7 Recommended Japanese Exfoliating Product + The Right Way to Exfoliate!

Exfoliating products are skincare essentials that help remove dead skin cells and surface buildup. Traditional physical exfoliants used to rely on scrubbing particles to polish away old skin, but modern methods now favor chemical exfoliation, which dissolves the bonds between dead cells to reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.

By effectively clearing away dull, rough layers, exfoliating not only refines skin texture but also boosts the absorption of your serums and creams. Below, we introduce 7 popular exfoliating products from Japan’s top beauty stores, plus expert tips on how to exfoliate correctly for the best results!

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Understanding the Two Main Types of Exfoliants: Chemical vs. Physical

Among the wide variety of exfoliating products on the market, most fall into two main categories — chemical or physical.

Chemical exfoliants work by dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to be easily shed. Common ingredients include:

AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid)

Promotes skin renewal, smooths fine lines, and evens skin tone. Ideal for dry or normal skin, typically at concentrations of 5%–10%.

BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid / Salicylic Acid)

Penetrates deep into pores to dissolve oil and debris, effectively reducing blackheads and acne. Best for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, usually at 0.5%–2% concentration.

PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid)

A gentler form of exfoliation that also hydrates — perfect for sensitive skin types.

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5 Key Skincare Benefits of Exfoliation — Can It Also Brighten the Skin?

1. Removes Dead Skin Cells and Promotes Healthy Renewal

Exfoliating helps clear away dead cells on the surface, encouraging natural cell turnover. This not only smooths texture but also prevents dullness and roughness, giving your complexion a refreshed, energized look.

2. Deeply Purifies Pores and Reduces Oil Buildup

By thinning out the stratum corneum, pores can breathe more easily, allowing impurities and excess sebum to be expelled. This helps prevent blackheads and whiteheads, keeping oily skin clear and shine-free.

3. Prevents Acne Formation and Stabilizes the Skin

Unremoved dead skin can trap bacteria and oil, creating a breeding ground for acne. Gentle exfoliation helps reduce breakouts, smooth post-acne texture, and fade marks or redness over time.

4. Boosts Absorption of Skincare Products

When the skin’s surface is clear, your serums and moisturizers can penetrate more effectively. Improved absorption amplifies the benefits of brightening, hydrating, and anti-aging products.

5. Evens Out Skin Tone and Enhances Radiance

Regular exfoliation removes dull, uneven cells, brightening the skin and improving tone uniformity. Some exfoliants even contain natural brightening agents to help reveal a fresh, luminous glow — key to achieving that healthy “bare-skin beauty.”

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How to Choose the Right Exfoliant for Your Skin Type

The first step to choosing the right exfoliant is understanding your skin type.

• Oily Skin: Choose formulas with salicylic acid (BHA) to deeply cleanse and dissolve excess oil.
• Dry Skin: Opt for AHA or PHA products that gently exfoliate while hydrating.
• Combination Skin: Use salicylic acid on the T-zone and AHA on drier areas like the cheeks.
• Sensitive Skin: Go for PHA-based or low-strength AHA products, and always do a patch test first.
• Acne-Prone Skin: Use salicylic acid-based products, but avoid physical scrubs to prevent irritation.

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7 Recommended Exfoliating Products — Gels, Masks & Milky Formulas for Every Skin Type!

1. Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste (75ml)

Combines the benefits of both physical and chemical exfoliation with quartz micro-particles and lactic acid. Infused with evening primrose, rosehip, lavender, and chamomile oils, it soothes and moisturizes while refining skin texture — perfect for dry, flaky, or sensitive skin.

• Price: HK$1,300–HK$1,900
• Skin Type: Dry, flaky, or sensitive skin

2. Cure Natural Aqua Gel (250ml)

A cult favorite from Japan, this gentle gel uses plant extracts and is free from fragrance, colorants, and preservatives. It softly removes dead skin cells without irritation, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.

• Price: HK$200–HK$300
• Skin Type: Sensitive skin

3. Takami Peeling Serum (30ml)

Known as the “Little Blue Bottle,” this Japanese bestseller contains plant enzymes and vitamin C to gently renew the skin and improve pore clarity. Lightweight and non-sticky, suitable for all skin types.

• Price: HK$600–HK$800
• Skin Type: All skin types

4. Ettusais Peeling Milk (145ml)

This milky exfoliant blends sweet almond oil with botanical ingredients to gently remove dullness and smooth the skin’s surface. After use, skin feels soft and luminous.

• Price: HK$150–HK$250
• Skin Type: All skin types, especially dull skin

5. L’Herboflore Hydrating Exfoliating Gel (100ml)

Hydrates while exfoliating! This gentle gel removes dead skin cells while replenishing moisture, helping improve dryness and rough texture.

• Price: HK$100–HK$200
• Skin Type: Dry or all skin types

6. Lululun Precious Green Exfoliating Mask

Rich in plant enzymes and fruit acids, this sheet mask gently refines texture while delivering hyaluronic acid and collagen for deep hydration. Skin feels supple and smooth after use.

• Price: 7 sheets / approx. HK$100
• Skin Type: Dry or sensitive skin

7. Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X (100ml)

An upgraded formula featuring AHA and Jeju volcanic clusters that absorb oil, unclog pores, and polish away dead cells — ideal for oily skin and enlarged pores.

• Price: HK$120–HK$150
• Skin Type: Oily or pore-prone skin

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The 5 Correct Steps for Exfoliation

1. Cleanse Thoroughly: Remove all makeup and impurities before exfoliating.
2. Soften Skin (Optional): Apply a toner or hydrating mask to soften dead cells.
3. Apply Exfoliant: Follow the product instructions, gently massaging or leaving on as directed.
4. Hydrate: Exfoliation can dry out the skin — always follow up with a rich moisturizer.
5. Sun Protection: After using exfoliants during the day, always apply sunscreen to prevent UV damage.

Note: Avoid over-exfoliating — once or twice a week is enough.

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Over-Exfoliation Can Harm the Skin — Try a Safer Deep-Cleansing Alternative!

If you’re unsure how often to exfoliate or which product to use, you can still achieve deep-cleansing results safely with Perfect Medical’s Acne Treatment!

This treatment uses dual spiral suction and vacuum microdermabrasion technology to deeply remove impurities — offering cleaning power equal to, or even greater than, traditional exfoliants. It unclogs pores, balances oil and moisture, and prevents future breakouts, all while brightening and refining your complexion in one go.