№ 1
Glow 9.5
BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%
Best for congestion + acne
The category gold standard. 2% salicylic acid, fragrance-free, pH-correct. The product that built Paula's Choice. Use 3× weekly maximum.
Editorial Ranking · Skincare · 2026
Best Exfoliants in Australia (2026)
Chemical and physical exfoliants tested for surface clarity, texture refinement, and irritation profile. AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and enzyme picks across every budget.
6 products tested
April 2026 editorial visit
5-axis Glow Score
0 paid placements
Full ranking · 1 to 6
Glow's full ranking.
Most people exfoliate too aggressively or with the wrong acid for their skin. The picks below are the right molecule for the job, not the loudest marketing.
№ 2
Glow 9.1
Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Best for brightening + texture
AHA at the price of a coffee. Strong tone-evening over 6 weeks. Patch test — 7% glycolic is aggressive for first-timers.
№ 3
Glow 9.0
Liquid Gold
Best for australian formulation
Iconic Australian glycolic-acid treatment. 5% glycolic + licorice. Layered consistently, beats most $200 brightening serums.
№ 4
Glow 8.8
Mandelic Acid 10%
Best for sensitive + darker skin
Larger molecule = gentler than glycolic = safer on Fitzpatrick IV+ skin. The pick if you've reacted to AHAs elsewhere.
№ 5
Glow 8.6
Lactic Acid 10%
Best for beginner exfoliant
Gentle daily lactic acid. Hydrating profile rather than stripping. The right starter exfoliant for clients new to acids.
№ 6
Glow 8.9
Resurfacing Peel Pads
Best for pre-event peel
Two-step pad system. Premium positioning, real results. The pick for events where you want resurfacing the night before. Don't use weekly.
Frequently asked
Common questions.
How often should I exfoliate?
Two to three times weekly, no more. Daily exfoliation strips the barrier and triggers compensatory oil production. Most acne client recoveries we've watched start with cutting exfoliation in half.
AHA, BHA or PHA?
AHA for tone and surface texture. BHA for congestion and oil. PHA for sensitive skin. Most routines benefit from one of each, not all three.
Should I exfoliate before or after toner?
If your exfoliant is liquid, it replaces toner. Don't layer a toner over a chemical exfoliant — the second product washes the first off.
Can I use retinol on the same night as exfoliant?
Generally no. Both increase cell turnover; together they often trigger barrier breakdown. Alternate nights at minimum.
More from Glow.
For more skincare editorial, see our Skincare hub, or browse all brands and brand reviews. For our annual edit, see The Glow 100.