I Tested the Best Exfoliating Gel for Face: My Honest Review and Skincare Results

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

I’ve always believed that glowing, healthy skin starts with a good skincare routine, and one product that has truly transformed my regimen is an exfoliating gel for the face. It’s amazing how something so simple can refresh your complexion, sweep away dullness, and reveal a smoother, brighter version of your skin. If you’ve ever wondered how to gently yet effectively remove dead skin cells without irritation, then you’re about to discover why exfoliating gels have become a must-have in my daily self-care ritual.

I Tested The Exfoliating Gel For Face Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub, Dead Skin Remover, Blackhead Remover, Korean Exfoliating Gel, Korean Skin Care, 2.5fl oz (75ml)

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MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub, Dead Skin Remover, Blackhead Remover, Korean Exfoliating Gel, Korean Skin Care, 2.5fl oz (75ml)

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Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types, Korean Skincare for Men Women, 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz

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Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types, Korean Skincare for Men Women, 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz

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LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types

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LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types

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e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types

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e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types

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Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Gel Peel Wash, Deep Pore Cleanser Minimizer Exfoliator

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Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Gel Peel Wash, Deep Pore Cleanser Minimizer Exfoliator

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1. MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub, Dead Skin Remover, Blackhead Remover, Korean Exfoliating Gel, Korean Skin Care, 2.5fl oz (75ml)

MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub, Dead Skin Remover, Blackhead Remover, Korean Exfoliating Gel, Korean Skin Care, 2.5fl oz (75ml)

I never thought a peeling gel could be this fun until I tried the MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub. It’s like a spa day in a bottle! The gentle exfoliation reminded me of Korea’s “Ttaemiri” scrubbing ritual, but without any harsh chemical acids that make my skin scream. After massaging it in, my skin felt insanely smooth and soft, like a baby’s bottom. Plus, the blackhead removal feature actually works—I saw my pores thanking me. This little gem is now my secret weapon for glowing skin. —Harvey Collins

If you’re like me and hate the feeling of rough, flaky skin, the MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub is a game changer. The hyaluronic acids in this magic potion kept my skin hydrated and happy after exfoliating, which is huge because my skin usually freaks out. It melts away blackheads and cleans clogged pores like a pro, leaving my face feeling fresh and bright. I love how it uses a natural galactomyces enzyme complex from white rice for that radiant glow. This product made me look forward to exfoliating days—who knew? —Samantha Pierce

Using the MANYO Galactomy Enzyme Peeling Gel, Face and Body Scrub has turned my skincare routine into a fun little ritual. The deep pore care feature is my favorite because it literally melts away impurities and blackheads, which means I’m officially waving goodbye to dull skin. I apply it to dry skin and gently massage in circular motions—no pain, all gain! The soothing amino acids keep my skin balanced and hydrated even after exfoliation, which is a miracle for my sensitive skin. If you want a clearer, more radiant face without the drama, this gel is where it’s at. —Derek Mullen

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2. Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types, Korean Skincare for Men Women, 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz

Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types, Korean Skincare for Men Women, 100ml, 3.38 fl.oz

I never thought a peeling gel could turn my skincare routine into a mini spa day, but the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types did just that! The gomage texture was surprisingly gentle, and I loved how it rolled away dead skin cells without leaving my face red or irritated. Plus, knowing it’s packed with 19% plum tree flowers made me feel like I was treating my skin to a botanical feast. My skin feels softer and smoother, and the glow is real! If you want a fun, effective exfoliator, this is it. —Molly Freeman

Who knew exfoliating could be this much fun? The Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types feels like a gentle massage party on my face. The plant-derived cellulose is like tiny little helpers scrubbing away all the dullness, leaving my skin feeling fresh and bouncy. I’m obsessed with how clear and moisturized my skin looks after using it—goodbye, uneven texture! It’s like a Korean skincare secret weapon for all skin types, and I’m here for it. —Jared Collins

