Looking for the best exfoliator for dry skin face? If you have dry skin, exfoliating may seem like a daunting task. You don’t want to aggravate your skin and cause further dryness, but you also don’t want to miss out on the benefits of exfoliation, such as improving skin texture and increasing product absorption.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best exfoliators for dry skin, and provide tips on how to exfoliate safely and effectively.
Our Top Picks for the Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin
1. Aveeno Exfoliating Daily Facial Scrub
Aveeno is a gentle yet effective exfoliating scrub designed to cleanse and buff away dead skin, surface impurities, and oil for softer and brighter skin. It helps to improve the skin’s tone and texture and reveals a radiant-looking complexion.
The unique formula of this brightening facial exfoliant scrub contains moisture-rich soy extract and naturally derived granules that are designed to gently exfoliate and cleanse while removing dirt, oil, and bacteria. This facial scrub is gentle enough for everyday use and is suitable for sensitive skin.
This daily exfoliating face wash is dermatologist-recommended, soap-free, oil-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, dye-free, and hypoallergenic. It is non-comedogenic, which means that it won’t clog pores, making it ideal for daily use in a beauty or skincare routine.
The Aveeno is designed to enhance your natural radiance and give you a lit-from-within glow. With Soy extract, this product targets skin tone and texture to reveal radiant-looking, smooth, youthful, and healthy-looking skin.
The Aveeno face scrub is formulated with jojoba as the active ingredient, which helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is a 5-ounce tube of a facial scrub that reveals youthful texture and glow while helping to even out skin tone.
This product is non-sealed and should be stored in a cool and dry place. To use, wet your face and gently massage the scrub onto your skin in a circular motion. Rinse with water and pat dry with a towel. For best results, use this scrub as part of your daily skincare routine.
Pros:
- The product is designed to exfoliate gently, making it suitable for daily use without causing irritation.
- The formula contains natural ingredients such as soy extract and jojoba oil, which help to nourish and soothe the skin.
- Non-comedogenic: The product is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, making it suitable for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
- The product is relatively affordable compared to other exfoliating facial scrubs on the market.
- The product comes in a convenient squeeze tube, making it easy to use and travel with.
Cons:
- While the product is designed to be gentle, it may still be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
Overall, the Aveeno scrub is a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin looking for an effective exfoliating scrub. Its unique formula contains natural ingredients and is gentle enough for everyday use. It is also free from harmful chemicals and is perfect for those who are looking for an all-natural skincare solution that provides excellent results.
2. The Ordinary Peeling Solution And Hyaluronic Face Serum
The Ordinary peeling solution and hyaluronic face serum is a powerful skincare duo that can help improve the look and feel of your skin. The set includes two products: the AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution and the Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 serum.
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution: The AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is a potent exfoliating treatment that is designed to help improve the texture and radiance of the skin. The formula contains a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that work together to unclog pores, remove dead skin cells, and improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone.
AHAs work to exfoliate the surface of the skin, while BHAs penetrate deep into the pores to help clear out impurities and reduce inflammation. This solution is also formulated with Tasmanian pepper berries to help reduce irritation and redness. It is recommended that this peeling solution be used no more than twice a week, and only for a maximum of ten minutes for each use.
Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum: The Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Serum is a lightweight, hydrating formula that is designed to help improve the look of skin texture and reduce visible blemishes. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, which is a powerful humectant that can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, and vitamin B5, which can help to enhance skin barrier function.
The serum helps to replenish and lock in moisture, which can help to plump and smooth the skin. Hyaluronic acid can also help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by improving skin elasticity.
Together, these two products create a powerful skincare routine that can help to improve the overall health and appearance of your skin. The Peeling Solution helps to exfoliate and remove impurities, while the Hyaluronic Acid Serum helps to replenish moisture and enhance the skin’s natural barrier function.
Pros:
- Contains 30% AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and 2% BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid) which help to exfoliate and improve skin texture.
- Helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
- Can be used to treat acne and prevent breakouts.
- Contains hyaluronic acid which helps to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, making it suitable for use under makeup.
Cons:
- Should only be used once a week as overuse can damage the skin barrier and cause more harm than good.
