6 Best Face Serums for Exfoliation for Clear, Smooth Skin
By Simran Sukhnani | Updated Apr 15, 2025, 12:01 PM IST
Get smoother, clearer skin with these 6 top-rated exfoliating face serums. From chemical peels to gentle plant-based AHAs, these serums help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reduce blemishes. Perfect for brightening dull skin, improving texture, and revealing a radiant glow—whether you have sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin.
6 Best Face Serums for Exfoliation for Clear, Smooth Skin
Looking for a clear, smooth, and glowing complexion? It might be time to add an exfoliating serum to your skincare routine.
Unlike physical scrubs that can be harsh and abrasive, exfoliating serums are packed with powerful active ingredients like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), and PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) that gently dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, reduce dullness, and improve skin texture—all without scrubbing. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn blackheads, acne scars, uneven tone, or sun damage, a good exfoliating serum can help renew your skin from within.
These serums work by speeding up cell turnover, encouraging fresh skin to emerge while clearing away the old. The result? Skin that looks healthier, feels smoother, and glows naturally. They’re also a great prep step before applying other skincare products, helping them penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
But not all exfoliating serums are created equal. Some are better suited for sensitive skin, while others target acne or pigmentation more aggressively. That’s why we’ve rounded up 6 of the best exfoliating face serums available in the market right now—each designed to target specific concerns and skin types.
Let’s dive into the 6 best exfoliating serums for every skin type:
Unlike physical scrubs that can be harsh and abrasive, exfoliating serums are packed with powerful active ingredients like AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids), BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids), and PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) that gently dissolve dead skin cells, unclog pores, reduce dullness, and improve skin texture—all without scrubbing. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn blackheads, acne scars, uneven tone, or sun damage, a good exfoliating serum can help renew your skin from within.
These serums work by speeding up cell turnover, encouraging fresh skin to emerge while clearing away the old. The result? Skin that looks healthier, feels smoother, and glows naturally. They’re also a great prep step before applying other skincare products, helping them penetrate deeper and work more effectively.
But not all exfoliating serums are created equal. Some are better suited for sensitive skin, while others target acne or pigmentation more aggressively. That’s why we’ve rounded up 6 of the best exfoliating face serums available in the market right now—each designed to target specific concerns and skin types.
Let’s dive into the 6 best exfoliating serums for every skin type:
| S.no | Best Face Serums for Exfoliation | Specialty |
| 1 | Dr. Sheth's Gulab & 6% Glycolic Acid & 5% Niacinamide Instant Brightening Face Serum | Best in Overall |
| 2 | Pilgrim 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Solution for Face | Best in Strength |
| 3 | Minimalist 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Serum Solution | Best in Formulation |
| 4 | SkinInspired AHA+BHA+PHA Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid Face Serum | Best in Premium |
| 5 | Cos-IQ 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 6% PHA Peeling Solution for Face | Best in Dermatologically Tested |
| 6 | Blue Nectar AHA Exfoliator for Face with Plant Based Glycolic Acid from Sugarcane | Best in Affordable |
1. Dr. Sheth's Gulab & 6% Glycolic Acid & 5% Niacinamide Instant Brightening Face Serum
Active Ingredients: Gulab Extract, 6% Glycolic Acid, 5% Niacinamide, Gulab Extract, 6% Glycolic Acid, 5% Niacinamide
The Dr. Sheth instant brightening serum helps in removing all the dead skin cells and gives you a glow like no other. It helps in deeply exfoliating old skin and renews skin, all thanks to the powerful exfoliating AHA like Glycolic Acid. This serum also helps in reducing dark spots and blemishes as it comes with 5% Niacinamide to even out skin tone and make your skin look glowing. The Gulab Extract in the formula helps in neutralizing the pH of the skin and keeps irritation at bay.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers find the face serum for exfoliation effective and helpful for uneven skin tone. They say it helps brighten the skin and exfoliates the skin.
