Skip to content 
Custom Exfoliating Formulations Manufacturer
Customizable exfoliating formulas for global skincare brands, designed to remove dead skin, refine texture, and boost radiance—offering safe, effective solutions for face, body, and scalp applications.
What This Exfoliating Formula Solves
Excessive buildup of dead skin cells can dull the complexion, enlarge pores, and block the penetration of active ingredients. Our customizable exfoliating formulas are designed to gently lift away these impurities while supporting skin’s moisture and barrier integrity. By combining alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), and natural exfoliants, we create solutions that refine texture, brighten tone, and prepare skin for optimal absorption of subsequent treatments.
Exfoliating Formula
1. Dull, Lackluster Skin → Brighter, Radiant Look
Loss of radiance and a tired complexion are common issues in both mature and younger skin. Our exfoliating formula combines AHAs (glycolic, lactic), fruit enzymes, and antioxidant-rich botanicals to gently lift dull surface cells, revealing a fresher, more luminous appearance. Suitable for brightening cleansers, weekly peel masks, and radiance-boosting serums, these formulations are customizable for daily use or professional-grade treatments across global markets.
2. Enlarged Pores → Smooth, Refined Texture
Pore visibility often increases due to excess sebum, impurities, and loss of skin elasticity. Our solution blends BHAs (salicylic acid), kaolin clay, and niacinamide to clear pore buildup, reduce oiliness, and refine skin texture over time. Ideal for balancing toners, clay masks, and oil-control gels targeting combination to oily skin consumers in both tropical and urban markets.
3. Poor Product Absorption → Enhanced Penetration
A buildup of dead skin cells can act as a barrier, preventing active ingredients from penetrating effectively. Our multi-acid complex with PHAs, gentle physical exfoliants, and hydration boosters like hyaluronic acid preps the skin for optimal uptake of subsequent treatments. Perfect for pre-serum lotions, exfoliating essences, and spa-grade skin prep products, helping brands improve the efficacy of their entire skincare line.
Exfoliating Formula Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
We formulate chemical, enzymatic, physical, and hybrid exfoliants to remove surface buildup, refine texture, and support barrier comfort. Percentages are tuned by skin type and area, enabling daily-mild to weekly-intensive products across serums, toners, cleansers, masks, and body care.Our exfoliating formulas gently remove built-up dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion, smoother texture, and improved product absorption—ideal for brands targeting radiance, pore refinement, and skincare efficacy enhancement.
Custom Exfoliating Formulas Key Ingredients
| Type | Key Ingredient | Recommended % Range* | Benefits / Use Cases | Compliance & Market Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AHA | Glycolic Acid | 2–10% | Brightens, smooths texture; daily toners/serums, weekly peels | Wikipedia – Glycolic acid |
| AHA | Lactic Acid | 2–10% | Gentle resurfacing with hydration; sensitive-skin options | Wikipedia – Lactic acid |
| AHA | Mandelic Acid | 5–10% | Larger molecule for slower penetration; oily/blemish-prone | Wikipedia – Mandelic acid |
| BHA | Salicylic Acid | 0.5–2% | Oil-soluble pore cleansing; acne-prone, T-zone care | Wikipedia – Salicylic acid |
| PHA | Glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) | 4–10% | Mild daily exfoliation; humectant support | Wikipedia – Glucono delta-lactone |
| PHA | Lactobionic Acid | 2–10% | Very gentle resurfacing; dry/sensitive skin lines | Wikipedia – Lactobionic acid |
| Enzyme | Papain | 0.1–0.5% | Proteolytic smoothing in washes/masks | Wikipedia – Papain |
| Enzyme | Bromelain | 0.1–0.5% | Fruit-enzyme polish; rinse-off masks | Wikipedia – Bromelain |
| Physical | Silica (Microfine) | 1–5% | Soft-focus polish; cream scrubs/cleansers | Wikipedia – Silicon dioxide |
| Physical | Microcrystalline Cellulose Beads | 1–5% | Biodegradable gentle scrub particles | Wikipedia – Microcrystalline cellulose |
| Mask Base | Kaolin | 5–30% | Absorbs oil; clarifying clay masks | Wikipedia – Kaolin |
| Mask Base | Bentonite | 2–10% | Deep cleanse; improves mask payoff | Wikipedia – Bentonite |
salicylic acid — Customization Details for Exfoliating
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Salicylic Acid · CAS: 69-72-7 · White crystalline powder; beta-hydroxy acid; poorly water-soluble but soluble in ethanol/solvents; pKa ≈ 2.97. (PubChem, Wikipedia)
2. Role in Exfoliating
Oil-soluble, desmolytic action: disrupts corneodesmosomes/intercellular “glue” to promote controlled desquamation; comedolytic and anti-inflammatory—unclogs pores, smooths texture, reduces roughness/dullness. (Peer-reviewed reviews)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Cleansers/Face washes: 0.5–2%
Leave-on toners/serums/gels: 0.5–2%
Masks/consumer peels: up to 2% (EU leave-on cap)
professional peels 10–30% in ethanol/solvent systems by trained users only.
