A good skincare routine is essential for maintaining healthy skin, and exfoliation is key. It primarily serves to remove dead skin cells, but some face exfoliators can also cleanse, remove dirt, and help unclog pores.
Some face scrubs can be more aggressive than necessary, but nowadays many formulas are designed for gentle exfoliation—so you could exfoliate your face before work and head off feeling polished and prepared with no signs of redness. To see how effective these products really are, though, we asked our testers to use them and share their experiences. We’re pleased to report that every product received a favorable rating, but each had its own advantage.
Best Face Exfoliators of 2026
- Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
- Best Physical Exfoliator: Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
- Best Premium Face Exfoliator: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
- Best Face Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Best Face Exfoliators Comparison Table
Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at SkinCeuticals
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved the impact this scrub had on her skin, leading to brighter, smoother, and less oily skin without any drying or irritation.
- Who it’s for: People who want a multitasking product that helps streamline a skincare routine while also helping promote skin health
Pros
- Just the right level of exfoliation, noticeable but not aggressive
- Noticeable skin improvements, even without daily use
- Does double duty as an exfoliant and cleanser
Cons
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- Some people may not prefer a physical exfoliant
- Daily use may seem excessive to some, though our tester used it less frequently and still achieved positive results
Our Thoughts on SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
This face exfoliating scrub is designed to cleanse pores and exfoliate, ultimately helping soften and improve skin texture. This is the only product in the lineup that’s a purely physical exfoliant, meaning it uses an ingredient—in this case hydrated silica—to exfoliate via the process of rubbing that substance against your skin. This product is fragrance-free and formulated to be gentle enough for daily use.
To use it, add a small amount of the exfoliating scrub to your face and neck and lightly rub it in circles, then rinse with warm water.
Our tester, Emily (distinct from our staff writer of the same name), used SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub and said, “The product is easy to apply, and you only need to use a little bit to cover your whole face. The beads are pretty tiny but it feels like it’s exfoliating.” She rated the application process a 4 out of 5.
As for the actual level of exfoliation, Emily said, “It feels like my skin is getting exfoliated, but without hurting my skin. I think this exfoliant is the perfect balance of being strong enough to really cleanse my skin without being so harsh that it hurts or leaves my skin feeling too dry.” She rated the skin comfort level a 4.5 out of 5.
“It leaves my skin feeling clean and has helped with my oiliness,” she explained, adding, “I like that this product doesn’t feel too aggressive, but definitely feels like it exfoliates. I’ve noticed that my skin texture has started to improve, and my skin feels smoother after consistently using this exfoliant. I also feel like my skin isn’t as oily and looks brighter.” She rated the effectiveness a 4 out of 5.
Even though our tester didn’t use this face exfoliator daily, she found it did an excellent job exfoliating her skin with the added benefit of doubling as a skin cleanser—making it a great option for people looking to maximize efficiency while getting ready for work in the morning, since the product does double duty.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Hydrated silica, glycerin, aloe barbadensis leaf juice powder
- Best for: Normal, dry, oily, combination, dehydrated, discolored, or aging skin
- Recommended frequency: Once daily
Best Physical Exfoliator: Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: We appreciated this scrub’s effective physical exfoliation and pleasant scent.
- Who it’s for: Professionals with packed schedules who like their skincare routine to serve as a little “me time” at the end of the day
- What makes it different: Beachy scent that helps create a more relaxed, spa-like experience
Pros
- Left skin feeling soft and smooth
- Only a small amount of product required
- Exfoliation felt effective but not too strong
Cons
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- Scented, which some people may dislike
- Took slightly longer to rinse off
- Physical exfoliators may feel too aggressive for some
Our Thoughts on Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
This exfoliating face scrub is formulated with prebiotics, “ultra-fine” sugar, and fruit enzymes, which the company website says “helps purify the skin microbiome while gently polishing away excess buildup to reveal glowing, smoother skin.” This sugar scrub has a fragrance described as a beach-inspired summer scent with notes of lime, papaya, and vanilla, and it’s formulated to provide both chemical and physical exfoliation.
