Did you know that every hour about 40,000 skin cells are shed? This is why a frequently disregarded, yet crucial, skincare practice is exfoliation. Luckily, plenty of Korean skincare brands offer exfoliating solutions for every skin type and concern. You might not be ready to jump into the 10-step Korean skincare routine, but it's highly advised to squeeze in exfoliation once or twice a week.
That's why we did our research and came up with a list of the top 10 Korean exfoliators to refresh your skin. Read on for ten great options, and make sure to check out the buying guide below to see why these K-beauty secrets are worth a shot!
Quick List - Top Korean Exfoliators
Anua US
Purify, Soothe, and Hydrate – All in One Cleanse
Some By Mi
Miracle Toner: Clear, Smooth, and Radiant Skin in 30 Days
Beauty of Joseon
Glow Naturally – A Complete Care Mask with Honey and Rice
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
This buying guide explains the world of exfoliation in great detail. It turns out there is so much more to this practice than scrubbing or peeling! We've provided which types of exfoliants work best for each skin type as well as other vital aspects to look for when picking out your holy grail exfoliator.
There are two main types of exfoliating products in the market: those you apply topically and wash off when done or a formulation with a physical "peeling and scrubbing" effect.
Chemical exfoliators use acids, enzymes, or extracts to dissolve or loosen the dead skin cells on your skin's surface. Said ingredients include hydroxy in the form of alpha-hydroxy (AHA) and beta-hydroxy (BHA).
AHAs include glycolic, lactic, and citric acids, while salicylic acids belong to the BHA group. These chemicals work by seeping under the layer of dead skin and waking up the new skin underneath. These acids also unstick the cellular glue that's keeping that dead layer on the skin.
AHAs and BHAs are the most common ingredients used in chemical exfoliants and have been made wildly popular by K-skincare brands. These are known to increase cell turnover while improving hyperpigmentation and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.
AHAs and BHAS are suitable for use if you have acne-prone skin or want to combat the signs of aging. These chemical exfoliators can clean out pores, removing sebum, dirt, and oil.
These ingredients will leave your skin looking bright and smooth. However, you should avoid them if you have dry skin or are prone to rosacea, as they can cause irritation and burning in such cases.
You may also want to alternate using AHAs and BHAs with a retinoid. Try not to use them on the same night so you can prevent excess irritation. You don't have to use the exfoliator every night but can use them one to three times a week for great results.
Choosing a chemical exfoliant is all about studying the ingredients, trusting a reliable brand, and testing the product. The lack of "physical effort" in chemical exfoliation means that you are relying on the formula to work. This is why grabbing a product that's attuned to your skin type is crucial. We will touch more on this later!
When choosing a chemical exfoliator, whether it's a serum, toner, or cleanser, look for the concentration or pH level of the AHAs and BHAs in the product. Hydroxy acids with a high pH mean the acid won't have enough power to seep through the skin. Meanwhile, a low pH could risk skin irritation, chemical burns, or lasting damage.
As a general rule of thumb, choose AHAs with a pH level of less than 4 or a concentration of four to 10 percent. For BHAs or salicylic acid, go for a pH level that's less than 3.5 or a concentration of one to two percent.
The typical pH level of formulations that mix AHAs and BHAs is 5 to 6.5. Be sure to check your bottle's label for this type of information, or ask customer support if it isn't readily available.
Physical exfoliators use particles, grit, or scrubs to physically remove dead skin. You massage the product gently and in small circles on your skin to begin the magic.
Physically massaging the skin is also great for circulating blood on the face, which leads to a natural glow. You can get physical exfoliators that use pumice, beads, salt, sugar, rice bran, clay, or coffee grounds as their not-so-secret scrubbing weapon.
Peeling gels are perhaps the gentlest form of physical exfoliation. These are formulated with cellulose fiber or carbomer, which clump together upon skin contact. The process of massaging activates the peeling gel to pick up dirt and dead skin.
Check to see if the product can be used with a particular tool such as a face brush, facecloth, Konjac sponge, silk cocoon, exfoliating mitt, or loofah. These help you achieve the desired results more efficiently. They vary in harshness, and it is advised to go for gentler methods when dealing with sensitive skin.
You can also go through the product reviews to see if a particular formulation is best paired with a sponge or facecloth. The application is often talked about among reviewers, so be sure to take a look!
You should only use physical exfoliators a few times a week for best results, and to prevent unnecessary dryness or irritation of the skin. Physical exfoliators should be avoided if you have dry skin or are eczema-prone, as they can be too harsh.
