Best Exfoliating Face Serums of 2026

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

Charlotte Powell

Last Updated: 2 Feb 2026

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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 1

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

9.9

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

#TOP1

9.9

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#TOP 2

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

9.8

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

#TOP2

9.8

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#TOP 3

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

9.6

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

#TOP3

9.6

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Top 10 Exfoliating Face Serums

#TOP 1

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

The Ordinary

8213018003099

Rose

30 ml (Pack of 1)

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

9.9

FTB Score

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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.

PERFECT FOR DRY AND SENSITIVE SKIN: This Water-Based Serum Offers Effective Exfoliation While Maintaining Hydration, Ideal For Dry Or Sensitive Skin Types.

ANTI-IRRITANT: Enhanced With Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract, A Known Anti-Irritant.

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#TOP 2

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

The Ordinary

769915194432_SML

Clear

30 ml (Pack of 1)

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

9.8

FTB Score

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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.

SOOTHING & CALMING: Contains Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract To Help Reduce Irritation And Sensitivity Associated With Acid Use.

IDEAL FOR ALL SKIN TYPES: Suitable For Even Sensitive Skin, This Water-Based Serum Offers A Gentle Exfoliation While Maintaining Hydration.

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#TOP 3

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

The Ordinary

769915195835

Rose

30 ml (Pack of 1)

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

9.6

FTB Score

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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.

FREE FROM: Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan, Alcohol-Free, Oil-Free, And Silicone-Free.

ANTI-IRRITANT: Includes Tasmanian Pepperberry Extract, A Known Anti-Irritant.

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#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

9.5

FTB Score

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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

#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

9.5

FTB Score

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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

INSTANT SERUM ABSORPTION: Experience The Unique Comfort Of A Korean-Inspired Milky Rice Toner For Acne Prone Skin. Our Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoules' Fluid, Silky Milk Formula Glides Onto Skin, Penetrating Layers Quickly Without Any Sticky Or Oily Finish. Ideal For Women Seeking Immediate, Weightless Hydration

HYDRATION & STRENGTHEN SKIN BARRIER: Infused With Rice Ferment Filtrate, This Face & Body Exfoliator Rice Serum Replenishes Moisture, Strengthens The Skin Barrier, And Plumps Fine Lines. Peel Shot Glow Rice Ampoule Facial Exfoliator Leaves Skin Dewy And Supple All Day, Even In Dry Climates

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#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

9.4

FTB Score

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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.

Comprehensive Exfoliation System – A Blend Of AHA, BHA, And PHA Agents Supports Skin's Renewal Cycle, Refining Texture And Boosting Radiance Without Irritation. This Multi-Level Exfoliation Process Clears Away Unnecessary Dead Cells To Reveal Smoother Skin Underneath.

Balanced Hydration & Clarity – Rice Extract And Niacinamide, Rich In Natural Moisturizing Factors, Help Balance, Soothe, And Hydrate Skin For A Refreshed, Clear Appearance.

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#TOP 7 Best Blemishes Face Serum

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

9.2

FTB Score

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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.

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

769915199543

Clear

30 ml (Pack of 1)

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

9.0

FTB Score

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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.

SQUALANE-BASED FORMULA: Features A Squalane And Hydrating Polyglycerides Base, Which Releases Salicylic Acid Over Time For A Gentler, More Balanced Distribution.

IMPROVES OVERALL SKIN TONE: Reduces The Appearance Of Dullness, And Uneven Skin Tone While Promoting A Clearer Looking Complexion.

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#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.

8.8

FTB Score

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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.

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

8.6

FTB Score

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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.

How To Use For Best Results: Apply A Few Drops Of The Skin Serum To Clean Skin Prior To Moisturising, Morning And/or Night. For Best Results, Use Consistently To Help Maintain A Clearer, More Balanced Complexion.

Clean, Conscious Formula: 96.6% Natural Origin. Vegan Friendly, Cruelty Free, Fragrance Free, Alcohol Free. Made In The UK With Naturally Derived Ingredients.

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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

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.