Ranked by ingredients
Best Exfoliants
The 7 highest-scoring of the 7 exfoliants we scored, ranked on what is in the bottle rather than what is on it. Every score comes from the product's own ingredient list; no brand pays to be here.
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Drunk Elephant$68.99Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial3 high-impact actives: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid. Loses points on safety: 2 moderate-irritation ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid, Milk Thistle Extract
B89 - 2
The Ordinary$8.70The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution1 high-impact active: Glycolic Acid. Loses points on safety: 1 moderate-irritation ingredient: Glycolic Acid
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract
B89 - 3
The Ordinary$8.70The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution3 high-impact actives: Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid. Loses points on safety: 2 moderate-irritation ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Salicylic Acid, Tartaric Acid
B88 - 4
COSRX$20.99COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid1 active concentration disclosed on the label. Fragrance-free
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide
B86 - 5
Good Molecules$19.99Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment5 distinct ingredient classes — well-rounded formula. Fragrance-free
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Niacinamide
B82 - 6
Youth to the People$30.99Youth to the People Kombucha + 11% AHA Exfoliation Power TonerCarries the active classes expected for this product type. Fragrance-free
Actives: Glycolic Acid, Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, Niacinamide, Willow Bark Extract
B82 - 7
COSRX$20.99COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid1 active concentration disclosed on the label. Fragrance-free
Actives: Betaine Salicylate, Niacinamide
C75
Frequently asked questions
What is the best exfoliant?
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial by Drunk Elephant scores highest of the 7 exfoliants Formulate has scored, at 89/100 (grade B). 3 high-impact actives: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid, Salicylic Acid. Loses points on safety: 2 moderate-irritation ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Tartaric Acid.
How are these exfoliants ranked?
Each product is scored out of 100 on its formula: how well-researched its actives are, whether the label discloses their concentration, the research behind them, and how complete and well-built the formula is. Safety is checked separately — irritants, fragrance, EU-listed allergens, endocrine concerns and pore-clogging ingredients — and only costs points when it falls below 95. No brand pays to be listed.
Are these exfoliants fragrance-free?
7 of the 7 exfoliants scored contain no synthetic fragrance. 3 lost points on the safety check.
Best skincare by type
Educational only. Scores rate a product's formula, not how it will suit your skin. Patch-test new products, and see a dermatologist for persistent skin conditions. Some links are affiliate links; they never affect a score.