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Byrdie / Chloe Jeong
When it comes to establishing good skincare habits, cleansing correctly and using sunscreen daily are of utmost importance. But the unsung hero of any skincare routine just might be exfoliation. Why? While your skin does naturally shed dead cells, it can’t always get them all off. This natural process also slows over time (joy).
Byrdie Researched & Approved
As most impressive overall, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is packed with dead skin-dissolving enzymes that result in an instant glow. However, we also chose the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser as our best drugstore pick because of how well it moisturizes your skin while exfoliating.
“As we age, dead skin cells take longer to shed from the surface of the skin,” explains dermatologist Dr. Emily Arch. That may not sound like a huge deal, but let those dead cells sit and accumulate for long enough and you can end up with a long list of complexion concerns—dullness, clogged pores, more noticeable fine lines, and flaky patches specifically, Dr. Arch says. Not to mention that this can also make it much harder for all of your skincare products to penetrate, ultimately rendering them less effective. The bottom line: “Proper use of exfoliants ideally creates a smoother, brighter complexion and allows skincare product and makeup application to be more effective and even,” Dr. Arch explains.
So, what's the proper order for using an exfoliator? First, exfoliate. Then, apply SPF and follow that up with your serums and moisturizers. But how to choose a face exfoliator? They’re generally split into two formulations; there are chemical exfoliants, which contain ingredients (usually acids or enzymes) that dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together, and physical exfoliants, which use particles such as seeds, powders, or beads to mechanically slough off the dead skin. Both can be equally effective and it comes down largely to a matter of both personal preference and skin type (some with sensitive skin can't tolerate harsh chemical ingredients, for instance).
Below, our picks of the top face exfoliators on the market.
Best Overall
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
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Nordstrom
Makes skin glow
Gentle formula
High-quality ingredients
Pricey
Who else recommends it? The Cut, Harper's Bazaar, and Healthline all picked the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment.
What do buyers say? 86% of 1,500+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above.
Celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville is responsible for the flawless complexions of some of Hollywood’s biggest A-listers, but if you (like most of us) can’t get in for one of her signature facials, you can still reap the benefits of her eponymous skincare line. This is her best-selling exfoliator; safe and effective for any and every skin type, it earns big points for packing a one-two exfoliating punch. A mix of lactic acid plus pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin enzymes work to dissolve dead skin, while also buffing away cells physically.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Lactic and salicylic acids, papaya | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5, 2, or 5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Formulation: Scrub | Easy to Use: Yes
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"I looked in the mirror and instantly saw brighter skin. My hyperpigmentation didn't disappear, but my skin had the same glow as it does when I get a facial." —Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Use it while you’re in the shower since the steam can help loosen up any gunk and grime trapped in your pores and make this product even more effective.
Best Mask
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
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Sephora
Creamy feel
Contains potent actives
Treats acne breakouts
Pricey
This is most definitely worthy of being called a facial since it does, in fact, leave your skin looking like you just got a professional treatment. Credit a combination of both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic) that both smooth your skin’s texture and help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Because the product is specially formulated to have a pH of 3.5, it’s extra effective without the risk of redness or sensitivity. It also comes with a separate vial of the brand’s organic marula luxury face oil.
Apply an even layer of the mask and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off and apply a few drops of the oil for extra hydration and to help soothe skin. (Who says exfoliation can’t make for a nice moment of self-care?) Do this once a week, and your skin will feel, you guessed it, baby soft, and you’ll see why this product is so top rated.
Price at time of publish: $80
Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, tartaric acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 or 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Creamy Mask | Easy to Use: Yes
Best Organic
Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask
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Clean, simple ingredients
Tropical scent
Softens and smooths skin
Value could be better
When we say get your fruits and veggies, we're talking about this brightening face mask. It's made entirely of organic edible superfoods that go from a powder to a gel when activated with water to gently exfoliate your skin. Users notice a smoother, brighter complexion right away, plus it smells like a tropical vacation.