Make sure you use a cream-based moisturizer after applying your physical exfoliator. This will restore hydration to your skin.
The good news is that's there is an exfoliant for each skin type, including those with sensitive skin. You can even get any of the two types, physical or chemical, for each skin type. The key is finding which formulation will complement your skin.
Due to overreactive sebum glands, those with oily skin usually have an extra layer of oil on their skin that blocks new skin from emerging. So, those with oily skin need extra sloughing power from an exfoliator.
Look for the words "deep cleansing," "pore unclogging," "absorbing," or "blackhead/whitehead clearing" when you're picking out an exfoliator. Physical exfoliants work well with oily or acne-prone skin because the particles work to remove excess oil and dead skin. This leaves your skin fresh and ready to be moisturized.
Salicylic acid is effective in healing acne, relieving redness, and removing blackheads from oily skin. Furthermore, generally try to go for an oil-free formulation as extra oil may be counterproductive in the long run.
However, some oils are non-comedogenic and won't clog pores! For example, Jojoba oil is great for oily or acne-prone skin because it helps promote balanced skin.
Oily skin can tolerate an exfoliator more frequently, but be aware that exfoliating nightly may be too much. I personally recommend glycolic acid as an exfoliating ingredient for oily skin. It's wonderful for treating both active acne and any pigmentation or acne marks that are left behind.
Using an exfoliator as part of an acne regimen can bolster other acne treatments you may be doing, such as retinol, retinoids, or other anti-inflammatories. It will help them penetrate deeper into your skin.
Just be cautious that you don't use too many drying products at once. You may want to start alternating using your retinoids and exfoliators on different nights.
Hydration and moisture are key in ensuring an exfoliator is beneficial for dry skin and won't cause that dreaded flaking effect. Go for cream or oil-based scrubs with tiny particles to gently remove the dead skin cells. Once the visible flakes are removed, you can moisturize.
For chemical exfoliants, grab one with glycolic or lactic acid. Glycolic acid is great at adding hydration to skin layers lacking healthy protective oil barriers.
Dry skin is known to have a higher proportion of water barriers where oily skin would have oil barriers. This means dry skin needs more hydration to maintain balance. Lactic acid is considered to be the most hydrating acid in chemical exfoliants.
You can also combine physical and chemical exfoliants for dry skin. However, make sure not to use them on the same day or one after the other.
On top of getting an exfoliator that says "made for combination skin," you can also mix and match your products. For example, go for a physical scrub for an oily T-zone and a hydrating exfoliator for flaky areas. It might mean that you need two products, but this will ensure your skin is getting the best treatment.
If you have sensitive skin, approach exfoliators cautiously. While physical exfoliants are typically out of the question for this skin type, many with sensitive skin types still swear by this method. They advise avoiding physical exfoliators with large particles that can cause irritation instead of gentle exfoliation.
For chemical exfoliators, if you can't find one that's specifically designed for sensitive skin, look for PHAs. Poly-hydroxy acids are a hydroxy acid known to be less irritating and more gentle, making them highly recommended for sensitive skin.
Acids that belong to the PHA group are gluconolactone and lactobionic acid. These work the same way as the other acids but at a much slower pace. They're also humectants, which means they will give your skin a boost of hydration.
In addition to advice from your dermatologist, reviews can be helpful when choosing an exfoliator for sensitive skin. Both reviewers and skincare professionals can confirm if a product is indeed sensitive skin-friendly and that it won't cause redness or irritation.
To play it safe, avoid physical exfoliators if you have sensitive skin. Instead, stick to chemical exfoliators with poly-hydroxy acids.
Many people can still tolerate applying an AHA exfoliator once a week. Sensitive skin should not be exfoliated more often than once or twice a week. This method still gives the benefit of the exfoliator without being overly drying or irritating.
When it comes to skincare, there are always ingredients to avoid. These ingredients might have been accepted in the past because consumers didn't know better. While the jury is still out whether these compounds are indeed skin irritants, those with sensitive skin are advised to approach them with caution.
Examples of such compounds include phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, sulfates (sometimes listed as SLS or SLES), and synthetic fragrances.
After considering any possible irritants, look for beneficial ingredients. On top of the AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, you can get exfoliators that offer your skin some extra nutrition from natural ingredients.
