Ready for exfoliators that deliver visible improvements? Exfoliation clears away buildup to reveal smoother, more even skin. If you’re addressing dryness, uneven skin tones, or fine lines, the right one can transform your routine. We evaluated options for efficacy and gentleness, from acids to enzymes. Rodan + Fields leads with dermatologist-inspired formulas backed by clinical testing.
Discover the Best Exfoliators Tested and Reviewed at Rodan + Fields.
Understanding Exfoliation: Benefits and Basics
Exfoliation targets dead skin cells on the surface, improving texture and tone. Regular use supports cell turnover, helping skin look healthier and more radiant. It also enhances absorption of follow-up products like serums. Without it, skin can appear uneven or lackluster. Introduce it gradually to build tolerance, particularly for sensitive types. As dermatologists note, consistent exfoliation promotes long-term skin health.
Different Types of Exfoliators: Which One Suits You?
Exfoliators fall into physical, chemical, and enzymatic categories. Physical exfoliators use particles or tools to remove debris. Chemical exfoliants rely on acids to loosen cell bonds. Enzymatic gently break down proteins. Select based on your skin: enzymes for dry or sensitive, acids for oily. Hybrids offer versatility. Test any new option on a small area first.
How to Choose the Right Exfoliator for Your Skin Type
Match your exfoliator to specific needs. For oily skin, opt for BHAs to penetrate and clear pores. Dry skin responds well to lactic acid’s hydrating effects. Sensitive? Go enzymatic to lower risk of irritation. Factor in usage: begin weekly.
Tips for Safe and Effective Exfoliation
Apply sunscreen daily, since exfoliation heightens sun exposure risks. Follow with a moisturizer to maintain barrier strength. Skip stacking powerful exfoliators. If redness appears, stop and seek advice. Gradual use helps avoid sensitivity while maximizing benefits.
Best Exfoliators Tested and Reviewed
REVERSE Deep Exfoliating Cleanser
Reveal your skin’s natural radiance. This brightening salicylic acid cleanser combines powerful exfoliants to visibly refine uneven skin tone and texture, washing away impurities for a refreshed, glowing complexion.
Recommended Use: Twice daily, morning and evening.
Size: 125 mL / 4.2 Fl. Oz.
What It Is
A daily exfoliating cleanser that gently polishes away dull surface cells to reveal brighter, smoother, and more luminous skin.
Why You’ll Love It
Powered by our Proprietary Exfoliant Complex, this formula blends chemical (AHA + BHA) and physical exfoliants for multi-dimensional results.
- Glycolic & Lactic Acids (AHAs): Encourage natural cell turnover, helping to brighten uneven skin tones and dullness.
- Salicylic Acid (BHA): Deeply refines skin texture and promotes a softer, more even appearance.
- Physical Exfoliators: Gently lift impurities and smoothes with a reduced risk of irritation.
Together, these ingredients enhance skin clarity, prepping it for the next steps in the REVERSE Regimen.
Science-Driven Results
Founded by female dermatologists in 2001, our mission has always been results. After 2 years of reformulation, the New REVERSE Regimen features more key ingredients, better performance, and scientifically demonstrated brightening power.
CONSUMER AND Clinical Study Results (After 8 Weeks)
| Result | Percentage of Users |
| Saw less visible dark patches & discoloration | 100% |
| Smoother-feeling skin | 100% |
| More even-looking skin tone | 97% |
| More radiant-looking complexion | 94% |
Based on an independent 8-week consumer & clinical study of the full REVERSE Regimen. Individual Results Will Vary.
Skin Concerns Addressed
- Dullness
- Uneven tone & texture
- Envrionmental Stressors
Skin Type: All skin types
Key Benefits
- Accelerates surface cell turnover
- Addresses uneven skin tones.
- Reveals visibly brighter, more luminous skin
How to Use
- Use morning and night.
- For the first week, apply once every other day, then increase to twice daily as tolerated.
- Apply to wet skin, gently massage over the face (avoiding the eye area).
- Rinse well and pat dry.
⚠ Warning: This product contains Pulegone, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer. For more information, visit p65warnings.ca.gov.
This dermatologist-inspired peel accelerates exfoliation to remove dead skin cells 5X faster*. It targets texture, tone, and brightness for smoother, more even skin with visible results.