Price at time of publish: $34
Active Ingredients: Lucuma, papaya, sea buckthorn juice powder | Skin Type: Normal | Size: 1 fluid ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Powder-to-gel mask | Easy to Use: Somewhat (you have to mix the powder with water for the product to activate)
Best Splurge
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
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Courtesy of Tata Harper
Makes skin glow
A little goes a long way
Helps serums soak in
Can be drying for some
A little bit of this guy—which is gentle enough that you can use it daily—goes a long way. Two different forms of exfoliation give you the ultimate bang for your buck. Apricot seed powder polishes skin to perfection, while pomegranate enzymes dissolve dead, dry skin. At the same time, willow bark and French clay help pull out and purify pores, making this an especially great pick for anyone prone to blackheads. The formula is also super clean, free of a long list of questionable chemicals, and using many ingredients from organic farming.
Price at time of publish: $88
Active Ingredients: Apricot seed powder, willow bark extract | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 1.7 or 4.1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Gel-meets-scrub cleanser | Easy to Use: Yes
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"As I rinsed away the cleanser, my skin felt smooth to the touch—textureless almost." —Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Drugstore
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser
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Courtesy of Walmart
Inexpensive
Sulfate-free
Contains moisturizing ingredients
Has fragrance
In theory, exfoliating can leave your skin a little dry, which can be especially problematic if your complexion is already on the dry side to begin with. But that doesn’t mean you should skip this super important skincare step. The key is simply to find an exfoliant with added hydrating ingredients; this drugstore staple fits the bill. The gel-to-cream uses glycolic and lactic acids, as well as papaya extract, to gently smooth skin, but is especially noteworthy for the addition of hyaluronic acid. One of the best hydrating ingredients out there, hyaluronic acid attracts water and traps it in the skin. This formula also doubles as a cleanser and is gentle enough for daily use, perfect for those who don’t want to deal with an extra step in their skincare routine.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic and lactic acids | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Gel-cream cleanser | Easy to Use: Yes
If your skin tends to be drier or more easily irritated, using gentle chemical exfoliants is less likely to irritate, says Dr. Arch.
Best Scrub
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
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Dermstore
Soothing ingredients
Exfoliates and smooths skin
Good value
Contains sulfates
When you really want to get that satisfying, scrub-y feel, this can’t be beaten. There are no jagged or harsh particles that can wreak havoc on your skin; just microbeads made from diatomaceous earth (essentially, clay) that evenly slough off, without ever irritating. Bonus points for the addition of soothing aloe.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Silica, glycerin | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No | Formulation: Scrub | Easy to Use: Yes
Runner-Up, Best Scrub
TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
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Exfoliates
Soothes redness and inflammation
Beachy scent
May cause breakouts
There are so many physical exfoliators on the market to navigate, but this heavenly formula stands out from the bunch. It packs on the power that you expect in a scrub with the gentleness of natural ingredients. Since sugar is water-soluble, it dissolves as you go to help prevent the harsh results of over-exfoliating (but remember to be gentle, as there is always a risk of creating micro-tears when using physical exfoliants). This product is also full of probiotics that protect your skin's natural barrier and lock in hydration.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Probiotics, sugar, lactic acid, papaya | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Scrub | Easy to Use: Yes
Best Chemical Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
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Amazon
Exfoliates
Treats acne breakouts
Soothes redness and inflammation
Good value
Can be drying
This leave-on exfoliant (the brand’s number one product worldwide, NBD) touts salicylic acid. A beta-hydroxy acid, salicylic acid is great at gently exfoliating and unclogging pores by dissolving the oil and other gunk and grime that can get lodged in there. Also nice: It’s a leave-on formula, so all you have to do is swipe it on and go. Try using it on areas on your body prone to breakouts too, think your back or chest.
