Chemical Exfoliants 101: Types, Benefits & Recommended Products

The secret to glowing, beautiful skin goes beyond the basics of cleansing, serum, and moisturising. If chemical exfoliants are not included in your skincare, you might be missing something crucial that supports a smoother texture and cleaner pores. 

Skipping chemical exfoliation can cause pores to clog, which often triggers breakouts and skin dullness. A well-exfoliated skin absorbs skincare products better. 

Read this blog to learn about chemical exfoliants, how they differ from physical exfoliation, and how to introduce exfoliation into your skincare. 

What is Chemical Exfoliation

Ageing is inevitable, which affects several biological processes, including the regeneration of skin cells. Usually, it happens around every month, but it can slow down with time and UV exposure. 

That's where chemical exfoliation steps in. Dead skin cells build up, making the skin look dull, dry, and uneven. These need to be shed off the surface to reveal a smoother texture and glow, and chemical exfoliation can perform this function effectively. 

Sweat, sunscreen, and pollutants accumulate in the skin, contributing to further congestion. 

What are Chemical Exfoliants 

Chemical exfoliants are acids or enzymes available in various concentrations that dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells. This allows your cells to shed easily, creating space for new cells. 

Contrary to physically scrubbing your skin with harsh abrasives, chemical exfoliants are gentler and less likely to cause micro-tears and irritation. 

Chemical exfoliants have active ingredients that work at a deeper level to promote bright skin. They can improve cellular turnover, making the skin healthier. 

Benefits of Chemical Exfoliation 

Regular chemical exfoliation can help skin regain its natural glow. Your skin requires mild chemical exfoliation from time to time, as it contributes several key benefits, including clear and more resilient skin. 

A suitable chemical exfoliant can gradually soften rough patches, flaky areas, and bumps. Removing dead skin cells can allow your skincare products to work better and faster. 

Mild exfoliation can be done on sensitive and reactive skin that shows redness, inflammation, and irritation. Individuals with oily skin can benefit from BHAs like salicylic acid to clean pores, acne scars, and post-acne hyperpigmentation. 

Also Read: How to Exfoliate Without Compromising Your Skin Barrier

Types of Chemical Exfoliants 

Chemical exfoliants aren’t all the same. They are different in composition, properties, and benefits. Understanding the chemical exfoliant types can help you choose the right ingredients for your skin type and concerns. 

AHAs

AHAs or alpha hydroxy acids are water-soluble acids, often derived from fruits or made synthetically. AHAs include malic, lactic, glycolic, and citric acid and can improve your skin texture, dull, and uneven skin. Research found that they can help in preventing UV-induced skin damage.

Though they are suitable for all skin types, people with sensitive skin may require precautions and trials before incorporating them fully into their routines. 

BHAs

BHAs or beta hydroxy acids are oil-soluble acids that have the ability to penetrate deep into the pores. They can help with oil management and acne control. Particularly effective for blackheads and whiteheads, BHAs have anti-inflammatory properties and are gentler than AHAs.

Mostly preferred for oily skin, BHAs can treat T-zone oiliness in combination skin and occasional breakouts in normal skin types. The most common one is salicylic acid.

PHAs

If you are stuck with AHA vs BHA for reactive skin, trying PHAs or poly-hydroxy acids can work for you. They are gentler than both AHAs and BHAs, making them a good option for sensitive, eczema, and rosacea-prone skin. 

These hydrating acids are also described as the second generation of AHAs by some skin experts. Having large molecules, PHAs offer slower skin penetration, which reduces the risk of irritation.  

Also Read: Skincare For Eczema: Morning & Night Routine, Ingredients to Use & Avoid

Chemical Vs Physical Exfoliation 

Both chemical and physical exfoliants remove the outer layers of your skin. The difference lies in the methods. Chemical exfoliants perform this action in the form of acids, and physical exfoliants do this physically.

Scrubs, abrasive tools, and brushes are used as physical exfoliants to manually slough off the dead skin cells. They can be strong and cause micro-tears on most skin types, especially sensitive ones. 

Chemical exfoliants work intelligently, can reach below the skin surface, and are milder. Physical exfoliants are good for temporary smoothness and can target the texture. 

Can Chemical Exfoliation Cause Breakouts 

The exfoliation process, whether it is chemical or physical, requires attention and should be done with proper research and guidance. Some people may experience temporary breakouts called skin purging when new ingredients are introduced. 
These acne are not severe in most cases, if your skin is not reactive and can tolerate the ingredient. The key is to use the appropriate ingredients, not combining two or more exfoliants, and choosing the right concentrations. 

Adding Chemical Exfoliants to Your Skincare Routine 

Incorporating chemical exfoliants into your skincare routine as serums is the most effective and powerful way to use them. DRSQ has some exfoliants that are easy to use as serums for the face and body. 

Renew & Glow

This is a leave-in daily exfoliating serum infused with both AHA and BHA. It can gently exfoliate, boost cellular renewal, target wrinkles and fine lines, and soothe inflammation. This is a powerful blend with niacinamide, salicylic, lactic, glycolic, and hyaluronic acid to treat back and body acne. Beginners can start with three times a week. 

Body Elixir

Body Elixir is a hydrating and exfoliating body serum, clinically-proven to clean blocked pores and clear dead skin cells. Ideal for keratosis Pilaris and ingrown hairs, this elixir rejuvenates your skin with consistent use. 

Wrap Up 

Using chemical exfoliants regularly can change the way you approach skincare problems. They can gently remove the dead skin cells, revealing a younger, healthier glow. 
Moreover, an effective chemical exfoliant can address multiple concerns, like pigmentation, acne, uneven skin tone, and texture, while allowing maximum absorption of other skincare products. 

References:

• Philipp Babilas, Ulrich Knie, Christoph Abels, "Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acids", 2012 July
  
• J A Kneedler, S S Sky, L R Sexton, "Understanding alpha-hydroxy acids" 1998 Aug
  
• C P Clark 3rd, "Alpha hydroxy acids in skin care", 1996 Jan
  
• Savanna I Vidal, Nikita Menta, Adam Friedman, "All Things Acids: A Primer on Alpha Hydroxy, Beta Hydroxy, and Polyhydroxy Acids", 2025 May
  
• Pearl E Grimes, Barbara A Green, Richard H Wildnauer, Brenda L Edison, "The use of polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) in photoaged skin", 2004 Feb