These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (2024)

These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (1)

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A good cleanser is the cornerstone of any beauty routine. Dermatologists say washing your face of makeup, dirt, and other pollutants at the end of the day is an absolute must to keep skin healthy and glowing. But the experts say there's another product that can make your complexion glow even brighter: a face exfoliator.

Exfoliants rejuvenate and brighten skin, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. "Regular exfoliation gets rid of dry, flaky skin, plus helps with any sun damage or skin discoloration, revealing newer, more glowy skin," she says.

What to look for in a face exfoliator

There are two main types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. Physical exfoliants rely on rubbing or scrubbing, whether from granules and microbeads or special towels and mechanical brushes. Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, contain acids—AHA or gylcolic acid, for example—that react with the skin to clear pores and slough off any dead cells from the surface.

In general, both are perfectly safe to use on a regular basis—especially if you have normal to super-oily skin—but it's worth noting that "coarse physical exfoliants can be irritating for those with sensitive skin," says Jaliman. If you're prone to redness or have a condition like rosacea or eczema, look for a gentle physical exfoliator or a chemical exfoliant containing gentler acids like lactic acid, she explains. To help guide your search, we asked dermatologists to recommend the best face exfoliators for every skin type, from dry and sensitive to oily and acne-prone. Here, a list of the products they say will leave you with glowing skin.

The experts:

    Best Travel-Friendly

    Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Wow Polish Triple Pore-Exfoliating Powder

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (9)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (10)Travel-friendly
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (11)Retexturizes skin
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (12)Some reviewers find powder formulas to be messy

    Benefit Cosmetics recently launched this handy exfoliating powder that makes packing skincare so easy thanks to its powder format and travel-friendly size. What's cool about this formula is it starts off as a powder but then transforms into a foaming purifying wash that offers a deep cleanse. It contains lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, and gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid, to help refine the look of pores, excess oil, and textured skin.

    Key ingredients:Lactic acid and gluconolactone
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially oily and combination skin
    Size:1.5 oz

    Best for Radiance

    Charlotte Tilbury Super Radiance Resurfacing Facial Treatment

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (13)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (14)Reduces uneven texture and tone
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (15)Boosts radiance and glow
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (16)Small bottle

    Consider this a facial in a bottle. It's a resurfacing treatment that combines three hardworking acids (AHA, BHA, and PHA) to transform dull and uneven skin. The treatment also contains prickly pear cactus to help reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin. Use it once a week in your routine to experience smoother, brighter, and more even skin.

    Key ingredients:Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, polyglutamic acid, prickly pear cactus, and hyaluronic acid
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially mature
    Size:1.6 oz

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    Best for Combination Skin

    The Outset Exfoliating Revitalizing & Energizing Caffeine Micro Polish

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (17)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (18)Brightens
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (19)Exfoliates without overstripping skin
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (20)Physical scrubs might be too abrasive for very sensitive skin

    Dealing with combination skin can often feel like you're catering two (or more) different skin types. Fortunately, this formula targets multiple skincare concerns in one. It effectively exfoliates the skin and controls excess sebum production thanks to perlite, a mineral that offers gentle physical exfoliation. It also nourishes and hydrates the skin due to a hyaluronic acid complex, and it brightens and fades hyperpigmentation with the help of caffeine.

    Key ingredients:Perlite and caffeine
    Who's it for?Combination skin types
    Size:3.3 oz

    Best for Acne-Prone Skin

    Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (21)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (22)Protects skin
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (23)Targets breakouts
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (24)Not available at popular retailers like Sephora or Ulta

    Those with acne-prone skin types need to add this serum into their routine ASAP for its ability to target breakouts, scarring, and uneven texture. It uses mandelic acid to gently remove dead surface skin cells without causing irritation or further inflammation. Hyaluronic acid and panthenol also work to protect and hydrate the skin, because even though acne-prone skin is on the oily side, you still need to give your skin moisture.

    Key ingredients:Mandelic acid
    Who's it for?Acne-prone skin
    Size:1 oz

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    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (26)Effectively removes dirt and oil from skin instantly
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (27)It's hard to avoid eye area because of the spray

    Instantly unveil smoother and clearer skin with this unique peel spray. It's made with plant-derived ingredients, such as champagne grape seed oil (it's rich with antioxidants and protects skin), cucumber extract (a must for softening and hydration), and licorice root (key for clarifying and brightening the skin). You spray it onto the skin, let it sit for a few seconds, and then massage to instantly lift away dirt, oil, and grime that's sitting on your face.

