Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: Which is Better?

October 02, 2026

By: Lauren Sindel

Physical vs chemical exfoliation. You know you should be doing one of them, but which one? 

Exfoliation is essential for soft, smooth, healthy-looking skin. If you’re not exfoliating properly, you’re not removing the build up of dead skin cells that leads to dull, rough, flaky skin. 

So how do you decide which type of exfoliation is best for your skin? Ahead, we’re going to help you fully understand the differences between chemical and physical exfoliation. You’ll learn which one’s better for you so you can finally lock down your exfoliation routine.

Why Exfoliate in the First Place?

Your skin naturally sheds dead cells and replaces them with fresh ones around every 28 days. When this process slows down, due to age or your skin type, dead cells accumulate on the surface leading to dullness, roughness, clogged pores, and uneven texture. 

Exfoliation clears away this dead cell buildup. It helps keep your skin smooth and clear while allowing your serums and other favorite products a chance to actually work. Ultimately, exfoliation is essential for achieving your best skin. 

What is Chemical Exfoliation?

Chemical exfoliation is the process of using a topical acid, such as glycolic acid, to dissolve dead skin cells. You can use multiple acids to exfoliate your skin, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid), and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs like salicylic acid). They work by weakening the bonds, or dissolving the “glue” that holds dead cells together without rubbing. 

What is Physical Exfoliation?

Physical exfoliation involves using abrasive products to manually remove dead skin cells. Some popular types of physical exfoliators include washcloths, gloves, and loofahs. Even more common are face scrubs and body scrubs which contain abrasive ingredients such as jojoba beads, walnut shells, and coffee grounds to physically slough away dead cells. 

Chemical vs Physical Exfoliation: Which is Best?

Exfoliation doesn’t just give you smoother, glowier skin. It helps combat a slew of skin concerns like clogged pores, hyperpigmentation, and keratosis pilaris. Removing dead skin cells also helps your skincare products absorb properly. Even with the most expensive serum, it’s not going to do much if it just sits on top of your skin. So regular exfoliation is essential in your skincare routine. 

Chemical Exfoliation Benefits

Chemical exfoliation is best for improving skin tone and uneven texture. AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid gently resurface to help improve the appearance of dark spots, discoloration, and strawberry legs. BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate deep into the pores to break down dirt and oil, which can be helpful for clearing acne. 

Chemical exfoliants are the better choice for people with sensitive skin or darker skin tones as they’re generally gentler and less likely to cause scarring. Since chemical exfoliants do not manually remove dead skin, they’re less likely to cause irritation.

Physical Exfoliation Benefits

Physical exfoliation can help smooth skin texture and combat signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles. In particular, physical exfoliators like body scrubs are useful for prepping skin for shaving. By removing dead cells, your razor is less likely to get clogged and cause cuts, bumps, and ingrown hairs. So using a physical exfoliant before shaving means you’re far more likely to end up soft, glowing, and silky smooth.

Scrubs are generally better suited for the body than the face. Especially if you have sensitive skin, face scrubs can often be too harsh for the delicate facial skin. For the body, scrubs can be extremely effective because the skin there is thicker and requires a more robust approach. 

Can You Use Physical and Chemical Exfoliators Together?

Sometimes, combining physical exfoliators with chemical exfoliators can be the best option for your skin. If you have consistent texture issues that won’t go away with a single method, using both types of exfoliators can be beneficial. Because both work on different layers of skin, combining them can help improve rough, bumpy skin and KP. However, most dermatologists recommend using them on different days to avoid irritating your skin.

Is Physical Exfoliation Better for Your Body?

Just like the skin on your face, your body skin can get rough and uneven. In particular, your arms and legs.

“As we age, these areas get more dry than other parts of the body. People notice they build up a lot more flaking skin and an almost fish-scale appearance.” — Dr. Rachel Reynolds, MD, via Harvard Health Publishing.

Using physical exfoliators like scrubs, dry brushes, or exfoliating mitts helps instantly smooth dry, rough skin. And because the skin on your body is thicker than the skin on your face, these physical exfoliants are effective at buffing away stubborn rough, calloused areas.

Our Favorite Exfoliators for Every Skin Concern

Now that you’ve navigated the differences between chemical vs physical exfoliants and what they can do for your skin, why not discover the best exfoliator for your skin concern?

For Dark Spots & Clogged Pores 

Strawberry Blossom Exfoliating & Resurfacing Face & Body Pads

Exfoliating & Resurfacing Pads

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Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

To improve the appearance of clogged pores and dark spots, we recommend Strawberry Blossoms Exfoliating Pads. These triple-acid pads contain AHAs + PHAs to help clear congestion, refine the skin, and fade the look of discoloration. For brighter, clearer, more even-looking skin. No chemical smell, just a long lasting trail of strawberries & cream. Yummy skin, coming up. 

For Rough Skin 

Crema Facial Pro-Péptido Cloud Cream

Gel Crema Voluminizador

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Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

If rough texture is your key concern, Cloud Cream Pro-Peptide Facial Moisturizer can help soften things up for a smoother, plumper complexion. This featherweight gel cream blends powerful peptides with exfoliating AHAs to leave you with youthful radiance and bounce. 

For Strawberry Skin & KP

Strawberry Blossoms Smoothing Body Scrub

10% PHA + AHA

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Buy at Sephora Buy at Boots

Seeing bumps, dark dots, and large pores on your body? Get smoother with Strawberry Blossoms Body Scrub. Unlike a lot of scrubs, this one contains ultra-fine particles for a soft, lathery cleanse that leaves you instantly smooth. Plus, you’ll love the seriously scrumptious goopy texture and strawberry scent.  

For Ingrown Prone Skin

Exfoliante preafeitado Smooth Legend

Exfoliante preafeitado Supermodel Smooth

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If you always end up bumpy and sore after shaving, try using the Smooth Legend Pre-Shave Scrub. It’s designed especially for shavers. With its sugary base and infusion of vitamin E and passion fruit, this scrub softens and conditions your skin for an extra silky shave. By removing dead cells and softening skin, it’s the best shot you’ve got against ingrowns.

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