Exfoliators & Peels

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Written by Fatima KhanReviewed by Dr. Zartasha Saif, DermatologistLast reviewed

About Exfoliators & Peels

What does an exfoliator do for your face?

Your skin sheds old cells constantly, but heat, pollution, oily skin and ageing can slow the process. Dead cells then pile up, making skin look dull, feel rough and trap oil inside pores. An exfoliator speeds up that shedding, so the surface looks smoother and more radiant and the products you apply afterwards spread and sink in better.

This collection covers every way to do it: leave-on acid liquids and toners, acid serums and creams, wipe-off peeling gels, enzyme powders, scrub foams and stronger rinse-off peels. For a basic daily wash without acids, browse our facial cleanser and face wash collections.

Types of exfoliator: chemical, enzyme and physical

AHA (glycolic, lactic and mandelic acid)

Alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble and work on the surface. They loosen the bonds between dead cells, which helps with dullness, rough texture, whiteheads and the look of uneven tone. Glycolic acid is the strongest and fastest; lactic and mandelic are gentler.

BHA (salicylic acid and betaine salicylate)

Beta hydroxy acid is oil-soluble, so it moves into pores and clears the oil and debris that form blackheads. It also has a calming effect, which makes it the classic exfoliant for oily and acne-prone skin.

PHA (gluconolactone and lactobionic acid)

Polyhydroxy acids have larger molecules that work slowly and gently near the surface. They also help skin hold water, a good fit for sensitive or dry skin that cannot tolerate glycolic acid.

Enzymes

Fruit and rice enzymes digest the protein in dead skin cells. They activate with water, give a soft polish and suit dry, dull or reactive skin, often in a powder cleanser format.

Scrubs and peeling gels

Physical exfoliators use fine particles or gels that roll up on the skin as you massage. Choose very fine, rounded textures and light pressure; rough, jagged scrubs can cause tiny tears.

What is the difference between peeling and exfoliation?

Exfoliation is the general term for removing dead skin cells by any method. Peeling usually describes a stronger or more visible form of it. Korean peeling gels are gentle: you massage them on and small rolls form as the gel lifts dead skin and residue. At-home chemical peels are different and much stronger, using high-percentage acids for a short time before rinsing off.

A strong peel can give smoother texture and a brighter look, but it also carries more risk of irritation, especially for darker and sensitive skin tones that can develop marks after inflammation. Start with gentle options, and save strong peels for when your skin is already used to acids.

Which exfoliator suits your skin goal?

Pick the format by the problem you want to work on, not by the strongest percentage on the shelf. A gentle product used consistently does more than a harsh one you can only tolerate once a month.

Your goalBest typeTypical formatStart withBlackheads and visible poresBHALeave-on liquid or tonerThree evenings a weekWhiteheads and bumpy textureAHA, often glycolicLiquid or tonerTwo evenings a weekDullness and uneven-looking toneAHA with vitamin C, or enzymesToner, serum or powder washTwo to three times a weekFlaky, dry patchesEnzymes, PHA or lactic acidPowder wash or gentle tonerOnce or twice a weekSensitive skin that still needs smoothingPHA or a soft peeling gelGel or tonerOnce a weekPost-acne marksAHA plus daily sunscreenToner or serumTwo evenings a week

Whatever you choose, introduce only one new exfoliant at a time and keep it for at least four weeks before you judge results. Skin renews itself on a cycle of roughly a month, so changes in texture and tone build up gradually rather than overnight.

Exfoliators & Peels for acne

For breakouts, BHA is the first ingredient to reach for, because it works inside the pore where acne starts. A leave-on liquid used a few evenings a week, or a BHA foam on alternate nights, helps keep pores clearer over time. AHA can help with the post-acne marks and rough texture left behind.

What to avoid matters too. Scrubbing active, inflamed spots spreads irritation and can deepen marks. If you are using prescription acne treatment such as adapalene, tretinoin or benzoyl peroxide, speak to your dermatologist before adding any acid, since the combination can easily become too much.

Exfoliators & Peels for oily skin

Is exfoliating good for oily skin? Yes. Oily skin tends to build up dead cells faster, mixed with sebum, which creates blackheads and a rough, shiny look. A BHA liquid or an AHA and BHA toner two to four times a week keeps texture smoother and pores looking cleaner. In humid weather, lightweight liquids and toners feel far better than thick creams.

Exfoliators for dry skin

Dry skin benefits from gentle exfoliation, because flakes stop moisturiser from absorbing. Choose an enzyme powder, a PHA or lactic acid formula, or a soft peeling gel once or twice a week, then apply a rich moisturiser.

Exfoliators for sensitive skin

Start with a PHA toner or a mild peeling gel once a week. Patch-test on the jawline for a few days and skip exfoliation on any day your skin feels hot, tight or stings.

How to use exfoliators & peels

Where it goes in your routine

  1. Cleanse and pat skin dry.
  2. Apply a liquid or toner exfoliant on dry skin, or massage a peeling gel on dry skin and rinse.
  3. Wait a minute or two, then continue with serum and moisturiser.
  4. In the morning, finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

How often to exfoliate

Most skin does well with two or three sessions a week. Oily, resilient skin may build to daily use of a mild BHA liquid; sensitive skin may be happiest once a week. More is not better.

What not to mix with acids

Avoid using acids on the same night as retinol, other strong acids or a scrub, at least until you know how your skin reacts. Alternate them instead: an acid night, a retinol night, then a recovery night with only moisturiser.