To use, you apply a dime-size amount to skin and gently massage it into skin before rinsing with warm water.
Kayla, a member of our testing team, found this exfoliating sugar scrub easy to apply. She said, “It spreads nicely and I was able to cover my face using very little product, then once applied you have to use your fingers to really work it into the skin.”
She rated the application a 4 out of 5, noting that it did take a little extra time to rinse off the product. We think this sugar scrub would work well as part of an evening wind-down routine, perhaps after a busy workday, given that it does require a little extra time to remove it.
She thought it was comfortable when applied to her skin, explaining, “It has very tiny sand-like granules that act like physical exfoliants to help lather and scrub away dead skin. The particles are very small and not abrasive at all.” Kayla rated the skin comfort level a 4.5 out of 5.
“Overall it worked well to get rid of any dry skin,” said Kayla, adding, “I had recently been outside and had a little bit of skin that was dry and flaking. The scrub was gentle enough not to irritate my skin, but also effective enough to smooth away any rough texture.” She said the exfoliant wasn’t very moisturizing, but smelled nice and was an effective exfoliant. Kayla rated the overall effectiveness a 4 out of 5, saying this product left her skin with a “soft, balanced, smooth feeling.”
Specs
- Key ingredients: Prebiotics, sugar
- Best for: Dull, uneven skin
- Recommended frequency: 2 to 4 times per week
Best Premium Face Exfoliator: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: Our tester loved how her skin looked and felt after using this face exfoliator, which requires minimal time commitment.
- Who it’s for: Those who prioritize efficiency and convenience, and don’t mind the price tag that sometimes goes along with those things
- What makes it different: Very short application time, with the option to leave it on longer for greater intensity
Pros
- Very impressive results
- Extremely short application time
- Only needs to be used once or twice per week
Cons
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- Smallest container size in the lineup, but with only one or two uses per week (as recommended) this may not require frequent repurchasing
- Highest cost per ounce in the lineup, which may be a drawback to some
- Light scent, which some may not prefer
Our Thoughts on Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment
Kate Somerville is an aesthetician and founder of Kate Somerville Skincare, and this exfoliating treatment—which offers both chemical and physical exfoliation—is purportedly inspired by her “Hollywood facial.” It’s meant to help produce smoother, softer skin in just a couple of minutes, once or twice per week.
To use, just apply a thin layer to your face, making sure skin is clean and wet, and massage gently for up to 30 seconds. Then leave the exfoliating treatment on skin for up to two minutes, and rinse.
Our tester, Bridget, said this product goes on easily, explaining, “It spreads well and rinses off quickly and cleanly, without any residue.” She also said the scrub has a “light, pleasant scent” and rated the application process a 4 out of 5.
This exfoliating treatment was also pleasant to use, with Bridget noting, “The particles in the scrub feel gentle, but I will note that the packaging tells you to leave it on for two minutes, and for sensitive skin, leave it on less than one minute. I typically leave it on for between one and two minutes, and I like having the option to make it more intense if necessary.” She rated the skin comfort level a 4.5 out of 5.
“This is truly one of the most effective products I’ve used,” said Bridget, adding, “I can definitely feel and see a difference after using it. My skin looks brighter, fresher, and more even. It also feels soft and smooth. It’s such an impressive result; I’ve convinced multiple friends to try it, and they’re now all committed users as well.” Bridget rated the effectiveness a 5 out of 5.
While this product carries a premium cost—$42.50 per ounce, the highest price in the lineup—the combination of a short application time and impressive results may be worth it to professionals who prioritize efficiency and results. With an application time of just one or two minutes, once or twice per week, this is an easy add to any skincare routine.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, salicylic acid, papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes, pumpkin enzymes, silica
- Best for: Normal, dry, oily, combination, or uneven skin
- Recommended frequency: 1 to 2 times per week
Best Face Exfoliator with Salicylic Acid: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
| Fortune score | 4/5 |
at Amazon
- Our thoughts: We loved this gentle exfoliating powder that produced seriously impressive results with just a minute-long application.
