Best Exfoliating Acids and Top Skincare Products for Exfoliation in India
- Kavya Goswami
- Jun 9
- 6 min read
Updated: 24 hours ago
Every time we scroll through social media, exfoliation seems to be one of the most talked-about skincare topics—everyone has their own take on it. But have you ever wondered if a product or exfoliating ingredient that works for someone else will actually work for your skin too?
The internet is currently buzzing over Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid. But do you really understand the difference between the two?
If you’re planning to add an exfoliant to your skincare routine, which one should you pick—and more importantly, why?
Before we explore some of the best exfoliating products available in India that suit Indian skin and various skin types, let’s take a quick look at the types of exfoliating acids and how each one works.
Types of Exfoliating Acids
AHAs: Alpha Hydroxy Acids
This formulation includes three types of Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs): Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic Acid. Among them, Glycolic Acid has the smallest molecular size, allowing it to penetrate the skin more deeply, while Mandelic Acid has the largest molecular size, making it gentler on the skin.
AHAs are surface exfoliants—they work by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells on the outermost layer, revealing smoother, brighter, and more even-toned skin underneath.
Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid are water-soluble, whereas Mandelic Acid is oil-soluble, which makes it particularly effective for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Due to their gentler nature, Lactic Acid and Mandelic Acid are especially well-suited for sensitive skin types and are considered safer for Indian skin tones or skin of color, as they reduce the risk of irritation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
BHA: Beta Hydroxy Acid
This formulation features Salicylic Acid, a well-known Beta Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble in nature. Unlike AHAs, which primarily exfoliate the skin's surface, Salicylic Acid works deep within the pores. It penetrates through excess oil and sebum to dissolve debris, unclog pores, and prevent breakouts, making it especially effective for acne-prone and oily skin types.
PHA: Polyhydroxy Acids
These are next-generation Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) known as Polyhydroxy Acids (PHAs). Like AHAs, they work by gently exfoliating the skin's surface, but they do so in a much milder way. PHAs include Gluconolactone, Lactobionic Acid, and Maltobionic Acid—all of which have larger molecular sizes, making them less likely to cause irritation. This makes PHAs an ideal choice for sensitive skin types, including reactive or compromised skin.
Best Skincare Products for Exfoliation in India
All the skincare products recommended here are alcohol-free and do not contain any fragrance or essential oils. If you’re wondering why we should avoid fragrance in skincare—especially if you love that “good smell” and think fragrance makes a product better—then remember this: use perfumes if you want to smell good, not skincare with fragrance. That’s because the skin on your face is much more delicate compared to the rest of your body. Fragrance can cause contact dermatitis in about 3–4% of the population, and over time, it can also make your skin more sensitive to certain products or ingredients you’ve been using for years.
What about alcohol in skincare? Here, we’re specifically talking about Denatured Alcohol—commonly added to skincare products to give that quick-dry feeling in toners, moisturizers, lotions, and more. But not all alcohols are bad! In fact, some alcohols are beneficial and you’ll often see them in various skincare formulations. So don’t panic when you spot “alcohol” on an ingredient list. It’s the term “Denatured Alcohol” or “Alcohol Denat.” that you need to watch out for.
When it comes to essential oils, there's been a long-standing craze—especially around oils like Lavender (Lavandula) and Tea Tree Oil. But the truth is, these can be highly irritating to the skin. You may not notice it at first, but over time, they can weaken your skin barrier and lead to inflammation.
BHA (Salicylic Acid)
2% Salicylic Acid + LHA Cleanser by Minimalist is the ideal cleanser for those with oily, acne-prone skin, this formula is designed to remove excess oil while also exfoliating the skin’s surface and clearing out pores—all without over-drying. It’s a perfect addition to any routine targeting breakouts and oil control.
SA Smoothing Cleanser by CeraVe is a great cleanser for normal, combination, and oily skin types, it strikes the perfect balance by being non-drying while still producing a rich lather. It effectively removes excess oil and cleanses away dirt and impurities, leaving the skin feeling fresh and clean without stripping it.