Price at time of publish: $34
Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 or 4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Leave-on liquid | Easy to Use: Yes
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Byrdie / Bianca Lambert
What Our Testers Say
"After a full week of use, I could feel and see the difference in my skin texture." —Bianca Lambert, Product Tester
Best Pads
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
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Sephora
Contains potent actives
2-step system
Travel-friendly
Can be drying
For those looking for a method of exfoliation that’s easier and more convenient than ever, pads can’t be beaten. All you have to do is swipe and go, no water required. Among the many versions out there now, these remain our perennial fave. The two-step system features pads that are pre-dosed with a blend of five different exfoliating acids, followed by a retinol and resveratrol (a potent antioxidant) formula for added anti-aging benefits.
Price at time of publish: $17
Active Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, resveratrol, ubiquinone | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 35, 60 treatments | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Liquid-soaked peel pads | Easy to Use: Somewhat (it's a two-step product)
What Our Editors Say
"I heard someone describe this peel as making your skin look 'smooth as plastic' and that's pretty much the gist in a nutshell. It's a two-phase system, the first step being an acidic peel that helps dissolve dead skin and pore buildup, followed by a neutralizing second step to help restore the skin's pH. I use these pads whenever my skin is looking dull or congested, and within minutes it's instantly refreshed, glowy, and plasticized." —Lindsey Metrus, Editorial Project Director
Best Overnight
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment
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Sephora
Contains potent actives
Melts into skin
Can be worn under makeup
Increases sensitivity to the sun
Yes, in theory, it takes time to see lasting results from skincare products, but devoted fans of this leave-on exfoliant say they see the effects after just one night. Lactic acid does the exfoliating duties, though it also contains brightening ingredients such as licorice and lemongrass, perfect for anyone dealing with dark spots. Apply a thin layer at bedtime and be prepared to be amazed when you look in the mirror come morning.
Price at time of publish: $85
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Formulation: Creamy serum | Easy to Use: Yes
Best Cleanser
Reflekt Skincare Daily Exfoliating Face Wash
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Courtesy of violet Grey
Gentle
Hydrating
Meant for daily use
Contains dyes
Skincare minimalists (or just the lazy girls among us) should opt for an exfoliating cleanser to combine two essential steps in one. Enter this pick, a favorite of Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue, that’s so gentle it can be used twice daily. Jojoba esters are the star of the sloughing show, lightly buffing off dead cells, and the wash is also packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol to help ward off dryness.
Price at time of publish: $32
Active Ingredients: Vegetable collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Formulation: Gel scrub | Easy to Use: Yes
Best Tool
Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device
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Saks Fifth Avenue
Fun to use
Helps serums soak in
Exfoliates and smooths skin
Pricey
The tech-savvy set will appreciate this multi-tasking, battery-powered tool, though anyone who appreciates instant gratification will appreciate the results. Pop in a single-use edge (kind of like an ultra-, ultra-thin blade) and glide it gently across your skin. In a few seconds it takes off not only fine peach fuzz but also built-up dead, dry skin cells with it; you can actually see them on the edge after, equally gross and satisfying. We promise you it’s much easier to do than it sounds, and that your complexion will feel insanely soft and smooth afterward.
Price at time of publish: $199
Skin Type: All | Easy to Use: Your first use will be the most challenging, as you adjust to the feel and use of the device. It's easy once you get the hang of it and isn't time-consuming.
Best Weekly
Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel
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Courtesy of Dermstore
Contains glycolic acid
Refines skin texture
Good value
Pricey
“Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids offers additional benefits beyond helping to slough off dead skin cells. They can brighten skin tone, decrease the appearance of fine lines, and help with acne,” says Dr. Arch. She especially likes this glycolic acid-based gel, meant to be left on for up to 10 minutes, once a week, then rinsed off with warm water. “I use it once a week for a deeper at-home chemical exfoliation to help with fine lines and pigmentation,” she says.
