14 Can’t-Miss Beauty Deals Happening During CVS’ Epic Beauty Sale
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
It’s no secret that CVS has some of our favorite drugstore beauty picks, and its Epic Beauty Sale is making things even better. From August 17 to 30, get $10 off when you spend $25 or more on beauty and personal care. The only catch is that you need to be an ExtraCare member—but it's free to sign up, so what are you waiting for?
While I implore you to grab all the hydrators for the upcoming fall season (crazy, I know!), you’d be remiss not to shop our oral health must-haves from Crest and Oral-B. There are also tons of great body and bath products you need to shop (I’m looking at you, Dr. Teal's). So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself, fill your cart, and thank us later. You won’t regret it.
Our Top CVS Epic Beauty Deals
- Moisture Mania: Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer, $18
- Clean N' Clear: Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, $23
- Soft Focus: Dove Skin Nourishing Sensitive Skin Body Wash, $10
- Plaque Buster: Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush in Night Black, $65
- Silky Strands: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing Lamination Mask, $13
- Goddess Glow: Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30, $23
- Pearly Whites: Crest 3D Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit, $25
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Bubble Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer
Bubble Skincare
Beauty Slam Dunk Hydrating Moisturizer
CVS
True to its name, Bubble’s everyday moisturizer is a slam dunk for dry skin. It’s formulated with barrier-repairing aloe leaf juice, antioxidant-rich vitamin E, and hydrating hoya lacunosa flower, so you score a radiant, glowing complexion.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
Versed
Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
CVS (Buy 1, get 1 50% off)
Take the day off with Versed’s Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, made with vitamin E, jojoba oil, and clove leaf oil. It melts into your skin on contact, breaking down makeup and impurities without leaving it dry or stripped. Once rinsed away, your skin is perfectly prepped for a second cleanse. (Add Versed’s The Purist Antioxidant Cleanser and you’ve easily hit your $25 minimum for that sweet, sweet $10 off.)
Dove Skin Nourishing Sensitive Skin Body Wash
Dove
Sensitive Skin Body Wash
CVS
If your usual scented body wash is triggering flare-ups, swap in Dove’s Sensitive Skin Body Wash. The milky, hydrating formula softens skin while being sulfate-free and hypoallergenic, so you get all the moisture without the irritation (big win).
Oral-B iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric
Toothbrush, Night Black
Oral-B
iO Series 2 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush, Night Black
CVS
You don’t usually think “sexy” when it comes to toothbrushes, but the Oral-B iO Series 2 changes that. Yes, it looks sleek on your countertop, but it also runs almost silently, delivers a deep clean, has a long-lasting battery, and offers Daily Clean, Gentle, and Super Sensitive modes.
L'Oréal Paris EverPure Glossing Lamination Mask
L'Oreal Paris
EverPure Sulfate Free Glossing Hair Mask
CVS
Glossy, commercial-worthy hair isn’t just for the salon. L’Oréal Paris Ever Glossing Mask delivers a bouncy, high-shine finish, and lasts up to five days. We like using it twice a week for a boost in hair health (and yes, it’s safe for color-treated strands!).
Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30
Vacation
Chardonnay Oil, SPF 30
CVS
Our editors love an SPF body oil, but finding one with enough protection isn’t always easy. This one from Vacation packs SPF 30, so you’re shielded from the sun while your lips glow in all of its glory.
Crest 3D Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
Crest
3D Whitestrips Dental Whitening Kit
CVS
As avid coffee drinkers, the editors at Allure rely on Crest Dental Whitening Strips to keep our pearly whites, well, white. The no-slip grip means you can drink water—and even chat—while wearing them, so daily use feels like no big deal.
Gillette Venus MoistureGlide Razor
Gillette
Venus MoistureGlide Razor
CVS
Armpit hair hates to see Venus’s Moisture Glide razor coming. Argan oil–scented lubricating strips help protect against irritation, leaving your skin feeling smoother than butter, and the ergonomic weighted metal handle gives you the precision you need to address every teensy hair.