Maintain appropriate safety assessment and pH/vehicle for efficacy. (FDA, SCCS/CosIng, SA peel review)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU (EC No 1223/2009): Annex V/3 (preservative) 0.5%; Annex III/98 (non-preservative) 3% in rinse-off hair products and 2% in other products; not for children <3 years (except shampoos). (EUR-Lex, European Commission)
SCCS (2023 opinion): Safe at the above limits; further aggregate-exposure review ongoing. (SCCS page, EU)
U.S. (OTC Acne): Monograph M006 permits 0.5–2% salicylic acid as active for acne. (FDA)
CIR Expert Panel: Salicylic acid & salicylates are safe as used when formulated to be non-irritating and per current use concentrations. (CIR, European Commission)
5. Clinical Evidence (exfoliation/texture/acne)
Mechanism/Efficacy: Reviews confirm desmolytic exfoliation and moderate comedolysis, improving texture and pores. （PMC)
Acne outcomes: RCTs/clinical studies show salicylic-acid peels (20–30%) are effective for acne; comparable to glycolic acid with sustained effect and fewer side effects in some data. (PubMed)
Adjunct data: Additional trials support safety/efficacy of salicylic peel protocols in moderate-to-severe acne. (PubMed)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
Generally well-tolerated within limits; risks include irritation, dryness, and rare salicylism with high-strength, large-area, or occlusive use. Avoid on compromised skin; caution for aspirin hypersensitivity; heed EU child <3 restriction. Consult CIR/SCCS dossiers for endpoints. (CIR, SCCS)
7. Stability & Packaging
Stable as acid; solubility favored by ethanol/propylene glycol; limited water solubility—optimize solvent system and pH/neutralization strategy. Use opaque, well-sealed packs for low-pH formulas; validate per-SKU stability. (MakingCosmetics, PubChem)
8. Cost–Benefit
Broad supply availability and strong consumer recognition; clear regulatory guardrails (EU/FDA) enable scalable B2B deployment for exfoliating/anti-blemish portfolios. (EUR-Lex, FDA)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Unclogs pores and exfoliates to visibly smooth skin.
✅ Helps reduce blackheads/blemishes and refine look of pores.
✅ Supports a clearer-looking complexion with regular use.
❌ Avoid drug-like/medical-cure claims or country-specific therapeutic standards outside approved OTC contexts.
glycolic acid — Customization Details for Exfoliating
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Glycolic Acid (aka Hydroxyacetic Acid) · CAS: 79-14-1 · Colorless/white, highly water-soluble AHA; small molecular weight (76.05); pKa ≈ 3.83. (Wikipedia, PubChem, DrugBank)
2. Role in Exfoliating
Hydrophilic AHA that loosens corneodesmosomes to accelerate controlled desquamation and epidermal renewal; data show increases in collagen/GAG markers at pH≈4 and improvements in tone/texture with regular use. (J Cosmet Dermatol 2021, StatPearls review)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Cleansers: 2–5%
Consumer masks/peels: up to 10% (cosmetic)
Leave-on toners/serums/lotions: 4–10% (daily use range; adjust pH ~3.5–4.0)
Professional peels: ~20–70% by trained professionals only.
Follow pH/vehicle guidance and conduct product-level safety assessment. (FDA, CIR, PMC, PubMed)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU (Reg. (EC) No 1223/2009/CosIng): Glycolic acid is not listed with a specific max concentration in Annex III; use is subject to product-level safety assessment under the general safety requirement. Historic SCCNFP/SCCS opinions discuss safe use parameters for AHAs (leave-on around ≤10% at pH ≥3.5, sunburn warning). Verify dossier status in CosIng. (European Commission)
U.S. FDA (Cosmetics): Guidance recommends labeling for AHA-containing cosmetics and notes consumer-level conditions often referenced as ≤10% AHA and pH ≥3.5 plus sun protection directions. (FDA)
CIR Expert Panel: AHAs (incl. glycolic acid) are safe as used in cosmetics at ≤10% and final pH >3.5, when formulated to avoid increasing sun sensitivity. (CIR, Cosmetics Info)
5. Clinical Evidence (exfoliation/texture/clarity)
Mechanism & renewal: Human-skin explants show collagen stimulation & epidermal renewal at pH 4 glycolic acid. (PMC)
Acne/texture: Split-face/RCT and reviews support 40% GA peels improving moderate acne and photoaging endpoints; widely used by dermatologists. (PubMed, PMC)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
Irritation/stinging/dryness are dose- and pH-dependent; photosensitivity increases with AHA use—pair with daily broad-spectrum SPF and sunburn warning. Avoid compromised skin; titrate frequency for sensitive users. See CIR and FDA guidance for endpoints and labeling. (CIR, FDA, NCBI)
7. Stability & Packaging
Water-soluble acid; effective at low pH (~3.5–4.0). Validate preservative efficacy and packaging compatibility; opaque/UV-protective, well-sealed packs recommended. Irritation risk rises as pH drops and % increases. (Cosmetics Info, MakingCosmetics)
8. Cost–Benefit
Widely available, strong consumer recognition, and clear safety guardrails (FDA/CIR) make GA a scalable core for exfoliating portfolios; small molecule size often delivers visible texture/brightness gains at cosmetic-range strengths. (FDA, CIR)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Exfoliates to smooth rough texture and boost radiance.
✅ Helps refine the look of pores and reduce dullness for a fresher complexion.
✅ Supports surface cell turnover for more even-looking tone.
❌ Avoid drug-like cure/treatment claims outside approved contexts; include sunburn alert where applicable.
Kaolin — Customization Details for Exfoliating
1. INCI & CAS
INCI: Kaolin · CAS: 1332-58-7 · Naturally occurring hydrous aluminum silicate; fine white/cream, insoluble mineral powder. (European Commission, PubChem, Wikipedia)
2. Role in Exfoliating
A mild abrasive and strong absorbent that lifts oil/impurities, tightens look of pores, and provides gentle mechanical micro-polishing—ideal for soft, non-acid exfoliation and clay masks for oily/combination skin. (European Commission, SpecialChem)
3. Typical Use Levels (formulation custom guide)
Cleansers/Soaps: 1–20%
Creams/Lotions (oil-control): 2–10%
Scrubs/Muddy cleansers: 10–30%
Clay masks: 30–70% (common consumer ranges 50–75% for classic masks).
