Skin
Best Face Exfoliators

The Best Face Exfoliators for Every Skin Type

By Ellie Child - 3 years ago | Updated 2 days ago

Gone are the days of rubbing our faces raw with a harsh microbead scrub. The beauty world has since moved forward in leaps and bounds when it comes to exfoliating face scrubs, and quite frankly, our complexions have never been happier.

Our once limited options, that consisted mostly of harsh nut shell-based scrubs, have had a jazzy new makeover and now include a range of chemical exfoliants, enzymatic exfoliants, exfoliating face washes and face exfoliator brushes.

So much to choose from, so little time! With that in mind, we set out to discover the best face exfoliator for all skin types to take the hard work out of your search. We’ve split this guide into different subsections where you can discover the best exfoliating formulations that meet your personal needs, and don't miss out on all our exfoliation advice at the end.

It’s time to kick dull, dry skin to the curb – for good!

Best facial exfoliator for normal skin:

NIP+FAB Charcoal + Mandelic Acid Fix Serum

£21.41 £22.95 (7% off)

Lucky you with your normal, unproblematic skin! Since you only need a little refinement, a gentle peel like this mandelic acid-based product are best for you. The superficial exfoliation doesn't cause irritation and the addition of cocoa butter will keep your skin hydrated during and after use.

Best facial exfoliator for dry skin:

Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

£10.62 £12.50 (16% off)

Dry skin requires a little extra TLC when it comes to exfoliating. Luckily, this vitamin-E-infused exfoliator has just the answer to your flaky skin woes, teaming powerful blemish-busting ingredients together with soothing properties that leave your complexion feeling truly nourished.

Best facial exfoliator for oily skin:

La Mer Resurfacing Treatment

£103.50 £115.00 (10% off)

You'll definitely want to add this La Mer Resurfacing Treatment to your wish lists, and here's why...

This powerful, luxurious exfoliant gently melts away dead skin cells, dirt and oils with their celebrated Miracle Broth. The formula is fortified with Marine Enzyme Ferment which works to promote natural exfoliation and cell turnover in a gentle way.

Best Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for Beginners:

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Starter Pack

£5.50 £8.00 (32% off)

Unlike acid-based exfoliants, this cult classic relies on the traditional hot cloth method to gently lift away dead skin cells. The eucalyptus-infused cream cleanser softens impurities, while the muslin cloth provides light manual exfoliation without aggressive scrubbing. It’s a great entry point if you’re new to exfoliating or prefer a more soothing approach that still improves texture and glow over time.

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Best facial exfoliator for sensitive skin:

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

£21.00 £22.46 (7% off)

Yeah, your sensitive skin can't always handle super strong formulas, but that doesn't mean you should settle for too gentle of a formula that doesn't actually do anything. Go for a chemical exfoliant (rather than a face scrub, where you have a larger chance of over-rubbing your skin and irritating it). Choose one that soothes while also removing dead skin cells, like this exfoliant from Dermalogica. It brightens and nourishes dull skin effectively and leaves out irritating ingredients like parabens to make it sensitive skin-friendly.

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin:

REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

£19.99 £48.00 (59% off)

Specially formulated for mature and sun damaged skin types, this skin-enhancing exfoliator is made up from 100% plant and mineral-derived actives that brighten up lacklustre skin. Incorporate this skin care essential into your routine to smooth, firm and minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines. Trust us, it’s a game changer.

Best facial exfoliator for men:

Kiehl's Facial Fuel

£38.00 £42.74 (12% off)

This exfoliating cleanser for men targets flaky patches of skin and congested pores. If you prefer a clean-shaven look, it also helps prepare your skin for a closer shave. It's jam-packed with active ingredients, and the gentle micro beads help to effortlessly buff away dead skin; improving skin texture.

