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Our best overall pick is Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
Exfoliation is a key step in any balanced skincare routine, when done correctly. Benefits include clear pores, better circulation, and an even skin tone.1
Cleveland Clinic. 5 ways to exfoliate your skin without irritation.
It also helps your skin better absorb other products throughout your skincare routine. According to dermatologist Lily Talakoub, M.D., of McLean Dermatology & Skincare Center, “Exfoliation helps serums, moisturizers, and growth factors penetrate deeper into the skin.”
If the idea of adding yet another product to your daily skin regimen has your wallet stressing, worry not, we’ve got all the best recommendations for affordable exfoliators. We’re sharing our favorite products that top dermatologists and skincare experts recommend—and they’re all available at your local drugstore. Whether your sensitive skin requires a gentle exfoliating cleanser or your oil skin needs a zinc-infused exfoliator, we’ve got you covered.
Best Overall: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
“Cetaphil’s Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is very soothing and well-suited for dry, sensitive skin,” says Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology. “This cleanser helps remove impurities and augments the removal of dead skin cells.”
According to Melissa K. Levin, the NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, “Exfoliation is key and necessary for dry and combination skin to continue turnover of dead skin cells. I recommend incorporating an alpha-hydroxy acid product or, for those with more sensitive skin, Cetaphil’s Extra Gentle Daily Scrub because it uses micro-fine bamboo particles to buff and soften skin.”
Additionally, Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York adds that Cetaphil’s Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is gentle enough for all skin types, including dry skin, because it contains skin conditioners that don’t irritate the skin.
Best Cleanser: Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser
“For oily skin, I recommend Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser,” says Dr. Goldenberg. The creamy cleanser has a pillow-y texture that makes the whole exfoliating process a bit more inviting. “This product contains alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids that help remove oil and dirt that sits deep in the pores while gently exfoliating the skin, leaving it smooth and soft.” A quick rinse and skin appears brighter, smoother, and refreshed, without feeling tight and stripped. However we definitely recommend following with your nightly moisturizer for blanket of conditioning post-cleanse.
Best Sugar Scrub: L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub in Kiwi
For combination skin, Dr. Goldenberg recommends L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub. “It contains three different types of sugars that help remove dead skin cells and impurities,” she says. The texture is gritty, but since the sugar dissolves quickly when combined with water, it won’t aggravate skin as you smooth it over your face. Instead, it gently buffs away dry, rough patches on skin, rinsing to reveal an exceptionally smooth surface. “It also contains cocoa butter to provide the skin with moisture and to protect it from too much irritation.”
Best for Combination Skin: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser
Dr. Bae also recommends La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Facial Cleanser for combination skin, as it “contains zinc to reduce sebum and is formulated with gentle, thermal spring water,” she says. This cleanser is also great for acne-prone skin, as it gently and effectively works to unclog pores without disrupting skin’s pH balance. It’s also formulated with the brand’s signature thermal spring water which has a refreshing and cooling effect that calms skin as you cleanse.
Best Mask: Feeling Beautiful 4-in-1 Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask
This budget-friendly face mask delivers impressive results at a price tag that’s hard to beat. “For combination skin, Freeman’s Feeling Beautiful Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Clay Mask contains acids that gently exfoliate the skin by dissolving dead skin cells,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York. The multi-tasking formula can be used as a mask, scrub, or cleanser, to absorb and rinse away excess oils on the skin that can lead to breakouts. The apple cider vinegar serves as a gentle toner that won’t aggravate sensitive skin types and reveals clearer, brighter skin after each use.
Best for Oily Skin: Differin Daily Deep Cleanser
Despite being known for its powerful acne-fighting benefits, this Differin cleanser is impressively gentle. “For oily skin, one of my favorite acne-fighting cleansers is Differin Daily Deep Cleanser, which is a micronized, 5 percent benzoyl peroxide cleanser that can affordably deliver prescription-strength results,” says Dr.Levin. “Many benzoyl peroxide-based cleansers are drying and irritating, but this one is a dual-action micronized formula that penetrates pores and absorbs excess oil while releasing a gentle moisturizer that doesn’t dry skin or clogs pores.”
Best for Clogged Pores: Bioré Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser
While it’s not the cleanest formula, this no-frills cleanser is one that’s effective at gently rinsing away grease and grime from the day. “For oily skin, Bioré’s Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser is very refreshing, and it contains salicylic acid, a chemical and physical exfoliant,” says Dr. Bae. The exfoliating formula helps to rid pores of acne-causing buildup, while delivering a cool, icy feel that calms skin in the process, and makes for a refreshing cleanse you’ll look forward to time and again.
Best for Dry Skin: La Roche-Posay Ultrafine Scrub for Sensitive Skin
“Dry skin is very sensitive to over-exfoliating, which is why I like this one from La Roche-Posay,” says Dr. Engelman. The scrub is ultra-fine with just enough grit to cleanse pores, without being the least bit harsh or irritating to skin. “It’s allergy-tested and free of soap, alcohol, and parabens,” which makes it a friendly alternative for sensitive skin types who want to experience the skin-polishing buff of an exfoliator.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator
Leave it to the trusted acne-fighters at Proactiv, to formulate a creamy exfoliator that is gentle enough to smooth and soothe acne-prone skin. “Proactiv’s Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains prescription-strength micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to clear up acne blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming,” says Dr. Engelman. “It also contains tiny exfoliating beads and glycolic acid to help reduce excess oil.” It may be one of the more expensive options at the drugstore, however the clear, glowy skin that results will continue to validate your investment.
Best for Brightening: Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
There is a lot to be said about this fan-favorite scrub, and you can browse a mere 60,000 online reviews to validate the chatter. For all skin types except those with inflammatory acne, Cynthia Rivas, a medical aesthetician at Monica Halem, M.D., in New York City, recommends Acure’s Brightening Facial Scrub. “I love that the clay helps purify the skin, and the gentle abrasion won’t damage it, either,” she explains. The unassuming yellow tube is celebrated for its uncanny ability to buff and soften skin with a cocktail of sea kelp, green clay, and argan oil. The radiant results are praise-worthy and at less than $10 bucks, all that glowiness comes at a price that’s hard to beat.
Best for Overnight: CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment Anti Aging Face Serum
This overnight treatment balances the powerful skin-smoothing results of glycolic and lactic acids, with a combination of super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. The 5% AHA blend works to speed up cell turnover, gently sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more polished complexion. Skin looks and feels noticeably smoother after a single use, and with continued use 3-4 times per week, pores appear smaller, skin plumper, and skin all-around glowier. It also has a lightweight, comfortable texture that isn’t the least bit greasy or sticky on skin.
Best Toner: Pixi Glow Tonic
A quick Google search will surface close to 25,000 glowing reviews for this toner, with shoppers praising the equally glowy results. It’s formulated with 5% glycolic acid which is powerful enough to buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother canvas below, but gentle enough not to aggravate skin or cause any stinging or burning upon application. The bottle is huge, and you only need a few drops onto a cotton pad to cover your whole face, so it will last you a long while. You will want to layer up with a moisturizer and SPF after toning, since it can leave your skin a bit tight, but the radiant results are well worth the extra pampering.
Best Peel Pads: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
There’s no denying the convenience that comes from a pre-soaked pad, especially one that delivers an impressively glowy result after a quick swipe. The rounds are saturated (but not drippy) with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids, that work double time decongesting pores and sloughing away dull, flakey skin. These effective chemical exfoliants are balanced by cucumber water for soothing, and lemon peel for brightening, so your skin gets a gentle, refreshing reboot in seconds.
Best Multi-Purpose: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
This affordable toner is a bottle of many benefits. Not only does it do a number clearing clogged pores to reveal noticeably smoother texture and brighter complexion on the face, but it’s also celebrated as a scalp treatment and body exfoliant. It’s the bottle that went viral on TikTok for it’s lesser known ability to treat dandruff, complete with a unique concentrated nozzle dispenser that makes applying along your part feel intentional. While the anti-microbial formula may be too powerful for some sensitive faces, it works wonders on rough patches on arms and feet, buffing away dry, flaky roughness to reveal better-looking skin head-to-toe.
Best Gel Cleanser: ITK Exfoliating Gel Cleanser with Glycolic Acid
Think of this skin-brightening cleanser as a friendly introduction into chemical exfoliation. Because the cleanser only temporarily sits on skin before being rinsed away, it delivers a gentler skin polishing than some of the alternatives on this list. The gel cleanser is formulated with a trio of exfoliators, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid—alongside the antioxidant-rich spirulina extract which helps to balance and calm skin thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. The results are not immediate, but with continued daily use, skin appears noticeably more even and radiant post-cleanse.
Best Chemical Exfoliant: Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask
This mask is powerful and fast-acting thanks to a juicy cocktail of fruit enzymes—like pineapple and papaya extract—and chemical exfoliants—like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid— that effectively slough away build up and dead skin cells in just two minutes. The powerful formula delivers impressive skin-brightening results that are apparent immediately post-rinse and the cool jelly texture makes for something of a sensory experience as you apply it over your face. Despite the power play ingredients at work, it won’t burn or irritate normal skin types—as long as you rinse off at the two-minute mark. However, it might be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
Final Verdict
Exfoliation is an important step in every skincare routine, no matter your skin type. However, the type of product you choose—a cleanser, mask, or toner—and type of exfoliant—physical or chemical—can make a big difference in your results. A good pick for all skin types and recommended by our dermatologists is Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub. However, if you are oily and prone to acne, Differin Acne Face Wash with Benzoyl Peroxide may be the pick for you.
What to Look For in Drugstore Exfoliators
Alpha-Hydroxy Acid
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants for the skin. According to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., they include many benefits for the skin. They slough off dead skin cells, help increase collagen production, hydrate, and offer antioxidant benefits. Of course, like any exfoliator, overuse can cause skin irritation. Follow your dermatologists recommendation when using AHA exfoliating products. Some of our favorite products from this list that contain AHAs are Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.
Zinc
Zinc can be found in a variety of skincare products, often in sunscreen, but also in exfoliators. If you have oily skin, seek exfoliators with zinc in the ingredients, such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser. Zinc eliminates excess oil without signaling the skin to produce more oil, according to celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas.
FAQ
How often should I exfoliate?
Dermatologists and experts agree, you should exfoliate your face about two to three times a week.
Why do I need to exfoliate?
Without proper exfoliation, your skin will remain covered in dead skin cells, which can cause your face to look older and duller. Other issues you might also face: your makeup looking uneven on your skin and facial products (like moisturizers and serums) not properly absorbing into skin.
How do I exfoliate my face?
Christine McMackin, certified advanced aesthetic specialist and certified family nurse practitioner, shares her step-by-step tips for facial exfoliation: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser and warm water. After gently washing off your cleanser and while your skin is still damp, take a pea-sized amount of exfoliant, placing a small dot on your forehead, both cheeks, and chin. In gentle, circular motions spread the exfoliant across your face. Once you have softly rubbed the exfoliant around your face for about 30 seconds, use warm water to rinse it off. Then apply your skin type-specific creams and serums to finish your skincare routine.
