The 16 Best Drugstore Exfoliators of 2022 for Glowing Skin

Best Overall: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

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"Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is very soothing and well-suited for dry, sensitive skin," says Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology. "This cleanser helps remove impurities and augments the removal of dead skin cells."

According to Melissa K. Levin, the NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, "Exfoliation is key and necessary for dry and combination skin to continue turnover of dead skin cells. I recommend incorporating an alpha-hydroxy acid product or, for those with more sensitive skin, Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub because it uses micro-fine bamboo particles to buff and soften skin."

Additionally, Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York adds that Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is gentle enough for all skin types, including dry skin, because it contains skin conditioners that don't irritate the skin.

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: Vitamins B5 and E | Size: 6 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Cleanser: Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser

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"For oily skin, I recommend Neutrogena's Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser," says Dr. Goldenberg. The creamy cleanser has a pillow-y texture that makes the whole exfoliating process a bit more inviting. "This product contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids that help remove oil and dirt that sits deep in the pores while gently exfoliating the skin, leaving it smooth and soft." A quick rinse and skin appears brighter, smoother, and refreshed, without feeling tight and stripped. However we definitely recommend following with your nightly moisturizer for blanket of conditioning post-cleanse.

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Cream | Active Ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acids | Size: 6.7 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Sugar Scrub: L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub in Kiwi

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For combination skin, Dr. Goldenberg recommends L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub. "It contains three different types of sugars that help remove dead skin cells and impurities," she says. The texture is gritty, but since the sugar dissolves quickly when combined with water, it won’t aggravate skin as you smooth it over your face. Instead, it gently buffs away dry, rough patches on skin, rinsing to reveal an exceptionally smooth surface.  "It also contains cocoa butter to provide the skin with moisture and to protect it from too much irritation."

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: Kiwi seed | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser

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Dr. Bae also recommends La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Facial Cleanser for combination skin, as it "contains zinc to reduce sebum and is formulated with gentle, thermal spring water," she says. This cleanser is also great for acne-prone skin, as it gently and effectively works to unclog pores without disrupting skin’s pH balance. It’s also formulated with the brand's signature thermal spring water which has a refreshing and cooling effect that calms skin as you cleanse. 

Price at time of publish: $16

Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Zinc pidolate, thermal spring water | Size: 1.7 / 6.8 / 13.5 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Mask: Feeling Beautiful 4-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask

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This budget-friendly face mask delivers impressive results at a price tag that’s hard to beat. "For combination skin, Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask contains acids that gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells," says Dendy Engelman, M.D., dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York. The multi-tasking formula can be used as a mask, scrub, or cleanser, to absorb and rinse away excess oils on the skin that can lead to breakouts. The apple cider vinegar serves as a gentle toner that won’t aggravate sensitive skin types and reveals clearer, brighter skin after each use.

Price at time of publish: $4

Type: Scrub/mask | Active Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, kaolin | Size: 6 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Oily Skin: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser

4.4

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Despite being known for its powerful acne-fighting benefits, this Differin cleanser is impressively gentle. "For oily skin, one of my favorite acne-fighting cleansers is Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, which is a micronized, 5 percent benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can affordably deliver prescription-strength results," says Dr.Levin. "Many benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers are drying and irritating, but this one is a dual-action micronized formula that penetrates pores and absorbs excess oil while releasing a gentle moisturizer that doesn't dry skin or clogs pores."

Price at time of publish: $12

Type: Liquid | Active Ingredients: 5% benzoyl peroxide | Size: 4 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Clogged Pores: Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser

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While it’s not the cleanest formula, this no-frills cleanser is one that’s effective at gently rinsing away grease and grime from the day. "For oily skin, Bioré's Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser is very refreshing, and it contains salicylic acid, a chemical and physical exfoliant," says Dr. Bae. The exfoliating formula helps to rid pores of acne-causing buildup, while delivering a cool, icy feel that calms skin in the process, and makes for a refreshing cleanse you’ll look forward to time and again.  

Price at time of publish: $8

Type: Foam | Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Size: 6.8 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Ultrafine Scrub for Sensitive Skin

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"Dry skin is very sensitive to over-exfoliating, which is why I like this one from La Roche-Posay," says Dr. Engelman. The scrub is ultra-fine with just enough grit to cleanse pores, without being the least bit harsh or irritating to skin. "It's allergy-tested and free of soap, alcohol, and parabens,” which makes it a friendly alternative for sensitive skin types who want to experience the skin-polishing buff of an exfoliator.

