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The right exfoliator can completely change how your skin feels and behaves—and the best drugstore exfoliator can do so without breaking the bank. When you remove dead skin cells and pore buildup (and subsequently increase cell turnover), your skin appears clearer and more even, allowing the rest of your routine to perform better. There are two main buckets: chemical exfoliants (think AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs) that dissolve dead skin through acids, and physical exfoliants that use fine particles to manually buff. Both can be effective, but neither is a “use freely” product.
The reason for caution? Acids increase sun sensitivity, so daily sunscreen is non-negotiable when exfoliating. Packaging instructions matter, too. Overuse, mixing with retinoids, or ignoring frequency guidelines can lead to chemical burns and barrier damage. To help you choose wisely, we tapped board-certified dermatologists for their top recommendations. Their advice? Look for formulas that are gentle and suit your skin type.
Below are the nine best drugstore exfoliators—covering everything from serums to cleansers—as recommended by board-certified dermatologists and, of course, Allure editors.
Our Top Drugstore Exfoliators
- Best Overall: Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $19
- Best Brightening: Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask, $15
- Best Overnight: Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Face Treatment, $6
- Best Gentle Scrub: St. Ives Rose & Aloe Face Scrub, $5
- Best Firming: Olay Super Serum, $35
- Best Exfoliating Cleanser: CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser, $16
- Best for Discoloration: La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum, $45
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum, $45
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Face Lotion, $11
Best Overall: Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Why we love it: If clogged pores are your biggest skin gripe, Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2% is built for addressing exactly that. This exfoliating toner uses salicylic acid to dissolve trapped sebum and debris deep within the pore rather than just buffing the surface. It also includes fruit acids that are bioactive, meaning they actively interact with the skin rather than sitting on the surface. They encourage gentle cell turnover, which helps smooth rough texture and even out tone over time. Because the salicylic acid is encapsulated, it delivers the ingredient more evenly and with less irritation, making it easier for beginners or those with sensitive-leaning skin to tolerate. The result is skin that looks less congested, pores that appear tighter and flatter, and an overall brighter complexion.
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
“One of my current problem areas is the flaking and clogged pores around my nose. So I love using Naturium’s BHA Liquid Exfoliant to spot treat the area around my nose when it's looking a bit congested. I find that after using my pores are smaller, blackheads start to disappear, and it eliminates the dead skin, making it appear smoother.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid (2%), citric acid, microcitrus australasica fruit extract
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best Brightening: Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask
Why we love it: Proof that this Versed mask is one of the best drugstore exfoliators on the market? The Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask just won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award in the Steals category. gives you near-instant radiance in a mere two to three minutes. It blends multiple exfoliating mechanisms, including AHAs, BHA, and fruit enzymes, to brighten dullness on contact while improving texture over time. Glycolic and lactic acids dissolve the uppermost layer of dead cells that mute luminosity and contribute to uneven tone, while salicylic acid travels deeper into the pore due to its oil-soluble nature to reduce the appearance of redness and congested pores. Pineapple and papaya enzymes add a gentler form of chemical exfoliation that softens skin and helps lift residual buildup that acids alone may not dislodge. Because this treatment is used only once or twice a week and rinsed off after a short window, it delivers the glow boost of a peel without committing to daily acids or risking constant irritation.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I struggle with dedicating time every week to deep exfoliation, so Versed Doctor’s Visit—which you leave on for three minutes max—is music to my impatient ears. The jelly texture is fun and applies way faster than something like a clay mask, which I always find a mess to spread all around. There’s a little bit of everything (AHA, BHA, vitamin C-rich enzymes) for maximum exfoliating, brightening, and pore-minimizing results, and my skin always looks brighter and less congested after each use.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, fruit enzymes (pineapple and papaya)
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best for Overnight: Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Face Treatment
Why we love it: If you want to wake up to smoother, clearer skin without adding another step to your morning routine, the Good Molecules’ Overnight Exfoliating Treatment does the work while you sleep. It combines a blend of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to resurface dull texture and decongest pores in one step. Glycolic and lactic acids loosen and lift the buildup of dead skin cells on the surface, softening rough patches and evening out tone for a brighter complexion. At the same time, salicylic acid dives deeper into the pores to dissolve congestion and reduce the appearance of blemishes before they fully form. It’s designed for use only a few nights a week, making it a low-maintenance option for those seeking visible refinement without adding to their morning routine.