Price at time of publish: $65
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No | Formulation: Gel | Easy to Use: Yes
Best for Brightening
HoliFrog Como Popp-E Renewal Scrubby Wash
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Courtesy of HoliFrog
Fun to use
Contains antioxidants
Makes skin glow
May not work for oily skin
By definition, regular exfoliation can help leave your complexion brighter and glowier, though this newbie takes it one step further. Yes, it checks the requisite exfoliation boxes, thanks to a combo of both poppy seeds and bamboo stem powder for physical sloughing. But it also delivers a big dose of protective vitamin C and astaxanthin (a mega-antioxidant that’s 550 times more powerful than vitamin E), which both ward off future damage and help brighten skin over time, too. We also love the innovative oil-gel texture, which transforms into more milk when mixed with water.
Active Ingredients: Bamboo stem extract, poppy seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Mature Skin
Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial
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Courtesy of Biossance
Hydrating
Encourages skin cell turnover
Refines texture
Contains potential irritants
Among all the exfoliating acids out there, glycolic earns top marks when you also want to score an anti-aging boost; not only is it a great exfoliator, it can also help stimulate the production of collagen. In this mask, it’s combined with three other alpha-hydroxy acids for extra brightening effects, plus hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid to give more mature skin the extra dose of moisture it so often needs.
Price at time of publish: $48
Active Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, tartaric acids, licorice root | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin
The Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner
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Courtesy of Sephora
Inexpensive
Fades dark spots
Smooths skin
May take longer to see results
You’ve heard of AHAs and BHAs, but what about PHAs? Poly-hydroxy acids are also exfoliating acids that work by dissolving dead, dry, dull skin. The difference: Because they’re slightly larger molecules, they don’t penetrate as deep, making them notably gentler and a great option for those whose skin is easily irritated. In this leave-on toner, they’re also combined with soothing aloe and redness-reducing niacinamide, both choice ingredients for the sensitive set.
Price at time of publish: $20
Active Ingredients: Polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, aloe vera | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash
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Courtesy of Amazon
Great value
Effective concentration of salicylic acid
Some certified organic ingredients
Can be drying
You can’t scrub away acne, and you definitely want to be careful not to over-exfoliate acneic skin. That being said, you should be using salicylic acid regularly to help unclog clogged pores (and prevent new clogged pores from forming). This exfoliating face wash touts a 2% concentration of salicylic acid and also has the added benefit of working well on both face and body…since we all know that bacne is a very real thing.
Price at time of publish: $9
Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Natural
Elina Organics Skincare Organic Face Scrub
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Courtesy of Elina Organics
Organic ingredients
Exfoliates and clears skin
No harsh chemicals
Can be irritating
Celebrity aesthetician Elina Fedotova may be best known for her skin-changing facials, but she’s also a cosmetic chemist and has an extensive product line of both skincare and makeup. Her focus is entirely on holistic principles and natural, organic ingredients, which she sources from around the world. This skin scrub uses crushed walnuts to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores but also has hydrating rose hips, burdock root, honey, and green tea to keep your skin soft and ward off dryness.
Price at time of publish: $28
Active Ingredients: Silk protein, green tea leaf extract | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Gel
Beauty Strike Pineapple & Papaya Exfoliating Mask
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Exfoliates
Nice packaging
Balanced formula
Not Byrdie Clean
This gentle exfoliating mask will make you feel like you're doing this whole adult thing right. Taking care of your skin while being good to the planet and supporting a small business? You're on the right path! The formula is loaded with enzyme-rich papaya and pineapple that naturally work to slough away dead skin cells without irritating. The results are hydrated skin that looks noticeably brighter.
Price at time of publish: $24
Active Ingredients: Pineapple, papaya | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
Best Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator
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Ulta
Gentle
Decongests pores
Suitable for all skin types
Messy to use
There are many things we like about this formula. One, it’s gentle enough that you can use it daily, though effective enough that it also works well as a once or twice weekly add-on to your standard skincare routine. Two, it delivers a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation, thanks to rice powder and papaya enzymes, respectively. And three, because it’s a spill-proof powder, it’s the ideal exfoliator to take with you when you travel.
