When it comes to exfoliants, knowing your ingredient names is essential. Start with this roundup of top exfoliant ingredients, then talk to your Dermalogica skin therapist about finding the exfoliant that best fits your skin, lifestyle and personal preferences. And, take note: If you use medically prescribed exfoliating products, ask your doctor before adding more to your regimen so you don’t overdo it. 

Lactic Acid 

This Alpha Hydroxy Acid helps smooth skin, and stimulate cell turnover and renewal without leaving skin dehydrated. Find it along with other AHAs and exfoliating fruit enzymes in Rapid Reveal Peel. 

Retinol 

Pure Vitamin A is the gold standard for brighter-looking skin and fewer visible signs of skin aging. Find it in Overnight Retinol Repair and Age Reversal Eye Complex. 

Phytic Acid 

This skin-softening phytochemical found in Rice Bran helps safely remove dulling surface debris from skin. Find it in Daily Microfoliant® and Daily Superfoliant™, where it’s pulverized into an ultra-fine powder that’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. 

Prickly Pear Extract 

Derived from a hearty Sonoran Desert succulent that’s able to thrive in adverse conditions, this nonacid blend helps accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process and reduce the appearance of skin aging. Find it in scrub form with MultiVitamin Thermafoliant®. 

Salicylic Acid 

This skin-smoothing, breakout-friendly Beta Hydroxy Acid helps remove dead skin cells by breaking apart the attachments between the cells. Find it along with Lactic Acid in Gentle Cream Exfoliant. 

Hibiscus Fruit Extract 

This rich source of Vitamin C and Pyruvic Acid has superior moisturizing capabilities and won’t sting as it helps smooth and brighten skin. Find it leave-on exfoliant Daily Resurfacer, which also contains Salicylic Acid.