Milani Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Smoothing Primer
Milani
Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Smoothing Primer
CVS
A cooling sensation, disappearing pores, and moisture-locking micro powders? Yes, please. Milani’s Conceal + Protect Blur Out Smoothing Primer also packs hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and niacinamide to hydrate and nourish, so whether you wear it solo or under foundation, your skin is guaranteed to look filtered—no app needed.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Firework Mascara
Maybelline
Lash Sensational Firework Mascara
CVS
Maybelline New York’s OG Lash Sensational Mascara has been a staple for years, but there have been tons of new twists on the original formula. Meet the Lash Sensational Firework Mascara, which adds serious length and drama to even the tiniest lashes without leaving a single smudge. We appreciate that it’s infused with vitamin B5 to give your lashes some much-needed nourishment.
Eos Body Lotion in Vanilla Cashmere
EOS
Body Lotion in Vanilla Cashmere
CVS
This body lotion has gone viral for good reason—it smells luxurious without the hefty price tag. The warm, buttery scent layers beautifully with vanilla-based perfumes, and it keeps your skin soft and nourished for hours, so you can leave that dry, stripped feeling in the past.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Neutrogena
Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
CVS
Neutrogena’s Cleansing Towelettes are a travel must-have because there’s no need for a balm and a washcloth. Just wipe and go when you’re in a pinch. Of course, we still recommend following up with a face wash for a more thorough clean.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
E.L.F. Cosmetics
Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum
CVS
Packed with 15% vitamin C, 1% vitamin E, and 0.5% ferulic acid (yes, similar to the famed SkinCeuticals trio), this serum makes achieving radiant, even-looking skin more affordable than ever. It brightens, reduces dark spots and fine lines, and evens skin tone over time, all without the greasy feel that many vitamin C serums have.
Dr. Teal's Melatonin Sleep Foaming Bath
Dr. Teal’s
Melatonin Sleep Foaming Bath
CVS
“This is an absolute staple in my pre-snooze bath routine,” says Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner. “It smells like a dream—hi, lavender—and helps me actually fall asleep for a noticeably restful night. The brand’s Melatonin line has tons of products, including a body oil I can’t skip (mostly because it feels insanely silky!).”
How we find the best CVS beauty deals
Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.
Why trust Allure?
No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
These Chemical Body Exfoliators Soften Skin in Seconds
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
For a long time, exfoliating your body meant reaching for a rough, gritty scrub and hoping you wouldn’t regret it afterward. But the best chemical body exfoliators—think lotions, sprays, and washes infused with acids—are here to make smooth, glowing skin a whole lot easier. “Chemical exfoliation can often be more effective and consistent than physical scrubs because ingredients like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid dissolve the bonds that hold dead skin cells together rather than just manually sloughing them off,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This is especially helpful for concerns like [body] acne, keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, or uneven texture, where a gentle, even exfoliation is ideal.”
Our Top Chemical Body Exfoliators
- Best Overall: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, $32
- Best Leave-On Body Serum: Soft Services Smoothing Solution AHA Chemical Peel Body Exfoliator, $30
- Best for Rough Skin: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator, $30
- Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Body KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
- Best Exfoliating Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin, $14
- Best Quick-Drying: PanOxyl Acne Banishing Body Spray, $12
Physical exfoliating body scrubs still have their place from time to time, but Dr. Engelman warns they can irritate sensitive skin or micro-tear the surface if overused. The biggest perk of chemical exfoliants: They do the heavy lifting for you—no vigorous scrubbing needed—leaving skin softer, smoother, and more even with less effort. Here, our favorites.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: Paula's Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Paula’s Choice
Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Bumpy skin? Redness? Breakout-prone? All of the above? Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a salicylic acid–based lotion “great for arms and legs,” says Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It absorbs easily and smooths rough skin, otherwise known as chicken skin. The green tea and chamomile combat irritation, allowing the salicylic acid to work its magic.” Its silky texture delivers light hydration on its own, but if your skin runs extra dry, layering a moisturizer on top will help seal it in. Dr. Engelman adds, “This lightweight lotion is one of my go-to recommendations for body acne, clogged pores, or uneven texture because salicylic acid penetrates pores to clear debris while gently exfoliating.” Over time, it leaves skin clearer with every use.
