The 14 Best Drugstore Exfoliators That Gave Testers Smooth and Radiant Skin

Best Overall

Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

$19 at Amazon $13 at Ulta $10 at Target

Type: Scrub | Key Ingredients: Vitamins B5 and E, glycerin | Size: 6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

A favorite of three of our experts, this very gentle exfoliator went straight to the top spot for its effective yet well-tolerated formula. “Cetaphil’s Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is very soothing and well-suited for dry, sensitive skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology. “It helps remove impurities and augments the removal of dead skin cells.” Hydrating ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E ensure your skin is left moisturized. Board-certified dermatologist Melissa K. Levin, M.D., recommends this scrub for those with sensitive skin since it uses microfine bamboo particles to gently buff and soften the skin. After using the scrub, our tester’s skin felt softer and suppler. And while it contains a fragrance that not everyone will enjoy, we think it’s rather light.

Best for Clogged Pores

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

$6 at Amazon $6 at Ulta $6 at Target

Type: Serum | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you can’t figure out how to unclog your pores, chances are you need an exfoliant that’s gentle yet potent enough to slough away dead skin cells and clear clogged pores. That’s where Good Molecules’ Overnight Exfoliating Treatment comes in. Formulated with alpha and beta hydroxy acids, this treatment will exfoliate your skin while you sleep and improve skin texture. And while this will work great for combination skin, in particular, those with skin on the sensitive side might want to do a patch test first. “I use this exfoliator three times a week before bed to assist in removing dead skin cells on my face,” says Byrdie Copy Editor Cher Checchio. “I love how it targets my clogged pores and dullness while still being suitable for my sensitive skin.”

Best Multipurpose

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner

$14 at Amazon $14 at Sephora $14 at Ulta

Type: Toner | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry derivative, ginseng root, aloe vera | Size: 8 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This affordable toner is a bottle of many benefits. It’s the bottle that went viral on TikTok for its lesser-known ability to treat dandruff, complete with a unique concentrated nozzle dispenser that makes applying along your part feel intentional. While our tester only tried it on their face, it cleared their clogged pores with 7% glycolic acid, and calming Tasmanian pepperberry revealed a noticeably smoother and brighter complexion. Since it does contain a strong percentage of glycolic acid, they could only use it once a week on their sensitive skin, but the results were still worth it.

Best for Dry Skin

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser

$30

$27 at Amazon $14 at Ulta $10 at Target

Type: Gel-cream cleanser | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, glycolic acid, lactic acid, papaya fruit extract, hyaluronic acid | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Dry skin needs hydrating ingredients to remain properly quenched, which is why we love anything with skin-plumping hyaluronic acid, like this gel-cream cleanser from Neutrogena. Instead of using physical exfoliants, this formula uses acids like glycolic and lactic to remove dead, dry skin gently. Some reviewers complain that this cleanser doesn’t remove all makeup, so if you’re wearing a full face, you may want to use a makeup remover or a cleansing oil first.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Clean & Clear Acne Triple Clear Exfoliating Facial Scrub

$36 at Amazon $15 at Target $12 at Fsastore.com

Type: Cleansing scrub | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, aloe, mint | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

If you suffer from acne-prone skin, it’s vital to pay attention to the ingredients in your skincare products—and especially look for salicylic acid. In addition to the pore-clearing acid, this scrub contains aloe and mint, which hydrate and soothe. This formula will clear away dead skin while cleansing, and will even remove oils and unclog pores. While the formula can be a bit drying due to the inclusion of salicylic acid, we suggest finishing off your skincare routine with a moisturizer for acne-prone skin to counteract any dryness.

Best for Brightening

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

$12

$11 at Amazon $12 at Target $12 at Vitacost

Type: Scrub | Key Ingredients: French green clay, sea kelp | Size: 4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For all skin types except those with inflammatory acne, Cynthia Rivas, a medical aesthetician, recommends Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub. “I love that the clay helps purify the skin, and the gentle abrasion won’t damage it, either,” she says. The unassuming yellow tube is celebrated for its uncanny ability to buff and brighten with a cocktail of Madonna lily, sea kelp, green clay, and argan oil. The radiant results are praiseworthy, and at less than $15, all that glowiness comes at a price that’s hard to beat. We did note that it has a gritty texture, which may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

Best for Overnight

CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment

$30

$24 at Amazon $30 at Dermstore $28 at CVS

Type: Nighttime exfoliant | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, licorice root extract, hyaluronic acid | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

This overnight treatment balances the powerful skin-smoothing results of glycolic and lactic acids with a combination of super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and licorice root. These ingredients also help to reduce possible irritation from the acids and strengthen the skin barrier. The 5% AHA blend works to speed up cell turnover, gently sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more polished complexion. Our tester’s skin looked and felt noticeably smoother after a single use, and with continued use three to four times per week, pores appeared smaller, skin plumper, and skin all-around glowier. It also has a lightweight, comfortable texture that isn’t the least bit greasy or sticky on skin.

