Beneath our surface layer of skin (which can be uneven, slightly rough and speckled with dark spots) is an untouched oasis of baby-softness waiting for its moment to shine. The question is, how do we access it? Simple. By taking the time to exfoliate. But we’re not talking the abrasive, irritation-causing scrubbing of days gone by. We’re talking chemical exfoliants.
The dead skin-sloughing liquids let you see major results and you basically won’t have to exert any elbow grease in order to budge those pesky dead skin cells. And don’t worry, we promise the ‘chemical’ aspect isn’t anywhere near as scary as it sounds.
So, keep scrolling for our fave chemical exfoliants that will leave your skin clear and luminous…
2024’s Top 3 Chemical Exfoliants
- Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment, $76.95, Alpha-H
- Skin Republic AHA 15% Serum, $9.99, Catch
- Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $49, Paula’s Choice
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment
From $76.95 at Alpha-H
If you’ve gone on the search for a chemical exfoliant, we’re sure you’ve come across this literal liquid gold before. With its unique deep penetrating formula, the glycolic acid, AHA formula hits hard at sloughing away dead skin, working to reduce oil production, along with diminishing the appearance of pores. But that’s not all: silk proteins work to protect your skin, while boosting moisture levels.
Key features:
- pH formulated at 2.8-3 to deliver results deeper
- Glycolic acid-rich formula
- Liquorice extract works to leave skin brightened
Available at:
Skin Republic AHA 15% Serum
From $9.99 at Catch
Skin Republic (AKA the sheet mask masters) have gone and done it again, but this time in a skin-smoothing serum format. Utilise this formula a few times a week by itself or follow it up after using a skin-nourishing sheet mask.
Key features:
- Formulated with AHAs and PHAs
- Dermatologically tested
- Helps maintain glowing skin
Available at:
- $9.99 from Catch
- $10 (usually $19.99) from Chemist Warehouse
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
From $49 at Paula’s Choice
Good luck finding a chemical exfoliant round up without this product in it. As the Paula’s Choice global bestseller, this leave-on formula will help in the fight against blemishes, unclog pores and remain gentle enough to be used twice a day.
$42 at Paula’s Choice
Key features:
- Gentle formula for daily use
- Designed with BHAs (AKA, salicylic acid)
- pH range of 3.2–3.8
Available at:
- $39.20 (usually $49) from Paula’s Choice
- $49 from Sephora
Dr. LeWinn’s Reversaderm Corrective Skin Peel
From $39.95 at Adore Beauty
Pink pepper and grapefruit may sound delicate, but this product’s ingredients list packs a punch. Using 15 per cent glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid, the Dr. LeWinn’s leave-on gel works overnight to deeply exfoliate below the surface, while the upper layer of skin will experience an unclogging of pores and elimination of imperfections.
Want to read more? Read Dr. LeWinn’s Reversaderm Corrective Skin Peel reviews here…
Key features:
- Formulated with a mix of glycolic, lactic and mandelic acids
- Gel-like texture
- Potent overnight formula
Available at:
- $39.95 from Adore Beauty
- $39.95 from Oz Hair and Beauty
- $19.97 (usually $39.95) from Chemist Warehouse
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA
From $15.30 at Myer
If chemical exfoliants often make your skin feel that little bit irritated (understandable with their skin-sloughing capabilities), this gentle serum with Tasmanian pepperberry is the answer. Designed to work to address inflammation and irritation concerns, the hyaluronic acid-enriched formula really gives you the best of all worlds.
Key features:
- Tasmanian pepperberry works to reduce inflammation
- Ideal for normal to dry skin
- Enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid
Available at:
- $15.30 from Myer
- $15 from Sephora
- $15.30 from The Ordinary
John Plunkett’s SuperBright Exfoliating Skin Brightener
From $32.99 at Healthy Life
For laser-like resurfacing in a bottle, this overnight exfoliator contains professional-strength quantities of AHAs that will dissolve dead skin cells while you sleep.
Want to read more? Read John Plunkett’s SuperBright Exfoliating Skin Brightener reviews here…
Key features:
- 12 hour overnight formula
- 25 per cent salon-strength glycolic acid
- Enriched with skin-soothing aloe vera
Available at:
- $25.95 (usually $32.99) from Healthy Life
- $25.95 from Chemist Direct
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Glycolic Acid Pads
From $35 at Chemist Warehouse
Delivering an at-home chemical peel, these double-sided, pre-soaked pads sit as the first step in your skin care routine after cleansing. A 9.6 per cent glycolic complex works to resurface the skin and reduce wrinkles while the addition of soothing agents maintain a gentle balance.