Try aloe vera for extra moisture and a soothing effect or green tea and rice bran for antioxidants that reduce inflammation and correct visible skin damage. Multifruit acids and extracts offer a natural boost of nourishment, too!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||
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Type | Formulation | Net Content | Suitable Skin Type | Key Ingredients | |||||
1 | Anua US Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam | ![]() | Purify, Soothe, and Hydrate – All in One Cleanse | Chemical | Cleanser | 5.07 fl. oz. | All | Houttuynia cordata extract, Quercetinol, 3 Types of Hyaluronic Acid | |
2 | APR Medicube|Zero Pore Pads 2.0 | ![]() | Smooth, Clear, and Refined Pores - Your Path to Perfect Skin | Chemical | Pad | 3.38 fl. oz./70 pads | All | BHA (Salicylic Acid), ANTI SEBUM P, AHA | |
3 | Some By Mi Some By Mi|AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner | ![]() | Miracle Toner: Clear, Smooth, and Radiant Skin in 30 Days | Chemical | Toner | 5.07 fl. oz. | All | AHA, BHA, PHA | |
4 | Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask | ![]() | Glow Naturally – A Complete Care Mask with Honey and Rice | Physical | Mask | 5.07 fl. oz. | All | Honey, Kaolin Clay, Rice Bran | |
5 | APR Aprilskin|Real Calendula Peel Off Pack | ![]() | Reveal Radiant Skin with Gentle Calendula and Effective Exfoliation | Chemical | Mask | 3.52 fl. oz. | Oily | Calendula Flower, Caffeine, 0.1% Niacinamide, PHA+BHA | |
6 | Paket Inc. mixsoon|Bean Essence | ![]() | Deep Moisturization, Gentle Exfoliation - Perfectly Balanced Skin | Chemical | Essence | 1.69 fl. oz. | All | Fermented Bean, Barley, Pomegranate, and Korean Pear | |
7 | Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner | ![]() | Hydrate and Refine Pores With Gentle Exfoliating Care | Chemical | Toner | 5.07 fl. oz. | All | PHA + BHA | |
8 | COSRX COSRX|AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner | ![]() | Hydrate, Exfoliate, and Rejuvenate - Your Clear Skin Solution | Chemical | Toner | 5.07 fl. oz. | All | Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Water + Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Water, Glycolic Acid, Betaine Salicylate | |
9 | Rael Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser | ![]() | A Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser Designed to Remove Impurities While Protecting Moisture Balance | Chemical | Cleanser | 5.1 fl. oz. | All | Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid | |
10 | Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask | ![]() | Red Bean Radiance – Pores Purified, Skin Revitalized | Physical | Mask | 4.73 fl. oz. | All | Red Bean, Kaolin, Glycerin |
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Cleanser |
Experience deep pore cleansing with a gentle touch. This Heartleaf-infused cleanser creates a delicate foam designed for all skin types, particularly oily and combination skin. Enriched with 3,000ppm of Heartleaf powder and 0.5% BHA, it exfoliates dead skin cells, clears impurities, and balances sebum production without harsh scrubbing.
Quercetinol from Heartleaf soothes and calms inflammation, ensuring your skin feels refreshed after every use. Triple Hyaluronic Acid locks in moisture, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and radiant. Elevate your skincare routine with this cleanser, delivering a refreshed and hydrated finish every time.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Pad |
Transform your skin with Medicube Zero Pore Pads 2.0, the ultimate solution for dramatically reducing the appearance of stretched and clogged pores. Perfect for those concerned with enlarged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads, these innovative pads help reveal visibly clearer and smoother skin, making them an essential addition to your skincare routine. Infused with the power of White Willow Bark (natural BHA), Citric Acid (AHA), and soothing botanical extracts, these pads dive deep to unclog pores, control excess sebum, and smoothen dull, rough skin.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Toner |
Unveil your best skin with the Some By Mi AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, a powerful solution designed to transform troubled skin. Infused with a high concentration of tea tree water extract (10,000 ppm), this toner effectively soothes and improves sensitive skin. The exfoliating properties of AHA, BHA, and PHA, combined with papaya and witch hazel extracts, work synergistically to remove dead skin cells and impurities, refine pores, and balance sebum production.
Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin, this toner includes patented ingredients P-PEFINYL for sebum control and FRUCTAN for deep hydration. Experience a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture issues, all while enjoying the calming effects of Truecica. Free from 20 harmful ingredients, this miracle toner ensures your skin stays healthy, clear, and radiant.
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Formulation | Mask |
Transform your skincare with the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, the ultimate all-in-one solution for radiant, healthy skin. This mask combines the nourishing power of honey, the pore-clearing abilities of kaolin clay, and the gentle exfoliation of rice bran powder. It offers everything your skin needs, from hydration and antioxidant care to firming and soothing benefits.