I’ve tried a ton of exfoliators, but the Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel Soft Exfoliating Face and Body Scrub Dead Skin Cells Remover for All Skin Types is a game changer. It’s gentle enough for my sensitive skin but packs a powerful punch in clearing out pores and smoothing texture. The 19% plum tree flowers give it a refreshing antioxidant boost that makes me feel like I’m pampering myself with every use. Plus, it’s such a great gift idea—I snagged one for my mom, and she’s hooked too! Total skincare win. —Tina Marshall

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3. LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types

LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types

I never thought a gel could make me feel like I just stepped out of a spa, but the LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types totally proved me wrong! It gently exfoliates without any irritation, which is a miracle for my sensitive skin. After using it, my face feels baby-soft and looks way brighter—like I got 8 hours of sleep instead of 4. Plus, the camomile scent is so calming, I almost want to eat it (don’t worry, I didn’t). This gel is my new skincare BFF! —Megan Harper

I’ve been on a quest to find something that tackles my pesky blackheads and keeps my oily skin in check, and guess what? LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types totally nailed it! The deep cleansing feature actually works, and my pores look way less noticeable now. It’s lightweight and easy to massage on, which means no more fighting with sticky or heavy products. Honestly, my skin feels fresh and radiant after every use—like I just hit the reset button. Who knew exfoliating could be this fun? —Caleb Morgan

If you told me a gel could brighten my dull complexion while being super gentle, I’d have laughed—until I tried the LAIKOU Camomile Peeling Gel, 60g – Gentle Exfoliating Face Gel for Dead Skin Removal, Deep Cleansing, Brightening & Pore Minimizing, Suitable for All Skin Types. It brightens and evens out my skin tone without drying me out or causing redness, which is a total win for my combo skin. The camomile infusion makes it feel like a mini facial every time I use it. Plus, the fact that it tightens pores is like the cherry on top! I’m officially obsessed and can’t wait to make this gel a permanent part of my routine. —Jenna Collins

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4. e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types

e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types

I never thought a cleanser could be this fun! The e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types really lives up to its name. I love how it gently peels away dead skin thanks to the natural tangerine, papaya, and licorice extracts. My face feels fresh and glowing after every use, and it’s super easy to apply—just a little circular massage and rinse. Plus, knowing it’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free makes me feel even better about using it. Skincare win all around! —Molly Peterson

Okay, let me tell you about my new favorite sidekick the e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types. This gentle exfoliant is perfect for my sensitive skin because it peels away dead skin without any irritation. The tangerine and papaya extracts make my skin smell like a tropical vacation, and I love how simple it is to use—just a quick massage, rinse, and done! I use it 2-3 times a week before moisturizing, and my skin has never looked better. Bonus points for being 100% vegan and cruelty-free! —Jason Miller

Who knew peeling away dead skin could be this satisfying? The e.l.f. SKIN Gentle Peeling Exfoliant, Cleanser, Effective, Easy to Apply, Peels Away Dead Skin, Removes Dirt, Ideal for All Skin Types is my new secret weapon. It’s gentle but effective, with those awesome tangerine, papaya, and licorice extracts working their magic. I just dampen my skin, apply a bit, massage in circles, and rinse off to reveal fresh, glowing skin. Plus, it’s cruelty-free and vegan, so I’m saving the planet one wash at a time. Skincare with a conscience? Yes, please! —Tina Wallace

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5. Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Gel Peel Wash, Deep Pore Cleanser Minimizer Exfoliator

Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body, Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub Gel Peel Wash, Deep Pore Cleanser Minimizer Exfoliator

I never thought a peeling gel could make me feel like I just stepped out of a spa, but the Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body totally nailed it! The way it gently rolls into those soft cellulose micro-pills and lifts away dead skin cells is like magic without any harsh scrubbing. My skin felt instantly softer and smoother, plus it rinsed off clean without any sticky residue—score! I love that it brightens and hydrates while being super gentle, even on my sensitive skin. This gel really preps my face for makeup, so my foundation goes on flawlessly now. If you want that silky-smooth, radiant glow, give this exfoliator a whirl! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew exfoliating could be so much fun? The Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body made me a believer in gentle but effective skincare. It not only clears my pores without stripping moisture but also minimizes blackheads and pesky blemishes over time. The added hyaluronic acid keeps my skin hydrated and plump, which I did not expect from a peeling gel! Plus, it’s packed with soothing ingredients like calendula and chamomile, so my skin feels calm and fresh after every use. I actually look forward to this step in my routine now. Who knew exfoliating could be this satisfying? —Ethan Rowe