Price at time of publish: $64
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 or 2.6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
What Our Testers Say
"After using the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for over a year now, I can confidently say that it accomplishes its goal of removing dead cells and excess oils from skin. This allows hydrating and restorative products to work more efficiently after exfoliating—it’s a must to maximize the benefits of every product used." — Nicole Pulyado, Product Tester
Best for Men
Bevel Exfoliating Toner
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Contains 10% glycolic acid
Inexpensive
Fades dark spots
Not for sensitive skin
We know, we know—your guy can use your exfoliator and be just fine, but since he won't, try introducing him to this non-abrasive exfoliating toner. It uses a signature blend of lavender, green tea, and glycolic acid for a deep clean that gets rid of dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs. This is a tried and true product for anyone with textured hair that shaves their face.
Price at time of publish: $14
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, green tea, witch hazel | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
It’s always best to ease into exfoliation, making it a part of your skincare routine once or twice weekly at first, and giving your complexion some time to acclimate before increasing the frequency, says Dr. Arch.
Final Verdict
Exfoliating is one step of your skincare routine you should definitely not skip. The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is an oldie but goodie, a classic product that relies on both chemical and physical exfoliants. For skincare minimalists looking to combine cleansing and exfoliating in one easy step, the Reflekt Skincare Daily Exfoliating Facial Wash is a Byrdie favorite, highly effective yet gentle enough to be used twice daily. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a more intense, weekly option, try the Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel or the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial, a cult classic that’s well-deserving of all the hype. And yes, you can exfoliate even if you have sensitive skin. The key is choosing a product that relies on ultra-gentle polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, like the Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner.
Meet the Expert
Emily L. Arch, MD, is a Chicago-based dermatologist specializing in general and medical dermatology. She’s well-versed in all kinds of skincare ingredients, products, and formulations, including exfoliators.
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What to Look For in a Face Exfoliator
Ingredients
Exfoliants typically contain either some sort of buffing bead or an acid as their primary ingredient. This might mean jojoba beads (great for buffing dead skin away), glycolic acid (great for anti-aging purposes), lactic acid (to reduce breakouts and fine lines), or fruit enzymes (for cell turnover).
Purpose
The purpose of all exfoliants is pretty similar: to increase cell turnover and ensure the top layer of skin buffs away, either by chemical or mechanical means (more on that below). But some products will contain acids or ingredients specifically geared toward helping combat dry, acneic, or oily skin. So the purpose of the product is largely dependent upon what's in it.
Formulations
First, there are chemical exfoliants. These work by dissolving the “glue” that keeps dead skin cells stuck together and on the surface of the skin, allowing them to slough off. Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) are most commonly used; fruit enzymes are also popular. Since many of these do more than just exfoliate, it’s a nice way to get an added bang for your buck.
Mechanical exfoliants work by physically buffing or scrubbing off the
dead cells. Certain options—think certain seeds and shell particles—can
be unevenly shaped and with jagged edges that can be damaging to your
skin. Instead look for gentle particles that are all evenly-shaped, like
jojoba beads, rice powder, or bamboo powder.
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BYRDIE / BIANCA LAMBERT
Skin Types
In order to reap the most benefit from exfoliation, you need to ensure you're taking the appropriate approach for your skin. For those on the dry side, exfoliating the skin one to two times a week will be best. Oilier skin, however, might require exfoliating more often. It's important to take note of how your skin reacts, too. If you start noticing breakouts, irritation, or redness post-exfoliation, you might be doing it too frequently or using a product that's too harsh for your skin.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. A skincare junkie, she firmly believes that, after wearing sunscreen daily, regular exfoliation is one of the absolute best things you can do for your skin. Her personal preference is formulas that combine both chemical and physical exfoliants, like the Kate Somerville product featured, one of the first products she ever used in her early days as a beauty intern.
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