My skin loves exfoliation. Be it chemical or physical, nothing makes my skin happier than getting rid of those dull surface cells and revealing the fresh, new skin underneath. And while I have fallen victim to the occasional bout of over-exfoliation and may have used some controversial products (Hello, St. Ives Apricot Scrub), I don’t think it’s possible to overemphasize the benefits of a good exfoliator.
However, before we dive in, a word of common sense and caution is in order. While greatly beneficial for the skin, exfoliation can mean different things to different people, depending on their needs and preferences.
Typically, it’s okay to exfoliate once or twice a week. You may need more or less depending on your skin type and how much your skin can tolerate without becoming overly dry and irritated. Always be gentle, and stick to the products you know work best for you. Finally, no matter how, when, or how often you exfoliate, make sure you’re protecting your skin with SPF daily.
Without further ado, here are some of the best exfoliators I’ve used for my skin.
The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + HA: A staple in my everyday skincare routine, the Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + HA combines mild chemical exfoliation with the hydrating power of hyaluronic acid. With its slightly slippery texture, it glides on smooth and is perfect for use under moisturizer. When used nightly, this gentle serum targets textural irregularities, dullness, and uneven skin tone to give you clearer, brighter, smoother-looking skin. $8
Naturium AHA Exfoliating Mask 10%: A fairly recent favorite, Naturium’s AHA Exfoliating Mask is a powerhouse product combining chemical and physical exfoliation. With 5% glycolic and lactic acids, rice powder, and kaolin clay, this rinse-off mask is a go-to product whenever your skin needs a serious reset. The creamy, slightly gritty texture is an absolute dream, and the subtle vanilla scent makes it a pleasure to use. Note: This product may not be suitable for sensitive skin, as it creates a tingling sensation when applied. Your skin may be flushed and warm after using this product. You may want to use a sheet mask to soothe and cool your skin to counteract these effects. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer, and be sure to wear sunscreen during the day. $20
Glo Skin Beauty Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub: My skin loves a good physical exfoliator, and if that’s what you’re looking for, you’d be hard-pressed to find something that delivers as well as this. Combining gentle jojoba beads and pumpkin enzymes, Glo Skin Beauty’s Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub is a double threat that’s not so threatening for your skin. Despite containing two different exfoliating ingredients, this scrub leaves my skin feeling velvety smooth and not overly dry. $48
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Worthy of holy-grail status, nothing has gotten my skin glowing quite like Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Formulated with rice powder, licorice, and colloidal oatmeal, this gentle exfoliating powder polishes skin to near perfection. Note: While Dermalogica states this product can be used daily, be cautious. While gentle, it does have a tendency to be over-drying if used too frequently. Start with the typical 1 to 2 times per week and decide how to proceed from there. $66
Esse Cocoa Exfoliator: Physical exfoliation that moisturizes my skin and smells like chocolate? Yes, please! I was instantly hooked when I was introduced to this product during a treatment at my local spa. In addition to eliminating impurities and dead skin cells, the Esse Cocoa Exfoliator is pH-balanced to avoid upsetting the skin’s microbiome and nourishes the skin with plant-based oils. $37