Best Face Scrubs August 2026
Finding the right face scrub depends on your skin type and concerns. This guide helps you compare the best options on the market, from chemical exfoliants with AHA/BHA to enzyme peels, so you can find the perfect match for a smoother, brighter complexion. Our rankings are based on independent analysis to help you make the best choice.
Last updated: 14 August 2026
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml climbed 1 position
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub 100ml dropped 1 position
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml climbed 1 position
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml dropped 1 position
Face Scrub: Top 5
1
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner 100ml
from £4.504 stores
from £4.50
4 stores
2
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel 50ml
from £18.658 stores
1
from £18.65
8 stores
3
Clinique Exfoliating Scrub 100ml
from £9.969 stores
1
from £9.96
9 stores
4
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 118ml
from £11.094 stores
1
from £11.09
4 stores
5
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant 30ml
from £13.004 stores
1
from £13.00
4 stores
This is a chemical exfoliating toner from The Ordinary that uses 7% glycolic acid to resurface the skin. The vegan, fragrance-free formula works to improve skin texture and radiance, making it a powerful addition to a skincare routine.
Pros
Contains 7% Glycolic Acid (AHA)
Brightens and improves skin texture
Vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free
Suitable for most skin types
Cons
Can be too strong for sensitive skin
Increases sun sensitivity
The Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel offers a dual-action approach to exfoliation, using fruit enzymes and Glycolic Acid (AHA). It is designed to gently dissolve dead skin cells, leaving skin looking smooth and bright, and is formulated with mature skin in mind.
Pros
Dual-action enzyme and acid exfoliation
Formulated with anti-aging properties
Gentle enough for all skin types
Leaves skin feeling smooth and bright
Cons
Smaller quantity (50ml)
May not be strong enough for some concerns
The Clinique Exfoliating Scrub is a classic physical exfoliant that manually buffs away dead skin cells. It's best suited for those with oily or combination skin who want to instantly refine their skin's texture and achieve a polished feel.
Pros
Provides immediate physical exfoliation
Helps de-flake and smooth skin texture
Good for oily and combination skin types
Water-based formula
Cons
Physical scrubs can be too abrasive
Not ideal for sensitive or dry skin
This is a popular liquid exfoliant from Paula's Choice with 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA). Its lightweight formula penetrates deep into pores to clear out clogs, reduce blemishes, and smooth skin texture, making it a favourite for acne-prone and oily skin.
Pros
Contains 2% Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Unclogs and minimises the look of pores
Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Fragrance-free and cruelty-free formula
Cons
Can feel slightly drying initially
Liquid texture may require a cotton pad
This is the 30ml travel-sized version of the best-selling Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. It contains the same effective salicylic acid formula to clear pores and smooth skin, making it perfect for trial or on-the-go use.
Pros
Travel-friendly 30ml size
Ideal for trying the product before committing
Effective 2% BHA formula for pores and acne
Positive user reviews for clearing skin
Cons
Higher cost per millilitre
Small size runs out quickly with regular use
Compare specifications
| Type | Chemical | Enzyme | — | Chemical | Chemical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin type | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily | All, Mature | Normal, Combination, Oily | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive, Mature | Normal, Combination, Dry, Oily, All, Sensitive, Mature |
| Suitable for | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men | Women, Men |
| Price /ml/g | 100 | 50 | 100 | 118 | 30 |
| Features | Exfoliating, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Anti aging | Exfoliating | Exfoliating, Anti aging, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening | Exfoliating, Soothing, Pore minimising, Peeling Solution, Brightening |
| Active Ingredients | Glycolic Acid (AHA), Aloe Vera | Glycolic Acid (AHA), Enzymes | — | Salicylic Acid (BHA) | 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.
