Skin experts explain exactly how to choose the liquid exfoliator that’s right for you.
Liquid exfoliants are exactly what they sound like: treatments containing specific acids that increase cell turnover and dissolve dead skin tissue. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King explains that there are five types of acids that typically appear in these exfoliators: glycolic, salicylic, lactic, phytic, and mandelic.
King says glycolic acid is the strongest of the five acids because its molecules are very small. “All of the other acids have bigger molecules and may take longer to work,” she says. That doesn’t mean the other acids don’t deserve a chance, because each one has its benefits.
Exfoliators that contain salicylic acid almost always have a potency of 2 percent, allowing them to ward off acne and bring down inflammation. Lactic acid, which is derived from milk and naturally produced by muscle tissues, has moisture-retaining properties, making it what board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD calls an ideal choice for those with dry skin. Mandelic and phytic acids are the most gentle of the five and best suited for sensitive skin.
According to board-certified dermatologist Kavita Mariwalla, MD, using a liquid exfoliant can help the skin-care products that follow to penetrate more effectively, as they can dissolve the connection between skin cells. “Think of it like loosening up cement between bricks,” she says.
Even with all of this information, sifting through these products may not seem intuitive, which is why we’ve tapped the pros for their top picks. Read on to learn more about Dr. Zeichner and Dr. Mariwalla’s recommendations for the best liquid exfoliants.
Benefit Cosmetics Porefessional Tight ‘N Toned: Pore-Refining AHA + PHA Toning Foam
We all know and love Benefit Cosmetics for its brow products, but now you’ll love its new skin-care line, aptly named Pore Care. Our favorite of the seven-product lineup? The Porefessional Tight ‘N Toned: Pore-Refining AHA + PHA Toning Foam, an exfoliating foaming formula made of alpha hydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, along with lemon and yuzu extracts, to brighten and smooth skin — without the use of a single cotton pad.
L’Oréal Revitalift 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Exfoliating Toner
L’Oréal’s Revitalift 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Exfoliating Toner is a great pick-up at the drugstore for its formula. Inside is soothing aloe vera and alpha hydroxy glycolic acid that exfoliates skin to bring new skin cells to life.
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Made with glycolic acid and rejuvenating grapefruit extract this Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner brightens, exfoliates, and clears congestion in the skin. Not to mention, the bright blue liquid makes it really fun to apply.
Rose Inc Skin Resolution Clean Exfoliating Acid Toner
This bottle of Rose Inc Skin Resolution Clean Exfoliating Acid Toner is loaded with skin-loving ingredients. The list features hydrating squalane, detoxifying pink clay to clear out pores, and a bunch of acids like mandalic and lactic which will gently exfoliate the skin.
Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution
Made with niacinamide and blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including lactic acid and glycolic acid, the Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution clears up (and prevents) breakouts. Just pour a little bit of the liquid formula into your palms and press it into your skin before you go to bed. You’ll wake up with soft, smooth skin, and a fresh-faced glow.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toning Solution
Seven percent glycolic acid (a common form of alpha hydroxy acid or AHA) is the star in this toner formula, which mildly exfoliates the skin, diminishes dark spots, and regenerates collagen. But that’s not all: The Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce signs of irritation typically associated with using the small-molecule, deep-penetrating acid.
Tatcha The Texture Tonic
Tatcha’s The Texture Tonic clarifies complexions by way of gentle ingredients (fruit AHAs, niacinamide, Japanese mugwort, and wild rose) that combat dullness without causing irritation in the process, making this the perfect formula for sensitive complexions in need of a deep cleanse. It’s time to curb excess oil production and permanently break up with oily T-zones — you won’t be missed.
The Inkey List Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA) Gentle Exfoliating Toner
This toner helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin as it uses PHAs to gently remove dead cells. The Inkey List PHA Toner also contains moisturizing aloe leaf juice and niacinamide. Garshick credits both of these ingredients with being calming and soothing on the skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Daily Glow Toner
Charlotte Tilbury isn’t only killing it with her makeup launches. The Daily Glow Toner is the ultimate for ensuring your base routine starts out smooth. This is made with prickly pear extract to get rid of dead skin, peptides for brightness, and niacinamide for smoothing.
Pixi by Petra Glow Tonic
Dr. Mariwalla is a fan of this peachy-pink liquid, which uses 5 percent glycolic acid. “It is not a harsh exfoliator,” she says, despite the formula that contains one of the more powerful acids. In fact, Pixi Glow Tonic leaves skin feeling soothed and refreshed with zero tightness or redness, thanks to its aloe vera. Mariwalla explains this gentle blend is suitable for both teenagers and adults with sensitive skin.
Clinique Clarifying Lotion Twice a Day Exfoliator
Clinique’s Clarifying Lotions — which, for the record, are liquids and not lotions in the way you might picture a moisturizer — go way back. The Twice a Day Exfoliator comes in several versions for different skin types and needs (1.0 seen here is for very dry skin), and all are formulated to be safe enough for frequent use. And yes, the salicylic acid in these can benefit any skin type, not just oily.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice — the brand that has earned its following by excluding fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients known to cause irritation — released Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which uses salicylic acid to exfoliate. Dr. Zeichner recommends this toner for those with acne-prone skin because it helps remove excess oil and dead cells to keep the pores clear.
BareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence
Glycolic and lactic acids derived from fruits make BareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence a must for anyone who doesn’t love the appearance of their pores and would like to combat excess oil without going overboard in the dryness department. A smoother-looking complexion is possible without irritation, and this product is proof.
Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner
Dr. Zeichner explains that Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner works by exfoliating around your pores, ultimately minimizing their appearance and improving your skin’s radiance. He also describes another benefit that glycolic liquid exfoliators like this one have. “It has been shown to help stimulate collagen to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” he says.
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence
Glycolic acid is at the heart of Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence, which helps address unwanted discoloration. It exfoliates dead skin cells that may be contributing to dark spots and dullness, while other ingredients ensure that skin gets the hydration it needs.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner
One of the newer liquid exfoliators on our list, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner has already gained fans among editors. BHA refers not to salicylic acid but to the similarly functioning willow bark and betaine salicylate. PHA stands for polyhydroxy acid, an increasingly popular resurfacing acid because its larger molecules mean a slower — read: gentler — penetration. Even sensitive skin can enjoy a clearer, brighter complexion.