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Best Exfoliating Face Serums of 2026

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Charlotte Powell

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Exfoliating face serums are a popular addition to many skincare routines. These products contain ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin texture. Exfoliating serums are designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturising, and can be applied once or twice a week depending on skin type. They come in a range of formulations to suit different skin concerns, from brightening and anti-ageing to acne-fighting and oil-control.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Exfoliating Face Serums

#TOP 1

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Gentle Exfoliating Serum

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Gentle Exfoliating Serum Cover

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Smoother Skin, 30ml

Features

  • HYALURONIC ACID SUPPORT: Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid.
  • GENTLE EXFOLIATION: A Milder Alpha Hydroxy Acid Solution With 5% Lactic Acid That Gently Smooths Skin Texture And Reveals A Brighter Complexion.
  • USE AT NIGHT: Apply Once Daily In The Evening And Use Sunscreen The Next Day To Protect Your Skin From Sun Sensitivity.
9.9
FTB Score
#TOP 2

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, Gentle Exfoliating Serum

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, Gentle Exfoliating Serum Cover

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Clarity and Hydration, 30ml

Features

  • BOOSTS HYDRATION: Formulated With Hyaluronic Acid To Hydrate And Support Smoother Skin While Exfoliating.
  • GENTLE EXFOLIATION: A Milder AHA Serum That Helps Improve Skin Clarity, Texture, And Tone, With A Slower, More Balanced Distribution Due To Its Larger Molecular Weight.
  • USE AT NIGHT: Apply Once Daily In The Evening And Use Sunscreen The Next Day To Protect Your Skin From Sun Sensitivity.
9.8
FTB Score
#TOP 3

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, High-Strength Exfoliating Serum

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, High-Strength Exfoliating Serum Cover

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, High-Strength Exfoliating Serum for Smoother, Brighter Skin, 30ml

Features

  • HYALURONIC ACID BOOST: Infused With Hyaluronic Acid.
  • EFFECTIVE EXFOLIATION: A High-Strength Exfoliator With 10% Lactic Acid That Smooths Skin Texture, Visibly Evens Tone, And Enhances Luminosity.
  • USE AT NIGHT: Apply Once Daily, Ideally In The Evening, And Always Use Sunscreen The Next Day To Protect Sensitive, Newly Exfoliated Skin.
9.6
FTB Score
#TOP 4

Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum, Concentrated Exfoliating Face Serum

  • Kiehl's
  • 3605972791276
  • 30 ml (Pack of 1)
Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum, Concentrated Exfoliating Face Serum Cover

Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum, Concentrated Exfoliating Face Serum, All Skin Types, 30Ml

Features

  • Infused With Glycolic Acid, A Fruit Acid Derived From Sugar Cane Known To Help Exfoliate Skin
  • A Concentrated 9.8% Glycolic Acid Facial Serum Formulated With Just Seven Ingredients To Help Improve Skin Smoothness By Visibly Refining Skin's Texture And Minimising The Appearance Of Pores
  • Apply 2-3 Drops To Clean, Dry Skin In The Evening
9.5
FTB Score
#TOP 5

Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Face Exfoliator Rice Toner, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub

  • Lumiter
  • Black + White
  • 160 ml (Pack of 1)
Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Face Exfoliator Rice Toner, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Cover

Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Face Exfoliator Rice Toner, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub for Blackhead Remover Dead Skin, Refines Pores, Radiant Complexion, AHA + BHA, Niacinamide, 80ml*2

Features

  • PORE REFINING & BRIGHTENING: Target Rough, Uneven Skin With Our Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Exfoliating Scrub. Rice Enzymes Polish The Surface While Black Rice Smoothes Bumps And Refines Pores. Together, Our Rice Ampoule Duo Deliver A Glow-Boosting Skincare Experience For A Youthful, Refined Appearance
  • DUAL RICE AMPOULE FORMULA - GENTLE EXFOLIATION: Combines Peel Shot Glow White Rice Ampoule And Black Rice Ampoule To Dissolve Dead Skin Cells, Refine Pores, Black Head Remover For Face And Reveal A Brightening Body And Face Scrub Exfoliator Effect. Ideal For Sensitive Skin, This Rice Ampoule Facial Scrub Exfoliator Skin Toner Balances Oil While Soothes Redness For A Clearer Complexion
  • SUITABLE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Exfoliating Face Scrub For Acne Prone Skin Is A Multitasking 5-In-1 Solution: Korean Exfoliating, Hydrating, Skin Brightening, Blackhead Remover And Pore Minimizer. Genlr For Acne-Prone, Oily Or Dry Skin, It Promotes A Clearer Complexion And Long-Term Radiance
9.5
FTB Score
#TOP 6

Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Soft Exfoliating Face And Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Blackheads Remover

  • Angel Silk
  • White+Black
  • 80 ml (Pack of 2)
Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Soft Exfoliating Face And Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Blackheads Remover Cover

Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, Soft Exfoliating Face And Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Blackheads Remover, Contain Serums Brightening Moisturizing, AHA + BHA, Niacinamide, Suitable for All Skin Types

