Applying the best face exfoliators for your skin type can make a huge difference in your skin care routine. While exfoliation is a straightforward task, it’s one with a multitude of benefits and goes beyond a deep clean: “Exfoliation removes dead skin cells, which helps brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, improve skin texture, and stimulate cell turnover,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York City, tells Glamour. “It can also help remove debris and clear the pores after cleansing, resulting in clearer skin.” We spoke with experts to find the best face exfoliators beloved by testers and dermatologists alike.
The best face exfoliators, at a glance
- Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads, $92
- Best Budget: E.L.F. Cosmetics Gentle Peel Exfoliant, $10
- Best Drugstore: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser, $10
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-one Lactic Acid Treatment, $85
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Glo Skin Beauty Beta-Clarity Pro 5 Liquid Exfoliant, $58
- Best for Oily Skin: Natureofthings Clarifying Facial Polish, $65
- Best for Dry Skin: RéVive Enzyme Essence Daily Resurfacing Treatment, $115
- Best for Combination Skin: Dr. Loretta Resurfacing Enzyme Polish, $60
- Best for Mature Skin: Peter Thomas Roth Retinol Fusion PM Night Serum, $65
- Best for Blackheads: IS Clinical Cleansing Complex Polish, $48
- Best Tool Brush: Spa Sciences Nova Sonic Facial Brush, $38
What’s the best exfoliator for your face?
According to Michael I. Jacobs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College, the kind of exfoliation that's best depends on your skin type. Oily-skin complexions are able to tolerate stronger alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), says Dr. Engelman. If you have dry skin, exfoliation can also be helpful since it “can help remove the layers of debris and buildup to help heal the skin, rather than harm it,” says Dr. Jacobs. While he and Dr. Engelman both agree that everyone can benefit from a chemical exfoliant, Dr. Engelman says, “Sensitive-skin types may react better to a gentle enzyme exfoliator, rather than a BHA or AHA.” It's a gentler alternative to physical exfoliants like face scrubs. Those are best left for below the neck, as they could potentially cause micro-tears and cause irritation. As always, if you have any doubts, try a patch test on your wrist first.
How often should you use a face exfoliator?
While exfoliation is a net positive for your skin, it is very possible to overdo it, which can disrupt the natural oils protecting the skin and damage the skin barrier, says Dr. Jacobs. He recommends exfoliating twice a week, max (although it often depends on your formula and the sensitivity of your skin). The best face exfoliators account for this by incorporating moisturizing ingredients to protect the skin barrier.
If your exfoliation is too frequent or too intense for your skin type, you’ll see it in your skin. “Overexfoliated skin usually presents as red, irritated and inflamed, with increased sensitivity,” says Dr. Engelman. “Often it will be flaky and peeling.” Paradoxically, acne can also be a cue that you’ve overexfoliated. If that’s the case, hit pause in exfoliation until your skin returns to normal.
Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads
Courtesy of brand
1/22
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads
Multiple people pointed to these peel pads as their go-to exfoliators, which is why they’ve earned the top spot. “I never go anywhere without a few in my bag,” says Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu. “One contains a cocktail of five acids to immediately smooth your skin, while the second is loaded with antioxidants that stop the acids from over exfoliating and keep you hydrated and glowy.” Plus, says Dr. Engelman, they’ve been specifically formulated for sensitive skin, so everyone can use them. Glamour contributor Macaela MacKenzie is also a huge fan. “I have super-sensitive skin, but miraculously, these deliver instantly noticeable results without being irritating,” she says. “I use these once a week (twice in the summer) on my face and neck before bed and follow with a thick moisturizer.”
- Pros: Easy to use; hard to overdo it
- Cons: Might cause purging among acne-prone types
- Exfoliant type: Chemical
- Size: 30 or 60 treatments
Best Drugstore: CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Courtesy of brand
2/22
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Formulated with salicylic acid, this workhorse cleanser has long been derm-recommended for those dealing with sensitivity and acne. “It provides a gentle chemical exfoliation with salicylic acid combined with essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to repair and protect the skin barrier,” Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in NYC, tells Glamour. She particularly likes this exfoliating cleanser for those with oily skin. “Too many patients with oily skin think that stripping down all the skin’s natural oils is beneficial for the skin, but actually it's not. We want to exfoliate while still maintaining the skin’s natural lipids to fortify healthy skin,” Dr. Chang explains. The goal is to exfoliate without stripping. “I'm typically an oil-based cleanser gal—I'm always wary of lathering cleansers since so many I've tried have dried out my skin,” says MacKenzie. “This is the exception. I reach for it when I'm having a breakout or after a particularly sweaty workout and my skin never feels stripped.”
- Pros: Affordable; gentle
- Cons: Might be too gentle for some
- Exfoliant type: Chemical
- Size: 8 oz.
