One of the skin-care steps that can make the biggest difference in skin tone, texture, and overall clarity is exfoliation. In removing the buildup of dead skin cells (and, in turn, allowing products applied after, like serum and moisturizer, to better penetrate skin), exfoliators are an easy way to elevate your entire skin-care routine. Depending on your skin goals or concerns, exfoliating treatments can minimize excess oil, fade hyperpigmentation, improve the appearance of pores and fine lines, treat breakouts, nix blackheads, and generally soften and smooth skin.
That said, there are two methods of exfoliation that work very differently, so it’s important to choose the best formula for your skin type. Physical exfoliators—like face scrubs or brushes—use mechanical forces (think granules or microbeads) to polish skin and buff away dead skin cells. The downside? This can create micro-tears in the skin in the process and lead to over-exfoliation. Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, use acids or fruit enzymes to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to slough off. If used incorrectly or in excess, liquid exfoliants can lead to dryness and cause damage to the skin barrier too.
As a result, the best face exfoliators on the market are those that are both effective and gentle, and you can’t go wrong with dermatologist-recommended exfoliators. (Just don‘t forget the SPF: exfoliating can leave skin more sensitive to the sun, so sunscreen is key.) So, we asked 10 dermatology experts for what they consider to be the best exfoliators for the face—and why they recommend them to their patients. Best of all, their picks all ring in at less than $75.
Dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for mature skin
Neova Serious Microdermabrasion Scrub ($63)
“This uses microfine crystals to exfoliate, so there’s no damage to the skin. It reduces [the appearance of] pore size and allows for your retinols or retinoids to penetrate even better.” —Dr. Sapna Palep, New York City board-certified dermatologist
Freeman Beauty Renewing Cucumber Peel Off Gel Mask ($5)
“Freeman Beauty is a drugstore brand that has been around for decades and makes a range of peel-off gel and clay masks. They don’t scrub like a traditional exfoliator, and when you peel them off your face after several minutes, they tighten the skin and pores [while also] magically taking off the top layer of [dead skin cells] in the best way possible.” —Boston board-certified dermatopathologist Dr. Gretchen Frieling, Boston board-certified dermatopathologist
Peter Thomas Roth Un-wrinkle Peel Pads ($45)
“These are great at sloughing off dead skin cells while also nourishing the skin with amino acids and antioxidants. You can use them one to three times a week to boost your skin-care routine and keep fresh, healthy skin cells at the surface.” —Dr. Deanne Robinson, Westport, Connecticut, board-certified dermatologist
Dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for dull, dry skin
Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% ($32)
“My absolute favorite is SkinBetter AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads ($95). However, for an under [$75] pick, I like the Glycolix pads, which can be used every other day or every day.” —Dr. Jennifer MacGregor, New York City board-certified dermatologist
Mele Refresh Even Tone Post Cleanse Facial Tonic ($12)
“Designed specifically with dark skin types in mind, this lactic acid toner helps to gently exfoliate and leave the skin glowing, while also working to improve the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone. It also contains vitamin C, which provides antioxidant benefits.“ —Dr. Marisa Garshick, New York City board-certified dermatologist
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub ($32)
“This facial scrub is a great choice for dry or sensitive skin. It pairs physical particles—hydrated silica—to remove dead skin cells and excess sebum alongside skin-softening ingredients, like hydrating glycerin and aloe vera leaf extract.” —Dr. Robinson
Dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for oily skin
Epionce Lytic Gel Cleanser ($38)
“This is one of my favorite exfoliators. It has salicylic acid but it also contains botanicals, so it isn’t harsh and is well-tolerated by all. If someone prefers a leave-on product, I like Lytic Tx.” —Dr. Amy Forman Taub, Lincolnshire, Illinois, board-certified dermatologist
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser ($15)
“This is a great exfoliator for acne-prone skin because it is formulated with salicylic acid. It also has niacinamide and ceramides to moisturize and soothe the skin.“ —Dr. Marina Peredo, New York City board-certified dermatologist
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser ($39)
“This cleanser is great to use to exfoliate the skin and help unclog pores. It is formulated with glycolic acid, which helps cell turnover, but is gentle enough that you can use it daily and it won’t strip the skin of moisture.” —Dr. Peredo
Dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for acne-prone skin
Neutrogena Oil-Free Salicylic Acid Acne Fighting Facial Cleanser ($8)
“I don’t believe in rough mechanical exfoliation at all, but I do like alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids, to gently exfoliate and refresh the skin. Most people don’t know that salicylic acid, common in many acne cleansers, is a beta hydroxy acid, the ingredient found in real chemical peels. I like to recommend the old tried-and-true classic, this cleanser by Neutrogena, because it [both] gently exfoliates the skin’s surface and [cleans] into the pores while brightening the skin and acting as an anti-inflammatory at the same time. Win, win, win.” —Dr. Jessica Krant, New York City board-certified dermatologist
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 20% Exfoliating Peeling Solution ($8)
“Combining various alpha hydroxy acids, including glycolic acid and lactic acid, with beta hydroxy acids, like salicylic acid, this exfoliant helps to reduce clogged pores and congestion while also improving skin texture and uneven skin tone. While it’s affordable, it should not be used more than twice per week.” —Dr. Garshick
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser ($48)
“This cleanser has just the right amount of alpha and beta hydroxy acids to make your skin soft, even out pigmentation, and help dry up acne. It’s scent-free and has tiny ocean-safe beads for gentle exfoliation.” —Dr. Morgan Rabach, New York City board-certified dermatologist
Dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for sensitive skin
SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser ($35)
“I love to utilize gentle exfoliation, in both chemical and physical forms. A few times a week, I use this face wash, which has the chemical exfoliant glycolic acid, [and I mix it] with a little granulated sugar as a light physical exfoliant. The sugar dissolves before it does anything harmful to the skin, and this combination leaves the skin feeling vibrant and smooth.” —Dr. Sonia Lamel, Seattle board-certified dermatologist
Defenage 2-Minute Reveal Mask ($74)
“This gentle skin-brightening face mask uses triple enzyme technology to remove dull, unwanted skin cells, which leads to smoother and softer skin. I use it two times per week to allow my other skin-care products to penetrate more effectively. The ultrafine sugar crystals provide resurfacing without irritation, which is perfect for sensitive skin like mine.” —Dr. Kristin Baird, Longmont, Colorado, board-certified dermatologist
Naturium 12% Mandelic Acid ($20)
“This contains a blend of 12% mandelic acid, a larger AHA which is gentle on the skin, as well as natural fruit acids and niacinamide—so it helps to exfoliate without leaving the skin dry or irritated. That makes it a great option for those with sensitive skin. It’s also fragrance-free and paraben-free.” —Dr. Garshick