Features

  • Niacinamide & Rice Extract For Radiance – Infused With Niacinamide, It Revitalizes And Brightens The Skin, Visibly Reducing Pore Size, Smoothing Texture, And Diminishing Blackheads.
  • Deep Pore Care & Radiant Skin – Enriched With "Pentarice," This Ampoule Removes Dead Skin Cells, Blackheads, And Impurities For A Visibly Brighter, Clearer Complexion, While Pore-Tightening Ingredients Refine The Skin.
  • Deep Hydration With Rice Bran Water & PENTAVITIN – Providing Over 90% Of Rice's Nutrients, Rice Bran Water And PENTAVITIN Deliver Intense Hydration And Gentle Exfoliation. Skin Feels Softer And Plumper, Maintaining Moisture Throughout The Day.
9.4
FTB Score

Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum for Blemishes

  • Creightons
  • SA0003
  • Clear
  • 30 ml (Pack of 1)
Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum for Blemishes Cover

Creightons Salicylic Acid Intense Serum 2% (30ml) – Reduces Blemishes, Pores & Blackheads | Dermatologically Tested, Vegan & Cruelty-Free | For Oily/Blemish-Prone Skin

The Creightons Salicylic Acid Serum is designed to tackle common skin issues like blemishes and blackheads. With 2% Salicylic Acid, it effectively reduces blemishes and minimizes the appearance of pores. You will also benefit from deep exfoliation as the serum penetrates your pores, removing dirt and bacteria. Dermatologically tested, this serum is safe for oily and blemish-prone skin types, ensuring you can use it with confidence. For optimal results, simply apply it daily to clean, dry skin.

9.2
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Reduces blemishes effectively
  • Improves skin texture
  • Deeply exfoliates pores
  • Safe for oily skin
#TOP 8

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum Cover

The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Anhydrous Solution, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin and Uneven Texture, 30ml

Features

  • SQUALANE-BASED FORMULA: Features A Squalane And Hydrating Polyglycerides Base, Which Releases Salicylic Acid Over Time For A Gentler, More Balanced Distribution.
  • TARGETS BLEMISH-PRONE SKIN AND UNEVEN TEXTURE: Gently Exfoliates, Minimizes The Appearance Of Pores, And Smooths Textural Irregularities To Reveal Clearer, Smoother-Looking Skin.
  • SUNBURN ALERT: Contains Salicylic Acid, Which May Increase Sensitivity To The Sun. Always Use Sunscreen And Limit Sun Exposure When Using This Product.
9.0
FTB Score
#TOP 9

ANUA 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Serum

  • ANUA
  • 8809640736131
  • Transparent
ANUA 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Serum Cover

ANUA 7 Rice Ceramide Hydrating Barrier Serum, Hydrating Serum for Face, Rice Water, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Non comedogenic, Glass Skin, Korean Skin Care, 50ml/1.69fl.oz.

The ANUA Hydrating Serum is an excellent choice for nourishing and hydrating all skin types, including oily, normal, and dry. Formulated with ANUA RICERA 7+, it helps to brighten dull skin, promoting an even skin tone. The serum features a unique elastic consistency from Honey Extract, Rice Extract, and Hyaluronic Acid, ensuring a lightweight feel. Additionally, with 3% Niacinamide and Zinc Stearate, it effectively controls excess oil and sebum, making it perfect for those prone to blemishes.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Hydrates all skin types
  • Brightens dull skin
  • Controls oil and sebum
  • Improves skin barrier
#TOP 10

Q+A Salicylic Acid Serum

  • Q+A
  • 30 ml (Pack of 1)
Q+A Salicylic Acid Serum Cover

Q+A Salicylic Acid Serum (30ml), Exfoliating, Pore-Minimising and Oil-Controlling Face Serum for Blemish-Prone Skin, Skincare With Salicylic Acid, Succinic Acid and Betaine

Features

  • Exfoliates And Balances: Penetrates Deep Into Pores To Target Blemishes, Control Excess Oil, Unclog Congestion, And Leave Skin Looking Clearer And More Refined.
  • Targeted Facial Serum For Clearer, Smoother Skin: This 96.6% Natural Lightweight Serum Gently Exfoliates And Decongests To Minimise Breakouts And Smooth Texture. Perfect For Oily, Stressed, Normal, And Combination Skin Types.
  • Powerful Ingredients With Skin-Loving Care: With Salicylic Acid (BHA) To Exfoliate And Clear Pores, Succinic Acid To Inhibit Breakout-Causing Bacteria And Balance Sebum, And Betaine From Sugar Beet To Lock In Hydration And Prevent Dryness.
8.6
FTB Score

Editor's Notes

During our exfoliating face serum research, we found 121 exfoliating face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 13,954 customer reviews through our big data system to write the exfoliating face serums list. We found that most customers choose exfoliating face serums with an average price of £13.16.

The exfoliating face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of exfoliating face serums, including The Ordinary, Kiehl's, Lumiter, Angel Silk, Creightons.

Written by

Charlotte Powell Avatar

Charlotte Powell

Charlotte Powell is a dermatologist and a licensed cosmetologist from Westminster, London. However, she was first a cosmetologist from London Beauty Training School. According to Charlotte, she needed better insight into the human skin, hence the dermatology degree. Long before she acquired her degree, she wrote and edited articles, eBooks, and editorials for companies and websites. Charlotte combines her skill and knowledge in providing DIY Beauty tips amongst other fashion related topics.