Best Face Scrubs July 2026
Finding the right face scrub can transform your skincare routine, but the options can feel overwhelming. We've ranked the top exfoliants to help you compare products and find the best fit for your skin. Whether you need a gentle daily toner or a powerful weekly peel, our guide makes the choice easier.
Last updated: 23 June 2026
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml climbed 1 position
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub 100ml climbed 1 position
Face Scrub: Top 5
1
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml
from £5.548 stores
from £5.54
8 stores
2
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml
from £13.003 stores
1
from £13.00
3 stores
3
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml
from £7.126 stores
from £7.12
6 stores
4
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub 100ml
from £9.9611 stores
1
from £9.96
11 stores
5
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml
from £27.502 stores
from £27.50
2 stores
This exfoliating toner from The Ordinary uses 7% glycolic acid to improve skin texture and radiance. It's a straightforward, leave-on chemical exfoliant suitable for normal, combination, dry, and oily skin types.
Pros
Contains 7% Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Fragrance and paraben free
Suits multiple skin types
Cons
Can be irritating for sensitive skin
Increases sun sensitivity
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is a cult-favourite for a reason. This gentle, leave-on exfoliant with salicylic acid works deep inside pores to clear breakouts and blackheads, as praised in user reviews. It's formulated to be effective yet gentle enough for even sensitive skin.
Pros
Effective against acne and clogged pores
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Suitable for sensitive skin
Soothing and brightening properties
Cons
Small 30ml bottle size
Results can take several months
This is a powerful, rinse-off peeling solution from The Ordinary, combining 30% AHA with 2% BHA. Designed as a weekly treatment, this mask provides deep exfoliation to tackle textural irregularities, dullness, and clogged pores. It's intended for experienced users of acid exfoliants.
Pros
High-strength AHA (30%) and BHA (2%)
Targets texture, pores, and signs of aging
Vegan and cruelty-free formula
Cons
Not for beginners or sensitive skin
Risk of irritation if misused
Rinse-off mask, not a daily product
Clinique's Exfoliating Scrub is a classic physical exfoliant designed to manually buff away dead skin cells. This water-based scrub is formulated for those with oily or combination skin who prefer the immediate feeling of a traditional scrub.
Pros
Provides manual, physical exfoliation
Good for oily and combination skin
Large 100ml tube
Cons
Can be too harsh for sensitive skin
Lacks chemical exfoliation benefits
Might irritate active acne
This is the jumbo-sized version of the highly-rated Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It contains the same beloved formula that targets clogged pores, breakouts, and signs of aging, but in a larger 118ml bottle that offers better value for long-term fans.
Pros
Large 118ml bottle for regular users
Proven 2% BHA formula
Suits all skin types, including sensitive
Cost-effective in the long run
Cons
Higher initial purchase price
Less ideal for first-time users
Compare specifications
| Type | Chemical | Chemical | Chemical | — | Chemical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive, Mature | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, Mature | Normal, Combination, Oily | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive, Mature |
| Suitable for | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men |
| Price /ml/g | 100 | 30 | 30 | 100 | 118 |
| Features | Exfoliating, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Soothing, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Anti aging, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating | Exfoliating, Anti aging, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening |
| Active Ingredients | Glycolic Acid (AHA), Aloe Vera | Salicylic Acid (BHA) | Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA) | — | Salicylic Acid (BHA) |
How we create the list
The ranking is updated monthly and is based on data we collect from our own platform. Products that rank highly are popular among our users while also maintaining high quality according to editorial expert assessments. Specifically, we weigh how many users follow the product via price alerts or lists, how it is rated by experts and users, as well as how much traffic it generates to stores and how well it is represented in retail. The texts on this page are AI-generated and created to give you a quick and clear overview. No products are paid placements – the ranking is driven solely by data.
