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Chemical exfoliants that are actually worth it

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Higher end, lower end. Skincare, body care. These are chemical exfoliants actually worth your money and my experiences with them as someone who has tried A LOT of them. I have sensitive skin and tend to not do exfoliation more than two times a week...
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Skincare

Chemical exfoliants geared towards facial skin use
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
This one is super lightweight. As the name suggests it’s a toner. As well as being god on the face 2-3x a week it’s super good for razor bumps under the arms and on the legs followed with a thick moisturiser.
Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Slightly more heavy duty than the cosrx but still relatively light. I use this 2x a week with a thick moisturiser at night and it’s really effective while still at a more reasonable price point.
BYOMA Brightening Toner 150ml
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
One of the strongest chemical exfoliants I’ve tried and unfortunately the skin on my face doesn’t love it and I’ve tried this product many times over years with breaks in between and it’s a fail every time. However my razor bumps respond really well ...
SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Exfoliating Toner
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
One of the few high end products I highly recommend. A little more pricey but worth it imo. This one has physical exfoliants AND chemical so if you have sensitive skin leave it on for maybe 15-20 seconds with continuous circular motions then rinse to...
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 15ML
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Lightweight, good absorption. Similar strength to byoma especially with the inclusion of lactic acid in the byoma formula. 2-3x a week is plenty !
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Lightweight. Good for beginners and affordable. Really similar to the ordinary glycolic toner. Use at night 2-3x a week
The INKEY List™ PHA Toner 100ml
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Can be used daily as it’s gentle but I prefer 2-3x a week as I have sensitive skin. Can also be used as a mask. Good for excessive bumps on face.
Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator Smooths & Brightens Skin
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
These are super strong. I use these about once every 4-6 weeks. Some of the best OTC chemical exfoliants on the market. Use with caution if you have sensitive skin.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
These are much more lightweight compared to the extra strength beta peel but still remain cautious with them to prevent over exfoliation. Really good for texture bumps.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
These are some of the best toner pads out there very mild but effective. A little more pricey but definitely worth it.
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0 155g (70 Pieces)
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Similar to the pha toner and the ordinary glycolic. This is really inexpensive yet effective.
The INKEY List EU Glycolic Acid Toning Solution
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Big fan of lactic acid for my more sensitive skin e.g. byoma, the ordinary. This is a really great alternative if the aha bha 2% is too strong for your skin like with me !
Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant 88ML
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
I am a big fan of all thinand good molecules and this is no exception. Super friendly price point. Beginner friendly exfoliation and really great results. Once again 2-3x times a week as to not overdo it.
Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

Bodycare

 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
This is one the best smoothing body washes on the market. A little more expensive but so worth it. Relatively gentle for its effectiveness !
NATURIUM The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash 500ml
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Really good for razor bumps and underarms.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick | The INKEY List EU
 
Aisha Ntuli profile picture
Really gentle and good for beginners slightly stronger than the cosrx but lighter than the byoma. Really good for underarms and razor bumps.
Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner