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Your best complexion ever.
Byrdie
Sukari Babyfacial AHA + BHA Mask.
Your skin naturallysheds dead cellsbut can’t always get them all off.
According to board-certified dermatologistDr.
PHOTO: Sephora
Exfoliating can help speed up the cell turnover process to address these issues.
This bestselling, fan-favorite product packs a one-two punch by blending chemical and physical exfoliants.
At the same time, the slightly grainy formulation physically buffs away cells.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
Another change is how consistently soft and supple my skin feels now."
One tester also noticed a bit of stinging when she first applied it, but this quickly went away.
When she woke up the next morning, her complexion looked and felt noticeably smoother.
Chloe, tester:“This was a lightweight exfoliator, as there was no excess skin or peeling.
We love the generously sized bottle and wallet-friendly price tag.
It reduced the appearance of pores, smoothed skin texture, balanced oil production, and minimized breakouts.
We love it if you’re looking for a potent, all-rounder treatment.
It’s also ideal formature skinsince it works to address fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Dr. Arch is a big fan of this gel treatment mask.
And it does more than simply slough off dead skin cells.
That said, some reviewers with sensitive skin said they experienced redness and irritation with this one.
This scrub contains both, yielding noticeable results with just a few uses per week.
PHOTO: Ulta
Since sugar is water-soluble, the granules dissolve as you go to help prevent the harsh results of over-exfoliating.
We like that the formula also contains chemical exfoliants like lactic acid and papaya enzymes for additional resurfacing benefits.
It’s worth noting that some online reviewers have said it caused them to break out.
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If you’re reactive to skincare, we recommend patch-testing this one first.
Despite its exfoliating texture, my skin feels soft and hydrated after rinsing.
My complexion feels softer and is left with a lovely coconut scent that isn’t overpowering.”
PHOTO: Amazon
A little bit of this guy goes a long way.
The cleanser pulls out all the stops to dissolve dead cells and polish skin gently.
Apricot seed powder andpomegranateenzymes physically exfoliate, while BHA in the form ofwillow bark extractoffers chemical exfoliation.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang
After cleansing, our tester’s skin was smooth to the touch with a nearly unnoticeable texture.
The grittiness was significant enough to be effective yet gentle enough not to cause irritation.
I also noticed that my serums and moisturizers seemed to apply better after using the mask.
I had no issues with dryness or irritation/redness from the mask.
I am very happy with the product and how my aging skin looked after use."
But that doesn’t mean you should skip this skincare step.
The gel-to-cream formula uses two AHAs (glycolic and lactic acid) and papaya extract to gently smooth skin.
Lauren Pardee, Byrdie senior editor:“I love how this product isn’t overly complicated.
The water gel texture leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.
This formula is really great at removing excess makeup, too.”
These ingredients remove dead skin cells without irritation, whilealoeand glycerin hydrateand soothe.
We just wish it didn’t contain sulfates, which can be drying if used too often.
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It makes my skin smoother immediately after applying and has a soothing aloe smell that isnt overpowering."
Amanda Rosenthal, Byrdie writer:“This hydrating serum is almost like a toner.
It’s extremely lightweight and watery but quickly soaks into the skin.”
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang
She loved how lightweight and non-greasy it felt; it was easy to layer into her skincare routine.
Elena, tester:“I love what it does to my pores.
If you have large pores, this is the stuff.
It’s perfect in every way for me.
My skincare soulmate.”
Dennis Grossmake exfoliation a cinch.
All you have to do is swipe and go; no water required.
The formula includes a blend of five exfoliating acids plusretinol, vitamin C, and otherantioxidants.
The individual packs are also perfect for travel.
We do wish the packaging was more sustainable.
And the exfoliants in the formula may be too harsh for everyday use.
I have noticed a significant increase in the glowiness of my skin."
PHOTO: Amazon
The tool removes peach fuzz and surface-level dead skin cells in one pass.
This tool was much easier to use than it looked.
It left her face smooth, soft, and radiant.
PHOTO: Byrdie / Alexander Huang
That’s why we love Tatcha’s powder-to-foam option.
Once it foams, it has a creamy consistency that nourishes the skin.
After using it, our tester noticed that it gave her complexion a natural radiance.
Mixing the powder with water can get a little messy, but otherwise, we absolutely love this product.
Dominique Hobdy, Byrdie senior editor:I loved this product for my ultra-oily skin.
It effectively gets rid of dirt and grime from the day.
We considered 65 tested products and evaluated each formula on software, formula, effectiveness, and longevity.
Finally, armed with our tested insights and expert recommendations, we landed on the top picks above.
This can also increase skin radiance and help prevent sebum buildup, which can lead to breakouts.
Sensitive skin types may want to stick to once or twice per week.
Scrubs can often be abrasive, but you may notice more immediate results.
Chemical exfoliators are generally slightly gentler but can take longer to produce noticeable results.
But in general, both types can be safe and effective.
Alyssa Kaplanis an associate editor, experienced writer in the beauty industry, and product tester specializing in cosmetics.
She’s been testing facial exfoliators on her oily skin for more than 10 years.
She’s been a writer at Byrdie since 2022, covering all things beauty.
2016;4(12 Suppl Anatomy and Safety in Cosmetic Medicine: Cosmetic Bootcamp):e1152.
2015 Nov;14(11):1306-19.
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2016 Dec;15(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12237.
Epub 2016 Jun 21.
2019;38(3_suppl):6S-22S.
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Published 2014 December 23.
Published 2002 Jan 1.
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