However, Tatchas Calming Rice Polish is the gentle yet grainy face scrub Ive been searching for.
Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids offers additional benefits beyond helping to slough off dead skin cells. This leave-on exfoliant (the brands number one product worldwide, NBD) touts salicylic acid. We've added one new sensitive skin pick Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub to our original top-rated picks, selected by our Beauty Lab and editors. But it also delivers a big dose of protective vitamin C and astaxanthin (a mega-antioxidant thats 550 times more powerful than vitamin E), which both ward off future damage and help brighten skin over time, too.
M.U.
Pop in a single-use edge (kind of like an ultra-, ultra-thin blade) and glide it gently across your skin. I use it once a week for a deeper at-home chemical exfoliation to help with fine lines and pigmentation, she says. This is hands down the best drugstore face scrub I've ever used.
Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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.
I love the texture; since youre literally turning the powder into a paste when you add water, it never feels rough or gritty because you control how thick it gets. Who else recommends it? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Use your face scrub two to three times per week (avoiding the eye area), sweeping it onto damp skin in circular motions with very light pressure to prevent irritation and micro-tears, the Beauty Lab recommends. Enter this pick, a favorite of Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue, thats so gentle it can be used twice daily.
M.U. Celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville is responsible for the flawless complexions of some of Hollywoods biggest A-listers, but if you (like most of us) cant get in for one of her signature facials, you can still reap the benefits of her eponymous skincare line.
I use scrubs sparinglyonce a week, topsso the fact that it's a bit more harsh is fine for me. When it comes to establishing good skincare habits, cleansing correctly and using sunscreen daily are of utmost importance. Developed by a dermatologist, this baking soda-based ZO Skin Health polish left skin silkiest in GH Beauty Lab testing. Krystin Arneson, contributor, I actually stumbled upon what is now one of my favorite face scrubs accidentally.
I wasn't disappointedthe granules pack the perfect amount of invigorating power to minimize the appearance of the pores around my nose and my small random patches of acne.
Learn more about our Healthline.
Exfoliating effectively at a palatable price, the iconic St. Ives drugstore cream scrub lived up to its cult-classic status during our Lab tests. A little goes a long way, warms up in your hands, and transforms from a stiff balm to a gritty oil that still leaves hydration behind.
When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.
Bianca Lambert, Product Tester.
Instead look for gentle particles that are all evenly-shaped, like jojoba beads, rice powder, or bamboo powder. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Best Cleanser:
This Kate Somerville formula contains chemical exfoliants, like lactic and salicylic acids, which help unclog congested acne-prone skin. Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic and lactic acids | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
exfoliating washes Active Ingredients: Pineapple, papaya | Skin Type: All| Size: 1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
In fact, a majority of Lab testers called it the best scrub theyd ever used, noting it left skin so refreshed and smooth, I didnt need makeup and matte for hours after use.". Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on expert recommendations by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Its my cure to every single skin problem, so this scrub set my expectations pretty high. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
Cetaphil is the reigning champ of drugstore skin care in my book, and a tried-and-true brand for those who want something reliable.
Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news. So you can probably guess that Kylie Jenner's new Kylie Skin scrub got a lot of hate on Twitter when she first announced it.
If your skin tends to be drier or more easily irritated, using gentle chemical exfoliants is less likely to irritate, says Dr. Arch. As a plus, it smells like fresh apples.
It often takes a lot of trial and error to find which kind of exfoliant works best for your skin, so we turned it over to our staff and narrowed down the options to ones with proven results. mechanical) and chemical formulas. Exfoliating face scrubs for every skin concern, from oily skin to blackheads. And three, because its a spill-proof powder, its the ideal exfoliator to take with you when you travel.
I love the balanced level of exfoliation from quartz crystals and the soothing lavender scent," she says.
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.
Lindsey Metrus, Editorial Project Director. The key is simply to find an exfoliant with added hydrating ingredients; this drugstore staple fits the bill.
