Looking for the best facial exfoliator? You’ve come to the right place…
While the right exfoliator will sweep away dead skin, leaving a soft glowing complexion behind, the wrong one can be responsible for triggering irritation and breakouts.
So to avoid the overly harsh and abrasive formulas, we’ve taken all the guesswork out of it and tried them for you. After a long process of trial and error, here’s our roundup of facial exfoliators that work to improve the skin’s texture, minimise wrinkles and leave you with congestion-free silky skin.
The best facial exfoliators, according to reviews
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Gently dissolve dead skin, brighten dull complexions and clear congestion with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. This favourite of Cate Blanchett’s is formulated with a powerful blend of salicylic acid, vitamin C and a unique rice-based enzyme powder.
“It has made my skin much brighter and brought back not only a healthy glow, but a healthy feel” – Lipstick_Princess
$89 at Adore Beauty (+ free shipping!)
A’kin Invigorating Facial Scrub
For a scrub that leaves the skin soft and smooth while effectively banishing breakouts, A’kin’s facial scrub contains witch hazel and vitamin B5 to target acne-prone skin without causing irritation or dryness.
“This is a great product and unlike other exfoliating scrubs is non-abrasive and didn’t irritate my skin. After use my skin was left feeling soft and clean.” – stephfanni
$89 at Pharmacy Online
Dr. LeWinn’s Facial Polishing Gel Gentle Exfoliant
If you’ve got sensitive skin that shudders at the very mention of the word ‘exfoliate’, it’s time to meet Dr. LeWinn’s gentle gel formula. The non-abrasive consistency will buff away dead skin to reveal a fresh and glowing complexion.
“I love this scrub – it’s gentle, but still does the job really well. I love the smell and my face is left smooth and soft.” – Bonnie405
$29.69 at Chemist Warehouse
Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel
Built with an all-star lineup of ingredients including glycolic acid and retinol, Alpha-H’s Beauty Sleep Power Peel puts in the hard work while you catch up on some much-needed sleep. The Aussie-owned, dual-purpose resurfacing treatment works to reduce sun-induced ageing, post-blemish scarring and helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
“Used regularly, your skin will definitely show improvement. Lines and wrinkles will be reduced, skin will not look as dull, makeup will go on nicer and more even, and your skin will have a nice healthy look to it.” – Shop A Everyday
$129 at Adore Beauty
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula
This deeply moisturising creamy formula contains fine grains for a pore-clearing and skin-refining finish. Plus, reap the longer-term benefits of Clinique’s rinse-off scrub as it minimises fine lines and allows for a flawless makeup application.
“It is rich and creamy at first and feels amazing when lathered into the skin. After rinsing, I could straight away see a difference in the texture, feel and look of my skin. Such a perfect scrub cream in which can be used every day!” – Simone Gee
$15 at Clinique
Ultraceuticals Ultra Gentle Exfoliating Gel
Ultraceuticals Ultra Gentle Exfoliating Gel gently removes surface impurities and unclogs pores to reveal a smoother, brighter complexion. The inclusion of AHAs and BHAs work to decongest the skin and dissolve impurities, without stripping the skin of vital moisture.
“After using this gel for about 2 weeks I have barely used any of the product. My skin is smooth, clear and incredibly soft.” – EssieJ20
$66 at Active Skin
BIODERMA Sébium Exfoliating Gel
Eliminate existing pimples and blackheads while preventing the formation of future breakouts with BIODERMA’s exfoliating gel. It contains a patented complex that effectively regulates acne-causing sebum production and gently buffs away dead skin.
“You only need a small amount for the face so a tube is really good value. I Would definitely recommend this to anyone with oily skin because it really does the job without making you skin feel stripped.” – Kiwi@heart
$27.99 at Adore Beauty
Main image credit: Getty
Do you exfoliate your face regularly? What’s your go-to exfoliant?
More affordable exfoliants, can’t wait to try some of these
I've had the Dermalogica one for years. I found it recently at the back of a cupboard. Probably should throw that out huh?
I love the Clinique 7 day scrub 🙂
I've tried the first three – Dermalogica is probably my favourite
I use to use the Dr Lewinns for years
Good to know… but would rather make my own…
The only one I have tried is Dermalogica and loved it.
I need to exfoliate my skin!
I haven't try any of them before.I would add them to my wish list.
My favourite is Sukin Super Greens scrub – love it & it's Aussie-made.
I tried the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant a few years ago and I really liked it. I might give it another try one day.
I am always ready to try any new face scrubs. Have to be careful they are not too harsh for my older skin, but sometimes the 'gentle' beads just don't seem to cut it for me.
I’ve tried Clinique’s 7 day and I find it too harsh to exfoliate my skin everyday.
I've used Dr Lewinns and Dermalogica before – both good
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Le Winns Scrub is now on my radar to try. The only other one I've tried is the Clinique, which for some reason I stopped using!
I used to use the Sukin Super Greens Scrub, currently I use the Caudalie gentle buffering cream which I picked up in a Sephora sale.
I love the Dermalogica! It works so well, and the container lasts for ages.
I do have a scrub whenever it feels like I should – but I wouldn't call myself regular! Probably random is a better word for me.
Good options
A big fan of the Dermalogica microfoliant, tried a few others and looked for dupes but have never found an equivalent, I like the Alpha-H one as well.
Im still happily using the DrLewinns. I stays in my shower. The one im using at the moment was given to me by a dear friend who knows how much I love the stuff 😀
Using atm couple of acids (mask, toner or serum. From 5%, 10% to 15% aha, bit of bha) and retinol. So skin is always soooo smooth, like glass. Didn't use physical exfoliant in ages now =D
I’ve used the Dermalogica one but am currently using an Aldi one. I quite like masks that exfoliate when you rub them at the end.
Ultraceuticals products are sooo good
Love anything by Ultraceuticals!!!
Would love to try the Alpha H product badly
The prices are very wrong in this article!
1. Dermalogica's Daily Microfoliant link doesn't work – Dermalogica left Bh
2. A'kin's Facial Scrub is $29.95, not $89
3. Dr LeWinn's Essentials Facial Polishing Gel is $49.95, not $29.69
4. Clinique 7 Day Scrub is $47, not $15
5. BIODERMA'S exfoliating gel link doesn't work. I think this product is discontinued.
Annabella8400, 15 posts below reported as spam on the Spam thread.
I dont use very often as I have a sensitive skin but love the sound of Dr le Winns
Great pick up!
The only one here I use is the Bioderma. I only use it when my skin feels dirty. I am not a regular user of manual exfoliants because I find them scratchy. I do use them on my hands though – especially since Covid.
I'm not using an exfoliator at present.
I only use chemical exfoliants now but I did love Dermalogica's microfoliant
If I left my hair as Cate does it would look like I had just got out of the shower. On her it looks great.
I've got this in my stash somewhere. Time to find it and use it 🙂
Something about facial polishing just sounds lovely. It's not exfoliating, cleansing – it polishes!!
I keep Dr. Lewinns in the shower and use it whenever it's hairwash time
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I've used the Dr Lewinn"s – it's good for sensitive skin.
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i love real exfoliators, i know the sleep mak exfoliates, but i still love a rinse off one
The Dermaglogica daily exfoliant is legit. Love it! Super sad that dermalogica is not listed on BH anymore!
You totally should takeover the editor job! You are so detailed and thorough.
The dermalogica one is quite good.
I have the Clinique one.
Not used any of the above- tend to use Natio as they are gentle on my skin
I'd love to try all these brands.
The Dermalogica one is very good
I thought you were only meant to exfoliate once or twice a week!