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It can also help remove debris and reset the pores after cleansing, resulting in clearer skin.
Courtesy of brands/ Gabrielle Langdon
We spoke with experts to find the best face exfoliators beloved by testers and dermatologists alike.
The best face exfoliators, at a glance
Whats the best exfoliator for your face?
It’s a gentler alternative to physical exfoliants likeface 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?
The best face exfoliators account for this by incorporatingmoisturizing ingredientsto protect the skin barrier.
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 youve overexfoliated.
If thats the case, hit pause in exfoliation until your skin returns to normal.
I never go anywhere without a few in my bag, saysGlamourcontributorSarah Y. Wu.
I have super-sensitive skin, but miraculously, these deliver instantly noticeable results without being irritating, she says.
She particularly likes this exfoliating cleanser for those with oily skin.
We want to exfoliate while still maintaining the skins natural lipids to fortify healthy skin, Dr. Chang explains.
The goal is to exfoliate without stripping.
This is the exception.
Best Budget: E.L.F.
Cosmetics Gentle Peel Exfoliant
E.l.f.
It’s free of the typical acids, instead using papaya enzymes to exfoliate.
This is gentle enough for me to use daily, adds MacKenzie.
When I run out and miss a week, I notice immediately that my skin looks duller.
Postpartum, this BHA-based exfoliator has been a favorite.
It’s gentle but still makes a noticeable difference for my dull, sleep-deprived skin.
It’s also recommended by both Dr. Arora and Dr. Chang.
The beta hydroxy acid sheds built-up layers of skin effectively, says Dr. Arora.
Dr. Chang particularly likes this one for acne-prone skin.
Sodium PCA, a humectant, helps draw moisture into the outer layers of the skin.
Since the weather is getting coolerand drierI’ve switched to this as my daily exfoliant, saysGlamourcontributorDeanna Pai.
It uses 1.5% encapsulated retinol, which makes it more stable and easier to tolerate by many.
Plus, vitamins E and C help moisturize and even out skin tone, respectively.
Take a look at our list ofbest retinolsfor major results in your skin care routine.
This facial scrub is the exception.
Hydrated silica gently exfoliates, while aloe and glycerin cool and hydrate the skin.
To use, pour the solution into the jar of pads before applying.
But its effects are immediate.
Over several uses I noticed that some of the acne scarring on my face had lightened noticeably.
They use a combination of glycolic and lactic acids to exfoliate, while cucumber extract calms skin.
This facial exfoliator serum helps to support a healthy skin barrier thanks to the inclusion of hyaluronic acid.
Fermented kombucha will leave skin feeling soft.
But the hero ingredient here is a hydroxyethyl urea/aminosulfonic acid compound.
(Hojicha is a key in of green tea.)
Best Gradual: Yon-Ka Paris Alpha-Peel
Think of this as boot camp for your skin.
My glow after a month?
Its also safe for use after procedures like laser resurfacing.
There’s a potential for irritation, Dr. Chang explains.
The brushes can be abrasive and cause micro-tears in the skin, leading to worsened inflammation.
Think of it as a sonic toothbrush for the face, he says.
In other words, don’t get too rough and let the brush do most of the scrubbing.
