If you’re in the market for noticeably smoother, glowier, clearer skin, the secret—no matter your skin type—is regular exfoliation. There are two types of exfoliation, chemical and physical (also called mechanical exfoliation). Both types have their advantages, but chemical exfoliators—usually combinations of acids or enzymes—dissolve debris, dead skin cells, and other impurities in a uniform manner that leaves skin exceptionally even. Whether they’re infused into resurfacing cleansers, overnight serums, masks, or peels, chemical exfoliants can vary in strength dramatically, and they help with everything from extreme dryness to blackheads, improving cell turnover, uneven skin texture, dullness, and hyperpigmentation.

1. Daily Cleanser

   
   

   Alpyn Beauty
   PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser
   goop, $36

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2. Daily Toner

   
   

   Vintner’s Daughter
   Active Treatment Essence
   goop, $225

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3. Nightly Serum

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk
   goop, $98/$89 with subscription

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4. Once-a-Week Chemical Peel

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW 15% Glycolic Acid
   Overnight Glow Peel
   goop, $125/$112 with subscription

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Physical exfoliants include anything from a washcloth to a scrub containing beads or small granules that slough off dead cells manually. They’re easiest to use while showering; you’ll feel an instant softness the second you get out of the shower. Too much intense exfoliation—whether chemical or physical—can be irritating, and physical exfoliants have the potential to cause microtears in the skin. As your skin acclimates to either type of exfoliation, you may be able to increase the frequency (depending on your skin type and level of sensitivity).

What are the different types of chemical exfoliators?

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), poly hydroxy acids (PHAs), fruit and flower acids, and enzymes are among the most common types of chemical exfoliators.

AHAs

Water-soluble with small molecular sizes, AHAs are the strongest among the chemical exfoliants. Glycolic, lactic, malic, citric, tartaric, and mandelic acids are AHAs commonly used in skin care. AHAs exfoliate the top layers of skin and are best for dark spots, surface wrinkles, fine lines, uneven skin tone, and even dry skin (glycolic acid was actually initially developed to treat an extreme dry skin condition called ichthyosis).

1. Glycolic and Lactic Acid Serum

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Dark Spot Exfoliating Sleep Milk
   goop, $98/$89 with subscription

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2. Glycolic and Phytic Acid Toner

   
   

   goop Beauty
   G.Tox Malachite + AHA Pore Refining Tonic
   goop, $75/$68 with subscription

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3. Lactic Acid Mask

   
   

   Tata Harper
   Radiance Mask
   goop, $68

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BHAs

BHAs are slightly larger molecules that are oil-soluble. They penetrate the skin through oil glands, helping unclog pores. The most common BHA in skin care is salicylic acid—it’s in every formula below—which is best for blemish-prone skin where oil production is an issue.

1. Gel-to-Milk Face Wash
   (Doubles as a Mask)

   
   

   Okoko
   Beauté Majestique Cleanser
   goop, $116

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2. Turmeric Face Wash

   
   

   Plantkos
   Phyto Exfoliating Cleanser
   goop, $37

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3. Face Wash for the Breakout-Prone

   
   

   True Botanicals
   Clear Nourishing Cleanser
   goop, $48

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4. PHAs

   PHAs are larger molecules that are water-soluble and the least irritating of the acids. Ideal for sensitive skin, PHAs exfoliate on the surface of the skin and are best for locking in moisture.

   Gentle (but Effective) Toner

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Flower Acids
   Resurfacing Toner
   goop, $45/$40 with subscription

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5. Fruit and Flower Acids and Enzymes

   These exfoliants work by eating away at dead skin and debris. At moderate concentrations, they’re gentle and well tolerated by many skin types.

   Whipped Balm Cleanser with Fruit Acids

   
   

   Skin Design London
   Face Bath
   goop, $105

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What are combination exfoliants?

Some of the most effective skin-boosting formulas contain both chemical and physical exfoliants, which are a great complement to each other. The chemical exfoliants dissolve and loosen debris, while the physical exfoliants scrub it away. Combined, the two approaches optimize cellular turnover and leave skin brighter and smoother.