    Key ingredients:Champagne grapeseed oil, licorce root, and cucumber extract
    Who's it for?All skin types
    Size:1.7 oz

    Best for Sensitive Skin

    Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant Exfoliator

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (28)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (29)Gentle enough for daily use
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (30)Powder products can be messy to use

    "Though many exfoliants can be too harsh for sensitive skin, this gentle formula contains oat bran extract bran to calm the skin," says Jaliman. It's gentle enough to use daily, offering glowing results every time. In addition to oat bran extract, the formula contains moisturizing coconut milk, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and exfoliating papaya enzymes to boost skin rejuvenation.

    Key ingredients:Oat bran extract, hyaluronic acid, coconut milk, and papaya enzymes
    Who's it for?Great for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin
    Size:2.6 oz

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    Best for Oily Skin

    Odacite Jojoba Pearls Daily Hydra-Exfoliant

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (31)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (32)Combines physical and chemical exfoliants for deep clean
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (33)Refines skin texture
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (34)May be stripping for dry skin

    If you have oily skin, try a scrub—also called a physical exfoliator—with fine granules or micro-spheres, says Jaliman. This powerful formula contains round biodegradable jojoba pearls, fruit enzymes, and salicylic acid to target congested, dull, and textured skin.

    Key ingredients:Jojoba pearls
    Who's it for?Oily, dull, normal, and combination skin
    Size:1.6 oz

    Best Cruelty-Free

    Tula Detox in a Jar Exfoliating Treatment Mask

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (35)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (36)Offers a deep clean
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (37)Evens skin tone
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (38)Might be potent for sensitive skin

    Revive dull-looking skin with this clay-based purifying mask. The potent—but not harsh—formula contains blueberry extract, lactic acid, and turmeric root to clear pores and give you a natural and radiant glow.

    Key ingredients:Bentonite clay, lactic acid, blueberry extract and tumeric root
    Who's it for?Oily, combination, normal, and dull skin
    Size:1.7 oz

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    Best Vegan

    Glossier Exfoliating Skin Perfector

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (39)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (40)Smoothing
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (41)Budget-friendly
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (42)Liquid formula can get messy when applying

    A blend of three skincare acids—alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA)—work together to create smoother, softer skin. "It's a great choice for anyone with inflamed or angry red acne-prone skin," says Guanche.

    Key ingredients:Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, and lactic acid
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially acne-prone or very oily and congested skin
    Size:4.4 fl oz

    Best Drugstore Exfoliator

    Neutrogena All-In-1 Acne Control Daily Face Scrub

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (43)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (44)Affordable
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (45)Softening
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (46)Can be a bit drying if you use too much

    Consider this another quality pick for anyone with acne-prone skin—at a great drugstore price. "It's gentle enough to avoid stripping or irritating the skin but contains salicylic acid to fight acne and promote cell turnover," says Jaliman. It helps with existing blemishes, post-acne scarring, and prevents future breakouts from occurring.

    Key ingredients:Salicylic acid
    Size:4.2 oz
    Who's it for?Acne-prone or very oily skin types

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    Best for Clogged Pores

    Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2 Percent BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (47)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (48)Cleans clogged pores
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (49)Soothes inflammation
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (50)Can be a bit drying if you use too much

    "This chemical exfoliant works for all skin types," says Jaliman. It has a concentration of 2 percent salicylic acid that gently exfoliates your skin and unclogs your pores. It also contains green tea to soothe skin and fight inflammation. "My routine isn't complete without this exfoliator," says Oprah Daily beauty editor Genesis Rivas. I apply it at night and wake up with a significantly more radiant complexion that's smoother.

    Key ingredients?Salicylic acid
    Size:4 oz
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially congested skin

    Best Mask

    fresh Umbrian Clay Pore Purifying Face Mask

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (51)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (52)Non-comedogenic
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (53)Quick application
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (54)It's pricey for a face mask

    "This clay-based, non-comedogenic formula dissolves dead skin and absorbs oil, making it the perfect exfoliator for oily skin," says Chimento. Its main ingredient, Umbrian clay, removes toxins, cleans, and minimizes shine without over-drying or clogging pores. While it's perfect for oily skin, all skin types can benefit from adding this mask into their weekly routine for a deep clean.

    Key ingredients:Umbrian clay
    Who's it good for?All skin types
    Size:1 oz

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    Best Tightening

    COSRX Two in One Poreless Power Liquid

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (55)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (56)Tightens the look of large pores
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (57)Soothing allantoin
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (58)Liquid formula can get messy when applying

    Apply this K-beauty favorite after cleansing to help unclog and remove debris from pores, says Batra. It contains inflammation-quelling ingredients like willow bark and allantoin to help soothe any residual redness.