Final level depends on rheology, slip, and rinseability. (MakingCosmetics, Wholesale Supplies Plus, Lotioncrafter)
4. Regulatory Sources & Global Compliance
EU (Reg. (EC) No 1223/2009 / CosIng): Kaolin listed with functions ABRASIVE, ABSORBENT, ANTICAKING, BULKING, COLORANT, OPACIFYING; not specifically restricted in Annex III; also referenced as colorant CI 77004 (Annex IV/119). Use subject to product-level safety assessment (PIF). (European Commission)
CIR Expert Panel (2023 amended review): Kaolin is safe in cosmetics under present practices of use/concentration; insufficient data for safety in products that may be incidentally inhaled (avoid respirable sprays/aerosols). (CIR)
Worker exposure context: Agencies set dust exposure limits; minimize airborne powder during manufacturing. (OSHA)
5. Clinical Evidence (exfoliation/texture/sebum)
Clinical trials of clay masks containing kaolin (often with bentonite) in oily/acne skin report improvements in sebum control, texture, porphyrins, and tolerance over 2–4 weeks. (PubMed, PMC)
6. Safety & Risk Assessment (toxicology highlights)
Generally well-tolerated topically; main concern is inhalation of fine dust (chronic exposure can affect lungs)—engineer controls and avoid aerosolized consumer formats. CIR advises against uses with potential incidental inhalation; follow workplace dust limits. (CIR, beta.cdc.gov, OSHA)
7. Stability & Packaging
Chemically inert, water- and oil-insoluble; supports viscosity/opacity; stable across typical cosmetic pH. Store dry, in well-sealed packs to prevent moisture uptake and dusting; validate per-SKU microbiology (water-containing masks). (PubChem, MakingCosmetics, brazosport.edu)
8. Cost–Benefit
Abundant, cost-effective, consumer-familiar clay with clear safety guidance (CIR) and EU database recognition—ideal for scalable B2B exfoliating/oil-control lines and spa-style masks. (Cir Safety, European Commission)
9. Claims Language (Do/Don’t)
✅ Absorbs excess oil and purifies to visibly refine pores.
✅ Provides gentle exfoliation for smoother, fresher-looking skin.
✅ Helps mattify without harsh stripping when balanced with humectants.
❌ Avoid drug-like/medical cure claims; don’t imply inhalable powder use in sprays.
Custom Product Applications
Our exfoliating solutions are available in targeted formats for face, body, and lips—customizable by skin type, concentration, and texture—delivering effective, gentle exfoliation for global brands across daily-use, weekly, and professional-strength products.
Exfoliation Trends & Market Insights
The rise of “chemical exfoliator” searches, gentle multi-use routines, and social media trends like “glassy skin” are reshaping exfoliation products—creating high-value opportunities for brands across skincare and body care categories.
Market Overview
Search interest for “chemical exfoliator” is rapidly increasing, particularly among DTC beauty brands in the US and Europe. Gentle exfoliation is becoming a key product differentiator—low-concentration daily formulas and higher-concentration weekly treatments are both in demand. Consumers now seek “sensitive skin-friendly” and “barrier-supportive” solutions, often paired with hydrating actives for a balanced approach. On TikTok and Instagram, topics like “glassy skin” and “resurfacing night routine” have generated strong engagement, boosting sales for products that combine visible texture improvement with an enjoyable user experience. For brands, aligning exfoliating products with these trends—while offering format variety from serums to masks—can strengthen positioning and capture growth in both mass and premium markets.
Trending Keywords in Exfoliation
- chemical exfoliator – Searchers looking for chemical-based exfoliating products
- gentle exfoliating toner – Consumers seeking mild daily exfoliation
- resurfacing serum – Shoppers interested in texture-smoothing treatments
- glassy skin routine – Trend-followers aiming for ultra-smooth, radiant skin
- AHA BHA PHA toner – Skincare enthusiasts looking for multi-acid blends
Customization Options for Packaging & Branding
Explore flexible packaging options, bottle types, and private label services. From tube to jar, we match your brand’s tone and market position.
Cosmetic formulation development
Your formula is the soul of your brand. Whether you’re developing a gentle serum for sensitive skin, a high-efficacy anti-aging cream, or a scalp-purifying shampoo, our in-house chemists create custom cosmetic formulations tailored to your desired effect, skin type, region, and ingredient philosophy.
With over 5,000+ proven base formulas and full white-label development support, we help you build a product that meets your performance goals, brand values, and market trends.
Available Services:
Active ingredient sourcing & formulation balancing
Custom texture creation: gel, cream, balm, lotion, foam, oil
Ingredient selection for target concerns: anti-acne, brightening, anti-aging, hydration
Support for natural, vegan, EWG green-level formulations
Regional compliance: USA, EU, AU, JP standards
Custom Cosmetic Packaging Styles
Packaging plays a critical role in how your brand is perceived. Whether you need luxury glass droppers, airless pump bottles, eco-friendly refill pouches, or retail-friendly PET tubes, we provide 3000+ stock and customizable packaging options.
