Skincare · 6 first-hand tests · 5 brands
Leave-on exfoliants
Tested by hand. Judged side by side. Every one of these leave-on exfoliants was used by a tester, then scored on the same criteria written for this family, so the verdicts can be read side by side. 1 of them holds a current Beauty 100 rank.
- Judged on
- Texture refinement
- Routine fit
- Value per application
- Price range
- $8.70 – $42.00
- In the Beauty 100
- 1
- Newest review
- Nov 4, 2026
All reviews6 reviews
Newest first
Pixi · Leave-on exfoliantsGlow TonicA 5% glycolic sweep for surface texture.“I like Glow Tonic for the exfoliating step in a routine.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
The Ordinary · Leave-on exfoliantsGlycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating TonerA smoothing step that makes sense at $13.50.“The toner worked well for me as a smoothing exfoliant.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Glow Recipe · Leave-on exfoliantsStrawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid SerumA smooth-feeling finish in a serum format.“I liked the smooth feel of my skin after using this serum.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
Herbivore Botanicals · Leave-on exfoliantsPrism Exfoliating Glow PotionThe original Prism has its own identity.“I liked the smooth feel of my skin after using the original Prism potion.”Insider Beauty testerRead 
The Ordinary · Leave-on exfoliantsGlycolic Acid 7% Toning SolutionAn affordable toner for rough texture.
Reviewed by Sarah Chen · Mar 7, 2026Read 
Beauty 100 · #23Paula's Choice · Leave-on exfoliantsSkin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantA focused pick for clogged pores.“My skin texture looked smoother with regular use.”Insider Beauty tester
Reviewed by Sarah ChenRead How a review is made
Tested first, then judged inside its family.
- 1A tester uses it. The quote on every card is from that first-hand test.
- 2Editors judge it on three criteria written for its family, plus evidence, distinctiveness and disclosure.
- 3The verdict comes first. The score out of 5 is the summary, not the point.
Judged on
- Texture refinement
- Routine fit
- Value per application