1. Face Polish

   Glycolic Acid and
   Microexfoliating Minerals

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator
   goop, $125/$112 with subscription

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2. Cleanser for Sensitive Skin

   Cranberry Enzymes and Rice Powder

   
   

   Tata Harper
   Refining Cleanser
   goop, $88

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3. Cleanser for Normal and All Skin Types

   Pomegranate Enzymes and Bamboo

   
   

   Fath
   The Resurfacing Botanical Cleanser
   goop, $82

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4. Mask

   Glycolic Acid and Rice Particles

   
   

   Humanrace
   Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator
   goop, $46

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5. Body Polish

   Hibiscus Flower Acid and
   Microexfoliating Minerals

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant
   Glow Body Polish
   goop, $48/$43 with subscription

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What skin types are chemical exfoliants best for?

Most skin types and most skin concerns can benefit from gentle regular chemical exfoliation. Not only will your skin look smoother and feel softer, but any skin treatments you use afterward will sink into your skin more evenly and penetrate more deeply; dead skin cells and debris can act as barriers between your skin and skin care.

1. For Normal and Dry Skin

   Hydrating Toner with Citric Acid

   
   

   MAKANAI
   Pure Botanical Charge Lotion Toner
   goop, $45

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2. For Sensitive Skin

   Moisturizing Cleanser with Lactic Acid

   
   

   Tata Harper
   Softening Cleanser
   goop, $88

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What about Oily Skin?

Oily skin types can typically handle either chemical or purely physical exfoliation. If you get breakouts often, use chemical exfoliants to fight oil and blemishes from a deeper level in the skin; AHAs and salicylic acid are most effective. If using a physical exfoliant, choose one with super fine particles as opposed to big, abrasive granules.

1. Blemish-Fighting Cleanser with
   Glycolic Acid

   
   

   goop Beauty
   G.Tox Malachite + Fruit Acid Pore
   Purifying Cleanser
   goop, $48/$44 with subscription

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2. Detoxifying Charcoal Face Scrub

   
   

   Clark’s Botanicals
   Dual Charcoal Detox
   goop, $45

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How often should you exfoliate your skin?

Overexfoliating (exfoliating too often or too intensely for your skin type) can strip away the skin’s protective barrier, leaving it vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and even infection. So take it slow at first. Never use a product more often than recommended, and never layer intense exfoliants in the same session. If an exfoliant ever feels uncomfortable, rinse it off immediately. If you have sensitive skin, really err on the side of caution and patch-test any exfoliating product before applying it to your face.

To put it simply, those with less-sensitive skin can exfoliate more frequently, while those who are more sensitive need less-powerful formulas and less frequency overall.

What types of products should be used in a skin-care routine with exfoliation?

Exfoliants have the potential to leave skin feeling dry, so moisturize immediately afterward if your skin needs it.

1. Rich Cream

   
   

   Augustinus Bader
   The Rich Cream
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2. Lightweight Lotion

   
   

   Alpyn Beauty
   Triple Vitamin-C Brightening Bounce Cream
   goop, $49

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3. Firming Face Oil

   
   

   goop Beauty
   GOOPGENES All-in-One Super
   Nutrient Face Oil
   goop, $98/$89 with subscription

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SPF is very important post-exfoliation, especially since AHAs and BHAs can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Vitamin C is one of the most beneficial and researched-for-skin antioxidants for boosting glow, refining texture, and offering protection against environmental aggressors. It’s well tolerated by most skin types, but if you’re sensitive, use it cautiously after exfoliating, since vitamin C itself is a mild exfoliant.

1. 
   
   Grown Alchemist
   Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
   goop, $39

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2. 
   
   goop Beauty
   GOOPGLOW 20% Vitamin C +
   Hyaluronic Acid Glow Serum
   goop, $125/$112 with subscription

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What’s the best time of day to exfoliate your face?
Does your skin need time to recover?

Because chemical exfoliants can make skin more sensitive to the sun, they’re best applied at night. Physical exfoliants can be used morning or night (as long as you’re wearing sunscreen in the day). When exfoliating, be sure to apply the formula to clean skin to prevent makeup or dirt from being pushed deeper, as well as to allow the product to really penetrate.

How do we test clean beauty products at goop? First they have to pass our standards for clean (goop has some of the toughest standards in the industry). Only then do they make it to our editors’ showers, bathroom counters, and makeup bags, where they are rigorously hand-tested (and road-tested, if we happen to be going on a trip). The goop beauty department is made up of women of varied ages, races, and tastes—if we really love something, we’re pretty confident you’re going to love it, too.