If you deal with acne, chemical exfoliant products can be incredibly effective for unclogging pores and preventing new breakouts from forming. Below, we’ve created a guide to the best exfoliants for acne.
Our Recommendations
1. Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA
Paula's Choice Exfoliant for Exfoliation, Large Pores, and Acne
Paula’s Choice Advanced Pore-Refining Treatment 4% BHA
This exfoliant contains a powerful concentration of salicylic acid, which works to unclog pores to minimize their appearance while also fighting breakouts.
The 4% concentration of salicylic acid (which is higher than the cult-favorite Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant) helps to unclog pores and promote a more even skin texture and tone. This makes this an excellent exfoliant for those dealing with large pores and breakouts and wanting to improve the overall appearance of the skin.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
This exfoliant contains additional antioxidant-rich ingredients that protect the skin and fight signs of aging, as well as soothing and hydrating ingredients. This includes glycerin, allantoin, grape seed extract, green tea leaf extract, and matricaria flower extract.
Water (Aqua), Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Salicylic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Aminomethyl Propanol, Adenosine, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizinate, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Bran Extract, Punica Granatum Fruit Extract, Sambucus Nigra Fruit Extract, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Lycium Barbarum Fruit Extract, Peucedanum Graveolens (Dill) Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Disodium EDTA, Benzyl Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 27, 2021.
2. Blackhead Power Liquid
COSRX Exfoliant for Acne and Blackheads
COSRX Blackhead Power Liquid
This beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) exfoliator is one of the best COSRX products for those prone to acne and blackheads. It penetrates deep into the skin to unclog pores, which helps maintain clear, smooth skin.
BHAs are some of the most effective chemical exfoliators when it comes to unclogging pores. This product contains gentle BHAs – willow bark water and betaine salicylate – which exfoliate with a minimized risk of irritation.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Vegan and cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
This product contains sodium hyaluronate (the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid) and panthenol, which help counteract some of the potentially irritating side effects of the exfoliating ingredients.
Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water, Butylene Glycol, Betaine, Niacinamide, Betaine Salicylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, Xanthan Gum, Ethyl Hexanediol
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 27, 2021.
3. Acne Medication Pads
Stridex Exfoliant for Acne and Blackheads
Stridex Daily Care Acne Medication Pads Maximum Strength
These cleansing pads use the power of salicylic acid to help treat and prevent breakouts.
These pads are soaked with a 2% concentration of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid (or BHA). Salicylic acid is an incredibly effective chemical exfoliator that unclogs pores to help treat current breakouts and prevent new acne from forming.
Pros
- Lightweight solution
- Exfoliating
Cons
- Contains fragrance
These alcohol-free pads are textured, which increases the product’s ability to sweep away debris and exfoliate the skin.
Salicylic Acid, Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Xylenesulfonate, Citric Acid, DMDM Hydantoin, Fragrance, Menthol, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Purified Water, Simethicone, Sodium Borate, Tetrasodium EDTA.
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 27, 2021.
4. 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
Paula's Choice Exfoliant for Evening Tone and Texture
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel
This peel contains a high concentration of chemical exfoliators, which work to resurface the skin and unclog pores to smooth fine lines and wrinkles and achieve a more even complexion.
This peel contains an effective blend of chemical exfoliators that work to achieve a smoother and more even skin tone and texture. The AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid) help minimize fine lines and wrinkles, smooth texture, and diminish hyperpigmentation, while the BHA (salicylic acid) unclogs pores.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Exfoliating
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
Since the chemical exfoliators can be irritating, this peel contains soothing ingredients, including chamomile, licorice extract, and allantoin. This peel is potent, and you should patch test prior to using (particularly if you’re new to acids).
Water (Aqua), Aminomethyl Propanol (pH adjuster), Glycolic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Lactic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Mandelic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Isoamyl Laurate (emollient), Tartaric Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Propanediol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant,) Malic Acid (alpha hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Butylene Glycol (texture enhancer), Clitoria Ternatea (Butterfly Pea) Flower Extract (antioxidant/skin-soothing), Sodium Hyaluronate (skin replenishing), Glycyrrhetinic Acid (licorice-derived skin soothing), Glycerin (skin-replenishing), Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidant), Bisabolol (skin soothing), Allantoin (skin soothing), Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickener), Hydrogenated Lecithin (skin-restoring), Xanthan Gum (thickener), Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate (emulsifier), Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6 (stabilizer/thickener), Titanium Dioxide (Cl 77891) (mineral-derived pigment), Mica (CI 77019) (mineral-derived pigment), Phenoxyethanol (preservative).