Want to read more? Read L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Glycolic Acid Pads reviews here…
Key features:
- 9.6 per cent glycolic complex
- One pad per use
- Multi-sided pad
Available at:
- $35 from Chemist Warehouse
Carbon Theory Tea Tree Oil & Glycolic Acid Breakout Control Cleansing
From $32 at ASOS
If you have acne-prone skin, this could be a formula your face could benefit from. Each pad is soaked in organic tea tree oil to eliminate breakout-causing bacteria sitting on the skin, plus glycolic acid to smooth and balance a tired complexion.
Key features:
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- pH balanced formula
- Enriched with organic tea tree oil
Available at:
- $32 from ASOS
- $25.94 from Amazon Australia
What is the difference between a chemical and physical exfoliant?
When discussing exfoliants, it’s worth noting that they typically fall into two categories: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation involves scrubbing away dead skin cells manually, whereas chemical exfoliants employ the help of AHA and BHAs like glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid, to dissolve cells on the surface. Products in the latter category leave skin with a radiant glow and can help to fade dark spots, minimise pores and clear out stubborn blackheads. Um, amazing!
Main image credit: @evalongoria
Do you use chemical exfoliants? If so, which one do you use?
There nothing like the satisfaction of using a physical exfoliant. I like feeling the process and seeing the instant results.
I am currently using Olay Detoxifying Scrub.
I like scrubs too, Cityglenda!
I have a dry sensitive skin so the physical exfoliant can be a bit harsh for me
Currently not using a Chemical exfoliant but love the look and sound of the Elemis facial pads. They seem very convenient.
These all sound like something I’d like to try – I’m on a bit of a exfoliating warpath at the moment!
No I didn’t . Not sure if I want to try it.
I’m using a few, can’t even remember what they are all called…5ish different ones
I have a sample of the John Plunkett product but haven’t tried it yet.
I have found it really good
Glycolic acid is my favourite!
I’m still using my glycolic acid toner from The Ordinary. It’s the best and really affordable
Yes price fits my budget but yet to try
This is the scrub that I use. https://ubersecrets.com.au/exfoliate/
It’s gel based and it works so well. My skin drinks in moisturiser after I scrub.
I’ve only tried one product with glycolic acid & it made my tough skin break out – I’m very blemish-prone.
Thanks for the information. Well worth a try.
I would love to try Paula’s choice one, one day!
I have been using John Plunkets for the last 4 weeks and my age spots have almost disappeared . I do like the look of Elemis except the price is above my pay grade
Would love to try something like this!!!
I like the alpha-h exfoliant, I have’nt tried any of these.
I like the sound of Carbon Theory.
I would add The Ordinary’s Glycolic Acid, because you can get it in a huge bottle that takes forever to use!
There’s quite a few items here that I would love to try out, especially the Dr LeWinns or the Plunketts products.
Some really great Exfoliants to try at the moment I am using Roden & Fields one it is really good, will try out one of the above Exfoliants 🙂
I will look out at Plunket’s.
My skin tolerates acids well and I love the results
Can’t live without my acids. Changed my life
I’m currently using a physical exfoliator which I enjoy using but wouldn’t mind trying a chemical exfoliator.
After a long time trying so many, conclusion is that my skin loves the most lactic, plain old lactic. It is soo good is smoothing the skin but not irritating, plus making skin juicy
I’ve tried the Plunkett’s Super Bright Exfoliating Skin Brightener; I couldn’t really see much of an effect.
The Ordinary glycolic acid toner is also really good
good to know
I have sensitive skin so I’m not sure if I could use any of these products
Not a big fan.
Alpha h liquid gold is so smooth, but i do love a good physical scrub too
This is a good article and I think I prefer the chemical exfoliants
I love the chemical exfoliant outcomes I’ve had on my skin – very refreshing
I like the idea of a serum, like the Skin republic one
Might need to try John Plunkett
I’ve used a few of the mentioned ones. My skin always looks so good afterwards.
Oh man, i want and need to try all of these. My face needs them
I used Liquid Gold a lot in my 20’s. It was very good.
I really like the idea of exfoliation, but have been slightly deterred later by articles suggesting it destroys a protective layer.
I use the Alpha H Liquid Gold. It is great, but hard to get used to a chemical scrub rather than a physical one.
I find idt hard to get rid of brown marks on my face
Skin Republic AHA 15% Serum looks good and a good price as well.
Some interesting products to try.