When looking for an exfoliator, keep in mind that there are two main methods of at-home exfoliation—physical exfoliation, which uses a tool or a scrub to remove dead skin cells; and chemical exfoliation, which uses products that contains acids such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, which include glycolic acid) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, which include salicylic acid). Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you’re looking for products that cater to your specific skin type, especially if you have sensitive skin. We researched dozens of exfoliators and evaluated them for form, key ingredients, usage, targeted anatomy, and pricing.
These are the best exfoliators on the market today.
T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is a mask treatment that’s packed with a blend of 25 percent alpha hydroxy acids or AHAs (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, and citric acids) and 2 percent beta hydroxy acid or BHA (salicylic acid) that exfoliate and resurface skin for a smoother, brighter appearance. It can help minimize the look of pores, fine lines, acne, and wrinkles while delivering brightening benefits for a more even and “baby-soft” complexion.
The brand recommends using the treatment once weekly, applying the mask to clean skin and leaving it on for 20 minutes. And while it’s formulated with all skin types in mind, the potent ingredients can be too strong for some with sensitive skin, so it’s important to do a patch test or start slow with usage, especially if you already have redness or sensitized areas.
Price at time of publication: $65
This night cream features glycolic acid to promote cellular turnover, but it is also blended with 2% phytic acid to help with skin clarity and brightness. A blend of natural oils and botanicals further helps in soothing and hydrating skin. A 12-week clinical study showed that users of the SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew experienced an improvement in the appearance of hyperpigmentation, skin texture, and tone.
While glycolic acid is a safe and effective ingredient in skincare, some skin types may need time to acclimate to it. SkinCeuticals recommends initially using the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight to once every other evening then increasing to every evening after one week. The high concentration of glycolic acid may also cause mild symptoms, such as redness and temporary skin purging, but these side effects resolve with continued use.
Price at time of publication: $74
This affordable body wash is infused with arabica coffee and coconut oil that help moisturize your skin and is formulated with scrubby rice bran wax that exfoliate and smoothen rough patches. We especially love the scent of this lathering wash—the coconut oil and arabica coffee aroma is invigorating but not overwhelming.
This is a great option for those looking for extra exfoliation in the shower or bath, though due to the fact that it is sulfate-free, it doesn’t give you a sudsy, bubbly wash. It is, however, gentle enough for sensitive skins.
Price at time of publication: $7
Even with its potent glycolic acid formulation, this exfoliator is soothing enough for skin that’s easily irritated. It features a blend of calming ingredients—vitamin E, squalane, shea butter, arnica flower, and aloe—to soothe, while hyaluronic acid aids in increasing hydration in the skin.
Price at time of publication: $30
This exfoliating scrub helps to improve texture and pores, remove surface dullness, and soften fine lines and wrinkles. That’s thanks to the AHA lactic acid and BHA salicylic acid, which help to chemically exfoliate by dissolving dead skin, and the papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes, which help naturally smoothen dry and flaky skin. The silica in this treatment provides the physical exfoliation by acting as a natural bead to slough off dead skin cells.
The other ingredients, which include aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E, provide the soothing and smoothing properties, gentle enough for sensitive skin.
Price at time of publication: $28
This scrub’s physical exfoliation comes in the form of pink salt, volcanic sand, and pomegranate to help purify pores and minimize their appearance. Tula’s formulation also includes lactic acid and hibiscus flower acid, which chemically exfoliates the skin to dissolve dirt and unclog pores. It’s further packed with probiotic extracts and raspberry leaf to help soften and balance skin.
The So Poreless Blackhead Scrub is also free of common skincare ingredients that may cause irritation for some sensitive skins, such as parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
Price at time of publication: $34
It’s also free of many skincare ingredients that can cause issues for those with sensitive or easily irritated skin, such as parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde. In addition, it’s vegan and cruelty-free.
Price at time of publication: $8
We also love the silky, whipped consistency of this body scrub, which helps bring a luxe, spa-like experience in the shower. This gentle exfoliator can also be used in conjunction with an AHA body scrub or body lotion for more intense exfoliation.
Price at time of publication: $15
Once we narrowed down our options, we compared each exfoliator’s benefits to its price tag. While some choices on our list may be more expensive than others, we wanted to give a wide range of options for buyers that would fit all needs and budgets. Based on all of these factors, we compiled this list of the best exfoliators.
What to Look for in an Exfoliator
Physical Vs. Chemical
Chemical exfoliation involves products with ingredients that do the work for you, versus a manual method. Chemical exfoliators are derived from different active ingredients that have the ability to remove dead skin cells, according to Dr. Wood.
Physical exfoliators manually remove skin cells and other debris from the surface of the skin. “Physical exfoliators typically have salt or sugar granules, or sometimes finely ground powders, that physically remove dead skin cells as they are massaged on the skin,” says Dr. Wood.
While many physical exfoliators are gentle enough for regular use, pay close attention to the type of granules a scrub or product uses. “I recommend avoiding [physical] exfoliators with large beads or particles that are harsh for the skin surface,” says Dr. Wood. “These larger particles or beads can cause microabrasions to the skin surface.”
Ingredients
Many dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants as they work to improve skin texture without abrasive agents. Before you choose an exfoliant, consider the active ingredients of the product for your skin type.
Acids
“Within the category of chemical exfoliators are alpha and beta hydroxy acids,” explains Emily Wood, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology. “Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), such as salicylic acid, are able to penetrate oil glands which is helpful for acne.”
Alpha hydroxy acids are reported to improve wrinkling, roughness, and mottled pigmentation of photodamaged skin after weeks of daily application. “Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) include glycolic, lactic, tartaric, mandelic, malic, and citric acids,” says Dr. Wood. She adds that both AHAs and BHAs can help with decreasing the appearance of pores and wrinkles, even out skin tone, improve skin texture, and unclog pores.
Retinoids
Some chemical exfoliants also include topical retinoids, such as retinol and Retin-A. Topical retinoids are prescribed to help improve and diminish signs of aging, including fine lines and wrinkles and hyperpigmentation.
Skin Type
Exfoliation is an effective way to improve the appearance of the skin, but it’s important to consider your skin type before using an exfoliating product so you can avoid damaging your skin.
For sensitive skin, it’s all about the concentration of the exfoliant, according to Paul Jarrod Frank, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist, chief medical officer and founder of PFRANKMD. “I usually recommend a glycolic acid that’s about two percent or a retinol that contains 0.025% and moisturize first before applying the retinol,” says Dr. Frank.
According to the ADA, those with oily, thicker skin may want to use stronger chemical treatments or mechanical exfoliation. “Acne-prone skin can generally tolerate higher exfoliating acids like 10 percent glycolic acid or retinol in 0.05-0.1 percent concentrations,” Dr. Frank explains.
Those with more mature or drier skin types may also need to exfoliate more gently or carefully. “Mature skin typically lacks hydration so stick with lower acids and build up a tolerance if your skin can handle it without irritation or dryness,” says Dr. Frank.
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You’ll want to choose the right method of exfoliation for your skin type. While many exfoliating products are gentle enough for most people to use, those with sensitive skin may need to be more careful. “If you have sensitive skin, you can exfoliate one to two times a week,” says Dr. Jaliman. “You can exfoliate daily if you don’t have sensitive skin.”