A friend had mentioned it offhandedly, so when I came across it in Ulta, I picked up a tube with some extra credits I had.
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.
But if you're dealing with a breakout more often than not, look for exfoliating acids over scrubs. lightening scuw
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No.
Read our, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment at Amazon, Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
"This product had my skin feeling refreshed, smooth, free of dead skin and with zero irritation," one tester shared.
Below, our picks of the top face exfoliators on the market. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
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.
17 Night Creams That Work Overtime for Flawless Skin in the A.M. https://www.thecut.com/article/best-face-exfoliators.html, The 18 best exfoliators we love for soft, smooth skin. vanessa hudgens indian celebrities celebrity american actress descent famous scandal singer hollywood bikini woman already biography senior most para peinados Thank God I did.
My hyperpigmentation didn't disappear, but my skin had the same glow as it does when I get a facial."
On the flip side, if youre looking for a more intense, weekly option, try the Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel or the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Oh yeah, and it smells like a pumpkin spice latte.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Best Overnight:
We've all seen the footage: A woman lathers up with a scrub, splashes her face with water (without it going everywhere, the lie of our time), and smiles at her fresh, clean skin in the mirror.
Try using it on areas on your body prone to breakouts too, think your back or chest. This natural process also slows over time (joy).
The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is an oldie but goodie, a classic product that relies on both chemical and physical exfoliants.
Im also a bit of a hippie, and I like that this scrub is made mostly of things Id feel comfortable eating. 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. I'm obsessed with the jojoba beads in this product that can slough away a days worth of full coverage makeup and leave behind gleaming skin. Sukari Babyfacial at Amazon, Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask at Golde.co, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser at Amazon, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser at Amazon, SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub at Dermstore, TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub at QVC, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Amazon, Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel at Amazon, Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment at Amazon, Best Overall:
Elina Organics Skincare Organic Face Scrub, Best Gel:
Chemical exfoliants exfoliate skin by using chemicals (like salicylic acid and retinoids), which loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be dislodged.
Another tester who suffered from clogged pores or oily skin said they saw a visible minimizing effect after just one week.
Its 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.
It wowed with its deep-cleaning performance, scoring perfectly for cleansing in a test of full-cover makeup removal and highest with testers for both clearing impurities and brightening skin. 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.
So, how to choose a face exfoliator?
This gentle exfoliating mask will make you feel like you're doing this whole adult thing right. 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.
Azadeh Valanejad, contributor, I love a good face scrub, and this is the best one I've tried so far, since it gently exfoliates without sucking out moisture from my dry skin.
"I have been plagued with blackheads on my nose and around my chin most of my life, and finally found something to end that problem," a Walmart reviewer raved.
Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel, Best for Brightening: For those looking for a method of exfoliation thats easier and more convenient than ever, pads cant be beaten. The more water you mix in, the gentler they get, and they don't have acids (if those make your skin freak out).
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, Runner-Up, Best Scrub: Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask, Best Splurge:
The key to vibrant, glowing skin can start with something as simple as a face scrub. This is a tried and true product for anyone with textured hair that shaves their face.
While, yes, I'm all about glycolic acid and peel pads to give my face a glow, sometimes I just want the feeling that comes from grit.
So, keeping a good face scrub on hand can ensure your skin looks and feels squeaky clean. 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.
Face scrub commercials really sell it. Face scrubs are generally best for oily and dry skin types because they buff away dry skin patches and dramatically change skin texture, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
I use it a few times a week, whenever my skin is looking particularly dull or I feel hormonal acne coming on, and it gently brings my face back to life.
This is her best-sellingexfoliator; safe and effective for any and every skin type, it earns big points for packing a one-two exfoliating punch. Nicole Pulyado, Product Tester. Rachel Nussbaum, contributor, This Naturopathica face polish is my go-to physical exfoliator during the summer, especially when I'm trying to calm down an aggressive sunburn.