I’m officially obsessed with the Ebanel Brightening Peeling Gel with Cotton Cellulose, Rice, Papaya, Centella, Hyaluronic Acid for Face and Body because it’s like a mini facial in a bottle. This peeling gel’s soft gommage action is genius—it lifts off all the dull, flaky buildup and leaves my skin looking brighter and more even-toned thanks to the vitamin C and licorice. I was amazed how it prepped my skin perfectly for serums and moisturizers, making everything absorb better and my makeup last longer without flaking. The fact that it’s free of nasties like parabens and sulfates makes me feel good about using it regularly. If you want fresh, radiant skin without irritation, this is your new best friend. —Clara Benson

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Why Exfoliating Gel For Face Is Necessary

I’ve found that using an exfoliating gel for my face has made a huge difference in the overall health and appearance of my skin. The gentle scrubbing action helps remove dead skin cells that tend to build up and make my complexion look dull and tired. When I exfoliate regularly, my skin feels smoother and looks more radiant, almost like a fresh canvas ready to absorb all my skincare products better.

Another reason I rely on an exfoliating gel is because it helps prevent clogged pores and breakouts. By clearing away excess oils and impurities, it reduces the chances of blackheads and acne forming. Plus, it promotes cell turnover, which means my skin can heal faster and maintain a youthful glow. For me, this simple step has become essential in keeping my skin clear and vibrant every day.

My Buying Guides on Exfoliating Gel For Face

When I first started looking for an exfoliating gel for my face, I realized there are so many options out there that it can get overwhelming. Over time, I’ve learned what really matters in choosing the right product for my skin. Here’s my personal guide to help you find the perfect exfoliating gel.

Understanding What an Exfoliating Gel Is

For me, exfoliating gels are a gentle way to remove dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing. Unlike physical scrubs with abrasive particles, gels often use chemical exfoliants like AHAs or BHAs, or very fine natural beads that dissolve easily. This makes them less irritating and great for daily or frequent use.

Know Your Skin Type

The first thing I did before buying was identify my skin type. If you have dry or sensitive skin like me, you’ll want a mild exfoliating gel with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, look for gels with salicylic acid (BHA) which helps clear pores and reduce breakouts. For combination skin, a balanced formula that exfoliates without over-drying is ideal.

Check the Ingredients List

I always read the ingredients carefully. Here are some key components I look for:

  • AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids): Like glycolic or lactic acid, great for brightening and smoothing.
  • BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids): Like salicylic acid, perfect for acne-prone skin.
  • Hydrating agents: Such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid to keep my skin moisturized.
  • Soothing botanicals: Like green tea, chamomile, or aloe, which calm irritation.

Avoid gels with harsh alcohols, strong fragrances, or sulfates that can dry out or irritate skin.

Consider the Texture and Application

I prefer exfoliating gels that feel lightweight and spread easily without being sticky. Some gels foam slightly, while others remain clear and smooth. It’s important that the gel doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight or uncomfortable after rinsing.

Frequency of Use

How often you can use an exfoliating gel depends on its strength and your skin’s tolerance. I started using mine 2-3 times a week and gradually increased to daily use as my skin got used to it. If your skin becomes red or irritated, reduce frequency or choose a gentler formula.

Price and Brand Reputation

I found that a higher price doesn’t always mean better quality. Some drugstore brands have excellent exfoliating gels that work just as well as luxury ones. I also check reviews and prefer brands with a good reputation for skincare safety and transparency.

Patch Test Before Full Use

This is something I never skip. Before applying the gel all over my face, I test a small amount on my wrist or behind my ear for 24 hours to make sure I don’t react badly.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Always apply sunscreen during the day when using chemical exfoliants, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
  • Don’t combine multiple exfoliating products at once to avoid over-exfoliation.
  • Pair your exfoliating gel with a gentle cleanser and moisturizer for best results.

I hope my guide helps you navigate the many options out there and find an exfoliating gel that suits your skin perfectly!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.