If you’re on the hunt for top-notch Korean chemical exfoliators, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll break down a variety of Korean chemical exfoliants, explaining which ones may be best for different skin types. While I believe chemical exfoliants are sometimes overused, I also think they outperform physical scrubs when used in moderation.
Before diving in, be sure to check out my posts on the best Korean moisturizers and body washes if you’re assembling a complete Korean skincare routine. Please note that while the recommendations below include affiliate links, none of these products are sponsored.
Table of Contents
- The Best Korean Chemical Exfoliator: Peeling Pads
- Exfoliating Korean Treatment Toners for Oily Skin
- Best Korean Chemical Exfoliators for Dry or Sensitive Skin
- A Closer Look: Chemical Exfoliation Basics
- Is Gentle Exfoliation Okay for Daily Use?
The Best Korean Chemical Exfoliator: Peeling Pads
Peeling pads are one of the most popular forms of chemical exfoliators in Korean beauty. Also known as toner pads, these products are pre-soaked with a blend of active ingredients such as:
- Vitamin C
- Green tea
- Glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acids
- Aloe vera
- Hyaluronic acid
Their goal is to even out skin tone, refine skin texture, and fade dark spots. They work for various skin types—not just those prone to acne—and can be used by swiping across the face or letting them sit for 5–10 minutes.
Below are some top picks for peeling pads that avoid harsh fragrances and essential oils:
1. Numbuzin – No.5 Vitamin-Niacinamide Concentrated Pad
These pads combine gentle poly hydroxy acid (PHA) and lipo hydroxy acid (LHA) with vitamin C and niacinamide to exfoliate and brighten simultaneously. Ideal for skin that isn’t overly sensitive, they give you a boost without being too aggressive.
2. Torriden – Balanceful Cica Toner Pad
Formulated with centella asiatica (cica), panthenol, and allantoin, these pads focus on soothing and hydrating your skin while gently exfoliating. They’re especially well-suited for sensitive skin that needs calming care.
3. Celimax – Pore & Dark Spot Brightening Pad
Infused with niacinamide and pearl extract, these toner pads work to refine pores and lighten dark spots, making them suitable for most skin types—assuming you tolerate niacinamide well.
4. Abib – Pine Needle Pore Pad Clear Touch
Designed to refresh without over-stripping, Abib’s formula includes salicylic acid (BHA) paired with witch hazel extract and LHA, making it particularly effective for oily, acne-prone skin. Start slowly as BHA can be drying for some.
5. Neogen – Dermalogy PoreRaser Clear BHA Pad
Neogen’s PoreRaser pads combine salicylic acid, LHA, PHA, and AHA for a robust exfoliating action. Because this mix is intense, I recommend using these sparingly—ideal only for oily, non-sensitive skin.
6. CareZone – Skin Surface Clear Toner Pad
With a blend of BHA and PHA, plus a generous dose of glycerin to maintain hydration, these toner pads work well for most skin types. They offer gentle, effective surface exfoliation without overdoing it.
Exfoliating Korean Treatment Toners for Oily Skin
Now let’s move on to treatment toners—often labeled as “daily toners.” Despite the claim to be used daily, I urge caution when incorporating them into your routine. If your skin is oily, these treatment toners may contain a higher percentage of beta-hydroxy acids (BHA) or a potent blend of acids. Here are some noteworthy options:
7. COSRX – BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
This product uses 4% betaine salicylate, a gentler alternative to traditional salicylic acid, making it versatile enough for both oily and sensitive skin types. Its streamlined ingredients list, along with added niacinamide for brightening, makes it a strong contender.
8. COSRX – AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
A close cousin to the Blackhead Power Liquid, this toner blends exfoliating apple water with betaine salicylate, offering a slightly gentler option that may better suit sensitive skin.
9. Beauty of Joseon – Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA
Great for targeting sebaceous filaments, this toner on my nose helps maintain texture by combining salicylic and glycolic acids. Despite glycolic acid being more common for dry skin, the balanced formula here makes it more fitting for oily skin.
10. Isntree – Chestnut BHA 0.9% Clear Toner
With a lower concentration of BHA compared to some popular Western products, this toner offers effective exfoliation with added soothing ingredients like panthenol and glycerin. Sometimes, less is indeed more.
11. BONAJOUR – Eggplant Daily BHA Toner
Featuring 0.48% salicylic acid, BONAJOUR’s toner provides a gentler option for those who need a delicate balance for daily use.