Best facial exfoliator for dull, textured skin:

The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

£8.23 £8.90 (8% off)

If your skin's feeling congested and dull, there's nothing like this AHA and BHA serum from The Ordinary to gently remove the top layer of skin for a brighter, more refined complexion. Hyaluronic acid ensures optimal skin hydration while Tasmanian pepperberry prevents the acids in this potent formula from causing irritation. We can personally testify that this chemical exfoliant is the perfect pick-me-up when your skin's looking a little 'blah'.

Best facial exfoliator enzymatic exfoliator:

ELEMIS Papaya Enzyme Peel

£31.00

Most exfoliants are either chemical or physical, but the rarer type is an enzyme peel, which uses fruit enzymes to digest dead skin for a brighter complexion. That's exactly what you'll get out of this lovely peel from ELEMIS that uses papaya and pineapple extracts, as well as marine algae, milk protein and vitamin E to repair and moisture your skin.

Best leave-on exfoliant:

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner

£7.40 £8.00 (8% off)

Of course we had to feature the OG of chemical exfoliators. The Ordinary have led the way with their Glycolic Acid formulation – a product that now sits prettily in the cabinets of beauty addicts everywhere. This liquid exfoliator employs glycolic acid as its main ingredient to melt away dirt and dead skin cells, uncovering a naturally glowing complexion with minimal effort.

Best face exfoliating tool:

GESKE Sonic Facial Brush 5 In 1

£14.96 £24.95 (41% off)

Don't have time or money to get to the clinic for a facial? Get glowing skin at home with the sonic edge technology in this exfoliation device, which painlessly removes dead skin, product build-up and facial hair to improve skin texture and tone and reduce fine lines and wrinkles.

Best exfoliating pads:

Glow Hub The Glow Giver AHA Toning Pads

£10.42 £15.95 (35% off)

We love any product that offers convenience and effectiveness within a single use, which is why we seriously rate the Glow Hub AHA Pads. Each pad contains a blend of alpha-hydroxy acids that work together to come down on spots, grease, oiliness and enlarged pores.

Face Scrub and Exfoliants FAQs

How do you use a face scrub vs a chemical exfoliant?

Face scrub:
Face scrubs provide mechanical exfoliation, meaning they physically buff away dead skin cells and surface impurities. Start with clean, makeup-free skin. Apply a small amount to dry or slightly damp skin, avoiding the eye area. Using light pressure, gently massage in circular motions — focusing on areas prone to congestion such as the nose and forehead. Rinse with lukewarm water, pat dry and follow with hydrating serums and moisturiser. The key is gentle pressure; scrubbing harder won’t deliver better results.

Chemical exfoliant:
Chemical exfoliants use acids (such as AHAs or BHAs) or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells rather than manually removing them. After cleansing, apply an even layer — usually in serum, liquid or pad form — avoiding the eyes and lips. Some formulas are leave-on, while others require rinsing, so always follow product instructions. Finish with moisturiser and SPF in the morning. Used correctly, chemical exfoliants can refine texture with less friction than physical scrubs.

How often should you use a face scrub vs a chemical exfoliant?

Face scrub:
Because physical exfoliation involves friction, once a week is often enough for sensitive or reactive skin. Oily or congestion-prone skin may tolerate two to three times weekly, but overuse can trigger redness or irritation. Gentle application matters just as much as frequency.

Chemical exfoliants:
Most chemical exfoliants can be used two to three times per week, depending on strength and skin tolerance. If introducing one for the first time — or if your skin is sensitive — start once weekly and gradually increase. Consistency at a moderate level tends to outperform aggressive overuse.

How do you tell if you’re over-exfoliating?

Persistent redness, stinging, tightness, flaking or increased sensitivity are common signs. Skin may look shiny but feel uncomfortable — a clue that the barrier is compromised. If this happens, pause exfoliation, focus on hydration and barrier repair, and reintroduce exfoliants slowly once skin feels calm and balanced again.

Written by Ellie Child

With five years’ experience under her belt, Ellie has worked alongside a range of highly regarded makeup artists, giving her a real insight into what consumers should be spending their money on.