The Best Exfoliating Facial Products For Smoother Skin
Achieve glowy and soft skin with these exfoliating products and face scrubs you can get in Singapore.
A solid skincare routine typically involves a great cleanser and moisturiser. If you already have both yet are still missing that glass skin finish, it’s a sign to add an exfoliating step in your routine – yes, even if you have sensitive skin. Exfoliation is key for that healthy, glowy skin by sloughing away dead skin cells and boosting cell turnover. So the next time you slab on your favourite serum or moisturiser, it will penetrate deeper into the skin, delivering its promised benefits more efficiently. To get you started, we’ve broken down the best exfoliation products in Singapore, in a range suitable for various skin types.
BEST EXFOLIATING SKINCARE IN SINGAPORE
1. Manyo Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, $10.50, Guardian
Packed with galactomyces and complimenting hydrating actives, Manyo’s Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel removes dead skin buildup and hydrates the skin at the same time. After cleansing, apply a generous amount to dry skin and gently massage in a circular motion. You’ll start to realise ball-like particles forming – don’t freak, that’s the product doing its job and you’ll be left with glowy and smooth skin after.
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, $119, Sephora
If you can’t decide between physical or chemical exfoliation, Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant offers the best of both. It has micro particles to physically exfoliate without causing micro-tears on skin and is formulated with AHA and BHA to target textured skin and clogged pores deep within.
3. Purito Seoul Oat-In Calming Gel Cream, $17.28, Olive Young
Korean brand Purot’s Oat In Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser has two sizes of oat particles to help effectively and gently exfoliate the skin. At the same time, this cleanser is enriched with a high percentage of panthenol, which soothes the skin and improves the skin barrier.
4. The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner, $31, Sephora
Unlike most milky toners, The Ordinary’s Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner isn’t designed solely for hydration purposes. Powered by yeast fermented ingredients, it helps to boost skin cell turnover, while 3% fermented N-acetylglucosamine allows its lightweight formula to penetrate deep into the skin, making it a great choice for those with dehydrated and sensitive skin.
5. Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Toner, $11.43
Those with sensitive skin should go for slow but sure over rapid fixes that instead creates more damage than benefits. And Roundlab’s 1025 Dokdo Toner is exactly the former. It is very gentle on the skin that you won’t feel a single tingle, yet so effective that you’ll see a more even, smoother, and brighter overall complexion after just a few uses.
6. La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clarifying Lotion, $31.57, Watsons
Infused with both salicylic and glycolic acid, this toner from French brand La Roche-Posay addresses visibly rough skin texture, helps to unclog pores, and also combats acne-causing bacteria, leaving skin healthy and refreshed.
7. Kravebeauty Kale-Lalu-Yaha Gentle AHA Exfoliator, $41, Sephora
Sometimes, we want a product that makes and shows a difference, stat. And that’s what Kravebeauty’s Kale-Lalu-Yaha Gentle AHA Exfoliator delivers, all without aggravating the skin. Simply swipe this over your skin with a cotton pad after cleansing, two to three times a week, for an immediate glow.
8. Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0, $37.70, Guardian
Pore pads are an easy and effective way to introduce exfoliation into your routine. The Medibuce Zero Pore Pad 2.0 is a double-sided pad, where one side is textured for gentle, physical exfoliation, while the other side is silky to provide a smoothing wipe. Infused with lactic acid, salicylic acid, and a patented ingredient to target enlarged pores, it’ll allow you to say goodbye to enlarged pores within weeks.
9. Neutrogena Advanced Acne Serum, $23.94 for 30ml, Watsons
Powered by a blend of three key acids – AHA, BHA, and PHA – this exfoliating acne serum improves the overall skin texture without rough microbeads. This leads to a smoother, more even skin tone, perfect for post-acne care and those who struggle with breakouts regularly.
10. Mixsoon Bean Essence Hydrating Exfoliating Serum, $21
This hydrating serum has four fermented ingredients to tackle skin problems from textures, dullness, and damaged skin barriers. You can either apply it like you would any other serum to add intense hydration, or gently massage it in to exfoliate any dead skin on the surface, which serves as great prep before makeup.
11. Sungboon Editor Green Tomato NMN Pore Lifting Ampoule, $36.45, Olive Young
If large, extra visible pores have been a stubborn problem in your skincare journey, Sungboon Editor’s Green Tomato NMN Pore Lifting Ampoule might be your next go-to. It uses green tomato extract to specifically target enlarged pores while also deeply hydrating the skin, thanks to its niacinamide and hyaluronic acid composition.
12. Shani Darden Lactic Acid Face Serum, $135.64 for 30ml, Amazon
If you’ve got leeway to splurge, let it be on the Shani Darden Lactic Acid Exfoliating Serum. This powerful yet gentle serum contains 9% lactic acid and PHA – ingredients that are proven to smoothen and brighten the skin in a short amount of time.
13. Torriden Cellmazing 5D Collagen Firming Cream, $12.80
Torriden’s Cellmazing skincare line is specifically designed to target firming and lifting of the skin. This lightweight, exfoliating cream moisturiser helps to minimise the appearance of pores, fine lines, and lock in moisture as the final step of your routine.
14. Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner, $22.38
Some By Mi’s Miracle Toner is designed for three things: soothing, exfoliating, and oil control. It’s a gentle toner that works to improve the overall health of troubled skin, making it the perfect choice for acne-prone skin types.
15. Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel, $19 for 100ml, Zalora
Don’t be intimidated by the word ‘peel’ here. The Beauty Of Joseon’s Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel has a gommage texture that very gently exfoliates the skin, leaving it feeling soft and hydrated sans irritation. It’s even made to be suitable for both the face and body, so those with bacne (back acne) can also give it a go.
16. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant, $60, Sephora
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Lotion Exfoliant is a staple in many people’s routine, but if you’ve got oily and sensitive skin, you might want to opt for the brand’s Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant. This lightweight toner is formulated with AHA and rich in antioxidants, and is also free of oils and silicone – a safer option for those with easily irritated skin.