2. Pilgrim 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Solution for Face
Active Ingredients: Glycolic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid
A weekly chemical peel at home is all you need to make your skin appear like a billion shining stars and this serum for exfoliation helps you achieve that glow. It is formulated with Salicylic Acid that is well-known for its pore exfoliating properties. This serum helps in regulating sebum production and eliminates stubbon blackheads as well as whiteheads. The Glycolic Acid in the serum helps in sloughing off the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresher, more radiant glow. This also helps in reducing discolourations of the skin and offers an even skin tone and texture with a firmer feel.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers have appreciated this face serum for skin exfoliation. They have mentioned that it is loaded with the best ingredients that help in removing dead skin cells and offer a glowing complexion.
3. Minimalist 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 5% PHA Peeling Serum Solution
Material Feature: Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic, Natural
Treat yourself to a facial at home with the Minimalist Peeling Serum Solution that gives you naturally glowing smooth skin at home within just 10 minutes. This serum for exfoliation provides multi-level benefits that result in skin brightening and glow. It also helps in removing tanning, sun damage and pigmentation. The best part is the formulation of this face serum - it comes with AHA (Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid & Mandelic Acid) & PHA to provide a superficial peeling experience by removing dead skin cells and boosting cell turnover whereas the BHA (Salicylic Acid) in the formula clears pore & reduces blackheads.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers have said that this face serum is true to its claim. They have also mentioned that it clears up blackheads and whiteheads quickly and shrinks all pores.
4. SkinInspired AHA+BHA+PHA Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid Face Serum
Active Ingredients: 4% Lactic Acid, 4% Gluconolactone, 2% Salicylic Acid, 2% Cica, 1% CutiBiome CLR
If you are looking for a luxury exfoliating serum to add to your routine then the SkinInspired AHA+BHA+PHA Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid Face Serum is the best pick out there. It helps in revitalizing your skin with its revolutionary exfoliating formula. Lactic Acid in the serum is renowned for dissolving old skin cell bonds and providing effective exfoliation. This process helps reveal smoother skin, stimulates collagen and boosts cell turnover as well. All of this and more leads to a rejuvenated complexion. But this serum goes beyond that too. It helps in enhancing the skin's hydration process all while tightening and firming it.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers find the face serum effective for improving skin texture and tone. It leaves their skin soft, smooth, and rejuvenated. They appreciate its gentle exfoliation without causing irritation or redness.
5. Cos-IQ 25% AHA + 2% BHA + 6% PHA Peeling Solution for Face
Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Polyhydroxy Acids
A dermatologically tested exfoliating serum for face? What more can one ask for? This chemical serum for face is made with Salicylic Acid which is known for its pore-exfoliating properties. It helps in regulating sebum production and eliminating stubborn blackheads and whiteheads as well. It deep cleans every pore, fades dark spots and smoothens skin to reveal an even-toned, baby-soft skin. Glycolic Acid in the formula exfoliates the top layer of dead skin cells to reveal fresh, radiant skin underneath. It also helps in diminishing unwanted discolourations of the skin.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers have appreciated the quality of this face serum for skin exfoliation. They have also mentioned that it works really fast and gives a subtle glow the very next day.
6. Blue Nectar AHA Exfoliator for Face
Active Ingredients: 14 Ayurvedic Herbs (Sugarcane, Aloe Vera, Neem etc)
Last but not least on the list is this plant-based face serum for skin exfoliation. It is formulated with 14 different types of herbs along with plant-based AHA Glycolic Acid derived from Sugarcane. This serum is powerpacked with ingredients to offer a multi-level exfoliation every time you use it. It penetrates deep into the skin and helps in the removal of dead skin cells from the roots. It also assists in boosting collagen in the skin as the exfoliation speeds things up in the skin and make your skin look smoother and radiant.
What do other customers have to say about it?
Customers have appreciated the effectiveness of this skin serum for exfoliation. They have also mentioned that it provides results quickly and works well for all skin types.
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