I’ll be honest. It wasn’t until I started double cleansing that I even thought about what type of facial cleanser I was using, let alone its ingredients. But the first – and one of the most important— steps in your skincare routine can transform your complexion. If you’re looking for clear, glowing skin, the best exfoliating facial cleansers can get the job done.
That being said, getting started with exfoliating cleansers can be a little more complicated than other product categories. There are two types: chemical and physical, the latter of which can spark a bit of debate (we’ll get to that in a minute). It’s also important to find a rhythm with exfoliating facial cleansers – they aren’t typically used every night.
But once you find the right brand and frequency, a great exfoliating facial cleanser will become a glow-inducing, acne-fighting staple in your skincare routine. Trust us. To guide us, we tapped three skincare experts: a board-certified dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce; Olivia Quido, founder of O Skin care; and Laura Acre, director of R&D at Thrive from natural care.
Featured image of our interview with Kate Waitzkin.
How often should we use an exfoliating facial cleanser?
Even the gentlest exfoliating facial cleanser is still very effective. “For most people, two to three times a week is enough, but you can exfoliate more often if your skin tolerates it well,” says Acre.
Ingredients to look for
Many brands offer great exfoliating facial cleansers (it wasn’t hard to round up the products below), but knowing what you’re looking for can help you find the one that’s best for you.
“A good exfoliating cleanser typically contains a single or combination of alpha or beta hydroxy acids and enzymes,” shares Geddes.
- Salicylic acid (in stronger exfoliants)
- Glycolic acid (in stronger exfoliants)
- Lactic acids (in gentler exfoliants)
- Mandelic acid (in gentler exfoliants)
- Milk (a gentle exfoliant)
- Soothing/hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber, lilac stem cells and green tea
Is it OK to use physical exfoliants?
It’s a heated debate. While chemical exfoliants are known to gently dissolve dead skin cells, physical exfoliants do the job mechanically with ingredients like microbeads, salts, or rice grains. But is this last category too abrasive? It depends who you ask.
“Avoid ingredients like fruit pits, seeds, and shells, as they can damage the skin with microtears,” shares Acre, who places herself firmly on the no-physical-exfoliants team.
Dr. Geddes is much more pro and shares, “I think physical exfoliants are unfairly criticized. In truth, there’s nothing inherently wrong with that apricot scrub we all tried as teenagers. The problems arose when people used it too frequently in an attempt to clear acne. It just doesn’t work.
Quido sees benefits on both sides, but points to an advantage for chemicals. “Chemical exfoliation is very helpful in improving skin tone and reducing dullness, and has long-term effects and benefits,” says Quido. “Unlike physical exfoliation, which only remains on the epidermis layer of the skin, chemical exfoliation gently resurfaces the skin for a smoother, brighter and more even appearance.”
The Best Exfoliating Facial Cleansers
Armed with our expert recommendations, proven testing, and extensive surveys in the “Skincare Addiction” Reddit (a fountain of wisdom if ever there was one), we are confident in recommending the following facial cleansers (both physical and chemical). ) to keep dull skin away and give it an even, radiant glow.
Each product is carefully selected by our editors and we will always give an honest review, whether gifted or purchased ourselves. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
Best Overall: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliating Exfoliant
Skincare Reddit is obsessed, as are several of our experts. With a little water, the slightly grainy rice-based powder transforms into a foamy, enzyme-rich paste to become a two-in-one hero: a physical scrub and a gentle chemical exfoliant.
Best Chemical Exfoliating Facial Cleanser: Revision Skincare Papaya Enzymatic Cleanser
This creamy cleanser is one of Dr. Geddes-Bruce’s favorites, gentle enough for all skin types and easy to add to any skincare regimen, including those containing potentially irritating ingredients like retinoids and vitamin C.
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
All the apricot scrub nostalgia of your teens without the crushed shell shards, this all-natural formula uses a blend of chemicals (BHA) and physical (apricot microspheres) to cleanse and polish clogged pores.
Best affordable price: Versed The Purist Antioxidant Facial Cleanser
It’s one of Camille Styles editor-in-chief Isabelle’s favorites. She uses it twice a week for an all-over glow and loves that it draws out impurities without stripping the skin. The cleanser delivers a gentle, hydrated result, whilst retaining its seal of approval for sensitive skin.
Best Exfoliating Facial Cleansers: Honorable Mentions
This article was last updated on December 24, 2022.