Price at time of publish: $20

Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Diatomaceous earth | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

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Leave it to the trusted acne-fighters at Proactiv, to formulate a creamy exfoliator that is gentle enough to smooth and soothe acne-prone skin. "Proactiv's Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains prescription-strength micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to clear up acne blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming," says Dr. Engelman. "It also contains tiny exfoliating beads and glycolic acid to help reduce excess oil." It may be one of the more expensive options at the drugstore, however the clear, glowy skin that results will continue to validate your investment.

Price at time of publish: $40

Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid | Size: 6 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best for Brightening: Acure Brightening Facial Scrub

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There is a lot to be said about this fan-favorite scrub, and you can browse a mere 60,000 online reviews to validate the chatter. For all skin types except those with inflammatory acne, Cynthia Rivas, a medical aesthetician at Monica Halem, M.D., in New York City, recommends Acure's Brightening Facial Scrub. "I love that the clay helps purify the skin, and the gentle abrasion won't damage it, either," she explains. The unassuming yellow tube is celebrated for its uncanny ability to buff and soften skin with a cocktail of sea kelp, green clay, and argan oil. The radiant results are praise-worthy and at less than $10 bucks, all that glowiness comes at a price that’s hard to beat. 

Price at time of publish: $8

Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: French green clay, sea kelp | Size: 4 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Overnight: CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Anti Aging Face Serum

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This overnight treatment balances the powerful skin-smoothing results of glycolic and lactic acids, with a combination of super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. The 5% AHA blend works to speed up cell turnover, gently sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more polished complexion. Skin looks and feels noticeably smoother after a single use, and with continued use 3-4 times per week, pores appear smaller, skin plumper, and skin all-around glowier. It also has a lightweight, comfortable texture that isn’t the least bit greasy or sticky on skin. 

Price at time of publish: $26

Type: Nighttime exfoliant | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid and lactic acid | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic

4.5

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A quick Google search will surface close to 25,000 glowing reviews for this toner, with shoppers praising the equally glowy results. It’s formulated with 5% glycolic acid which is powerful enough to buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother canvas below, but gentle enough not to aggravate skin or cause any stinging or burning upon application. The bottle is huge, and you only need a few drops onto a cotton pad to cover your whole face, so it will last you a long while. You will want to layer up with a moisturizer and SPF after toning, since it can leave your skin a bit tight, but the radiant results are well worth the extra pampering.  

Price at time of publish: $18

Type: Toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 4.2 fl. oz | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Peel Pads: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

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There’s no denying the convenience that comes from a pre-soaked pad, especially one that delivers an impressively glowy result after a quick swipe. The rounds are saturated (but not drippy) with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids, that work double time decongesting pores and sloughing away dull, flakey skin. These effective chemical exfoliants are balanced by cucumber water for soothing, and lemon peel for brightening, so your skin gets a gentle, refreshing reboot in seconds.

Price at time of publish: $18 for 2 counts

Type: Pads | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid and lactic acid | Size: 28 pads | Byrdie Clean: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Best Multi-Purpose: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

4.5

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This affordable toner is a bottle of many benefits. Not only does it do a number clearing clogged pores to reveal noticeably smoother texture and brighter complexion on the face, but it’s also celebrated as a scalp treatment and body exfoliant. It’s the bottle that went viral on TikTok for it’s lesser known ability to treat dandruff, complete with a unique concentrated nozzle dispenser that makes applying along your part feel intentional. While the anti-microbial formula may be too powerful for some sensitive faces, it works wonders on rough patches on arms and feet, buffing away dry, flaky roughness to reveal better-looking skin head-to-toe. 

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 8 fl oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best Gel Cleanser: ITK Exfoliating Gel Cleanser with Glycolic Acid

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Think of this skin-brightening cleanser as a friendly introduction into chemical exfoliation. Because the cleanser only temporarily sits on skin before being rinsed away, it delivers a gentler skin polishing than some of the alternatives on this list. The gel cleanser is formulated with a trio of exfoliators, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid—alongside the antioxidant-rich spirulina extract which helps to balance and calm skin thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. The results are not immediate, but with continued daily use, skin appears noticeably more even and radiant post-cleanse.

Price at time of publish: $10

Type: Cleanser | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid | Size: 5 fl oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes