to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells and therefore reduce the appearance of fine lines. BHA’s work better for blemish-prone skin, however a combination of the two may be something to consider if you have clogged pores as well as fine lines.
Which is better, face scrub or exfoliate?
Whether a face scrub (AKA physical exfoliation) or a chemical exfoliant is better depends on what your skin concerns are and how you want to tackle them. Face scrubs contain small, gritty particles that manually slough off dead skin meaning you get instant results once you wash it off. However, if you have sensitive skin or apply too pressure as you lather , you risk causing unwanted irritation and redness.
And there you have it – a run-down of the best facial exfoliators to ensure a soft, smooth sign off. Now all that’s left to do is find your ideal solution and level up your complexion-caring routine.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