12. Pyunkang Yul – Acne Facial Cleanser
While primarily a cleanser, this product leverages willow bark extract (a natural cousin of salicylic acid) to offer mild exfoliation. Use it mindfully—it’s not meant to be your sole exfoliating step every day.
13. ONE THING – Houttuynia Cordata Clarifying Facial Cleanser
ONE THING keeps to a simple ethos, though the inclusion of salicylic acid and a touch of PHA may surprise you. Despite the unexpected blend, it functions as a gentle, effective exfoliating cleanser without harsh alcohols.
Best Korean Chemical Exfoliators for Dry or Sensitive Skin
For dry or sensitive skin, choose products that exfoliate without stripping your moisture away. Often, PHAs (polyhydroxy acids) are the gentlest option available.
14. AXIS – Y – PHA Resurfacing Glow Peel
Favored for its ability to brighten in a single use, this PHA glow peel offers a gentle touch that’s rarely found in Western products.
15. Formotopia BFFECT AHA 30% + Mandelic Acid 4% Serum
This hardcore 30% AHA serum paired with mandelic acid is potent—definitely use it sparingly, perhaps as a pre-event treatment rather than daily.
16. Benton – PHA Peeling Toner
While “peeling” has become a buzzword, Benton’s formula truly delivers gentle exfoliation with PHA, making it suitable for regular use on sensitive or dry skin.
17. ROUND LAB – 1025 Dokdo Toner
A fan favorite, Round Lab’s Dokdo Toner is known for its extremely mild exfoliating effect. Suitable for nearly every skin type, it’s often featured on “top 10” lists for a reason.
18. ROUND LAB – 1025 Dokdo Peeling Gel
A twist on traditional toner, this peeling gel is massaged into the skin like a cleanser. It’s another gentle option that delivers effective exfoliation without the harshness of a scrub.
19. Haruharu WONDER – Centella 3% PHA Gentle Liquid Exfoliating Serum
Combining a mild PHA with centella for soothing and orange water for a hint of brightness, Haruharu’s formula exemplifies gentle exfoliation. It’s ideal for those looking for a brightening boost without aggression.
20. Isntree – Chestnut PHA 5% Clear Cream
This cream delivers a medium level of PHA exfoliation, best suited for leaving on your skin—just avoid the delicate eye area.
21. TIA’M – AC Fighting PHA 12 Purifying Liquid
A versatile product that can double as a toner or serum, this PHA formulation includes tea tree leaf water to help calm hormone-driven breakouts.
22. Isntree – Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence
Thicker than your standard toner, this 8% AHA essence is potent enough to provide a “polish” for your skin when used sparingly.
23. Haruharu WONDER – Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel
This triple AHA cleansing gel offers an effective treatment that should be used only a few times a week—it’s not designed for daily application.
24. Cos De BAHA – LS Lactic Acid 12.5 Serum
Lactic acid is celebrated for its gentleness, and this serum is a straightforward option that caters well to dry and sensitive skin.
25. HiCA – Peel Care Serum Lactic Acid 6%
Rounding off the list is a lactic acid serum that also incorporates niacinamide for added brightness. You have options here—choose the formula that best fits your skin’s tolerance.
What Is Chemical Exfoliation?
Chemical exfoliation works by breaking down the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, rather than physically scrubbing them away. Unlike traditional physical exfoliants (like sugar scrubs or microbeads), chemical exfoliators use ingredients such as glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and mandelic acids to reveal smoother, more radiant skin without abrasive friction.
Is Gentle Exfoliation Okay for Daily Use?
One of the most hotly debated topics on social media is whether gentle exfoliation can be performed daily. In my opinion, even the best Korean chemical exfoliators can potentially harm your skin’s natural moisture barrier if overused. For most people—regardless of skin type—I recommend limiting chemical exfoliation to 1–2 times per week. Overuse can lead to:
- Irritation and redness
- Increased sebum production (leading to a greasy feeling)
- Dull, barrier-damaged skin
- Minor breakouts that are more a sign of irritation than acne
Remember, the key to reaping the benefits without the drawbacks is balance and careful observation of how your skin responds.
This comprehensive guide is designed to help you choose the right Korean chemical exfoliator for your unique skin needs. Whether you’re dealing with oily, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s something here for everyone. Happy exfoliating, and here’s to a smoother, more radiant complexion in 2024!
