Skincare

Your glow guide: Top-rated face exfoliators for every skin type

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SkinTalks - June 15, 2026

Introduction

What to look out for

Best exfoliators for different skin types

Find your glow with the right exfoliator

Welcome back, Glowies. If you've been scrolling through exfoliator options feeling a little lost, this one's for you. The shelves are packed with scrubs, acids, gels, and pads, and not all of them are made equal or made for your skin.

 

Here's exactly what to look for, which formulas suit which skin types, and our top Korean exfoliator picks to help you find your new favorite.

Choosing an exfoliator: What to look out for

Before you add anything to your cart, it’s worth understanding the basics of how exfoliators work.

 

There are two main types: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators use gentle friction to buff dead skin away through scrubs, peeling gels, or textured pads. Chemical exfoliators use acids like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to loosen and dissolve dead skin cells without any scrubbing.
It's also worth scanning the ingredient list for extras that support your skin while the main ingredients exfoliate: 

  • Centella asiatica, aloe vera, and niacinamide are good signs if your skin is reactive.
  • Salicylic acid or willow bark extract is what you want for oiliness and congestion. 
  • For brightening and texture, glycolic acid and lactic acid are the ingredients to look for.

Best exfoliators for different skin types

The biggest mistake people make when it comes to choosing an exfoliator is picking up whatever's trending without checking whether it's actually right for them. A high-strength acid that works brilliantly for oily skin can strip sensitive skin completely bare. Meanwhile, a scrub that's fine for combination skin can cause real damage if you use it on an active breakout.

 

Here’s a breakdown of the top exfoliators for different faces — all Korean skincare favorites.

Top exfoliators for sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs exfoliation as much as any other type. It just needs it to come gently. PHAs and enzyme-based formulas are the way to go here, as they work on the surface without pushing too deep.

 

The Benton PHA Peeling Gel is one of the best options out there for reactive skin. It combines naturally derived cellulose for physical buffing with PHA for gentle chemical exfoliation, so you get both in one step without the risk of irritation.

 

Pyunkang Yul Calming Toner Pad is another brilliant pick. The dual-sided pads deliver a mix of AHA and PHA to lift dead skin and impurities while centella asiatica and bamboo water keep things calm. It's consistent, easy to use, and kind to the skin barrier.

 

Looking for more exfoliators for sensitive skin? Check out our guide.

Top exfoliators for oily skin

Oily and acne-prone skin produces more sebum than it needs, which means pores get clogged more easily. BHAs are the go-to here because they can actually get inside the pore and clear out the congestion at the source.

 

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid is a fan favorite for good reason. The 4% BHA formula targets blackheads and sebum buildup, while willow bark water and niacinamide make it comfortable and brightening at the same time. 

 

If you prefer a physical exfoliator, the BE THE SKIN BHA+ Pore Zero 30 Second Exfoliator is one of the best exfoliating scrubs for the face. This peeling gel combines willow-BHA, glycolic acid, and natural cellulose to tackle congestion and surface texture in one go. 

 

For more exfoliators for oily skin, take a look at our guide.

Top exfoliators for combination skin

When it comes to combination skin, the goal is finding something that smooths out the oilier zones without stripping the drier patches.

 

Anua Heartleaf LHA Moisture Peeling Gel is a brilliant physical option. LHA is a gentler alternative to salicylic acid, so it clears excess sebum and impurities without overdoing it on the drier areas. The heartleaf extract keeps things soothed while it works.

 

Looking for a low-effort daily option? Try COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. The spray-on formula combines apple fruit water AHA and willow bark water BHA to gently resurface skin, prevent blackheads and whiteheads, and keep your tone even.

 

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are a great weekly reset for combination skin that needs a bit of everything. The pre-soaked cotton pads combine all three acid types to gently exfoliate, regulate sebum, and minimize pores, while a cica essence keeps the skin calm.

Top exfoliators for mature skin

Cell turnover slows down with age, which is exactly why regular exfoliation matters more as you get older. AHAs are particularly well-suited for mature skin because they work on the surface to smooth texture, fade discoloration, and help keep skin looking fresh.

 

A'pieu Glycolic Acid Cream is a gentle leave-on formula with 3% glycolic acid, a touch of salicylic acid, and 30% birch extract. It improves texture and deeply moisturizes at the same time, so you're exfoliating and nourishing in one step. 

 

If you want an exfoliator you can use daily, try Make P:rem Radiance Me Mild Essential Peeling Gel. This is mild enough to provide consistent resurfacing without any risk of irritation. Wintergreen leaf extract provides natural salicylic acid to gently resurface, while squalane and sea buckthorn oil replenish moisture and keep the skin barrier in good shape.

 

Dr. Melaxin Peel Shot Exfoliant Black Rice Ampoule is great for mature skin dealing with dullness or uneven tone. Powered by Pentarice and enriched with black rice extract, it gently exfoliates while targeting discoloration and refining texture over time.

Find your glow with the right exfoliator

Whatever your skin type, a great exfoliator really can change the way your skin looks and feels. Start with one product that fits your skin, use it consistently, and let your results do the talking.

 

Just be careful to keep exfoliators on separate days from other actives like retinol or vitamin C!

 

Want to explore more top picks? Check out our curated exfoliator collection.

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