From minimalist matte finishes to glossy foil-stamped designs, our packaging engineers help you select the perfect form and material—whether for prestige skincare, professional haircare, or clean beauty positioning.
Available Options:
Glass, PET, PP, PCR, aluminum, bamboo, and more
Airless pumps, sprayers, jars, tubes, and dropper bottles
Color-matching, texture finishes, and custom mold services
Cosmetic Box, Label Design for skincare brands
Beyond the bottle, your visual identity sets your product apart. Our in-house design team creates custom label layouts, box designs, and full branding suites—including logo placement, font matching, and barcode compliance.
We also offer waterproof labels, UV spot gloss, embossing, foil stamping, and other premium finishes to ensure your packaging feels as high-end as your formula. Whether you’re building an Amazon FBA product or a salon-grade kit, we help make your product shelf-ready.
Design Services Include:
Free artwork design and dieline support
Amazon & retail barcode setup (FNSKU/UPC)
Custom printing on labels, boxes, pouches, and shrink wraps
Cosmetic Box Customization for Skincare Brands
Beyond the bottle, your outer packaging is your first impression. Our team provides custom cosmetic box solutions with tailored box styles, premium cardboard or specialty paper choices, and protective inserts in EVA, molded pulp, or PET.
We also offer specialty printing options, matte or glossy lamination, foil stamping, embossing, and spot UV to create a tactile, luxury feel. Whether for boutique retail, e‑commerce, or professional kits, we ensure your packaging enhances your brand story.
Customization Options Include:
Box style selection: tuck‑end, drawer, magnetic, or folding carton
Material choices: rigid board, kraft, coated paperboard
Insert options: EVA foam, molded pulp, PET, or cardboard
Cosmetic Box Logo Finishing for Premium Branding
Beyond structure, your logo finish defines your product’s luxury appeal. We offer custom cosmetic packaging logo treatments including emboss, gold foil printing, silver foil, glossy lamination, holographic effects, and spot UV for high-impact shelf presence.
From subtle debossed textures to striking holographic foil, each technique is chosen to enhance your brand story and match your target market positioning. Whether for upscale retail, e‑commerce, or professional use, our finishes help your product stand out.
Finishing Options Include:
Emboss & Deboss logo impressions
Gold, silver, and holographic foil stamping
Spot UV for selective gloss highlights
Glossy or matte lamination for surface protection
Ready to create your own exfoliation product?
If you have your own formula, packaging idea, logo artwork, or even just a concept, please share the details of your project requirements, including preferred product type, ingredients, scent, and customization needs. Feel free to contact us to customize exfoliating formulations ranging from gentle daily use to professional-grade peels, and let your product line reveal new radiance.
More Exfoliating product customization instructions and FAQs
Market Trends: Regular exfoliation removes dead skin cells for a smoother, brighter complexion and enhances absorption of subsequent skincare. Our Exfoliation formulation service helps brands launch various exfoliating products – from physical scrubs and chemical peel toners to enzyme exfoliation masks – to meet the needs of different skin types and usage scenarios. Whether you need a gentle daily exfoliator or a professional-grade resurfacing serum, we can customize it according to your brand’s positioning.
Effective Ingredients: We offer a variety of approaches to exfoliation. For chemical exfoliation, we use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic, lactic, or mandelic acid to dissolve intercellular bonds in the stratum corneum, promoting cell turnover; beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) like salicylic acid penetrates into pores to clear oil and debris, which is especially beneficial for acne-prone skin. Enzymes such as papain (from papaya) and bromelain (from pineapple) provide a gentle option that “eats away” dead cells without harming live tissue. For physical scrubs, we utilize natural, biodegradable particles – for example, ground apricot shells, sea salt, coffee grounds, or jojoba beads – avoiding plastic microbeads for an eco-friendly, safe exfoliation. We choose appropriate particle sizes and concentrations based on the product concept so the scrub is effective but not overly abrasive. Additionally, we often include soothing and moisturizing agents like honey, vitamin B5, or chamomile extract to care for the fresh skin revealed after exfoliation.