- Who it’s for: Professionals who want a non-irritating, fast exfoliator they can use before work to help skin look brighter and allow for smoother makeup application
- What makes it different: Powder-based product that activates when mixed with water and includes salicylic acid for gentle chemical exfoliation
Pros
- Extremely short application time
- Left skin feeling smooth and calm, with no irritation
- Rinsed off easily
Cons
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- Takes some trial and error to get the water-to-powder ratio right
- Can be tricky to dispense the powder into wet hands
Our Thoughts on Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based exfoliating powder that activates when combined with water. Key ingredients include papain, salicylic acid, and rice bran meant to “polish skin to perfection,” and this exfoliator also contains ingredients meant to help brighten, even, and calm skin. This product is also gentle enough for daily use.
To use, first cleanse your face and then add about a half-teaspoon of the powder to wet hands. Rub your hands together to create a paste, and apply that to your face and neck, rubbing in circular motions while avoiding the eye area. Massage for about one minute before rinsing. The instructions also note that this product shouldn’t be used on sunburned, irritated, or freshly waxed skin.
Kendall, our tester, used this face exfoliator and said, “It was fairly easy to apply, but it took a couple of tries to get right. Because it’s a powder, you have to get the water-to-powder ratio just right.”
The powder can also be a little messy to dispense into wet hands, noted Kendall, though she said that once the paste was the correct consistency, “It spread evenly across my face and felt smooth, with the fine granules giving a gentle buff rather than a harsh scrub.”
She rated the application a 3.5 out of 5, noting that the product rinsed off easily with warm water. For people who don’t like packing liquids when they travel, this exfoliator is an excellent solution. Additionally, the quick application time—just one minute and you’re done—makes it perfect for busy folks who want to exfoliate without adding a time-consuming step to their routine.
“This was one of the most comfortable exfoliants I’ve tried,” said Kendall, explaining, “I didn’t experience any burning, stinging, or redness during or after use, even though it contains salicylic acid. There was only a very faint tingle while using it, and that faded as soon as I rinsed. It never felt harsh.” She rated the skin comfort a 4.5 out of 5.
This face exfoliator was very effective, according to our tester, who said, “After using this, my skin felt soft, smooth, and calm rather than stripped. My pores also look less congested, and blackheads are less noticeable. My skin also looks brighter and more even, and the dullness is gone.”
Kendall said that an additional benefit is that makeup and skincare go on more smoothly afterward, and she rated the overall effectiveness a 5 out of 5. The quick application time, combined with the lack of redness or irritation after use, makes this a great product for a busy professional’s morning routine.
Specs
- Key ingredients: Papain, salicylic acid, oryza sativa (rice) bran extract
- Best for: Congested, dull, or uneven skin
- Recommended frequency: Once daily
Why the Right Skincare Matters to Professionals
The right face exfoliator should fit seamlessly into your routine and help promote your skin’s health without causing irritation. Here are some specific ways in which some of the products we tested could be beneficial beyond just the skin benefits.
If you travel frequently for work: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a powder option that’s easy to pack for travel, and you don’t have to worry about liquid leaking all over your luggage. We also know airplanes can be dehydrating for skin, so using this after a long flight could potentially help you look brighter and more refreshed, too. And because of the gentle formula there’s no telltale redness to worry about if you’re heading out to meet clients.
If you have a client meeting or professional event coming up: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment was made for maximizers who want efficiency and effectiveness, and think of skincare as an investment they don’t mind paying for. When you’ve got a packed schedule and want to look polished, but don’t have time for an hour-long facial, this reliable face exfoliator delivers results with minimal time required.
