Best Exfoliating Face Serums of 2025

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Exfoliating face serums are a popular skincare product that helps to slough off dead skin cells, revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. These serums often contain gentle chemical exfoliants such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work to unclog pores and improve skin texture. They are designed to be used after cleansing and before moisturizing, and can help to improve the effectiveness of other skincare products. With regular use, exfoliating face serums can leave the skin looking more radiant and youthful.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment Cover #TOP 1
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
ftb score rating icon 9.8
CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face Cover #TOP 2
CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum Cover #TOP 3
Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Exfoliating Face Serums

#TOP 1

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

810019610509
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment Cover
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment - Facial Exfoliant with AHA for Tone and Texture - Pore Minimizer, Skincare for Face with Salicylic Acid

The Good Molecules Exfoliating Treatment is designed to enhance your skin's appearance while you sleep. With its powerful ingredients, it helps brighten and resurface your skin, giving you a radiant glow by morning. You can expect improved texture and reduced breakouts, as the formula effectively targets clogged and enlarged pores. This treatment combines glycolic and lactic acids to stimulate renewal, while salicylic acid addresses blemishes and irritations. It's simple to use—just apply a few drops to clean skin at night, and you’ll wake up to a refreshed complexion.

What We Like
Brightens and resurfaces skin
Reduces breakouts and blemishes
Targets enlarged and clogged pores
Suitable for all skin types

CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face

S4612500
CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face Cover
CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment, Anti Aging Serum With 5% Blend Of Glycolic Acid & Lactic Acid, Wrinkles & Dark Spot Corrector For Face, Exfoliating Gel, 1.7 Oz

The CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment is a hydrating facial serum that helps improve visible signs of aging, including dullness and discoloration. The serum contains Lactic and Glycolic Acids to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and pores. It also has Licorice Root Extract to visibly brighten skin and Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture. The serum is formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin's natural barrier. Developed with dermatologists, this noncomedogenic, paraben-free, and fragrance-free serum is suitable for various skin types.

What We Like
Contains Lactic and Glycolic Acids for gentle chemical exfoliation
Minimizes the appearance of fine lines, dark spots, and pores
Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid to retain skin's natural moisture
Contains Licorice Root Extract to visibly brighten skin
Developed with dermatologists and suitable for various skin types
#TOP 3

Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum

1003-30111
Blue
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Serum Cover
Bliss Renew & Smooth Night Face Serum | Resurfacing Treatment with Glycolic Acid and AHA Glycolic + Polyhydroxy Acid | for Smoother, Brighter Skin | Vegan & Cruelty-Free Exfoliating Serum | 1 Fl Oz

Bliss Night Serum is an effective overnight treatment designed to help you wake up with smoother and brighter skin. This powerful serum features Glycolic Acid, which gently exfoliates your skin while you sleep, promoting a refined texture and a glowing complexion. It also accelerates cell turnover, helping to minimize the appearance of pores and dullness. With a unique blend of six acids, it works to improve skin tone and reduce fine lines and dark spots, making it suitable for all skin types without causing irritation.

What We Like
Brightens skin overnight
Reduces fine lines
Gentle, vegan formula
Improves skin texture

Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum

Glycolic Acid Serum
Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum Cover
Advanced Clinicals 10% Glycolic Acid Serum For Face | Exfoliating AHA + Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid Serum | Facial Chemical Peel Skin Care Treatment For Large Pores & Dark Spots. 1.75 FL Oz

Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum is a gentle formula that targets fine lines, large pores, age spots, and more. It increases skin hydration, reduces the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and dark spots. Its 3X AHA/ BHA Formula exfoliates dull looking skin and boosts turnover, and it features 4 different exfoliating acids. This facial serum is gentle enough for daily use and dry or sensitive skin.

What We Like
Instant results within 24 hours
Reduces the appearance of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, acne scars, and dark spots
3X AHA/ BHA Formula with 4 different exfoliating acids
#TOP 5

#OOTD Exfoliating P+ Face Serum P.M

OTD010
#OOTD Exfoliating P+ Face Serum P.M Cover
AHA BHA Serum Korean Overnight Face Serum, Acne Serum for Oliy & Sensitive Skin, Exfoliating Face Serum P.M, AHA BHA PHA, Papain, Cell Turnover Refine Serum Cream 50g

#OOTD Exfoliating Face Serum is an advanced facial cream made in Korea that offers a range of benefits for healthier skin. The serum is part of the #OOTD brand, which is known for its commitment to sustainable beauty. It is EVE Vegan Certified, meaning it uses only natural and sustainable ingredients without animal testing. The serum contains a powerful blend of AHA, BHA, and PHA compounds that help clear pores and exfoliate dead skin, resulting in a brighter and healthier complexion. Additionally, the serum includes hyaluronic acid, which helps reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles by retaining moisture in the skin. The presence of papain, an enzyme naturally produced by papayas, promotes the regrowth and renewal of skin cells by controlling skin oil and sebum. By incorporating the #OOTD Exfoliating Face Serum into your skincare routine, you can achieve noticeable improvements in your skin health.

