NewBeauty Awards: Exfoliators

THE BEST PORE-MINIMIZING TONER

Whip an oily T-zone into shape with IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Leave-On Solution ($34), a quick, pre-makeup step that uses kaolin clay to tighten pores and de-slick skin, leaving it baby-soft to the touch.

THE BEST PEEL PADS

More than 100,000 “loves” by Sephora shoppers and a beauty editor staple since 2010, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel ($88) is the ultimate two-step skin savior, and travel-friendly, too.

THE BEST OVERNIGHT RESURFACER

A-list aesthetician Shani Darden developed this Texture Reform ($95) serum for her Hollywood clientele who wanted a gentler retinol without sacrificing any of the line-smoothing benefits, and it really delivers.

THE BEST FACE SCRUB

You know those days when your skin care, makeup and SPF form some kind of gunky mask on your face that cleanser alone can’t tackle? Reach for exfoliator-mask Monat Berry Refined Scrub ($58)—problem solved.

THE BEST DARK SPOT TREATMENT

The trio of brightening acids—azelaic, tranexamic and phytic—in dr. brandt Dark Spots No More ($68) are so potent on discoloration, even notoriously difficult melasma gets a little lighter.

THE BEST LIP SCRUB

Say goodbye to dry, peeling lips and hello to petal-soft ones with a quick swipe of Kopari Coconut Lip Scrubby’s ($16) volcanic ash and coconut oil blend. The mess-free tube is a nice bonus, too.

THE BEST LIQUID PEEL

For a St. Barths–worthy glow, use Peter Thomas Roth PRO Strength Exfoliating Super Peel ($88) for two minutes three times a week and let its cocktail of acids visibly transform dull skin.

THE BEST FACIAL IN A BOTTLE

Massage the creamy, pink-hued Ole Henriksen PHAT Glow Facial ($50) into dry skin until it turns white, which signals the polyhydroxy acid formula is working its exfoliating magic for no-filter-necessary skin.

THE BEST RETINOL NIGHT CREAM

OLAY Regenerist Retinol24 Night Moisturizer ($29) earned the highest marks on many fronts: it’s fragrance-free, quick to absorb, nongreasy, and virtually void of typical retinoid side effects like peeling.

THE BEST TREATMENT FOR ACNE SCARS

Made for all skin types and tones, Murad InvisiScar Resurfacing Treatment ($35) instantly blurs post-acne scars with light-diffusing powder while also working to reduce their size, depth and discoloration over time.