Using a stronger at-home peel

High-strength rinse-off peels are for experienced users only. Follow the time on the pack exactly, never leave it on longer, never use it on broken or sunburnt skin, and limit it to once a week at most.

Exfoliating safely under Pakistan's sun

Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV, and Pakistan's sun is strong for most of the year. Sunscreen every morning is non-negotiable when you use AHA, BHA or peels, and it should be reapplied if you are outdoors. Exfoliate in the evening, not before a day at the beach or a wedding.

In peak summer, heat and sweat can make acids sting more, so many people cut back to fewer sessions in June and July. Winter is when dry, flaky skin enjoys a gentle polish most.

Signs you are over-exfoliating

  • Skin looks shiny but feels tight, a sign the barrier is stripped.
  • Moisturiser or water suddenly stings.
  • New redness, small bumps or flaking that does not settle.
  • Breakouts in areas where you never usually get them.

If this happens, stop all acids and scrubs for one to two weeks. Use a gentle cleanser and a soothing moisturiser until skin feels normal again, then reintroduce one exfoliant at a lower frequency.

Best Exfoliators & Peels in Pakistan

COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 100ml

A leave-on BHA for blackheads and oily, congested skin.

COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 100ml

A glycolic liquid for whiteheads and rough, dull texture.

Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 100ml

A gentle peeling gel for an easy weekly polish.

SOME BY MI AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

A triple-acid toner popular with blemish-prone skin.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

A glycolic toner for texture and a more even-looking tone.

COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 150ml

A mild acid toner for beginners with oily skin.

ANUA Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder 40g

An enzyme powder wash for dry, dull skin.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Mild Peeling Gel 125ml

A centella peeling gel kind to sensitive, breakout-prone faces.

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

A strong rinse-off peel for experienced acid users only.

Exfoliators & Peels price in Pakistan and buying original

Acid liquids and toners last a long time because you use only a few drops or one pad's worth at a time. Peeling gels and enzyme powders are used weekly, so a single tube or tub can last for months. Live prices are on each product page, and bundles like a starter kit can be a sensible way to try a full acid routine.

Fake acid products are a genuine safety risk, since you cannot know the real strength inside. Our Korean exfoliants are imported from Seoul, Korea, through the brand's official channels; The Ordinary is sourced directly from its own official distribution channels. Every order is backed by our 7-day return guarantee if a product is ever found inauthentic.

Shop exfoliators & peels by brand

COSRX: COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid 100ml, COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 100ml, COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner 150ml and COSRX Low pH Good Night Soft Peeling Gel 120ml.

The Ordinary: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner and The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution.

SOME BY MI: SOME BY MI AHA.BHA.PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner and SOME BY MI AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Serum 50ml.

Beauty of Joseon: Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 100ml and Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA 150ml.

SKIN1004: SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tea-Trica Mild Peeling Gel 125ml. ANUA: ANUA Rice Enzyme Brightening Cleansing Powder 40g. SKINFOOD: SKINFOOD Rice Daily Brightening Scrub Foam 150ml.

Related collections

Every exfoliator and peel at YESBEAUTY

Acid liquids and toners

Acid serums, creams and kits

Peeling gels and peels

Exfoliating cleansers, powders and scrub foams

Exfoliators & Peels: your questions

Is exfoliating good for oily skin?

Yes, exfoliating is very helpful for oily skin. A BHA or AHA and BHA formula two to four times a week clears the mix of oil and dead cells that causes blackheads and a rough, shiny look.

Which exfoliator is best for dry skin?

Gentle options suit dry skin best: an enzyme powder, a PHA or lactic acid toner, or a soft peeling gel once or twice a week. Follow every session with a rich moisturiser to replace lost comfort.

What type of enzyme exfoliator should I use for dry skin?

Choose a rice or fruit enzyme powder that activates with water into a light foam. It polishes away flakes without acids or grit, making it one of the kindest ways to exfoliate dry, tight skin.

Is AHA or BHA better for my skin?

BHA is better for oily skin, blackheads and breakouts because it works inside pores. AHA is better for dullness, rough texture and dry skin because it works on the surface. Combination skin can alternate them.

How often should I exfoliate my face?

Two or three times a week suits most skin. Oily, resilient skin can build up to a gentle BHA liquid daily, while sensitive skin often does best with once a week. Cut back if skin stings or flakes.

How do I use an exfoliating peel safely at home?

Apply it to clean, dry skin, follow the timing on the pack exactly, then rinse thoroughly. Use it at night, no more than once a week, never on broken or sunburnt skin, and wear sunscreen every day after.

Can I use an exfoliator with retinol?

Yes, but not on the same night at first. Alternate acid nights and retinol nights with a rest night in between. If your skin stays calm after a few weeks, your dermatologist may suggest a closer schedule.

Are face scrubs bad for your skin?

Harsh scrubs with jagged particles can irritate and cause tiny tears. Fine, rounded scrubs or rice scrub foams used gently once or twice a week are fine for most skin, but never on active acne.

Do I need sunscreen after exfoliating?

Yes, always. Exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV, and Pakistan's strong sun can quickly cause redness or dark marks. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen every morning and reapply when you are outdoors.

Is it normal to break out after starting an acid exfoliant?

Some people see small breakouts in their usual problem areas during the first few weeks, often called purging. Breakouts in new areas, burning or lasting redness are signs of irritation, so stop and simplify your routine.

Can I exfoliate in summer?

Yes, you can exfoliate in summer, but keep it gentle. Heat and sweat can make acids sting more, so many people reduce to fewer sessions in June and July and always exfoliate at night, followed by sunscreen in the morning.