Women's Health October 21, 2025 0 Comments

Unlock Radiant Skin in 2025: The 6 Game-Changing Face Exfoliators Beauty Editors Swear By (And Why You’ve Been Using the Wrong Ones)

Ever wonder if a skincare product could be the unsung hero of your nightly routine—without needing a prescription? I’ve been there, juggling treatments and hopping around serums, always chasing that elusive glow. Enter Paula’s Choice exfoliating toner—a clear, unassuming liquid that packs a serious punch with 2% salicylic acid. It’s gentle enough for nightly use, yet fiercely committed to unclogging pores and shrinking those stubbornly large pore openings we all wish would just disappear. After months of use, I’m still amazed by how my skin wakes up softer and smoother, with breakouts fading faster than usual. Sure, the scent is a bit “science lab,” but honestly, the glow-up is totally worth it. If you’re curious about a moderately priced, dermatologist-backed option that’s more than just hype—this might just be the game-changer you’re looking for. LEARN MORE

Paula’s Choice is easily the most popular beauty product on this list, and it actually lives up to the hype. Even my dermatologist recommended it as a supplement to my acne-fighting routine for nights I skip tretinoin. Although I’ve stopped using my prescription, I still reach for this exfoliating toner.

Paula’s Choice is made with an effective, science-backed active ingredient that’s gentle on my skin, but tough on clogged pores that cause acne. It also minimizes the appearance of my large pores overtime without using a face primer. Not to mention it’s compatible with all skin types and each $37 bottle lasts me at three months, which is the equivalent of paying $0.44 to use this face exfoliator twice daily.

The colorless, water-like texture seems unassuming, but the formula boasts a concentration of 2% salicylic acid (hence the namesake) to fight pimples and unclog pores. During my first three applications, I experienced a very faint tingling sensation and light flaking.

Over the last six months of regular use, my large pores appear smaller, and my skin looks glowy. I wake up in the morning, and my face feels softer and smoother. While it doesn’t stop hormonal breakouts that pop up along my jawline and chin each month, they heal within two days, versus over a week with other products I’ve tried.

This lightweight liquid absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind a sticky film on my face, which has been an issue with other similar products that I’ve tested. I can apply it up to twice daily, but if you’re just starting out stick with once daily and work your way up.

I enjoy almost everything about this face exfoliator except for the aroma. It smells a tad chemical-like, but I choose to ignore it because the results are well worth it. Don’t worry: It’s not as potent as something way harsher like Lotion P50. That said, if you want a moderately-priced daily product, this is by far my no-fail recommendation.