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Best Drugstore: Our Good Housekeeping Institute beauty team gathered this list of best face scrubs. I love that it starts powdery, becomes creamy, and leaves my face and neck feeling as soft as silk.
Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device, We Tested the Best Dermaplaning ToolsThese 7 Are Game-Changers, Best Weekly:
When you really want to get that satisfying, scrub-y feel, this cant be beaten. Halie LeSavage, contributor, I'm always hesitant about scrubs with shells in them, but the pumpkin and apricot seed powder of this one is really fine. Amber Rambharose, contributor.
Though we haven't tested this pick in our Lab yet, this Fresh formula promises to absorb excess oil with clay and doubles as a face mask. There are so many physical exfoliators on the market to navigate, but this heavenly formula stands out from the bunch. The Cut, Harper's Bazaar, and Healthline all picked the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment.
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.
If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Bianca Lambert, Product Tester.
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.
Active Ingredients: Vegetable collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. While it's gentle enough to use throughout the week, it's also pretty expensive, so I like to treat myself to a thermal deep clean once a week or so.
Our evaluations found that it wasn't irritating and cleansed well, and our consumer testers were amazed to see that it reduced the look of their pores.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors.
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. Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial, Best for Sensitive Skin: Theyre generally split into two categories; there are chemical exfoliants, which contain ingredients (usually acids or enzymes) that dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together, andphysical exfoliants, which use particles such as seeds, powders, or beads to mechanically slough off the dead skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) are most commonly used; fruit enzymes are also popular.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Zap Pimples Fast, Best Natural:
our process.
But that doesnt mean you should skip this super important skincare step. Emily L. Arch, MD, is a Chicago-based dermatologist specializing in general and medical dermatology. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Review, Best Pads: This is the only one I trust. It's a blend of coffee, bamboo, walnut, rosehip oil, and white clay, and I've found it evens out my skin tone and makes my face crazy smooth. What do buyers say? To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, By Rachel Nussbaum, Lindsay Schallon, and Mia Uzzell. I smother it on for about a minute, followed by a rinse with warm water and my face wash (It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser). Chemical picks are best for those with acne-prone skin. (Who says exfoliation cant make for a nice moment of self-care?) Celebrity aesthetician Elina Fedotova may be best known for her skin-changing facials, but shes also a cosmetic chemist and has an extensive product line of both skincare and makeup.
The reality is, of course, much more nuancedand given that exfoliation is the key to glowy skin, it's worth it to get into the nitty-gritty before grabbing a random bottle off the shelf. 2,600+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.4 stars or above.
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No. Anything with witch hazel in it has me sold. Active Ingredients: Probiotics, sugar, lactic acid, papaya | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
L.S.
Below are the best face scrubs you can buy for every skin type and need, either tested by the GH Beauty Lab, recommended by our beauty experts or vetted from stellar online reviews.
We haven't tested this pick in Lab yet, but our beauty pros recommend salicylic acid as an acne-fighting ingredient. Face scrubs can often feel like a trade off where powerful exfoliation often means withered skin postapplication, but luckily, this scrub lives up to its name. My skin still felt smooth a day later, a tester remarked, and several liked that a little product went a long way.
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. I put it on, let the ACV component gently exfoliate, and then wash the grainy formula off.
April Franzino produces and oversees all beauty editorial content for Good Housekeeping, including pitching, reporting, writing, editing and market work, culminating with the magazines yearly Beauty Awards special. Because the product is specially formulated to have a pH of 3.5, its extra effective without the risk of redness or sensitivity.
Harper's Bazaar.
Is it better to exfoliate with scrubs or acids? 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 little bit of this guywhich is gentle enough that you can use it dailygoes a long way.
Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids offers additional benefits beyond helping to slough off dead skin cells. This leave-on exfoliant (the brands number one product worldwide, NBD) touts salicylic acid. We've added one new sensitive skin pick Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub to our original top-rated picks, selected by our Beauty Lab and editors. But it also delivers a big dose of protective vitamin C and astaxanthin (a mega-antioxidant thats 550 times more powerful than vitamin E), which both ward off future damage and help brighten skin over time, too.
M.U.
Pop in a single-use edge (kind of like an ultra-, ultra-thin blade) and glide it gently across your skin. I use it once a week for a deeper at-home chemical exfoliation to help with fine lines and pigmentation, she says. This is hands down the best drugstore face scrub I've ever used.
Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. 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.
I love the texture; since youre literally turning the powder into a paste when you add water, it never feels rough or gritty because you control how thick it gets. Who else recommends it? The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Use your face scrub two to three times per week (avoiding the eye area), sweeping it onto damp skin in circular motions with very light pressure to prevent irritation and micro-tears, the Beauty Lab recommends. Enter this pick, a favorite of Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue, thats so gentle it can be used twice daily.
M.U. Celebrity aesthetician Kate Somerville is responsible for the flawless complexions of some of Hollywoods biggest A-listers, but if you (like most of us) cant get in for one of her signature facials, you can still reap the benefits of her eponymous skincare line.
I use scrubs sparinglyonce a week, topsso the fact that it's a bit more harsh is fine for me. When it comes to establishing good skincare habits, cleansing correctly and using sunscreen daily are of utmost importance. Developed by a dermatologist, this baking soda-based ZO Skin Health polish left skin silkiest in GH Beauty Lab testing. Krystin Arneson, contributor, I actually stumbled upon what is now one of my favorite face scrubs accidentally.
I wasn't disappointedthe granules pack the perfect amount of invigorating power to minimize the appearance of the pores around my nose and my small random patches of acne. Learn more about our Healthline.
Exfoliating effectively at a palatable price, the iconic St. Ives drugstore cream scrub lived up to its cult-classic status during our Lab tests. A little goes a long way, warms up in your hands, and transforms from a stiff balm to a gritty oil that still leaves hydration behind.
When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.
Bianca Lambert, Product Tester.
Instead look for gentle particles that are all evenly-shaped, like jojoba beads, rice powder, or bamboo powder. Sunday Riley Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment, 12 Treatments That Help Fade Even the Most Stubborn Acne Scars, Best Cleanser:
This Kate Somerville formula contains chemical exfoliants, like lactic and salicylic acids, which help unclog congested acne-prone skin. Active Ingredients: Hyaluronic and lactic acids | Skin Type: Oily, combination | Size: 5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
exfoliating washes Active Ingredients: Pineapple, papaya | Skin Type: All| Size: 1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
In fact, a majority of Lab testers called it the best scrub theyd ever used, noting it left skin so refreshed and smooth, I didnt need makeup and matte for hours after use.". Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We updated this article in June 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on expert recommendations by the Good Housekeeping Institute. Its my cure to every single skin problem, so this scrub set my expectations pretty high. We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
Cetaphil is the reigning champ of drugstore skin care in my book, and a tried-and-true brand for those who want something reliable.
Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news. So you can probably guess that Kylie Jenner's new Kylie Skin scrub got a lot of hate on Twitter when she first announced it.
If your skin tends to be drier or more easily irritated, using gentle chemical exfoliants is less likely to irritate, says Dr. Arch. As a plus, it smells like fresh apples.
It often takes a lot of trial and error to find which kind of exfoliant works best for your skin, so we turned it over to our staff and narrowed down the options to ones with proven results. mechanical) and chemical formulas. Exfoliating face scrubs for every skin concern, from oily skin to blackheads. And three, because its a spill-proof powder, its the ideal exfoliator to take with you when you travel.
I love the balanced level of exfoliation from quartz crystals and the soothing lavender scent," she says.
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.
Lindsey Metrus, Editorial Project Director. The key is simply to find an exfoliant with added hydrating ingredients; this drugstore staple fits the bill.
