Best Face Scrubs October 2026
Compare top-rated face scrubs and exfoliators to find the ideal formula for your skin type. Our independently ranked list highlights key features, pros, and cons to help you make an informed choice.
Last updated: 1 October 2026
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml climbed 1 position
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml dropped 3 positions
Face Scrub: Top 5
1
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml
from £4.506 stores
from £4.50
6 stores
2
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution 30ml
from £8.904 stores
from £8.90
4 stores
3
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml
from £18.658 stores
1
from £18.65
8 stores
4
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser 125ml
from £22.509 stores
from £22.50
9 stores
5
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml
from £28.902 stores
3
from £28.90
2 stores
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner offers chemical exfoliation to brighten skin texture and improve clarity. It combines glycolic acid with aloe vera in a fragrance-free, vegan formula.
Pros
7% glycolic acid formula
Includes soothing aloe vera
Fragrance-free and vegan
Generous 100 ml bottle
Cons
Not formulated for sensitive skin
Liquid toner texture rather than scrub
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a potent rinse-off chemical exfoliant designed to clear pore congestion and refine skin texture. The dual-acid blend actively targets blemishes, uneven tone, and visible signs of aging.
Pros
High-strength AHA and BHA blend
Targets pores and fine lines
Fragrance-free and vegan
Cons
Small 30 ml bottle
Too intense for sensitive skin
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel uses natural fruit enzymes alongside glycolic acid to gently lift dead surface cells. It provides smooth exfoliation without abrasive physical particles.
Pros
Gentle natural fruit enzymes
Contains glycolic acid
Cruelty-free and paraben-free
Cons
Premium tier pricing
Contains a modest 50 ml quantity
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser combines everyday face washing with mild exfoliating action. It removes surface impurities while softening the skin in a single step.
Pros
Dual cleanser and exfoliator
Large 125 ml quantity
Vegan formula suitable for all skin
Cons
Lacks concentrated active acids
Higher price per bottle than basic toners
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant penetrates deep inside pore linings to clear breakouts and smooth rough skin. Its gentle, fragrance-free formula is clinically suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Pros
2% salicylic acid clears pores
Suitable for sensitive skin
Fragrance-free and paraben-free
Generous 118 ml bottle
Cons
Higher price point than basic toners
Liquid texture requires a cotton pad or hands
Compare specifications
| Type | Chemical | Chemical | Enzyme | — | Chemical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, Mature | All, Mature | All | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive, Mature |
| Suitable for | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men |
| Price /ml/g | 100 | 30 | 50 | 125 | 118 |
| Features | Exfoliating, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Anti-aging, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Anti-aging | Exfoliating, Peeling Solution | Exfoliating, Anti-aging, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening |
| Active Ingredients | Glycolic Acid (AHA), Aloe Vera | Salicylic Acid (BHA), Glycolic Acid (AHA) | Glycolic Acid (AHA), Enzymes | — | 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.
