Hands down, the best face exfoliators for every skin type, according to dermatologists (2025)

Chemical vs physical: which face exfoliator is right for you?

There are two types of exfoliator to choose from: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators like scrubs, flannels and cleansing brushes involve manually buffing the skin, with salt, grains, bristles or fibres. Chemical (or liquid) exfoliators include products that contain acids such as glycolic and salicylic, or fruit enzymes such as pumpkin and pineapple. These are then usually applied to a cotton pad and swept over skin. They work in a similar way to a nail polish remover or body scrub, breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together in order to lift them away. The difference, is they're much, much gentler and more diluted. Think of a couple of drops of lemon juice in a glass of water – it's acidic, but it's much more mild.

Most dermatologists have moved to chemical exfoliators as they tend to be less abrasive on skin, however, a light gentle scrub with soft particles is a good option, too. In terms of ingredients, glycolic acid is a hero exfoliator and one of the most common ones you'll spot in chemical exfoliators. Often, they'll note the concentration on the bottle. Pixi's iconic best-selling product, the Glow Tonic, for instance, contains 5%, which is about average. More than that and you might want to limit your usage to once a week. As for sensitive skin types, lactic acid and enzyme exfoliators can be a more gentle alternative.

How do I exfoliate my face gently?

In general, depending on the type and strength of the exfoliator you've chosen, it's a good idea to exfoliate 2-3 times a week in order to lift any dead skin cells, clean out your pores and reveal your skin's natural glow. For a more thorough look at this, take a look at our complete guide to exfoliating.

It's important to bear in mind that over-exfoliating can cause issues, so monitor your usage and keep an eye on how your skin responds. You can react accordingly by upping or lowering the frequency with which you use it. “Exfoliating more than your skin needs can deplete its barrier function and cause capillary damage, leaving skin dehydrated and weak,” explains Pamela.

If your skin appears red, flaky and dry, you're probably using a product that is too strong, or applying it too often, so pare it back. And more importantly, don't forget to supplement your skin with a reliable sunscreen or even a moisturiser with SPF (with soothing and hydrating ingredients such as green tea, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and/or vitamin E), since exfoliation makes your skin more vulnerable to sun damage.

Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Shop the best sunscreens for face, best face masks, best vitamin C serums, best hyaluronic acid serums, best retinol creams and the best moisturisers.

For more shoppable makeup, skincare, haircare and wellness content from Glamour UK Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet.