I Tested the 10 Best Face Exfoliators for the Smoothest, Glowiest Complexion Ever
My all-time favorite is under $20.
When I think of the skincare product that got me into skincare, I think of face exfoliators. In middle school, there were silicone scrubbers, and in college, there was a not-to-be-named, pink-capped bottle full of a chemical exfoliant that I used constantly. It absolutely destroyed my barrier, but left my skin feeling oh-so soft.
The irony? Despite my less-than-ideal technique, I wasn't completely wrong to be obsessed with exfoliation. When used properly, it's one of the most effective ways to keep skin smooth, bright, and healthy—which is why celebrity esthetician Ildi Pekar says that to understand why, you need to turn your attention back to the basics of skin anatomy.
"Your skin is constantly renewing itself," Pekar says. "In young adults, that cycle takes about 28 days; but as we age, that process slows considerably—it can take 60 to 90 days in older adults," she explains. "In between those cycles, we need a little help. Exfoliating gives you smoother, more even skin and helps your products actually penetrate and do their job."
With that said, she doesn't believe in over-exfoliating—not many (if any) skin experts do. "You want your skin’s natural habits to stay intact. Once or twice a week is perfect," explains Pekar. Not too often, but not never either is the sweet spot to keep your skin barrier irritation-free, but to also minimize uneven texture and clear out those pores. Keep reading to discover the 10 best face exfoliators on the market right now.
My All-Timers
While there are so many great face exfoliators available, these are the products that have long held a special place in my routine. Though certainly different, they both do their job beautifully—and effectively.
I've written about my love for Josh Rosebrook's Active Enzyme Exfoliator time and time again. It's truly my beloved. Suitable for all skin types, this dual-action face exfoliator uses both chemical (potent fruit enzymes) and physical exfoliation (finely ground walnut shells) to slough off anything that's been hanging out on your face and no longer needs to be there. It also smells so good.
A staple in my evening skincare routine, this exfoliating cleanser comes after my favorite oil formula to really clean things up. The hero ingredients here are apricot seed powder (it gently physically exfoliates), pomegranate enzymes (to dissolve buildup and blackheads), and willow bark (to slough away dead skin and keep your pores looking minuscule).
Exfoliating Toners
Beautiful news for anyone who's ever wanted to kick off their skincare routine with a little exfoliation: Team Marie Claire already gathered their favorite exfoliating toners. That doesn't mean I don't have my own favorites, though. "A simple test: if your skin feels dry and tight after exfoliating, that product is not right for your skin type," Pekar explains.
I originally picked this great toner up because it features azelaic acid, an ingredient my sensitive skin needs in the winter to fight redness. I love it for every other aspect of its formulation, though. This milky potion helps refine pores and revive your glow in just a few days of use.
Ringing up at an incredible price point (truly, it's less than $20!), this toner features BHAs and a bioactive fruit complex for some major brightening action. The agents combine with super-hydrating glycerin to support your glow while tackling dark spots.
The Nitty Gritty
Sometimes, you want a face exfoliator with some real grit. These are the products named "polish" or "scrub," and are about as close as you'll get to the abrasive potions of Y2K in this day and age—but don't worry, these ones are safe for your skin barrier when used correctly.
"Older formulas used ingredients with jagged, irregular particles that would literally scratch the skin and damage the barrier. Those you want to stay away from," notes Pekar. "But skincare has gotten so much smarter. Newer physical exfoliators are formulated with much more refined technology. They’re gentle, effective, and barrier-friendly. The problem was never physical exfoliation itself; it was bad formulas."
What makes this face exfoliator stand out is that you incorporate it into whatever is already in your skincare routine. "Mix it with water or toner for a lighter, clarifying effect—perfect for oily skin. Mix it with a creamy face wash to make it more soothing and hydrating, ideal for sensitive or dry skin. One product, fully adaptable to you," says Pekar.
Another beloved scrub comes courtesy of Aesop. Dispense half a teaspoon of this paste into the palm of your hand before working it all over your face, lips included. It features lactic acid for mild chemical exfoliation, plus physical exfoliation from genuine, finely ground quartz. Crystal girlies, are you hearing this?
A Gentle Approach
Exfoliation is important even for those with the most sensitive skin. "Your skin is shedding constantly—exfoliation just keeps that process working efficiently," says Pekar. "Honestly, most everyone can benefit [from face exfoliators]. But especially people with rough texture, uneven skin tone, those who sweat a lot, or anyone who isn’t getting regular professional treatments."
Inspired by in-office treatments, Dr. Brandt's Gentle Microdermabrasion Face Exfoliator was crafted to activate the skin’s natural renewal process. Featuring biodegradable micro-granules, it's great for all skin types and tones, but features calming and nourishing properties that really jive with sensitive skin.
Tatcha has some fab face exfoliators in their repertoire, and this one is a true favorite—a version of their bestselling The Rice Polish made specifically for sensitive skin. You use water to activate it, and all of a sudden, the nourishing Japanese rice bran in your palm becomes a creamy foam you can use to polish away any and all congestion and dead skin. It's a must-have for MC Beauty Director Hannah Baxter as well. "I reach for this formula to banish closed comedones and really give my skin a thorough deep clean in the summer," she says. "It's super gentle but it also leaves my skin feeling fresh and bright."
Swipe It On
Not in the mood to literally scrub (a dub dub)? Grab a pack of exfoliating pads, which make the whole face-exfoliating step in your routine so incredibly easy. All you need to do is grab a pad and sweep it across your freshly cleansed face to get all the benefits (and oftentimes even more).
Inside this little jar, you'll find 60 pads that have been shown to physically lift dead skin cells away from your precious complexion. You have two months' worth of product to play with here. Have fun, and enjoy that new glow.
Why Trust Marie Claire
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
Meet the Expert
A native of Budapest, Ildi Pekar incorporates her deeply rooted cultural and educational experiences as a skincare therapist to promote her philosophy “skincare is health care”. Ildi’s home country of Hungary is known as the “spa capital” of the world and served as a foundation for the creation of her renowned healing therapies.
Ildi brings a unique approach to her clients that combines the “magic” of traditional remedies with modern technologies to provide a deeper nurturing experience for you. Building on her European roots and an established, loyal following, Ildi provides these forward-thinking and nurturing touches to those who need healing on both physical and spiritual grounds.
With her vision, and over 20 years of strengthening her techniques, Ildi leads the way in skin analysis for face and body care.
