Exfoliation

A Korean exfoliator removes dead skin cells so skin feels smoother. It is often a gentle AHA, BHA, PHA or enzyme formula rather than a gritty scrub, and it comes as a pad, essence, toner, serum or wash-off mask.

This collection includes peeling pads, acid essences and toners, ampoules, serums, cleansers and clay masks from VT Cosmetics, SKIN1004, SOME BY MI, Sungboon Editor, Pyunkang Yul, TIAM, Suiskin and Round Lab. Examples are the Sungboon Editor Green Tomato Pore Peeling Jumbo Pad, the Mediheal Phyto-Enzyme Peeling Pad and the Isntree Chestnut AHA 8% Clear Essence.

If your skin is dry or easily irritated, begin with a mild enzyme or PHA product once a week and build up slowly. Use sunscreen every morning, because exfoliated skin is more sensitive to the sun. Over-doing it is a common mistake, so add one step at a time. If you are also sorting out your cleansing steps, Double Cleansing: When It Helps, When It Is Too Much is a useful companion read.

Filter by brand

• Best Korean Face Wash: How to Choose and Double Cleanse