Recommended Usage: 3X a week, in the PM
Size: 30 mL / 1 Fl. Oz
What It Is: A resurfacing serum that addresses uneven tone, boosts brightness, and reduces the appearance of dark spots. It works to exfoliate dead skin cells and visibly fade discoloration for smoother-looking skin. Dermatologist-developed for all skin types, including melanin-rich skin. 100% found it comfortable after use and saw more even tone after 8 weeks. Individual results will vary.
Why You Need It: Skin cell turnover naturally slows with age and daily factors, impacting overall healthy- looking skin. Issues like the visible signs of dark spots, rough texture, and enlarged pores can emerge early, especially on melanin-rich skin. This gentle peel supports faster exfoliation and reduces dullness for consistent, visible improvements.
Eco-Friendly Packaging: Bottle made with 50% post-consumer recycled material and fully recyclable.***
*Based on ex-vivo study compared to untreated control after 30 min.
**Based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study using the R+F Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel 3 nights a week as a leave-on. Results will vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.
***Check with your local facilities. This package may not be recyclable in your area.
Item Number: ENPF030
Key Concerns
Uneven Skin Tone + Texture, Dark Spots, Dullness, Large Pores
Skin Type
Normal, dry, oily and combination skin. Not for sensitive skin.
Key Benefits
Exfoliates, resurfaces + visibly fades the look of dark spots for even, smoother skin
Proprietary Technology + Key Ingredients
- ProAcid Enzyme Complex™ A blend of multi-acids (glycolic, lactic, salicylic, PHA) + papaya enzyme to support exfoliation
- Bakuchiol Visibly brightens tone and supports firmness
- Niacinamide Visibly brightens skin, supports the skin barrier, soothes
- Licorice Root Essence Soothes for comfortable use
Consumer & Clinical Study Results
- 5X removes dead skin cells 5X faster*
- 100% noticed more even-looking skin tone**
- 93% noticed more radiant skin**
- 86% noticed less visible dark spots**
- 86% agreed skin’s texture is more polished**
- 82% noticed smaller-looking pores**
***Individual Results Will Vary
How To Apply R+F Peel:
Use 3X a week in the PM. After cleansing and toning, apply as a leave-on treatment, then follow with serum and moisturizer. Use 2-3 pumps on the full face (avoid eye area) + an additional 2-3 pumps on neck and décolletage.
Apply SPF daily in the AM when using this product.
Not recommended for sensitive skin.
As with any product, we recommend patch testing R+F Multi-Acid Enzyme Peel on a small area before full-face use. Patch test prior to combining with other products.
Rodan + Fields Enhancements Micro-Dermabrasion Paste
Meet our top-selling exfoliator. This derm-developed face + body scrub gently removes dead skin cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin with visible improvements from the first use.
Recommended Usage: 1-3 times weekly
Size: 125 mL / 4.2 Fl. Oz. U.S.
What It Is: A dual-action sugar and salt scrub for face and body that buffs away dullness and dryness and formulated to reduce risk of irritation.
Why You Need It: Regular exfoliation supports cell turnover, bringing healthier-looking skin to the surface for noticeable smoothness and brightness right away.
Item Number: ENPS125
Key Concerns
Dullness, Uneven Skin Tone, Oiliness, Dry and Flaky Skin
Skin Type
Suitable for dry, oily, and combination skin. Not for sensitive skin.
Key Benefits
Exfoliates and hydrates skin
Proprietary Technology + Key Ingredients
Vitamin C
Targets brightness to support healthier-looking skin
Vitamin E & Bisabolol
Soothes skin to improve smoothness and tone
How to Use
Apply 1–3 times per week, avoiding the eye area.
- Massage onto dry face or body for 30–60 seconds.
- Rinse well and pat dry.
- For face: Use instead of your cleanser.
- For body: Apply before moisturizer.
For milder exfoliation, start on damp skin and add water gradually to adjust intensity. Not for sensitive skin.
Dermatologist-Developed Cleanser that doubles as a mask, featuring Kaolin Clay to gently exfoliate, purify, and smooth while targeting the visible signs of fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and texture.
Recommended Usage: Apply twice daily, AM and PM, as a cleanser or mask
Size: 125 mL / 4.2 Fl. Oz. U.S.