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "An antiaging skin care system containing alpha hydroxy acids and vitamins improves the biomechanical parameters of facial skin"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021. -
National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Aug. 2, 2021.
5. Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution
Paula's Choice Exfoliant for Acne, Blackheads, Hyperpigmentation and Redness
Paula's Choice Clear Regular Strength Anti-Redness Exfoliating Solution With 2% Salicylic Acid
This gentle exfoliating product is ideal for skin prone to breakouts, as it unclogs pores to minimize blemishes while soothing the skin to decrease redness.
This product contains a 2% concentration of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid that is able to work deep in the pores to unclog and treat breakouts (and prevent new blemishes from forming). It also helps minimize the appearance of pores, and will work to diminish the appearance of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from previous blemishes. This concentration is high enough to be effective on acne-prone skin, but still gentle as to reduce the risk of irritation.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate sensitive skin
Additional hydrating and soothing ingredients are paired with the salicylic acid to minimize irritation and reduce redness. This includes glycerin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and panthenol.
Salicylic Acid 2%, Water (Aqua), Dipropylene Glycol (hydration), Pentylene Glycol (hydration), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Glycerin (skin replenishing), Sodium Hyaluronate (hydration/skin replenishing), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (skin-soothing), Allantoin (skin-soothing), Panthenol (hydration), PEG/PPG-17/6 Copolymer (texture-enhancing), Methyl Gluceth-20 (hydration), Glycereth-26 (texture-enhancing), Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane (hydration), Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Metabisulfite (stabilizer).
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments A Review"
Accessed Aug. 31, 2021.
6. 2% BHA Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Exfoliant for Gently Exfoliating and Preventing Breakouts
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
This cult-favorite product contains salicylic acid, a chemical exfoliator that gently exfoliates dead skin cells and unclogs pores for a clear complexion.
This is a best seller at Paula’s Choice, and for a good reason. Salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA) is an excellent chemical exfoliator that sheds excess skin cells and decongests pores to fight acne and blackheads and promote a more even skin tone.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
Cons
- May irritate more sensitive skin types
This product also contains green tea, which soothes irritation and provides anti-aging benefits.
Water (Aqua), Methylpropanediol (hydration), Butylene Glycol (hydration), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Polysorbate 20 (stabilizer), Camellia Oleifera Leaf Extract (green tea/skin calming/antioxidant), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Tetrasodium EDTA (stabilizer)
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National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Over-the-counter Acne Treatments"
Accessed Jul. 30, 2021.
FAQs
Which chemical exfoliant is best for fungal acne?
The beta hydroxy acid (BHA) salicylic acid is great for all types of acne, including fungal acne. This is because it is oil-soluble and works deep in the pores, unclogging any debris that may be contributing to breakouts. Most of the products mentioned above contain salicylic acid, and are excellent if you’re looking to fight fungal acne.
Is exfoliating good for acne?
Yes, using a chemical exfoliant product (like any of the products mentioned above) on a regular basis is a great method for fighting acne. In particular, salicylic acid is an excellent ingredient for people prone to acne, since it is oil-soluble and works deep in the pores. It’s important to note that physically exfoliating (such as by using a face scrub and cleansing your face with a damp towel) typically isn’t a great choice if you’re dealing with breakouts. This type of manual exfoliation can irritate current breakouts and increase your likelihood of scarring.
Is it OK to exfoliate everyday?
This depends on the strength of the product that you are using, as well as your own skin’s tolerance. While some products with lower concentrations of chemical exfoliants can be used everyday, it is best to start with a less frequent application to see how your skin reacts and avoid irritation. If you’re introducing a new chemical exfoliant to your routine, apply it every other day or every two days to see how your skin reacts. After a few weeks, you can move to daily usage if it seems suitable for your skin. You should also refer to the instruction label of the product you’re using, because there are some high-concentration products that should not be used more than once per week (like the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 25% AHA + 2% BHA Exfoliant Peel).
The Bottom Line
Those with acne-prone skin can greatly benefit from adding a targeted exfoliant to their routine. If you deal with breakouts, consider using one of these effective exfoliants in your skincare routine to fight acne for a clearer complexion.