    Key ingredients:Willow bark extract, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially those concerned with large pores or excess oiliness
    Size:3.38 oz

    Best for Mature Skin

    Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (59)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (60)Visibly smooths skin texture
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (61)It's pricey compared to other options on this list

    "These chemical exfoliating peel pads go a long way in regards to anti-aging," says Chimento. A single pad has five different AHAs and BHAs, as well as vitamins and minerals to nourish skin while keeping it balanced, smooth, and radiant. It comes with two pads: one to exfoliate and the second to neutralize and protect skin against signs of aging.

    Key ingredients:Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid
    Size:5 Treatments
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially those with uneven skin texture and mature skin types looking to reduce signs of aging

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    Best for Dark Skin

    SheaMoisture Clarifying Facial Wash and Scrub

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (62)

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (63)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (64)Exfoliating
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (65)Brightening
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (66)Physical exfoliants can be irritating for sensitive skin

    "Choosing an exfoliating product that is too aggressive can cause discoloration or dyspigmentation—especially in those with darker complexions," says Ilyas. With that in mind, she recommends this one. It contains salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, along with other enzymatic exfoliants, but is not too harsh. It also has African black soap and tamarind extract to brighten.

    Key ingredients:Salicylic acid, African black soap, and tamarind
    Who's it for?Oily and combination skin types or those concerned with hyperpigmentation
    Size:4 oz

    Best for Dry Skin

    NEOSTRATA Bionic Face Cream

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (67)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (68)Moisturizing
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (69)Gentle formula
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (70)It's best used on days you're not using retinol

    "Though some exfoliators can exacerbate any problems with dry skin, this one is gentle enough to use daily, thanks to a combination of exfoliating polyhydroxy acid and hydrating meadowfoam seed oil," says Batra.

    Key ingredients:Polyhydroxy acid and meadowfoam seed oil
    Who's it for?Dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types
    Size:1.4 oz

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    Best Fast-Acting

    Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Pore Exfoliating Treatment

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (71)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (72)Works in two minutes
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (73)Doesn't strip the skin
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (74)Great for promoting even texture and boosting radiance
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (75)Small bottle

    "In just two minutes, this dual-action treatment unclogs pores and removes dead surface cells to leave skin cleaner, smoother, and brighter," says Shainhouse. It contains a mix of hard-working exfoliants, including salicylic acid and lactic acids, which chemically slough off dead surface skin. Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes enhance skin exfoliation and aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E help preserve moisture and softness.

    Who's it for?Oily, combo, and normal skin types
    Key ingredients:Salicylic acid, lactic acid, papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes
    Size:2 oz

    Best Brightening

    SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (76)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (77)Radiant results
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (78)Can be drying if you use too much

    "Five separate acids—lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and salicylic acid—gently remove surface cells to unclog pores and reveal smoother, glowing skin," says Shainhouse. It also has jojoba oil to help offset the potentially drying effects of so many potent acids. It's the ideal treatment when you're looking to revitalize dull-looking skin. It's also great for keeping skin

    Key ingredients:Lactic, glycolic, citric, malic, and salicylic acids
    Who's it for?All skin types
    Size:6 oz

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    Best Softening

    Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial 25% AHA + 2% BHA Mask

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (79)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (80)Improves the look of dark spots and wrinkles
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (81)Some reviewers say the pump breaks easily

    This popular pick contains a powerful 25 percent AHA blend to exfoliate and encourage cell turnover. As a result, it does wonders for dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, leaving skin as smooth and soft as, well, a baby's.

    Key ingredients:Glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic acids
    Who's it for?All skin types
    Size1.69 oz

    Best Oil-Free

    SKINCEUTICALS Retexturing Activator Replenishing Serum

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (82)

    Why We Love It
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (83)Great for combination skin
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (84)Reinforces skin barrier
    What to Consider
    • These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (85)It's pricey compared to other options

    Prone to dry skin? "This serum gently but effectively exfoliates without causing dryness or irritation," says Potozkin. It contains a hydroxyethyl urea and aminosulfonic acid compound to help stimulate the production of enzymes that promote exfoliation. It also has kombucha, which is a naturally derived ingredient made of tea and promotes soft and radiant skin. And hyaluronic acid gives the skin a boost of hydration.

    Key ingredients:Hydroxyethyl urea and aminosulfonic acid compound, kombucha, and hylauronic acid
    Who's it for?All skin types, especially oily and combination skin types
    Size:1 oz

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (86)

    Brigitt Earley

    Contributing Writer

    Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (87)

    Genesis Rivas

    Genesis Rivas is the Beauty Editor at Oprah Daily, where she covers hair, makeup, skin, nails, and more. Before joining the Oprah Daily team, she wrote for several publications, including InStyle, Real Simple, and Shape. When she’s not testing, researching, and writing fun and educational beauty content, you can find her dancing and eating her way through New York City. Follow her on Instagram or TikTok

    These Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators Give You a Mini At-Home Facial (2024)

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