Type: chemical | Key ingredients: pomegranate enzymes, white willow bark extract, pink clay, aloe vera extract | Who it’s for: normal-to-oily skin, acne-prone skin | Fragrance-free: no (essential oil-based fragrance)
Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Large pores, meet your match. Along with other dermatologists, Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of virtual dermatology clinic Skin Refinery, is a fan of SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser because it contains a host of good-for-you ingredients. This face wash has “a blend of AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), BHA (salicylic), and jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and polish, while lavender helps to soothe the skin,” she notes. “BHA is lipid-soluble, so it can really get deeper into the pores for a good clean,” making it the perfect option for oily and combination skin types.
Editor’s tip: Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, also approves this cleanser, adding that the blend helps “to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin’s texture and complexion.”
Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads | Who it’s for: oily skin types | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman 1802 Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser
Why it’s worth it: Like a milk bath for skin, Beekman 1802’s Milk Scrub Oat & Goat Milk Exfoliating Cleanser, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner for sensitive skin, harnesses the natural lactic acid found in goat milk. It works alongside jojoba beads to slough away dead skin cells without harming the skin barrier, making it a winner for sensitive skin.
Type: chemical and physical | Key ingredients: goat milk, oat extract, jojoba seed wax | Who it’s for: anyone with sensitive skin | Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
Why it’s worth it: Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, only has good things to say about Kate Somerville’s iconic ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. “With papaya and pumpkin enzymes working as natural AHAs, as well as salicylic acid, this is a great option for all skin types,” she says. While some initial tingling is normal, rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E work hard to soothe and moisturize skin. This isn’t meant for daily use—instead, stick to once or twice a week.