What It Is: A mild exfoliating cleanser and mask that clears away daily buildup, including makeup, to unclog pores and address visible signs of aging.
If foaming is your preference, explore our alternative cleanser to tailor your Regimen.
Why You Need It: Clear pores look smaller, so an effective cleanser is key to any age-defying routine. It supports a fresher, more youthful appearance.
For optimal results, incorporate the complete REDEFINE Regimen.
Item Number: AAWA125
Key Concerns
Fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, pore minimization, lifting, sculpting, defining
Skin Type
Suitable for all skin types, ideal for combination-oily
Key Benefits
Gently exfoliates and clears away dirt, oil, and makeup to reveal smoother, more youthful-looking skin
Ingredients
Proprietary Technology + Key Ingredients
Kaolin
Gently exfoliates and purifies to support softer, more even texture
Natural Amino Acid + Sugar Derivatives
Help diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles while enhancing visible firmness
US Consumer and Clinical Study Results*
94%had softer, more supple skin*
94%had smoother-feeling skin*
91%noticed firmer skin*
85%saw plumper, fuller-looking skin*
*Based on a Consumer and Clinical Study. Individual Results Will Vary.
How To Use
Apply twice daily, AM and PM, avoiding the eye area.
As A Cleanser:
- Wet skin and massage gently across the face.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
As A Mask:
- Apply to dry skin.
- Let dry for 2 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Boost results up to 3X with our clinically tested AMP MD System. This dermatologist-developed tool pairs a micro-exfoliating Derma-Roller with our Intensive Renewing Serum to support skin’s natural renewal process at night, helping to visibly firm and smooth texture.
Recommended Usage: Apply 3 times weekly in the evening, or nightly if your skin adjusts well.
What It Is: A compact derma-roller featuring micro-exfoliating tips that gently conditions the skin’s surface to enhance product absorption and efficacy. Comes with the derma-roller, renewing serum, and purification tablets for maintenance.
Why You Need It: Encouraging skin’s renewal can lead to noticeable improvements. This system works together to target firmness and refine texture for healthier-looking skin.
Note: If the Redefine AMP MD System is included in a PC Perks enrollment or added to a PC Perks/CRP shipment, future orders will default to the Redefine AMP MD System Refill. Preferred Customers and Brand Consultants may adjust their shipment anytime prior to processing.
Awards: CEW Award Winner 2019. View Article Here.
Item Number: AAAPS01
Key Concerns
Lines + Wrinkles, Loss of Firmness, Uneven Texture
Key Benefits
Visibly firms + refines uneven texture for smoother, healthier-looking skin
Award Winner
Beauty Award Winner
Ingredients
Proprietary Technology + Key Ingredients
Peptides
Help reduce the look of fine lines + wrinkles
Retinal-Md Technology
Supports reduction in the appearance of fine lines + wrinkles for skin that looks healthier
Calcium Buffering System
Results
Boosts Regimen efficacy by up to 3X*
How To Use
Apply to face and/or neck 3 times weekly, steering clear of the eye area. Build up to nightly use as skin allows.
Step 1: Derma-Roller
AMP MD Derma-Roller
Follow Step 1 of Recharge Regimen or Step 2 of Redefine or Reverse Regimen. Not advised for Unblemish or Soothe Regimens.
- Roll gently 4–10 times per section, varying directions (up/down, side-to-side, diagonal). Divide face into zones (forehead, left cheek, right cheek, chin, neck) and limit total time to one minute.
- Rinse under warm water post-use. Clean deeply twice weekly with AMP MD Purification Tablets, one per session.
Step 2: Serum
Redefine Intensive Renewing Serum
- Remove capsule end.
- Apply serum across face + neck. Leave on.
CAUTION: With Intensive Renewing Serum, prevent contact with fabrics to avoid potential yellowing from this retinoid formula.
Step 3: Derma-Roller Purification Tablets
Redefine AMP MD Purification Tablets
Twice weekly
- Add warm water to the Cleansing Vial up to the line.
- Add one tablet and submerge derma-roller right away.
- Let sit for about 15 minutes.
Rinse derma-roller well under warm water. Avoid overnight soaking.
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Discover the Best Exfoliators Tested and Reviewed at Rodan + Fields.