If you want a relaxing wind-down routine after a hectic day: Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub is nice for those who prefer a slower, more relaxing routine, thanks to the beach-inspired scent and the slightly longer rinse-off time.
How We Tested and Selected the Best Face Exfoliators
We considered a number of different factors when looking at face exfoliators, and these were some of the most important.
Application
We wanted to find products that felt pleasant when applied to the skin, not overly harsh or abrasive.
Texture and Feel
Some people may recall face exfoliators from decades ago that had coarse, rough textures from things like walnut shells. We looked for products that felt gentle on skin, while still offering exfoliation.
Skin Comfort
Face exfoliators can lead to tight, dry, or red skin, so we focused on products that exfoliated without irritating skin.
Effectiveness
We wanted to find face exfoliators that actually resulted in skin benefits when used in accordance with the manufacturer instructions.
Value
Each person defines value differently when it comes to skin care, with some people willing to pay whatever it takes for the best results, and others wanting to find effective products within a certain price range. Whatever your preference, knowing the cost-per-ounce breakdown can help when choosing a product best suited to your needs.
How to Find the Best Face Exfoliators for You
If you’re looking for a face exfoliator, here are some things to consider.
Your Skin Type
Think about your skin type, and what benefits you’re hoping to see from exfoliation. Then look for a product designed to address your needs.
Right Type of Exfoliant
Face exfoliators can have a variety of active ingredients, some of which may be chemical exfoliants like certain types of acids, while others may be physical exfoliants like fine powders. Some products include both. While we selected products that are gentle overall, if you have a preference regarding exfoliant type then make sure to check the ingredient list.
Cost
The products in our lineup range from $8 per ounce to $42.50 per ounce—a significant difference in price. Consider your own budget, and make sure to note each product’s recommended frequency for usage, as that will impact how soon you’ll need to replenish.
What to Avoid in Face Exfoliators
There are a few things you may want to avoid when looking for a face exfoliator, but make sure to check with a healthcare provider who can advise on what’s right for your skin type.
- Strong fragrances: While some products in our lineup contain mild scents, we generally recommend avoiding strong fragrances that can potentially irritate skin.
- Harsh abrasives: We selected products that offer gentle exfoliation, as the goal is to exfoliate skin without irritating it. Make sure to avoid face exfoliators with overly large particles that could disrupt the skin barrier, or that contain very strong chemical exfoliants that could also irritate skin.
- Overuse: When it comes to exfoliation, more isn’t necessarily better. Make sure to use a face exfoliator as instructed, and you may want to start slowly and build up to the recommended usage frequency if you’re new to exfoliating or have sensitive skin.
Fortune’s Final Thoughts
Our pick for the best all-around option, SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, has the advantage of being a great cleanser in addition to its exfoliating properties—perfect for busy people who love multitasking products. It also has the lowest cost per ounce in the lineup, but keep in mind the instructions recommend daily use.
If you’re looking for a face exfoliator designed to be used less frequently yet still produce impressive results, we’d recommend Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub or Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment—both of which can be used just a couple of times a week, which might feel more manageable for people with busy schedules.
Frequently asked questions
What do exfoliators do?
Exfoliators are designed to help remove dirt, debris, and dead skin cells to reveal healthier skin. Exfoliation can be caused by chemical sources, like salicylic acid, or physical exfoliators like finely ground sugar or even a washcloth.
Are chemical or physical exfoliators better?
One isn’t necessarily better than another, as it really depends on your unique skin type and its needs. Some people may prefer one to the other, but in general you want to find a face exfoliator that meets your skin’s needs.
What is the best type of exfoliator for your face?
Again, there isn’t one “best” exfoliator for everyone, as people have varying skin types and needs. In general, you want to find a face exfoliator that’s effective without being overly abrasive, is formulated to address your skin’s needs, suits your budget, and fits with your lifestyle—meaning if it takes longer to rinse off, for example, you have the time in your skincare routine for that.