Editor's tip
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Known for its calming and healing properties, allantoin helps reduce redness, ease irritation, and support skin repair.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, allantoin, bisabolol
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Leave-On Body Serum: Soft Services Smoothing Solution AHA Chemical Peel Body Exfoliator
Soft Services
Smoothing Solution AHA Chemical Peel Body Exfoliator
Sephora
Soft Services
Why it's worth it: With a name like Soft Services, you know silky skin is the mission. Their Smoothing Solution AHA Chemical Peel Body Exfoliator is a lightweight, serum-like treatment powered by lactic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells, urea to draw in moisture and soften rough patches, and centella asiatica extract to soothe irritation. While it’s a leave-on treatment, the gel formula sinks in fast, so you can get dressed right away without your clothes clinging to your skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I have KP on the backs of my arms, and this has been great for smoothing out that rough, bumpy texture. The clear gel rubs in easily (though just be careful—it's a bit runny so squeezes out of the tube very easily), and beyond exfoliating, it feels surprisingly calming on my skin, helping to reduce redness and irritation over time.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 10% lactic acid, 5% urea, glycerin, aloe, Centella asiatica extract
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Rough Skin: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Nécessaire
The Body Exfoliator
Amazon
Nécessaire
Why it's worth it: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator gives you the best of both worlds—physical and chemical exfoliation—in a sleek tube. This 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner combines gentle charcoal powder and volcanic pumice with “a blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acid formulated to soften and cleanse skin while clearing out clogged pores,” says Dr. Wolinsky. Unlike a straight-up physical exfoliator, you don’t have to scrub endlessly to see results, as the chemical acids do most of the hard work while the fine particles give that instant smoothness. “I love that you can use this creamy body wash in the shower as a low-effort product for anyone who doesn’t like to apply lotions or treatments to their skin,” adds Dr. Engelman.
Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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“It's the only body exfoliator I use on my KP right now because it smells so good. I use this eucalyptus-scented one, which reminds me of a steam room in a fancy spa and keeps the tiny bumps on the backs of my arms at bay. I love that it doesn't feel too scratchy. I find some body scrubs to be too aggressive, leaving my skin red and irritated. This one is gentle but leaves my skin feeling squeaky clean.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: volcanic pumice, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, charcoal powder
- Fragrance-free: no (but there's a fragrance-free option)
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Body KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: There’s something extra satisfying about exfoliating in the shower—steam softens your skin, the water helps whisk away dead skin, and you step out already feeling smoother. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub takes that to the next level for anyone dealing with keratosis pilaris or stubborn rough patches. “Its lactic and glycolic acids offer gentle exfoliation to buff bumps while urea hydrates. The serum-lotion hybrid texture is lightweight and non-greasy, making it ideal for daily use on arms, thighs, and even the back without irritation,” says Dr. Engelman, who loves that it can deliver visible results in just a few weeks. With pumice micro-crystals for gentle physical exfoliation and a fragrance-free formula, it’s a sensitive skin-friendly way to reveal softer, more even skin.
Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath
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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —McGrath
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pumice, 10% glycolic acid, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes, but also comes in Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach options
Best Exfoliating Body Wash for Sensitive Skin: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
CeraVe
SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Amazon
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: CeraVe is a drugstore skin care staple, and its SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a dermatologist's go-to for smoothing texture, especially for those with sensitive skin. “It cleanses and exfoliates while simultaneously helping to restore the skin barrier with three essential ceramides,” Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Along with those barrier-supporting ceramides, it’s formulated with salicylic acid to unclog pores, improve natural cell turnover, and minimize the appearance of keratosis pilaris. Plus, it has hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate, calm, and strengthen skin.
Tester feedback from Lee
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“I’ve dealt with strawberry skin (those tiny dark dots that look like the seeds on a strawberry, often caused by clogged pores or keratosis pilaris) on my thighs and upper arms for most of my life, and this is one of the few body washes that actually helps without irritating my skin. The gel texture feels silky going on, builds a satisfying lather, and somehow manages to exfoliate while leaving my sensitive skin feeling calm, moisturized, and noticeably smoother.” —Lee
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Quick-Drying: PanOxyl Acne Banishing Body Spray
Panoxyl
Acne Banishing Body Spray
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If you’re dealing with hard-to-reach bacne (or just love the ease of a spray-and-go fix), PanOxyl Acne Banishing Body Spray has you covered. “It contains 2% salicylic acid that is easy to use and absorbs quickly. It also has niacinamide and aloe to combat dryness and irritation from this chemical exfoliant,” says Dr. Wolinsky. The continuous mist even works upside down, letting you target your back, shoulders, and other tricky spots without awkward angles. It dries fast, clears pores, calms redness, and smooths texture, making it a must-have for busy, active days. “I often recommend this spray to use if you can’t shower after the gym,” says Dr. Engelman.
Editor's tip
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The witch hazel in this spray is a natural astringent to help tighten pores, reduce excess oil, and calm inflammation.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, witch hazel, aloe
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chemical exfoliant “better” for the body?
For many people, chemical exfoliants are the go-to for addressing body concerns like keratosis pilaris, acne, or uneven texture. “Chemical and physical exfoliation can both be effective, but chemical exfoliation is more effective for treating bumpy, rough skin,” says Dr. Wolinsky. In terms of format, “A lotion, spray, or cream that stays on the skin would be the most beneficial versus a scrub or cleanser, as leave-on skin-care products have more time to work. Just remember exfoliation needs to be done regularly to see results,” she says.
Which is the best chemical exfoliant?
The best chemical exfoliant depends on your skin type and concerns. For those with acne-prone skin or clogged pores, salicylic acid is a great option because it gently penetrates the pores to help clear out excess oil and debris. Glycolic acid is a powerhouse for overall smoothing and brightening, though it can be more intense for sensitive skin. Lactic acid, on the other hand, is ideal for dryness or sensitivity. “Lactic acid is one of the most gentle and hydrating chemical exfoliants because it’s a larger molecule, meaning it absorbs more slowly and causes less irritation,” says Dr. Engelman. “It also has a natural humectant property, so it attracts water to the skin while it exfoliates.”
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- Claire Wolinsky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Spring Street Dermatology based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best chemical body exfoliators, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Gabrielle Union’s Three-Braid Ponytail Is Totally Party-Proof
Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
With August more than halfway over, it's hard not to start getting excited about all things autumn. But Gabrielle Union would like to remind you that there's still many a sunny day to enjoy before fall, and she's got the perfect hairstyle to get you through your plans, no matter how windy or snazzy they may be.
Union, one of our favorite frequent hair switcher-uppers, posted a carousel to Instagram in which you can truly feel the relaxation through your phone screen. In some photos, she's chilling on a boat with husband Dwyane Wade in Prada sunglasses, a Monday bikini top, and L'Agence pants; in others, she's smiling with friends in a sweet, cream-colored sweater at a beachy yet polished party. “Today was the good part,” she wrote. But the best part, if you ask us, was her hair.
The actor and entrepreneur's hair was sleekly pulled back into a ponytail by Wankaya Hinkson, one of Union's go-to hairstylists. Gathered high on the back of her head, the ponytail splits off into three tight braids that can swing around playfully—and from the looks of it, they did, especially when she was on the boat.
But you know what didn't swing around on that boat? A single hair from the base of that ponytail. It is so slick, so motionless, so committed to her scalp it seems to defy several laws of physics.
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Needless to say, whether the rest of your summer includes plans to party on land or sea, Union's three-braid pony is a perfect option. Just be sure you've got strong-hold hairspray.