Our Go-To Liquid Exfoliators for Smooth Skin

If there's one exfoliating rule we know to be true, you don't have to aggressively scrub your face in order to effectively buff away dead skin cells from its surface. Now, chemical exfoliating products are often favored — because they utilize the power of exfoliating acids like salicylic acid, alpha hydroxy acid and more to slough away the skin’s surface layer of old cells. 

If you’re looking for a chemical exfoliating product to incorporate into your skincare routine, keep reading because we’re sharing our favorite liquid exfoliators, below. 

Our Favorite Liquid Exfoliator for Daily Use 

Kiehl’s Milk-Peel Gentle Exfoliating Toner

This exfoliating toner, which is gentle enough for daily use, is formulated with lipohydroxy acid to refine skin texture and reveal a brighter complexion. It also contains 23% emollients and almond milk to help replenish skin’s moisture. 

Our Favorite Luxe Liquid Exfoliator 

Youth To The People Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant

This liquid exfoliating treatment is formulated with three different acids to resurface the skin’s surface. Mandelic acid  while salicylic acid works to unclog the pores. The addition of gluconolactone  strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. If you’re new to exfoliating treatments, start by using this one just once or twice a week and building up to more frequent use. 

Our Favorite Drugstore Liquid Exfoliator 

L’Oréal Paris Revitalift 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Exfoliating Toner

If you’re looking for a drugstore liquid exfoliator that’s gentle and effective, this is a great option. It’s formulated with glycolic acid to smooth skin texture and reveal glowing skin, and it also contains aloe vera to soothe. With continued use over time, it works to lighten the appearance of dark spots. 

Our Favorite Liquid Exfoliator for Oily Skin 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Face Toner for Oily Skin

Created for people with oily skin in mind, this micro-exfoliating toner works to remove excess oil from skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of pores. It also contains glycerin for hydration and is safe for sensitive skin. 

Our Favorite Liquid Exfoliator for Dry Skin 

Freck Beauty Cactus Water 

While it might look and feel just like water, this cleaning toner is so much more. According to the brand, the formula includes lactic acid — an exfoliating acid known to be gentle enough for sensitive skin — to buff away dead surface skin cells. The formula also contains cactus flower extract for hydration as well as kelp extract.

Our Favorite High Strength Liquid Exfoliator 

iNNBEAUTY PROJECT Down to Tone Resurfacing Acid Toner

If you’re looking for a powerful liquid exfoliator that’s alcohol-free, this is a great option. It contains a blend of six different acids to exfoliate skin’s surface and reduce the appearance of blackheads, plus niacinamide and fruit enzymes to even the skin tone and brighten the complexion. 

Design: Juliana Campisi