A friend had mentioned it offhandedly, so when I came across it in Ulta, I picked up a tube with some extra credits I had.
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.
But if you're dealing with a breakout more often than not, look for exfoliating acids over scrubs. lightening scuw
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No.
Read our, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment at Amazon, Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
"This product had my skin feeling refreshed, smooth, free of dead skin and with zero irritation," one tester shared.
Below, our picks of the top face exfoliators on the market. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
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.
17 Night Creams That Work Overtime for Flawless Skin in the A.M. https://www.thecut.com/article/best-face-exfoliators.html, The 18 best exfoliators we love for soft, smooth skin. vanessa hudgens indian celebrities celebrity american actress descent famous scandal singer hollywood bikini woman already biography senior most para peinados Thank God I did.
My hyperpigmentation didn't disappear, but my skin had the same glow as it does when I get a facial."
On the flip side, if youre looking for a more intense, weekly option, try the Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel or the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Oh yeah, and it smells like a pumpkin spice latte.
Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Best Overnight:
We've all seen the footage: A woman lathers up with a scrub, splashes her face with water (without it going everywhere, the lie of our time), and smiles at her fresh, clean skin in the mirror.
Try using it on areas on your body prone to breakouts too, think your back or chest. This natural process also slows over time (joy).
The Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is an oldie but goodie, a classic product that relies on both chemical and physical exfoliants.
Im also a bit of a hippie, and I like that this scrub is made mostly of things Id feel comfortable eating. 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. I'm obsessed with the jojoba beads in this product that can slough away a days worth of full coverage makeup and leave behind gleaming skin. Sukari Babyfacial at Amazon, Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask at Golde.co, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser at Amazon, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser at Amazon, SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub at Dermstore, TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub at QVC, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Amazon, Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel at Amazon, Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment at Amazon, Best Overall:
Elina Organics Skincare Organic Face Scrub, Best Gel:
Chemical exfoliants exfoliate skin by using chemicals (like salicylic acid and retinoids), which loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be dislodged.
Another tester who suffered from clogged pores or oily skin said they saw a visible minimizing effect after just one week.
Its 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.
It wowed with its deep-cleaning performance, scoring perfectly for cleansing in a test of full-cover makeup removal and highest with testers for both clearing impurities and brightening skin. 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.
So, how to choose a face exfoliator?
This gentle exfoliating mask will make you feel like you're doing this whole adult thing right. 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.
Azadeh Valanejad, contributor, I love a good face scrub, and this is the best one I've tried so far, since it gently exfoliates without sucking out moisture from my dry skin.
"I have been plagued with blackheads on my nose and around my chin most of my life, and finally found something to end that problem," a Walmart reviewer raved.
Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel, Best for Brightening: For those looking for a method of exfoliation thats easier and more convenient than ever, pads cant be beaten. The more water you mix in, the gentler they get, and they don't have acids (if those make your skin freak out).
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, Runner-Up, Best Scrub: Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask, Best Splurge:
The key to vibrant, glowing skin can start with something as simple as a face scrub. This is a tried and true product for anyone with textured hair that shaves their face.
While, yes, I'm all about glycolic acid and peel pads to give my face a glow, sometimes I just want the feeling that comes from grit.
So, keeping a good face scrub on hand can ensure your skin looks and feels squeaky clean. 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.
Face scrub commercials really sell it. Face scrubs are generally best for oily and dry skin types because they buff away dry skin patches and dramatically change skin texture, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses.
I use it a few times a week, whenever my skin is looking particularly dull or I feel hormonal acne coming on, and it gently brings my face back to life.
This is her best-sellingexfoliator; safe and effective for any and every skin type, it earns big points for packing a one-two exfoliating punch. Nicole Pulyado, Product Tester. Rachel Nussbaum, contributor, This Naturopathica face polish is my go-to physical exfoliator during the summer, especially when I'm trying to calm down an aggressive sunburn.
