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?
I'm using the Dermalogica Rapid Reveal Peel at the moment, and it's a good product. I'm not sure if I'd buy it again because I like to keep trying new products.
I've reported the spam by melvinmartins686 on the spam thread.
I’d like to try the Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel.
I’ve got the Sukin one, going to start using it soon.
I would love to try these brands. Currently exfoliate my face skin twice a week.
Microfoliant is the best! There’s been a few brands that have made similar formulations such as Indeed and Alpha H. Mixing the fine grainy powder with water gives a gentle scrub and lasts ages 🙂
I use Dennis Gross peel pads. Apparently manual exfoliation scratches skin?? Anyone know any more about this??
Yep! Wouldn't Clinique and Akin laugh at this!!
Cate Blanchett!! Oh how I love her skin!! Doubt anything can get me to her level.
I have never used a facial exfoliator, only body exfoliators.
I love Sukin's scrubs too!
I haven't tried any of these
I love the Clinique 7 Day Scrub, I use it a couple of times a week.
Not a fan of exfoliants… But cool article…
I flipped at the Akin when I saw $89 and was sure that was wrong. How I wish the Clinique was $15!!!!! Excellent pick up, misfortune8.
The Clinique 7 day scrub is just about the only decent one I can use and I find it excellent, used as prescribed once a week only.
Ellyloves it is only meant weekly, not every day. I can understand where the confusion happens as in the title, but it is designed for one use a week and I find it brilliant, used like that and I have massive issues. Hope you're coping with Bubs and lock down. Hugs.
You are right, PoshBec – it's meant to be once weekly.
I seem to buy a different exfoliant every time. I don't have a favorite.
I have used the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant in the past and found it was excellent. Not at all abrasive. Apparently Oprah is also a fan of it.
I love Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant! I also follow tips to get rid of my textured skin
from here
https://howtodiscuss.com/t/best-way-to-get-rid-of-your-textured-skin/31039
Lately I have been having trouble finding the right scrub for my face as some are just too oily or gentle and others are just too harsh. A bit like Goldilocks, ha ha.
I love Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, it’s expensive though
Try and buy a salon size jar!
Love my Microfoliant!
Cate always looks amazing.
The Clinique 7 day scrub is a bargain compared to some of the others listed.