It is time to add chemical exfoliants to your skincare routine! But why chemical exfoliants? Won’t that strip and hurt your skin? Nope, chemical exfoliants are actually the perfect skincare product for achieving smooth, bright and glowing skin. Even if you have sensitive skin, there is bound to be a chemical exfoliant suitable for you. Similar to physical exfoliants, chemical exfoliants have the benefit to help eliminate dead skin cells in a much gentler way. Offering a much more intense and deeper exfoliating without the risk of scratching or tearing the skin. So, here are some of the best chemical exfoliants Beauty Insider recommends for your skin!

Types of Chemical Exfoliants

AHAs – Alpha Hydroxy Acids 

AHAs are derived from fruit and water-soluble acids. They have the benefit to help smoothen any rough texture and brightening your skin. Some AHAs also contain humectants which pull water into your skin. Thus, keeping your skin hydrated. Types of AHAs include malic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid lactic acid and tartaric acid. Those with oily normal and dry skin are most suitable for using chemical exfoliants with AHAs. 

BHAs – Beta Hydroxy Acids

BHAs are quite similar to AHAs, besides the fact that they are oil-soluble. Meaning that not only does it help get rid of dead skin cells, it also penetrates deep into the pores to remove any buildup trapped inside and any excess oils. What’s more, is that BHAs offer anti-inflammatory benefits too. Types of BHAs include willow bark extract and salicylic acid. BHA chemical exfoliants are most suitable for those with acne-prone skin, oily skin and clogged pores. 

PHAs – Poly Hydroxy Acids

PHAs are much more gentle and easy-going compared to AHAs. They work similarly to AHAs, but they have larger molecules so that they don’t penetrate deep into the skin. Thus, it offers a superficial and mild exfoliation. Types of PHAs include galactose, gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. Since PHAs are super gentle on the skin, it is suitable for those with sensitive skin, eczema, keratosis pilaris and rosacea. 

10 Best Chemical Exfoliants

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

chemical exfoliants

One of the best chemical exfoliants you can add to your skincare routine is the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel. Featuring pre-soaked peel pads, they are infused with both AHAs and BHAs including glycolic, salicylic, malic and lactic acid. It is also packed with vitamin C and retinol to help smoothen fine lines, fade dark spots and minimise fine lines. 

Why we love it:

  • Fades dark spots
  • Contains AHAs and BHAs
  • Smooths fine lines

Price: $142.00

Where to buy: Sephora

2. Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Exfoliant

chemical exfoliants

This chemical exfoliator from Neutrogena is suitable for dry skin. The Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Exfoliant contains hyaluronic acid, AHAs and PHAs. One of the best chemical exfoliants for dry skin, this product smooths your skin texture. All without drying out the skin or causing irritation. 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for dry skin
  • Doesn’t cause irritation
  • Smoothes skin texture

Price: $22.13

Where to buy: Amazon

3. The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

chemical exfoliants

One of the most affordable chemical exfoliants you should get is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution! A cult favourite, this product consists of AHAs to help brighten up your skin tone. Aside from that, it also contains BHAs that unclog pores and blackheads to give you radiant and glowing skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Affordable
  • Unclogs pores
  • Brightens skin tone

Price: $12.00

Where to buy: Look Fantastic

4. Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum

chemical exfoliants

If you are looking for a chemical exfoliating serum, then the Shani Darden Skin Care Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum is for you! Those with uneven and dull skin will love this chemical exfoliator. It features a blend of gentle acids such as gluconolactone and lactic to help resurface your skin while you sleep. It is also best to apply it during the night, before bed! 

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for night use
  • Helps with dull skin
  • Gentle acids 

Price: $121.72

Where to buy: Shani Darden

5. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

If you are looking for chemical exfoliants that only contain BHAs, then get Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. Suitable for those with sensitive skin, this chemical exfoliant only contains 2% BHAs. A favourite among many, it helps unclog pores and evens out your skin tone. It also absorbs quickly into the skin as it is quite lightweight.

Why we love it:

  • Lightweight
  • Only 2% BHAs
  • Suitable for sensitive skin

Price: $48.00

Where to buy: Paula’s Choice

6. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner

One of the best chemical exfoliants is the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA +BHA Pore-Tight Toner. This toner offers balance to your skin and even helps clear excess oil to make your pores appear smaller. Furthermore, it contains both BHAs and PHAs, as well as hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin. 

Why we love it:

  • Hydrates the skin
  • Gets rid of excess oil
  • Contains BHAs and PHAs

Price: $54.00

Where to buy: Sephora

7. Tula Breakout Breakthrough Acne Maximum Strength Biodegradable Toner Pads

For those with acne-prone skin, the Tula Breakout Breakthrough Acne Maximum Strength Biodegradable Toner Pads can help. It features a combination of azelaic acid, apple cider vinegar and BHAs. This formula helps get rid of dead skin cells, clears pores, and minimises dark marks and any redness. 

Why we love it:

  • Reduces redness
  • Clears pores
  • Clears dead skin cells

Price: $41.50

Where to buy: Tula

8. U Beauty The Resurfacing Compound

A great 3-in-1 chemical exfoliant to have is the U Beauty The Resurfacing Compound. This game-changer can be used at night and during the day to help smoothen and brighten your skin. Aside from that, it also helps protect your skin from free radicals and plumps it up for a healthy glow! 

Why we love it:

  • Plumps the skin
  • Hydrating
  • 3-in-1 product

Price: $125.50

Where to buy: Look Fantastic

9. Hyper Skin Fade and Glow AHA Mask

If you have struggled with hyperpigmentation, then the Hyper Skin Fade and Glow AHA Mask is for you. This rinse-off face mask helps fade hyperpigmentation, melasma and dark spots. This AHA mask contains mandelic acid, glycolic acid,  turmeric and niacinamide within its formula. 

Why we love it:

  • Brightening
  • Soothing
  • Fades hyperpigmentation

Price: $66.39

Where to buy: Sephora US

10. SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser

The SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Gel Cleanser is one of the best chemical exfoliant cleansers you can get. This 2-in-1 foaming cleanser has the benefit to remove makeup, excess oil and buildup. It then resurfaces and brightens your skin with the help of phytic and glycolic acids. 

Why we love it:

  • Designed for everyday use
  • Removes makeup
  • Gel formula 

Price: $63.68

Where to buy: Care to Beauty