Our formulations: In development, we carefully balance exfoliation strength with safety. For chemical exfoliants, we optimize the pH and acid concentration so that they effectively remove dead cells while minimizing irritation and complying with regulations (for example, adhering to EU limits on AHA content). For physical scrubs, we test and select particles of ideal hardness and shape to ensure they polish without scratching the skin. For enzyme-based formulas, we focus on maintaining enzyme activity – for instance, formulating in an anhydrous base or specific pH environment to keep the enzymes potent. All exfoliation products undergo stability and efficacy testing; we can also help conduct small consumer trials to verify gentleness and results, which provides trustworthy data for your marketing.
Regulatory Compliance: All whitening agents and antioxidants we use comply with regulations in target markets (EU, USA, etc.). For EU products, for example, we avoid banned ingredients like hydroquinone and use safe alternatives. We provide necessary documentation such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and Certificates of Analysis (COA), and assist with required testing (e.g., stability, microbial challenge tests, even clinical efficacy trials through partners) to support your product claims.
Success Story: A U.S. men’s skincare brand needed a face exfoliating scrub for their grooming kit. We developed a hybrid formula containing natural walnut shell granules and 5% lactic acid, providing both physical and chemical exfoliation, and added aloe vera plus vitamin E to minimize post-scrub irritation. The brand ordered an initial 1,000 sets of the men’s skincare kit, and the scrub received great feedback: users reported smoother skin texture, easier shaving, and no excessive dryness. The product also earned eco-friendly points for using natural scrubbing particles.
Q: Plastic microbeads are banned now; are the scrub particles you use environmentally friendly?
A: Yes, we exclusively use eco-friendly alternatives. As mentioned, we utilize naturally biodegradable abrasives like plant shell powders, salt or sugar crystals, and plant wax beads that won’t pollute waterways. Even for synthetic particles, we use materials like jojoba ester beads that are biodegradable. You can confidently market your product as “microbead-free,” and our formulations will comply with all national bans on plastic microbeads.
Q: If we want to create an at-home AHA peel product, how do we determine the acid level and usage guidelines?
A: An at-home peel needs to strike a balance between efficacy and safety. Typically, for daily-use AHA products (like an overnight serum), we’d keep total acid content around 5-10% with a pH of about 3.5-4.0, so it’s safe for most users and compliant with regulations (such as EU guidelines). If it’s a periodic-use home peel kit, the acid percentage might be higher but designed for short contact time with a rinse-off usage. We will provide clear usage instructions, for example, “use twice a week, leave on for 10 minutes then rinse,” and recommend pairing with moisturization and sun protection. Our team can advise appropriate concentrations per your market’s regulations and help conduct efficacy testing to pinpoint the optimal formula that noticeably improves skin texture without causing adverse reactions.
Q: Can your exfoliating formulas be gentle enough for sensitive skin?
A: Yes. We can adjust acid concentrations or use gentler options like enzymes and PHAs to reduce barrier stress, while pairing them with hydrating and soothing ingredients. This ensures comfortable exfoliation that maintains the skin’s balance and delivers visible results.
Q: Can you customize exfoliating products for different areas like face, body, and scalp?
A: Absolutely. We select exfoliation methods and textures suited to the skin thickness, oil levels, and care routines of each area. For example, facial formulas tend to be lighter and gentler, body products may include scrubbing particles, and scalp care uses refreshing liquid formats.
Q: Can you offer exfoliating products in different strengths for daily care and professional treatments?
A: Yes. We can develop low-concentration, gentle formulas for daily use, as well as higher-concentration weekly or professional-grade products. This allows your brand to cater to everyday skincare users while also meeting the needs of high-end salon and clinic treatments.
Let’s Build a Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliating Line
Whether your customers need pore-clearing toners or body glow scrubs, we’ll help you create safe, effective exfoliating formulas customized to every skin type and region.
