Best Exfoliating Face Serums of 2026

Lisa Bechard Avatar
Lisa Bechard
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

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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

CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face Cover #TOP 1
CeraVe Nightly Exfoliating Treatment | Anti-Aging Serum for Face
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment Cover #TOP 2
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum Cover #TOP 3
Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Exfoliating Face Serums

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 2

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment

810019610509
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment Cover
Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment - Face Exfoliator with AHA & BHA Lightweight Formula - Pore Minimizer, Facial Skin Care with Glycolic & 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
#TOP 3

Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum

Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum Cover
Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum - Gentle Face Exfoliator Serum with Ultra Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid - Exfoliating PHAs to Brighten Skin - Skin Care For Face

The Good Molecules Mandelic Serum combines the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid with gentle exfoliation from mandelic acid to refresh your skin. This serum helps smooth rough patches, reduce dry spots, and soften fine lines, giving your face a brighter, more youthful look. It contains a blend of three mild exfoliants that encourage skin cell renewal without irritation. Easy to use, just a few drops applied morning and night before your moisturizer will fit seamlessly into your daily routine, helping you maintain clear, radiant skin with minimal effort.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Deep hydration
Improves skin texture
Easy daily use
Supports cell turnover
#TOP 4

Trihood Glow Rice Ampoule Duo

G11022
White and Black
Trihood Glow Rice Ampoule Duo Cover
Glow Rice Ampoule Duo, White & Black Rice Exfoliating Essence Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, Gentle Face & Body Care for Pore Refining & Hydration, Duo Pack 80ml Each

The Trihood Glow Rice Duo combines the benefits of white and black rice extracts to gently clear away dead skin, impurities, and blackheads, helping you achieve a smoother, brighter complexion. Its multi-level exfoliation system uses AHA, BHA, and PHA to naturally renew your skin by dissolving excess oil and unclogging pores without harsh scrubbing. With ingredients like rice bran water, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, this serum locks in moisture and boosts skin elasticity, leaving your skin soft and hydrated. The duo includes two 80ml bottles: one to brighten dull skin and another to tighten pores, making it a complete solution for daily skin renewal and hydration.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation blend
Hydrating and brightening
Pore refining effect
Includes two targeted ampoules
Suitable for sensitive skin

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% + Hyaluronic Acid 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 6

The Ordinary Bright & Hydrated Duo

The ordinary
Berry
2 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Bright & Hydrated Duo Cover
The Ordinary Bright & Hydrated Duo Skincare Set – AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution & Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 – Exfoliates, Hydrates & Targets Blemishes – 1 Fl Oz Each, Vegan & Cruelty-Free

The Ordinary Bright Duo combines two powerful skincare products to help you achieve clearer, smoother, and more radiant skin. The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution works as a strong exfoliant to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce acne, making your skin look visibly brighter and more even. Meanwhile, the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum deeply hydrates your skin by locking in moisture and improving elasticity, leaving your face feeling soft and plump throughout the day. This duo is ideal if you want to tackle blemishes, uneven texture, and dryness all at once, providing a convenient and effective skincare routine.

What We Like
Deep exfoliation
Hydration boost
Targets blemishes
Improves skin texture
Vegan and cruelty-free
#TOP 7

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid Serum

769915194432_SML
Clear
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid Serum Cover
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid, Gentle Exfoliating Serum for Clarity and Hydration, 1 Fl Oz

The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA with AHA and Hyaluronic Acid is a facial serum that improves the texture and tone of the skin by accelerating cell turnover. It smooths the surface and brightens your complexion while fighting off fine lines and wrinkles. It is gentler on sensitive skin types as it has a larger molecule size compared to most other AHAs, making it less irritating for those with reactive skin. This product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and does not have a safety seal.

What We Like
Improves skin texture and tone
Smooths the surface and brightens complexion
Gentle on sensitive skin types
#TOP 8

Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum

Glycolic Acid Serum
Advanced Clinicals Glycolic Acid Peel Serum Cover
Advanced Clinicals Exfoliating 10% Glycolic Acid Serum For Face + Lactic Acid | Facial Exfoliant AHA + Salicylic Acid Serum To Improve Look Of Large Pores, Uneven Skin Tone, & 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 9

Bubble Skincare Moon Walk Exfoliating Serum

Bubble Skincare
108007
1 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Bubble Skincare Moon Walk Exfoliating Serum Cover
Bubble Skincare Moon Walk Exfoliating Face Serum - Gentle Facial Exfoliator & Pore Minimizer - Helps to Even Skin Tone & Reveal a Glowing Complexion - Suitable for All Skin Types (30ml)

The Bubble Skincare Moon Walk Serum offers a gentle way to exfoliate your skin, making it ideal for anyone over 14 looking to smooth rough patches and reduce clogged pores. It’s designed especially for sensitive skin, so you can exfoliate without discomfort thanks to its soothing ingredients. This serum works overnight to reveal softer, more even skin with a glowing look. Suitable for all skin types, it’s a gentle alternative to harsher exfoliators and easy to incorporate into your nighttime routine. Just remember to start slow and protect your skin with SPF during the day for the best results.

What We Like
Gentle exfoliation
Soothes sensitive skin
Improves skin texture
Suitable for all skin types
Overnight use convenience
#TOP 10

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
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 249,173 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 $15.75.

The exfoliating face serums are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of exfoliating face serums, including CeraVe, Good Molecules, Trihood, The Ordinary, Advanced Clinicals. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.