Sali-Cinamide Serum by The Derma Co is a powerful combination serum that brings together the benefits of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, making it an ideal choice for oily and acne-prone skin. This dual-action formula helps to control sebum production, remove excess oil, tighten pores, smooth skin texture, and gently exfoliate both pores and the skin’s surface.
CICA + 2% Salicylic Acid Skin Clearing Face Serum by Dot & Key is a soothing and hydrating face serum specially formulated for oily, acne-prone skin. It contains acne-fighting actives like Zinc PCA and skin-calming ingredients like Cica water, helping to reduce breakouts while keeping the skin balanced and refreshed.
Acne Treatment Serum by Conscious Chemist is also a good serum to add to your skincare routine, it contains 2% Salicylic Acid, Zinc PCA, and Willow Bark Extract—a natural source closely related to Salicylic Acid, offering similar skin-refining benefits.
This powerful combination helps to absorb excess oil, provides anti-inflammatory effects, and supports pore-clearing and gentle surface exfoliation, making it an ideal choice for oily and acne-prone skin.
2% Salicylic Acid Serum by Minimalist is one of the best serums for oily skin, effectively targeting blackheads and whiteheads. It’s lightweight, smooth on application, and leaves your skin with a healthy, radiant glow. With consistent use for 6–8 weeks, you can expect to see visible improvements in your skin’s texture and clarity.
2% Salicylic Acid serum by The Ordinary is a water-based serum that’s quite similar to the one by Minimalist. It provides lightweight hydration and helps to treat blackheads, whiteheads, inflammation, and excess oil, making it ideal for acne-prone and oily skin.
Pimple Patches by The Derma Co are hydrocolloid pimple patches with Salicylic Acid it acts on on-growing Pimple by removing the pus and reducing the inflammation due to acne on skin. Put on your growing pimple over night.
AHA
10% Lactic Acid + HA Serum by The Ordinary is a great exfoliating serum, this formula contains Lactic Acid, a gentle form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that is milder on Indian skin compared to Glycolic Acid, yet still effective in providing surface exfoliation.
It also helps in hydrating, smoothing, and moisturizing the skin, thanks to the addition of Hyaluronic Acid, a powerful humectant that attracts and retains moisture.
Air Brush Facial by the formularx is a good Lactic Acid serum for gentle surface exfoliation, helping to make the skin look smoother and brighter without significantly compromising the skin barrier.
In addition to Lactic Acid, it also contains a new-generation AHA—PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)—in the form of Gluconolactone, which is much milder on the skin, making this an excellent option for those with sensitive skin.
However, always perform a patch test before use and observe how your skin responds to the product.
8% Glycolic Acid Exfoliation Liquid by Minimalist is a good exfoliating liquid for targeting darker areas like the elbows, knees, and ankles, where the skin tends to be thicker and rougher.
It’s suitable for use on these areas, but it’s best to opt for Glycolic Acid products at a lower concentration, ideally around 5%, to avoid irritation while still promoting gentle exfoliation and skin brightening.
AHA + BHA
6% AHA BHA Exfoliator by the formularx is a gentle yet effective exfoliation solution designed for both surface and pore exfoliation. It contains a combined 6% of Glycolic Acid and Salicylic Acid, which helps balance the potency of Glycolic Acid while still delivering visible results. With regular use, it mildly smooths and brightens the skin, making it look healthier and more refined.
Gentle Exfoliating Face Cleanser by Conscious Chemist is a gentle AHA-BHA cleanser infused with Centella Asiatica water, which helps to soothe and hydrate the skin while cleansing and brightening it. This multi-tasking formula is ideal for maintaining a clear, calm, and radiant complexion.
Start your skincare journey by understanding your products—what suits your skin and what doesn’t. It’s important to learn what your skin truly needs, rather than following trends. Focus on your specific skin concerns based on your skin type, not just what everyone else is using.
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