The Best Liquid Exfoliants for Brighter and Smoother Skin, According to Dermatologists

Made with glycolic acid and rejuvenating grapefruit extract this Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner brightens, exfoliates, and clears congestion in the skin. Not to mention, the bright blue liquid makes it really fun to apply.

This bottle of Rose Inc Skin Resolution Clean Exfoliating Acid Toner is loaded with skin-loving ingredients. The list features hydrating squalane, detoxifying pink clay to clear out pores, and a bunch of acids like mandalic and lactic which will gently exfoliate the skin.

Made with niacinamide and blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including lactic acid and glycolic acid, the Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution clears up (and prevents) breakouts. Just pour a little bit of the liquid formula into your palms and press it into your skin before you go to bed. You'll wake up with soft, smooth skin, and a fresh-faced glow.

Seven percent glycolic acid (a common form of alpha hydroxy acid or AHA) is the star in this toner formula, which mildly exfoliates the skin, diminishes dark spots, and regenerates collagen. But that's not all: The Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution contains amino acids, aloe vera, ginseng, and Tasmanian pepperberry to reduce signs of irritation typically associated with using the small-molecule, deep-penetrating acid.

Tatcha's The Texture Tonic clarifies complexions by way of gentle ingredients (fruit AHAs, niacinamide, Japanese mugwort, and wild rose) that combat dullness without causing irritation in the process, making this the perfect formula for sensitive complexions in need of a deep cleanse. It's time to curb excess oil production and permanently break up with oily T-zones — you won't be missed.

This toner helps to improve the texture and tone of the skin as it uses PHAs to gently remove dead cells. The Inkey List PHA Toner also contains moisturizing aloe leaf juice and niacinamide. Garshick credits both of these ingredients with being calming and soothing on the skin.

Charlotte Tilbury isn't only killing it with her makeup launches. The Daily Glow Toner is the ultimate for ensuring your base routine starts out smooth. This is made with prickly pear extract to get rid of dead skin, peptides for brightness, and niacinamide for smoothing.

Dr. Mariwalla is a fan of this peachy-pink liquid, which uses 5 percent glycolic acid. "It is not a harsh exfoliator," she says, despite the formula that contains one of the more powerful acids. In fact, Pixi Glow Tonic leaves skin feeling soothed and refreshed with zero tightness or redness, thanks to its aloe vera. Mariwalla explains this gentle blend is suitable for both teenagers and adults with sensitive skin.

Clinique's Clarifying Lotions — which, for the record, are liquids and not lotions in the way you might picture a moisturizer — go way back. The Twice a Day Exfoliator comes in several versions for different skin types and needs (1.0 seen here is for very dry skin), and all are formulated to be safe enough for frequent use. And yes, the salicylic acid in these can benefit any skin type, not just oily.

Paula's Choice — the brand that has earned its following by excluding fragrances, dyes, and other ingredients known to cause irritation — released Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which uses salicylic acid to exfoliate. Dr. Zeichner recommends this toner for those with acne-prone skin because it helps remove excess oil and dead cells to keep the pores clear.

Glycolic and lactic acids derived from fruits make BareMinerals Poreless Exfoliating Essence a must for anyone who doesn't love the appearance of their pores and would like to combat excess oil without going overboard in the dryness department. A smoother-looking complexion is possible without irritation, and this product is proof.

Dr. Zeichner explains that Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner works by exfoliating around your pores, ultimately minimizing their appearance and improving your skin's radiance. He also describes another benefit that glycolic liquid exfoliators like this one have. "It has been shown to help stimulate collagen to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," he says.

Glycolic acid is at the heart of Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Essence, which helps address unwanted discoloration. It exfoliates dead skin cells that may be contributing to dark spots and dullness, while other ingredients ensure that skin gets the hydration it needs.

One of the newer liquid exfoliators on our list, Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA+BHA Pore-Tight Toner has already gained fans among Allure editors. BHA refers not to salicylic acid but to the similarly functioning willow bark and betaine salicylate. PHA stands for polyhydroxy acid, an increasingly popular resurfacing acid because its larger molecules mean a slower — read: gentler — penetration. Even sensitive skin can enjoy a clearer, brighter complexion.