{"id":46008,"date":"2021-03-02T00:00:32","date_gmt":"2021-03-01T19:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedermreview.com\/?p=46008"},"modified":"2025-08-10T04:15:00","modified_gmt":"2025-08-09T23:15:00","slug":"best-chemical-exfoliant","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedermreview.com\/best-chemical-exfoliant\/","title":{"rendered":"The 12 Best Chemical Exfoliants"},"content":{"rendered":"

Every step in your skincare routine plays a vital role in its health. With that said, if you\u2019re skipping out on the exfoliation process, you\u2019re making it more difficult for the other products in your regimen to work efficiently \u2014 here\u2019s why. The skin renews itself every 28 days, so dead skin cells shed naturally. However, there are circumstances such as skin type or condition, climate, indoor heating, air conditioning, stress, medication, and health that can slow down the usual desquamation phase. When this happens, dead skin cells harbor on the surface. Not only will your complexion look dull and lackluster, but your serums and moisturizers can\u2019t penetrate the skin, so you may feel as though they\u2019re not working. In reality, it\u2019s the layer of dead skin that\u2019s standing in their way. This is why regular exfoliation is a vital part of your skincare routine. <\/span><\/p>\n

Interestingly enough, since the pandemic commenced in 2020, <\/span>research shows<\/span><\/a> that 40% of American women who regularly maintain a skincare routine are using more products in 2020 than in the previous year, especially cleansers exfoliants. Not only is this likely because a trip to the spa wasn\u2019t in the cards, but \u201cmaskne\u201d and excessive stress have become the new normal<\/span><\/p>\n

There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. While the former is the gritty, scrub-like formula you may be more familiar with, chemical exfoliators are typically more effective. They can also help with additional skin concerns aside from dissolving dead cells. Let\u2019s take a look at the differences between the two, so you\u2019re more confident when choosing the best chemical exfoliant for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

The List<\/b><\/h2>\n

BEST OVERALL<\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant Overall: Carrot & Stick The Micro Peel<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

\n
We recommend the Carrot & Stick’s At Home Chemical Peel Routine<\/a> which includes a post treatment repair serum.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

FULL LIST<\/p>\n

Best Runner Up: Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads<\/a><\/strong><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Everyday Use:<\/b> <\/span>REN<\/a> Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic<\/b><\/p>\n

Best Korean Chemical Exfoliant: <\/b>Mizon AHA 8% Peeling Serum<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Blackheads: <\/b>Paula\u2019s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Acne:<\/b> <\/span>Glytone<\/a><\/b> Rejuvenating Mini Peel<\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Acne Scars: <\/b>Alpha-H Liquid Gold with 5% Glycolic Acid<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Oily Skin: <\/b>Pixi Glow Tonic<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliator for Combination Skin: <\/b>Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Sensitive Skin: <\/b>Natrium<\/a><\/b> Mandelic Topical Acid 12%<\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Dry Skin: <\/b>SkinCeuticals<\/a><\/b> Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight<\/b><\/p>\n

Best Chemical Exfoliant for Rosacea: <\/b>Blue Mercury M-61<\/a> PowerGlow Peel<\/b><\/p>\n

Benefits of Chemical Exfoliants<\/b><\/h2>\n

As noted, chemical exfoliants have numerous benefits, including: <\/span><\/p>\n