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Best Drugstore: Our Good Housekeeping Institute beauty team gathered this list of best face scrubs. I love that it starts powdery, becomes creamy, and leaves my face and neck feeling as soft as silk.
Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device, We Tested the Best Dermaplaning ToolsThese 7 Are Game-Changers, Best Weekly:
When you really want to get that satisfying, scrub-y feel, this cant be beaten. Halie LeSavage, contributor, I'm always hesitant about scrubs with shells in them, but the pumpkin and apricot seed powder of this one is really fine. Amber Rambharose, contributor.
Though we haven't tested this pick in our Lab yet, this Fresh formula promises to absorb excess oil with clay and doubles as a face mask. There are so many physical exfoliators on the market to navigate, but this heavenly formula stands out from the bunch. The Cut, Harper's Bazaar, and Healthline all picked the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment.
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.
If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
Bianca Lambert, Product Tester.
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.
Active Ingredients: Vegetable collagen, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. While it's gentle enough to use throughout the week, it's also pretty expensive, so I like to treat myself to a thermal deep clean once a week or so.
Our evaluations found that it wasn't irritating and cleansed well, and our consumer testers were amazed to see that it reduced the look of their pores.
All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors.
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. Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial, Best for Sensitive Skin: Theyre generally split into two categories; there are chemical exfoliants, which contain ingredients (usually acids or enzymes) that dissolve the glue that holds the dead skin cells together, andphysical exfoliants, which use particles such as seeds, powders, or beads to mechanically slough off the dead skin.
Alpha hydroxy acids (glycolic, lactic) are most commonly used; fruit enzymes are also popular.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Zap Pimples Fast, Best Natural:
our process.
But that doesnt mean you should skip this super important skincare step. Emily L. Arch, MD, is a Chicago-based dermatologist specializing in general and medical dermatology. Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Review, Best Pads: This is the only one I trust. It's a blend of coffee, bamboo, walnut, rosehip oil, and white clay, and I've found it evens out my skin tone and makes my face crazy smooth. What do buyers say? To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories, By Rachel Nussbaum, Lindsay Schallon, and Mia Uzzell. I smother it on for about a minute, followed by a rinse with warm water and my face wash (It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser). Chemical picks are best for those with acne-prone skin. (Who says exfoliation cant make for a nice moment of self-care?) Celebrity aesthetician Elina Fedotova may be best known for her skin-changing facials, but shes also a cosmetic chemist and has an extensive product line of both skincare and makeup.
The reality is, of course, much more nuancedand given that exfoliation is the key to glowy skin, it's worth it to get into the nitty-gritty before grabbing a random bottle off the shelf. 2,600+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.4 stars or above.
Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Skin Type: All | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No. Anything with witch hazel in it has me sold. Active Ingredients: Probiotics, sugar, lactic acid, papaya | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.9 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes.
L.S.
Below are the best face scrubs you can buy for every skin type and need, either tested by the GH Beauty Lab, recommended by our beauty experts or vetted from stellar online reviews.
We haven't tested this pick in Lab yet, but our beauty pros recommend salicylic acid as an acne-fighting ingredient. Face scrubs can often feel like a trade off where powerful exfoliation often means withered skin postapplication, but luckily, this scrub lives up to its name. My skin still felt smooth a day later, a tester remarked, and several liked that a little product went a long way.
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. I put it on, let the ACV component gently exfoliate, and then wash the grainy formula off.
April Franzino produces and oversees all beauty editorial content for Good Housekeeping, including pitching, reporting, writing, editing and market work, culminating with the magazines yearly Beauty Awards special. Because the product is specially formulated to have a pH of 3.5, its extra effective without the risk of redness or sensitivity.
Harper's Bazaar.
Is it better to exfoliate with scrubs or acids? 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 little bit of this guywhich is gentle enough that you can use it dailygoes a long way.