10 Best aha exfoliants of 2026

Explore top picks

Best Choice

1

Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Exfoliant, Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid Chamomile & Green Tea, Leave On Gentle Face Exfoliator for All Skin Types, Fragrance- Free, 3.3oz
Main highlights

Key Features
Gentle, non-abrasive gel exfoliant with glycolic acid, chamomile, and green tea to reveal radiant skin and minimize discolorations.

Ideal Use
Best for twice-daily application after cleansing and toning, especially for those aiming to reduce age spots and increase skin firmness.

Customer Praise
Highly praised for its effectiveness in improving skin texture and clarity without causing irritation or dryness, according to reviews.
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating

8.0
Aroma

8.0
For Gentle skin

8.0
Fashion
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Value for Money

2

Paula's Choice
Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle
Main highlights

Gentle Non-Abrasive Exfoliation
This exfoliant uses 2% BHA to unclog pores, smooth skin, and reduce fine lines without irritation.

Ideal for Sensitive Skin
Perfect for those with sensitive, combination, or dry skin, offering gentle exfoliation without causing redness or discomfort.

Effective Pore Reduction
Customers praise its ability to shrink pores and clear blemishes, leaving skin smoother and more even-toned.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.1
Fashion

8.9
Sheerness
3

The Ordinary
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Advanced Exfoliating Peel for Brighter Skin, 1 Fl Oz
Main highlights

Powerful Exfoliation Benefits
Combines 30% AHA and 2% BHA for effective skin exfoliation, promoting a brighter and smoother complexion.

Ideal for Dull Skin
Best used for revitalizing dull and uneven skin tones, enhancing overall skin clarity.

Customer Praise for Brightening
Widely praised for its ability to visibly brighten skin after just a few uses.
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating
4

The Ordinary
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, Brightening and Smoothing Daily Toner for More Even-Looking Skin Tone, 3.4 Fl Oz
Main highlights

Brightening and Smoothing Benefits
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toner enhances skin brightness and smoothness, promoting a more even skin tone.

Daily Exfoliation Use Case
Perfect for those seeking a gentle daily exfoliant to improve skin texture and tone.

Praised Smoothing Effect
Customers consistently praise the toner for its effective skin smoothing properties.
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating
5

Good Molecules
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment - Face Exfoliator with AHA & BHA Lightweight Formula - Pore Minimizer, Facial Skin Care with Glycolic & Salicylic Acid
Main highlights

Brightening_Exfoliation_Overnight
Experience radiant skin with glycolic and lactic acid AHAs.

Ideal_for_Sensitive_Skin_Users
Gentle enough for all skin types, suitable for sensitive skin.

Praised_for_Overnight_Use
Loved for its leave-on overnight formula, no rinsing needed.
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.9
quality of ingredients

9.7
worth the money

8.7
For Gentle skin
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6

SOME BY MI
SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – 5.07oz, 150ml – Korean Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Face Toner for All Skin Types – Daily Pore Care & Oil Control with 2% Niacinamide – Korean Skin Care
Main highlights

Key Features and Benefits
Contains 10,000 ppm tea tree water, AHA/BHA/PHA for exfoliation, and Truecica for calming.

Ideal Use Cases
Best for sensitive, acne-prone skin needing gentle exfoliation and sebum control.

Praised Feature
Highly effective in brightening and clearing skin, with persistent use.
9.1

Excellent

Our Rating

8.7
worth the money

8.4
For Gentle skin

8.0
Aroma
7

THAYERS
Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Witch Hazel, Smoothing and Pore Refining Skin Care for All Skin Types, 12 Fl Oz
Main highlights

Key Features
Alcohol-free, contains Glycolic and Lactic Acid with Organic Witch Hazel. Exfoliates, refines pores, and improves skin texture.

Ideal Use
Best for twice-daily post-cleansing application. Great for those seeking smoother skin and refined pores within a week.

Customer Praise
Most reviews highlight its effectiveness in refining pores and improving skin texture without drying, praising its gentle formula.
Key specs
- Skin Type:All skin types
- Key Ingredients:Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid
- Exfoliating:Yes, with AHA
- Alcohol-Free:Yes
- Toner Function:Pore refining, smoothing
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating
8

Alpha
Alpha Skin Care Renewal Serum, 14% Glycolic AHA, Anti-Aging Formula, Reduces Lines & Wrinkles, Alpha Hydroxy Acid Exfoliates & Evens Skin Tones, Rejuvenates & Hydrates, 2 Oz
Main highlights

Optimal Anti-Aging Formula
Specially formulated with 14% Glycolic AHA and pH 3.7 for effective exfoliation and rejuvenation.

Ideal for Mature Skin
Best used for mature skin to reduce lines and wrinkles, enhancing skin texture and tone.

Instant Brightening Effect
Customers praise its ability to instantly brighten dull skin, making it glow.
Key specs
- Formulation:Serum
- Effects:Anti-aging, smooth skin
- Skin Type:N/A
- Niacinamide:N/A
- Hyaluronic Acid:N/A
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.3
quality of ingredients

8.2
Aroma

8.0
Fashion
9

Paula's Choice
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid Soothing Chamomile & Green Tea, Travel Size Leave-On Gentle Exfoliator, 0.5 oz
Main highlights

Key Features and Benefits
Gentle, non-abrasive exfoliator with glycolic acid, chamomile, and green tea for radiant, smooth skin. Hydrates and revitalizes, with sustainable packaging.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for daily use on face & neck to reduce discolorations, age spots, and increase firmness without causing micro-tears unlike abrasive scrubs.

Customer Reviews Highlight
Most reviews praise its effectiveness in improving skin texture and tone, highlighting its gentleness and the noticeable reduction in discolorations.
Key specs
- skin type:All skin types
- texture:Lightweight gel
- formulation:Gel
- ingredients:Glycolic Acid, Chamomile, Green Tea
- packaging:Sustainable
8.8

Very Good

Our Rating

8.0
Aroma

8.0
For Gentle skin

8.0
Fashion
10

Paula's Choice

Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant, Gentle Daily AHA Exfoliation for Discoloration, Bumpy Texture & Radiance, for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-Free, 1 Fl. Oz.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

10 Best aha exfoliants of 2026

1

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Exfoliant, Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid Chamomile & Green Tea, Leave On Gentle Face Exfoliator for All Skin Types, Fragrance- Free, 3.3oz

8.0

8.0

8.0

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Paulas Choice--SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant--Facial Exfoliant for Blackheads, Enlarged Pores, Wrinkles & Fine Lines, 4 oz Bottle

9.9

9.1

8.9

3

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, Advanced Exfoliating Peel for Brighter Skin, 1 Fl Oz

4

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, Brightening and Smoothing Daily Toner for More Even-Looking Skin Tone, 3.4 Fl Oz

5

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment - Face Exfoliator with AHA & BHA Lightweight Formula - Pore Minimizer, Facial Skin Care with Glycolic & Salicylic Acid

9.9

9.7

8.7

6

SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner – 5.07oz, 150ml – Korean Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Face Toner for All Skin Types – Daily Pore Care & Oil Control with 2% Niacinamide – Korean Skin Care

8.7

8.4

8.0

7

Thayers 2% AHA Exfoliating Toner with Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and Witch Hazel, Smoothing and Pore Refining Skin Care for All Skin Types, 12 Fl Oz

8

Alpha Skin Care Renewal Serum, 14% Glycolic AHA, Anti-Aging Formula, Reduces Lines & Wrinkles, Alpha Hydroxy Acid Exfoliates & Evens Skin Tones, Rejuvenates & Hydrates, 2 Oz

9.3

8.2

8.0

9

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid Soothing Chamomile & Green Tea, Travel Size Leave-On Gentle Exfoliator, 0.5 oz

8.0

8.0

8.0

10

Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Exfoliant, Gentle Daily AHA Exfoliation for Discoloration, Bumpy Texture & Radiance, for Sensitive Skin, Fragrance-Free, 1 Fl. Oz.

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