What We Like
Sustainable beauty
AHA + BHA + PHA complex
Hyaluronic acid for anti-aging
#TOP 6

Minimalist Exfoliating Serum

AHA25
Minimalist Exfoliating Serum Cover
Minimalist 10% AHA (Lactic Acid & Glycolic Acid) BHA (Salicylic Acid) Exfoliating Serum | Mildly Exfoliates without Drying for Radiant, Youthful Skin | For Women & Men | 1 Fl Oz / 30 ml

Experience the Minimalist Serum, a gentle exfoliating solution that effectively removes dead skin cells without drying your skin. This serum utilizes a balanced blend of AHAs and BHA to stimulate cell renewal, resulting in an even complexion and smooth texture. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe, it hydrates and soothes the skin, reducing irritation commonly associated with exfoliation. Additionally, it is a clean and transparent beauty product, free from fragrances, silicones, sulfates, parabens, essential oils, and dyes. Suitable for all skin types and tones, this serum is a great option for beginners in the world of acids, providing gentle yet effective exfoliation.

What We Like
Gentle Exfoliation
Evens Complexion
Hydrates & Soothes

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face

ENVCP1
White
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face Cover
Eva Naturals Vitamin C Face Serum With Hyaluronic Acid - Anti Aging Serum - Reduce Dark Spots, Acne & Wrinkles - Retinol, Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid, Brightening Skin Serum for Glowing Skin

Eva Naturals Vitamin C Serum for Face Plus Hyaluronic Acid, Retinol, Niacinamide & Salicylic Acid is an anti-aging serum that helps reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It is formulated with natural ingredients to tackle any skin issue while providing hydration and brightening skin. Customers have reported seeing a difference in their skin in as little as three days.

What We Like
Effective for hyperpigmentation
Reduces wrinkles
Brightens skin
#TOP 8

Kiehl's Ultra Pure Glycolic Acid Serum

3605972791276
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Kiehl's Ultra Pure Glycolic Acid Serum Cover
Kiehl's Ultra Pure High-Potency 9.8% Glycolic Acid Serum, Concentrated Face Serum to Exfoliate for Glowy Skin, Visibly Smooths Skin Texture & Boosts Skin Glow, All Skin Types, Fragrance-free - 1 fl oz

Kiehl's Glycolic Acid Serum is designed to enhance your skin's natural glow while minimizing the appearance of pores. With just a few drops applied in the evening, you can enjoy smoother skin texture and improved skin renewal within three days. This gentle formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, making it a versatile choice for your skincare routine. Free from fragrances and colorants, this serum focuses on delivering effective results without irritation, ensuring your skin feels refreshed and revitalized.

What We Like
Boosts skin glow
Minimizes pore appearance
Suitable for all skin types
Fragrance-free formula
#TOP 9

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% 30ml

8213018003099
Rose
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% 30ml Cover
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Smoother Skin, 1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + Ha 2% 30ml is a mild alpha hydroxyl acid facial peel that gently exfoliates the skin. Its 5% formulation is perfect for dry skin types and is supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce inflammation and sensitivity. This treatment helps resurface the skin to promote an even tone and a smooth, soft texture. It can be used once per day, ideally in the PM, and it is recommended to avoid contact with eyes.

What We Like
Exfoliates the skin gently
Reduces inflammation and sensitivity
Helps resurface the skin to promote an even tone and a smooth, soft texture
Can be used once per day, ideally in the PM
Perfect for dry skin types
#TOP 10

Hanna Müller PHA Serum

HM-PHASRM-EU
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Hanna Müller PHA Serum Cover
PHA Serum with 2 PHAs & 1 AHA Exfoliating Serum - PHA & AHA Serum for Face, Dark Spot Remover for Face, Facial Skin Care Products, Facial Serum, Smooth, Brighten and Reduce Pigmentation, 1 fl oz

Hanna Müller Exfoliant is a vegan facial serum that gently exfoliates your skin with two PHAs and one AHA. It helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and hydrate your skin. The formula includes 8.5% lactic acid, 6.5% gluconolactone, and 5% lactobionic acid, which work together to smooth, brighten, and reduce pigmentation. Moreover, it delivers the three elements needed to strengthen the skin barrier: restorative ceramides, moisture-retaining hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and soothing tiger grass and chamomile. The Nano-Stable delivery system boosts the bioavailability of active ingredients, allowing more molecules to penetrate the stratum corneum for optimal results. Hanna Müller Exfoliant is proudly SLS, gluten, and paraben-free, and each ingredient in the vegan formula has a clinically proven function.

What We Like
Gently exfoliates skin
Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
Brightens and hydrates skin
Boosts bioavailability of active ingredients
Vegan and clinically proven formula
Buying Guide Image
Editor's Notes

During our exfoliating face serum research, we found 48 exfoliating face serum products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 425,833 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 $17.82.

The exfoliating face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of exfoliating face serums, including Good Molecules, CeraVe, Bliss, Advanced Clinicals, #OOTD. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 2,852 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Lisa Bechard Avatar

Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.