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Buying guide

The Best Facial Polishes

We compared five facial polishes on owner ratings, expert reviews, and price. The Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is our top pick for its strong reputation, high owner ratings, and gentle yet effective exfoliation.

Updated

The bottom line

The Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is our top pick for its strong reputation, high owner ratings, and gentle yet effective exfoliation. It's priced at $37, which is higher than the budget pick, Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads at $16, but has a liquid formula that some users prefer. The Lancer Skincare The Method Polish Face Scrub is a close runner-up at $72, praised for its natural ingredients and high user rating.

Top pick
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid ExfoliantPaula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant $37.00

Effective and gentle liquid exfoliant

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is praised by 116,511 owners for its effectiveness in unclogging pores and improving skin texture. It's gentle enough for daily use on all skin types and hydrates the skin. At $37, it's a bit pricey, but the results justify the cost for many users. Those looking for a budget option might prefer the exfoliating pads.

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Runner-up
Lancer Skincare The Method Polish Face ScrubLancer Skincare The Method Polish Face Scrub $72.00

High-quality natural ingredients

Lancer Skincare The Method Polish Face Scrub is formulated with natural ingredients and is highly rated by 523 owners. At $72, it's a premium option but provides a different texture and experience compared to the liquid exfoliant. It's suitable for those who prefer a scrub with natural ingredients.

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Budget pick
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating PadsPaula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads $16.00

Affordable and convenient exfoliating pads

Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads are a budget-friendly option at $16. With 504 owner ratings, they are convenient for travel and show visible results in a week. They are suitable for those on a budget or who prefer the ease of pre-soaked pads.

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The field, ranked

  1. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Best for effectiveness and gentleness 9.0/10 $37.00 Amazon
  2. Lancer Skincare The Method Polish Face Scrub Best for natural ingredients and high user rating 8.5/10 $72.00 Amazon
  3. Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads Best budget option with convenience 8.0/10 $16.00 Amazon
  4. ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish Good for instant polish and glow 7.5/10 $73.53 Amazon
  5. Tatcha The Rice Polish Good for creamy foam and smooth polish 7.0/10 $62.10 Amazon

Who should buy which

Those with sensitive skin or looking for a gentle yet effective exfoliant should choose the Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant. For a budget-friendly option, the Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Pads are suitable. If natural ingredients are a priority, the Lancer Skincare The Method Polish Face Scrub is the best choice.

Owner complaints

A recurring complaint across owners is the price of the Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, though many justify it with the effectiveness. Some users of the Tatcha The Rice Polish mention that the creamy foam can be messy to apply.

Also-rans

The ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish and Tatcha The Rice Polish, while highly rated, don't offer significant advantages over the top picks to warrant a higher ranking. The ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish is more expensive and doesn't provide a unique enough experience, while the Tatcha The Rice Polish, though praised for its creamy foam, lacks the strong evidence base of the top picks.

How this was put together

This guide is based on 136,750 owner ratings, product descriptions, and price comparisons. No hands-on testing was conducted. The evidence is thinnest on the ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish and Tatcha The Rice Polish, where expert reviews are lacking.