The Best Liquid Exfoliants for Smoother Skin

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Are you tired of dealing with rough, dull, or uneven skin? Liquid exfoliants might just be the solution you’re looking for. Unlike harsh physical scrubs, these effective products can help slough off dead skin cells and reveal a smoother, brighter complexion.

Whether you’re dealing with acne, fine lines, or just want to improve your skin’s overall appearance, there’s a liquid exfoliator out there that can help. In this post, I’ll introduce you to some of the best liquid exfoliants on the market, so you can find the perfect one for your skin type and concerns.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This Paula’s Choice product is a cult favorite for a reason. It’s packed with salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which gently exfoliates the skin, unclogs pores, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s great for those with acne-prone or oily skin, but even people with sensitive skin swear by it. The 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is also formulated without fragrance or essential oils, so it’s less likely to cause irritation.

Buy Now at Sephora

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

Alpha-H Liquid Gold

This liquid exfoliant has 5% glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that helps improve the skin’s texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also has licorice extract, which brightens the skin, and silk proteins, which help soothe and hydrate. This product is great for those with mature or sun-damaged skin, or anyone looking to improve the overall appearance of their skin.

Buy Now at Sephora

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA Liquid Exfoliants

This affordable liquid exfoliant contains 10% lactic acid (AHA), which helps to exfoliate and improve skin texture. It also has hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that hydrates the skin and improves its elasticity. It’s a great option for those with dry or dehydrated skin, as well as those looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Buy Now at Sephora

ROSE Ingleton MD SuperFruit Exfoliating Tonic 8% AHA Solution

Infused with glycolic acid and a Jamaican SuperFruit Blend containing fruit acids, this toner works to gently remove dead skin buildup and boost radiance. With regular use, you may notice a reduction in the appearance of dark spots, improved texture, unclogged pores, and softened fine lines and wrinkles.

Buy Now at Sephora

Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

The Best Liquid Exfoliants Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

This toner contains 2% glycolic acid (AHA) to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin. It also has grapefruit extract, which helps to tone and refresh the skin, and aloe vera, which helps to soothe and hydrate. This toner is great for those with combination or oily skin, as it helps to control excess oil and prevent breakouts. It’s also suitable for those with dull or congested skin who want to improve their skin’s texture and radiance.

Buy Now at Sephora

bareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence

bareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence

Designed for use on all skin types, this formula features prebiotics such as sugar cane and sugar maple to promote healthy-looking skin, as well as skin-refining super fruits like bilberry, noni-fruit, orange, and lemon extracts that work to minimize the appearance of enlarged pores.

Buy Now at Ulta

Tatcha The Texture Tonic

Tatcha The Texture Tonic

This exfoliating toner from Tatcha is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as it uses natural fruit acids to gently exfoliate and refine the skin’s texture. The formula contains AHAs from Japanese beautyberry and lactic acid from fermented rice, which work together to remove dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. The Texture Tonic also contains Japanese leopard lily and silk extract to calm and soothe the skin, and Tatcha’s signature blend of Japanese superfoods to nourish and protect.

Buy Now at Sephora

Glo Skin Beauty HydraBright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant

Glo Skin Beauty HydraBright Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant

The formula includes a variety of potent acids that work together to provide a comprehensive range of benefits for your skin. Mandelic Acid targets hyperpigmentation and helps prevent breakouts, while Lactic Acid hydrates, brightens, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and pores. Gluconic Acid provides gentle exfoliation, even for sensitive skin, while Malic Acid serves as a humectant to improve skin texture and help decongest. Tartaric Acid promotes skin clarity and brightens.

Buy Now at Dermstore

Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant

This formula utilizes the power of salicylic acid and bioactive fruit acids to help even out skin tone and prevent signs of premature aging. Not only does it gently exfoliate for a more youthful appearance, but it also helps to control excessive oil production. This non-irritating and mild product features a unique, microencapsulated salicylic acid that is specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Buy Now at Target

Rose Inc Skin Resolution Clean Exfoliating Acid Toner

Best Liquid Exfoliants

This product is formulated with a gentle blend of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs that work together to smooth and brighten your complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and unclog pores. The toner is also enriched with soothing ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera to calm and hydrate the skin.

Buy Now at Sephora

Shop For Liquid Exfoliants

Frequently Asked Questions About Liquid Exfoliants

Q: What are liquid exfoliants? A: Liquid exfoliants are skincare products that contain acids, enzymes, or other exfoliating agents in liquid form. They are designed to help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve the texture and tone of the skin.

Q: How do liquid exfoliants work? A: Liquid exfoliants work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily removed from the surface of the skin. This process can help to unclog pores and reveal smoother, brighter, and more even-looking skin.

Q: Who should use liquid exfoliants? A: Liquid exfoliants can be beneficial for anyone looking to improve the appearance and texture of their skin. However, they may be particularly useful for those with oily or acne-prone skin, as well as those with dull or uneven skin tone.

Q: How often should I use a liquid exfoliant? A: The frequency of use will depend on the specific product and your individual skin type and needs. Some liquid exfoliants may be gentle enough for daily use, while others may be better suited for weekly or bi-weekly use. It’s important to follow the instructions on the product packaging and start with a lower frequency of use to avoid over-exfoliating the skin.

Q: Are liquid exfoliants safe to use? A: When used properly and in moderation, liquid exfoliants are generally safe to use. However, it’s important to be mindful of the strength of the product and the needs of your individual skin type. Those with sensitive skin may need to use gentler formulations or avoid certain exfoliating agents altogether.

Q: Can I use a liquid exfoliant if I have acne? A: Yes, liquid exfoliants can be helpful for treating acne-prone skin. Look for products that contain salicylic acid, which can help to unclog pores and reduce inflammation. However, be careful not to use an exfoliant that is too harsh or abrasive, as this can make acne worse.

Q: Can I use a liquid exfoliant with other exfoliating products? A: It’s generally not recommended to use multiple exfoliating products at the same time, as this can be too harsh for the skin. If you want to incorporate both a physical and chemical exfoliant into your routine, use them on different days to give your skin time to recover.

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