The 20 Best Facial Exfoliators for Soft and Smooth Skin
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When it comes to skincare , you probably have the basics covered. You have face wash , a moisturizer , and, hopefully, an SPF you actually apply every day. After this, we might suggest you dip into face serums . Or, alternatively, we like a skincare half-step. Between the basics and a higher-level routine sit exfoliators. An exfoliator is basically a scrub or treatment that helps remove dead skin, unclog pores, smooth rough texture, and leave you looking fresher and more radiant; some serums do this, yes, but we're looking at pure exfoliators here. If your skin's been feeling dull, flaky, or bumpy, this is a category worth looking into.
There are two main types of exfoliators to keep in mind: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliators manually buff the skin with ingredients like charcoal, sugar, or other fine scrubbing particles, while chemical exfoliators use acids—namely AHAs like lactic and malic acid, and BHAs like salicylic acid—to gently dissolve dead skin. The right pick depends on your skin type and skin concerns, whether that's excess oil , dryness , acne, or general irritation . Some formulas are made to deep clean, some to brighten, and others to hydrate. These are 20 of our favorites .
Anthony Facial Scrub
With physical and chemical properties, this scrub with vitamin C, chamomile, and Bora Bora white sand is gentle yet effective for all skin types, with nourishing properties even as it gives you a deep cleanse.
Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub
With a mint scent and powerful vitamin C as a key ingredient, this is an exfoliating scrub that you'll feel working. It's also formulated specifically for men as a pre-shave exfoliating facial cleanser, and it's a good one to add to your shaving routine.
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant Deep Pore Face Scrub
Lactic and malic acids, charcoal, and niacinamide make this chemical exfoliant an ingredient powerhouse when it comes to skin brightening, smoothing, and correcting discoloration. If you're looking for something gentler that will soothe your skin while still exfoliating, go with the brand's Daily Milkfoliant .
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser
A cleanser and exfoliator in one, this one by Kate Somerville is gentle, nourishing, and hydrating, but it certainly doesn't mess around when it comes to clearing breakouts, dead skin, and discoloration.
Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub Facial Cleanser
If you're looking for a pick under $10, Olay makes a great pore scrub that exfoliates and cleanses in one go. It's a good choice if you don't know what you're looking for specifically in an exfoliator: With glycerin, salicylic acid, and vitamins B5 and E, it's a basic, fundamental formula.
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser
This exfoliating facial cleanser is suitable for all skin types but especially helpful for normal to oily skin. It gently removes oil and dirt without stripping your skin or drying it out too much, thanks to Amazonian white clay and soothing aloe vera.
Youth To The People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
This brightly colored cleanser gets its orange hue from papaya and ginger root, superfoods that help brighten your skin and improve radiance. AHAs and BHAs help exfoliate while vitamin C and yerba mate extract help fight skin damage and also brighten the skin without disrupting its barrier.
Nivea Men Maximum Hydration Deep Cleaning Face Scrub
Looking to stock up for a while? A three-pack of this deep-cleaning face scrub from Nivea Men is just $20. Enriched with moisturizing and soothing ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin B5, this facial scrub strikes the perfect balance between hydrating and exfoliating.
PanOxyl Clarifying Exfoliant with 2% Salicylic Acid
If you have acne-prone skin, PanOxyl is the brand to look for. This clarifying exfoliant pulls double duty by clearing acne (and helping prevent future breakouts) with salicylic acid while unclogging pores. Blue algae and other antioxidants also help hydrate the skin and reduce redness.
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Scrub
Another great salicylic acid cleanser that targets acne while gently exfoliating is this popular pink grapefruit face wash from Neutrogena.
Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
Exfoliating can often leave your skin feeling dry and tight, but Murad has the solution to your woes. This exfoliating cleanser is meant to be nourishing, with AHAs and BHAs that deliver hydration straight to your skin.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Facial Scrub
Dr. Barbara Sturm has an exfoliator that's well worth the cost. Vitamin A, jojoba oil, and purslane work to remove flaky, dry skin cells and prevent breakouts, all while being gentle and nourishing.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Peel
Finally—some TSA-friendly exfoliators. These peel wipes are perfect for on-the-go or at-home use; simply apply the exfoliating wipe and then the anti-aging moisturizing wipe, and boom—skincare accomplished.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
You'll look a little bit scary with this vampire-red solution on your face while it settles into your skin, but once you wash the AHA and BHA formula off after 10 minutes, you'll look fresher and glowier than ever.
Clinique Exfoliating Face Scrub
A longtime classic, perfect for oily skin types thanks to its water-based formula.
Olehenriksen 10% AHA Lemonade Smoothing Scrub
AHAs, glycolic acid, and lemon peel extract work together in this scrub to target uneven texture and large pores.
Peace Out AHA Pore & Blackhead Exfoliator Multitasking Treatment Stick
Want to fight acne and exfoliate your skin at the same time? Try this targeted treatment stick that goes for your blackheads with its combination of AHAs, kaolin clay, acids, and mushroom extract.
Clinique for Men Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic
Another fantastic, classic option by Clinique, but this time, angled specifically at controlling excess oil production in men's skin.
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice is a favorite for oily and combination skin types, thanks to its salicylic acid that works alongside BHAs to keep your pores tight and your skin smooth.
Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste
With rosemary leaf, lactic acid, and fine quartz, this paste exfoliator promotes soft, healthy skin—especially for those who have stressors like frequent travel or shaving.
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