Don’t forget to follow the next morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, as its exfoliating action may make the skin sensitive to the sun. The potent yet hydrating and gentle formula has a pretty strong smell, so if you’re into unscented facial products, we suggest staying away from this one.

Best Toner

Pixi Glow Tonic

$29

$27 at Amazon $18 at Ulta $29 at Target

Type: Toner | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, ginseng, aloe vera | Size: 4.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There are thousands of glowing reviews for this toner, with shoppers praising the equally glowy results. It’s formulated with 5% glycolic acid, which is powerful enough to buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother canvas, yet gentle enough not to aggravate skin or cause any stinging or burning upon application. After using it for a month, our tester’s skin looked brighter, clearer, and her dark spots started to fade. The bottle is huge, and you only need a few drops onto a cotton pad to cover the whole face, so it will last you a long time. Make sure to layer up with a moisturizer and SPF after toning, since it can leave skin a bit tight and dry, but the radiant results are well worth the extra pampering.

Best for Body

Tree Hut Tropic Glow Sugar Scrub

$12

$10 at Amazon $11 at Ulta $10 at Target

Type: Scrub | Key Ingredients: Sugar, shea butter, Cupuaçu butter, guarana | Size: 18 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

We’ll be the first to admit we spend hours scrolling through social media—and it seems like every other person is hooked on Tree Hut products—specifically this body scrub. And after putting it to the test, we completely understand why this body exfoliator has gone viral. Our tester noticed a big difference in their skin—namely being so soft and hydrated—thanks to the blend of shea butter, Cupuaçu butter, guarana, and other oils. Like other oil-based scrubs, it can be a bit slippery and messy in the shower, so use with caution.

Best Scrub

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

$7

$5 at Amazon $9 at Target $15 at Walgreens

Type: Scrub | Key Ingredients: Soy extract, glycerin | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: No

Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Brightening and Exfoliating Face Scrub is a hypoallergenic, moisture-rich scrub that works not only to exfoliate but also to brighten the skin. From the soy extract (which brightens) to the glycerin (which hydrates), you can expect dead skin cells to diminish and soft and glowing skin to be left in their place. And while some users note the formula can be a bit drying, as long as you go in with a moisturizer after using it, we think you’ll be good to go.

Best Peel Pads

Pacifica Glow Baby Brightening Peel Pads 10% AHA + BHA

$16 at Amazon $16 at Ulta $16 at Pacificabeauty.com

Type: Pads | Key Ingredients: 10% AHA + BHA, niacinamide, apple fruit extract, aloe | Size: 60 pads | Cruelty-Free: Yes

There’s no denying the convenience that comes from a travel-friendly pre-soaked exfoliating pad, especially one that delivers an impressively glowy result after a quick swipe. These rounds are saturated with a blend of glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids that work double time decongesting pores and sloughing away dull, flaky skin. The effective chemical exfoliants are also balanced by soothing apple fruit extract and niacinamide, resulting in pore tightening and deep moisturizing benefits. Some testers do find these wipes quite potent so we’d suggest doing a patch test before swiping one across your entire face.

Best Gel Cleanser

ITK ITK Exfoliating Gel Cleanser with Glycolic Acid

$10

$10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart $10 at Stayitk.com

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, spirulina extract | Size: 5 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Think of this skin-brightening cleanser as a friendly introduction to chemical exfoliation. Because the cleanser only temporarily sits on skin before being rinsed away, it delivers a gentler skin polishing than some of the alternatives on this list. The gel cleanser is formulated with a trio of exfoliators, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid—alongside the antioxidant-rich spirulina extract, which helps to balance and calm skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. Use this to target dark spots, uneven skin tone, and dullness, and while the results are not immediate, with continued daily use, skin appears noticeably more even and radiant post-cleanse.

Best Mask

Versed Instant Resurfacing Mask

$18 at Amazon

$18

$9 at Revolve $23 at CVS

Type: Mask | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, pineapple enzymes, papaya enzymes | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This Versed mask is powerful and fast-acting thanks to a juicy cocktail of fruit enzymes—like pineapple and papaya extract—and chemical exfoliants—such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid—that effectively slough away buildup and dead skin cells in just two minutes. The powerful formula delivers impressive skin-brightening results that are apparent immediately post-rinse, and the cool jelly texture makes for something of a sensory experience as you apply it over your face. Despite the powerful ingredients at work, it won’t burn or irritate normal skin types—as long as you rinse off at the two-minute mark. However, it might be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Elf Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Exfoliant

$11 at Amazon $11 at Target

$11

$9 at Walmart

Type: Cleanser | Key Ingredients: Tangerine, papaya, licorice extracts | Size: 13.04 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have sensitive skin, but still want the glowy effects of exfoliation, give this budget-friendly option from Elf a try. Instead of using chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs, which can irritate some skin types, this product features tangerine, papaya, and licorice extracts to soothe and hydrate while effectively removing dull skin. You apply this creamy cleanser to dry skin and gently massage it in circular motions. As it dries, you peel away the product, removing dead skin, grime, and oils. You then rinse off with warm water to reveal smoother, brighter skin. Although some may find it a bit messy, we found it satisfying to see the dead skin peeled away.