Infused with Makgeolli lees, this mask promotes a clear and vibrant complexion while improving skin tone and elasticity. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate their skincare routine or as a thoughtful gift for a loved one, it delivers refined texture and a glowing finish, all in one step.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Mask |
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Essence |
Discover the transformative power of mixsoon Bean Essence, your go-to solution for gentle exfoliation and deep hydration. This innovative essence effectively removes dead skin cells and regulates sebum production, ensuring your skin remains clear and balanced. The essence features fermented beans, which enhance its moisturizing, absorption, and adherence properties, delivering superior hydration compared to regular beans.
Experience a non-sticky, fast-absorbing formula that leaves your skin feeling fresh and deeply nourished. The small particles penetrate quickly, providing optimal hydration and promoting firmness and resilience for healthier, more supple skin. Unlike snail mucin, mixsoon Bean Essence offers similar benefits without the risk of breakouts or a sticky residue, making it the ideal choice for a flawless complexion.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Toner |
The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner is a dual-purpose formula designed to hydrate the skin while refining and tightening pores. Inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, this toner combines a 62% blend of watermelon extract and cactus water to deliver deep hydration, essential vitamins, and amino acids, leaving the skin soft and nourished. The inclusion of 3% PHA and 2% BHA gently exfoliates the skin, unclogging pores and smoothing the skin’s surface without causing irritation.
This alcohol-free toner is free of harsh chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and silicones, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. The toner also helps balance the skin’s pH levels, preparing it for the next steps in your skincare routine. Clinically effective and recognized by several beauty awards, this vegan and cruelty-free toner is an effective choice for those looking to achieve hydrated, smooth, and clear skin.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Toner |
Unveil your best skin with COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner, a mist-type toner formulated with AHA, BHA, and purifying botanical ingredients. This toner not only soothes and refreshes your skin but also maintains its optimal pH level, ensuring it stays hydrated and healthy. Crafted with glycolic acid and betaine salicylate, it effectively lifts dirt and dead skin cells, smoothing your complexion. The infusion of willow bark water and apple fruit extract works to reduce oiliness, tighten pores, and diminish signs of aging such as wrinkles.
Type | Chemical |
---|---|
Formulation | Cleanser |
Type | Physical |
---|---|
Formulation | Mask |
Elevate your skincare routine with the Beauty of Joseon Pore Refreshing Mask, a clay mask enriched with the power of red bean. This Korean beauty treasure combines kaolin clay to absorb excess sebum with red bean extract and powder for gentle exfoliation. Say goodbye to dullness, blackheads, and dead skin cells as this mask reveals a smoother, radiant complexion with every use.
Inspired by centuries-old skincare traditions, this mask offers hydration alongside purification, leaving your skin refreshed and glowing. Ideal as a thoughtful gift for loved ones or as a treat for yourself, it’s the perfect addition to any skincare ritual.
Exfoliating is not an everyday habit! If you're starting with the tradition, then once or twice a week is recommended until your skin adjusts. Eventually, you can exfoliate up to three times a week, which is the absolute maximum for anyone.
Don't forget to cleanse before using an exfoliator to prep your skin. After the process, follow it up with moisturizers, serums, or essences! Your skin is now ready to accept whatever product you want to use next.
When it comes to the weather or seasons, exfoliate less frequency during winter or dryer weather to prevent your skin from getting taut and flaky. As the seasons get hotter and more humid, you can exfoliate more as your pores are more likely to get clogged by sweat, pollutants, or humidity.
Communication between you and your skin must be present when working with exfoliants. Don't use the product more than the recommended frequency to maintain your skin's proper pH balance. Whenever your skin feels taut, dried out, stripped, or irritated, it is advised to tone down the frequency.
As your skin adjusts, you will discover which dosage fits you best and should start to see your skin becoming smoother, brighter, and more radiant!
Both physical and chemical exfoliators make your skin more sensitive to the sun. So, it's important that you use a daily sunscreen on your face to prevent accelerated photoaging, sunburns, and skin damage.
Avoid exfoliating if you've had excess sun exposure or a recent sunburn. Wait until your skin heals fully before you start your exfoliating routine again.
You can bet there are more K-beauty skincare products to complete your regime! Let's start with the best serums, night creams, and facial cleansers.
No. 1: Anua US|Heartleaf Quercetinol Pore Deep Cleansing Foam
No. 2: APR|Medicube|Zero Pore Pads 2.0
No. 3: Some By Mi|Some By Mi|AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner
No. 4: Beauty of Joseon|Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
No. 5: APR|Aprilskin|Real Calendula Peel Off Pack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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