Tester feedback from Taylor
“I wrecked my skin barrier over-exfoliating and not wearing enough sunscreen a few years ago (I know, I know), so I had to overhaul my routine. Now I do most of my exfoliating at night twice a week, and Good Molecules’ Overnight Exfoliating Face Treatment has been the standout. My skin is baby-soft by morning, and my makeup glides on like butter because the surface is so smooth.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best Gentle Scrub: St. Ives Rose & Aloe Face Scrub
Why we love it: When you want the feel of a traditional scrub without the redness, sting, or sandpaper-like aftermath, the St. Ives Rose & Aloe Micro-Exfoliant is that safe middle ground. Instead of harsh walnut shells or jagged particles, it uses ultra-fine silica powder and smooth jojoba beads to gently lift dead skin cells at the surface and improve your skin tone and texture. In the background, but no less important, rosewater and aloe calm and hydrate, so your skin never feels stripped. Ceramides support the skin barrier, which is critical for anyone prone to irritation from physical scrubs.
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
“I really like how this scrub feels: The superfine grain gently exfoliates while the base cleanser foams up nicely. It also smells fancier than it is, with a light rose scent that isn't too sweet or powdery." —Kara McGrath, content director
More to know
- Key ingredients: silica powder, jojoba beads, rosewater
- Exfoliator Type: physical
Best for Firming: Olay Super Serum
Why we love it: If you want a two-for-one product that tackles both lack of firmness and exfoliation in the same bottle, Olay’s Super Serum delivers. Starring a blend of niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide, vitamin E, and AHAs, this multitasking, Best of Beauty-winning serum treats laxity, dullness, uneven tone, rough texture, and fine lines. It feels like a tall order, no? Rest assured, these ingredients are time-tested ingredients that provide results. Niacinamide refines pores and discoloration, while vitamin C and vitamin E supply antioxidant support that slows visible loss of firmness over time. Collagen peptide reinforces the skin’s renewal processes to improve bounce and elasticity with week-over-week use. The built-in AHA provides gentle chemical exfoliation that keeps the surface smooth, allowing firmness benefits to show more clearly and makeup to lay down more evenly.
Editor’s tip
Because both vitamin C and AHAs can be sensitizing when used together, start slowly and monitor for stinging or redness, and make sure you are diligent with sunscreen since the combo leaves skin more reactive to light.
Expert feedback from New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Brianna Olamiju, MD
“The Olay Super Serum delivers powerful hydration and gentle exfoliation without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. Its fast-absorbing formula helps smooth fine lines and improve skin texture, giving a more radiant, youthful appearance. I also appreciate that it combines AHA, collagen peptide, vitamin C, niacinamide, and vitamin E all in one serum. Plus, it layers beautifully under moisturizer and makeup, making it an easy, everyday addition to any skin-care routine.” —Brianna Olamiju, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
More to know
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, vitamin C, collagen peptide
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best Exfoliating Cleanser: CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
Why we love it: True to its name, CeraVe’s Renewing SA Cleanser cleanses and exfoliates simultaneously, letting you handle both at the top of your routine. It uses salicylic acid to dissolve dead skin cells and excess oil on contact, softening texture while helping prevent clogged pores, all while rinsing off clean like a standard gel face wash. Unlike traditional exfoliating cleansers that rely on beads or grit, this formula exfoliates chemically rather than manually, making it far less irritating for daily use. Ceramides 1, 3, and 6-II help restore and maintain the moisture barrier as you cleanse, hyaluronic acid draws water into the skin to offset dryness, and niacinamide calms reactivity that often flares alongside exfoliation. Because it exfoliates as you wash, it is an easy way to maintain smoother, clearer, and more even skin without adding another leave-on acid step to your routine.
Editor’s tip
Since this is a rinse-off chemical exfoliant, it is a low-risk way to keep acids in rotation daily, but you should still avoid pairing it in the same routine with a leave-on exfoliant to prevent irritation.
Expert feedback from Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist Morayo Adisa, MD
“If you have a normal skin type, I love this exfoliating cleanser for its gentle yet effective formulation that is great on almost all skin types. It’s a good basic to have.” —Morayo Adisa, MD, Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best for Discoloration: La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
Why we love it: You know a discoloration serum is actually working when the spots you’ve been tracking for weeks finally start to lift. La Roche-Posay’s Glycolic B5 Serum targets uneven tone on several fronts at once: Glycolic acid accelerates cell turnover to fade surface-level discoloration, while kojic acid and tranexamic acid work further upstream in the pigmentation pathway by blocking the chemical signals that tell skin to over-produce melanin, which is why they fade older, more persistent dark marks. Unlike harsher discoloration treatments, this formula is buffered with vitamin B5 to soothe the skin and buffer sensitivity while the active acids work.
Editor’s tip
This serum contains ingredients that target both existing pigment and pigment formation. Patience is part of the protocol—track progress over 8 to 12 weeks rather than expecting overnight results.
Expert feedback from Dr. Olamiju
“The La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum leaves skin smoother and more radiant. It also improves texture and tone. Regular use can reduce roughness, fine lines, and uneven pigmentation. Removing the buildup of dead skin cells gives the skin a healthy glow.” —Brianna Olamiju, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
More to know
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, kojic acid, tranexamic acid
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best for Acne: Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum
Why we love it: For anyone dealing with breakouts and texture at the same time, the Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum is built to remedy both. The salicylic acid unclogs pores at the source by dissolving excess oil and debris inside the follicle, while the glycolic acid helps fade post-acne marks and smooth uneven texture left behind. The formula is buffered with vitreoscilla ferment and Vichy’s signature volcanic water, both of which support barrier repair and reduce the irritation that often comes with daily acid use. The texture is thin and fast-absorbing, making it easy to layer under moisturizer without pilling or residue.
Editor’s tip
Be diligent with sunscreen after application if going out in the sun since dual-acid formulas increase UV sensitivity even when they are buffered with soothing ingredients.
Expert feedback from Dr. Olamiju
“The Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum helps keep skin clear without being harsh or drying. Its gentle yet effective formula helps smooth texture and refine pores. Best for acne-prone skin, it also helps control excess oil, keeping breakouts at bay.” — Brianna Olamiju, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, glycolic acid, vitreoscilla ferment
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Best for Sensitive Skin: Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Face Lotion
Why we love it: If your skin is quick to react when exfoliating, Cetaphil’s Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Lotion smoothes without provoking irritation. This lotion uses a trio of low-strength acids—salicylic acid (BHA), mandelic acid (AHA), and gluconolactone (PHA)—to promote daily cell turnover without compromising your barrier. Each acid plays a role: Salicylic acid clears away pore buildup, mandelic acid softens surface roughness, and gluconolactone hydrates while gently lifting dull, dead skin. What makes it special is how it balances exfoliation with barrier repair, niacinamide, and glycerin, to replenish moisture, while shea butter seals it in for the long term.
Editor’s tip
If you are already using a traditional moisturizer, slot this in as the exfoliant step rather than combining it on top of other exfoliants to keep your barrier intact.
Expert feedback from Dr. Olamiju
“The Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Salicylic Acid Face Lotion clears pores and helps prevent breakouts without irritating the skin. Its lightweight formula smooths texture and evens out skin tone, leaving a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. Unlike harsher exfoliants, it hydrates while it works, so skin never feels stripped. It’s gentle enough for daily use and layers beautifully under moisturizer and sunscreen. This makes it an easy, effective addition to any skin-care routine.” —Brianna Olamiju, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist
More to know
- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, mandelic acid, gluconolactone
- Exfoliator Type: chemical
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for when shopping for drugstore exfoliators?
Both experts agree that the first filter should be skin type and sensitivity: AHAs like lactic or glycolic acid are better fits for dry or dull skin, while BHAs like salicylic acid suit oily or acne-prone skin. They also align on avoiding anything overly aggressive, whether that’s strong fragrance or gritty particles that can damage the barrier.
When it comes to physical exfoliants, Adisa notes that “physical exfoliants are good for non-sensitive skin types and for promoting blood flow, but they have to be gentle enough to prevent trauma.” Dr. Olamiju suggests keeping an eye out for products with “large abrasive particles [that] can create microtears in the skin.” But whichever you choose, Dr. Olamiju cautions that “exfoliate only a few times per week and always follow with sunscreen, since exfoliation can make your skin more sensitive to UV damage.”
Should you exfoliate wet or dry skin?
“This depends on the type of exfoliant, the specified package instructions, and the step sequence in one's skin-care routine,” Dr. Adisa says. “The best approach here is to follow the use instructions on the packaging.” The application technique then splits by category. Dr. Olamiju also notes that “chemical exfoliants should be applied to clean, dry skin so the acids can penetrate more effectively without being diluted.” For scrubs and tools, she adds that “physical exfoliants…should be used on damp skin to reduce friction and minimize irritation.” Regardless of method, she finishes with a non-negotiable: “Always follow with a gentle moisturizer to help restore the skin barrier.”
How often should I exfoliate?
Both dermatologists say frequency is not one-size-fits-all. It hinges on skin type, tolerance, the strength of the formula, and what else is in your routine. Dr. Adisa notes that “on average, one to two times a week suffices to avoid irritation and compromised skin barrier.” Dr. Olamiju allows a slightly broader range, explaining that “most people can exfoliate their face 2 to 3 times per week, depending on their skin type and the strength of the exfoliant,” while “those with sensitive or dry skin may only need to exfoliate once a week.” She adds that oily or acne-prone skin can often tolerate more frequent use, but warns that “over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation, and a weakened skin barrier.”
To keep the barrier intact, Dr. Olamiju stresses that “it is important to be cautious when combining exfoliants with retinols,” and to “always pair exfoliation with a hydrating moisturizer and daily sunscreen.”
Meet the experts
- Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best drugstore exfoliators, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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