10 Best Exfoliators for Oily Skin

Exfoliation is essential for oily skin. It removes dead skin, clears pores, and reduces breakouts. But it’s important to pick exfoliators that don’t strip natural oils or irritate the skin. Below are 10 of the best picks trusted by skincare experts and users alike.

1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Description:
This iconic liquid exfoliant is powered by salicylic acid, penetrating deep into pores to dissolve oil and blackheads.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
  
• Green Tea Extract
  

Pros:

• Unclogs pores deeply
  
• Non-irritating formula
  
• Great for acne-prone skin
  

Cons:

• Slight tingling in sensitive skin
  
• Not ideal for very dry patches
  

How to Use:
Apply with a cotton pad or fingers after cleansing. Use 1x daily at night.

2. The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution

Description:
A chemical exfoliant that gently resurfaces oily skin and improves overall skin tone and texture.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid (7%)
  
• Aloe Vera
  
• Tasmanian Pepperberry
  

Pros:

• Affordable
  
• Brightens dull skin
  
• Exfoliates surface layer
  

Cons:

• Can sting if used daily
  
• Requires sunscreen during day
  

How to Use:
Apply in the PM 2–3x a week with a cotton pad. Avoid eyes and broken skin.

3. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid

Description:
A lightweight Korean exfoliant that reduces blackheads and sebum while hydrating and calming oily skin.

Key Ingredients:

• Betaine Salicylate (4%)
  
• Niacinamide
  
• Willow Bark Extract
  

Pros:

• Mild yet effective
  
• Hydrating and oil-controlling
  
• Reduces acne over time
  

Cons:

• Takes time to show results
  
• Slight stickiness after use
  

How to Use:
Apply 1–2 pumps on a clean face 2–3 times a week at night.

4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Scrub

Description:
A drugstore favorite physical + chemical exfoliant with salicylic acid and microbeads to deep clean and reduce breakouts.

Key Ingredients:

• Salicylic Acid (2%)
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Grapefruit Extract
  

Pros:

• Smells fresh
  
• Helps with acne and blackheads
  
• Budget-friendly
  

Cons:

• Microbeads may irritate sensitive skin
  
• Not for daily use
  

How to Use:
Massage gently onto damp skin, rinse well. Use 2–3x weekly.

5. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial

Description:
A powerful at-home facial with a 25% AHA and 2% BHA blend that deeply exfoliates and unclogs oily skin for a glow boost.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic, Tartaric, Lactic, and Citric Acid
  
• Salicylic Acid
  
• Chickpea Flour
  
• Marula Oil
  

Pros:

• Salon-like results
  
• Brightens and clarifies
  
• Fast results in 1–2 uses
  

Cons:

• Pricey
  
• May be too strong for beginners
  

How to Use:
Apply once weekly for 20 minutes, rinse, and follow with moisturizer.

6. Pixi Glow Tonic

Description:
A gentle toner that offers mild exfoliation for oily, dull skin while hydrating and tightening pores.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid (5%)
  
• Aloe Vera
  
• Ginseng
  

Pros:

• Hydrating and brightening
  
• Travel-friendly
  
• Suitable for beginners
  

Cons:

• May not be strong enough for heavy congestion
  
• Fragrance might not suit sensitive skin
  

How to Use:
Use AM or PM on a cotton pad 3–4 times per week after cleansing.

7. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Description:
A 2-in-1 creamy cleanser with chemical and physical exfoliants to polish away dead skin and prevent clogged pores.

Key Ingredients:

• Lactic, Glycolic & Salicylic Acid
  
• Jojoba Beads
  
• Sodium PCA
  

Pros:

• Triple exfoliating power
  
• Improves skin texture
  
• Non-drying formula
  

Cons:

• Physical beads not for sensitive skin
  
• Slightly expensive
  

How to Use:
Use 2–3x per week. Massage onto damp skin, avoiding the eye area.

8. The Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner

Description:
A mild exfoliant that hydrates while sloughing off dead skin — great for oily but sensitive skin types.

Key Ingredients:

• Polyhydroxy Acid (PHA)
  
• Aloe Vera
  
• Niacinamide
  

Pros:

• Non-irritating
  
• Hydrating and oil-balancing
  
• Great for sensitive/oily combo
  

Cons:

• Mild exfoliation (slow results)
  
• Needs consistent use
  

How to Use:
Swipe with a cotton pad once daily at night after cleansing.

9. First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Description:
Pre-soaked pads that gently exfoliate, tone, and brighten skin with lactic and glycolic acid, perfect for on-the-go skincare.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic Acid
  
• Lactic Acid
  
• Cucumber & Lemon Peel Extract
  

Pros:

• Travel-friendly
  
• No mess, no fuss
  
• Suitable for oily & sensitive skin
  

Cons:

• Expensive for the quantity
  
• Can dry out if not sealed properly
  

How to Use:
Swipe one pad across the face after cleansing. Use 3–5x per week.

10. Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

Description:
A viral favorite, this deep exfoliating treatment combines powerful AHAs and BHAs to target acne, oiliness, and dullness.

Key Ingredients:

• Glycolic, Lactic, Tartaric, and Citric Acid (30%)
  
• Salicylic Acid (2%)
  
• Hyaluronic Acid
  
• Tasmanian Pepperberry
  

Pros:

• Fast visible results
  
• Reduces texture, oil, and dark spots
  
• Affordable
  

Cons:

• Not for sensitive skin
  
• Overuse can damage skin barrier
  

How to Use:
Use only once a week. Apply for 10 minutes max, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Final Tips for Oily Skin Exfoliation:

• Don’t exfoliate more than 2–3 times/week unless the product says it’s safe for daily use.
  
• Always moisturize and wear SPF after exfoliating.
  
• Alternate between chemical and physical exfoliators for balance.
  
• Do a patch test before trying strong acids or new products.