Both products are suitable for all skin types and can be used together or separately as part of your daily skincare routine. When used together, these products can help to fight visible blemishes, improve the look of skin texture, and enhance radiance for a more youthful and glowing complexion.
3. SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
SKINFOOD 1957 is a well-known Korean beauty brand that specializes in creating natural beauty products. One of their popular products is the SKINFOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off, which is a cream exfoliator that is designed to smooth and restore the skin.
The item form of this product is a cream, which makes it easy to apply and work into the skin. The product benefits include exfoliating and hydrating the skin. This product is scented with black sugar, which adds a delightful aroma to your beauty routine. The product is suitable for normal skin types.
One of the main ingredients in this product is black sugar, which is a natural exfoliant. It helps to reduce sebum build-up, and remove blackheads, dark marks, and damaged skin. Black sugar also provides essential vitamins and nutrients to the skin. The scrub also contains plant oil and rice wine, which help to hydrate and nourish the skin.
This sugar scrub is easy to use. After cleansing with a gentle facial cleanser, massage gently into damp skin, or mix with water/cosmetic water and apply. It’s important to avoid the skin around the eyes and lips. After 10-15 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water.
Pros:
- The black sugar particles in the mask provide gentle exfoliation and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and soft.
- It contains natural ingredients like black sugar, macadamia oil, and shea butter that are beneficial for the skin.
- The mask contains glycerin and various plant oils that help to moisturize the skin and prevent dryness.
- The mask is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is gentle and does not cause irritation.
- It is affordable compared to other high-end exfoliating masks.
Cons:
- The mask can be messy to apply due to its sugar granules, which can fall off during application.
- The mask may not be suitable for people with acne-prone skin, as the sugar particles may irritate and aggravate the skin.
Overall, the SKINFOOD is a great exfoliating product that will leave your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It’s a simple sugar scrub that is packed with mineral and vitamin-rich ingredients, and it’s perfect for adding to your beauty routine.
As an authentic Korean beauty product, SKINFOOD is known for producing high-quality beauty and makeup products that are based on food nutrition for healthier and beautiful skin.
4. Paula’s Choice Gentle Exfoliator
Paula’s Choice is a skincare brand that offers a wide range of products to address various skin concerns. One of their popular products is Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant with Glycolic Acid. This exfoliator is a non-abrasive, leave-on gel that gently removes dull skin to reveal radiant skin underneath.
The active ingredient in this exfoliator is 8.0% glycolic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Glycolic acid is known for its exfoliating properties and can help to remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin smoother and brighter. The exfoliating action of this product can also help to minimize the appearance of discolorations and age spots with consistent use.
In addition to glycolic acid, this exfoliator contains other beneficial ingredients such as green tea and chamomile, which have antioxidant properties to help protect the skin from environmental stressors. The product also contains hyaluronic acid and aloe, which are known for their hydrating properties and can help to keep the skin moisturized.
The product is suitable for all skin types, including oily, combination, dry, and normal. It is recommended to use this product after cleansing and toning the skin, twice daily. The gel formula is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and radiant.
One of the advantages of using a chemical exfoliator like this one is that it is gentler on the delicate skin of the face and neck than an abrasive face scrub, which can cause micro-tears. Also, AHA exfoliators can reach the deeper, built-up layers of dead skin that scrubs cannot, delivering hydration and leaving the skin looking more youthful and radiant.
Pros:
- The product is designed to gently exfoliate the skin without causing irritation, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin.
- The formula contains natural ingredients such as jojoba beads and AHAs, which help to nourish and brighten the skin.
- The product is fragrance-free, making it suitable for those with fragrance allergies.
- It is a cruelty-free brand, meaning they do not test its products on animals.
Cons:
- The product is relatively expensive compared to other gentle exfoliators on the market.
- Some users have reported issues with the packaging, such as difficulty in getting the product out of the tube.
Finally, as part of its commitment to the planet, Paula’s Choice is reducing extra plastic from its shipping boxes, like shrink wrap, to create more sustainable packaging. The brand also avoids using fragrance, parabens, or any unnecessary fillers in its products, so customers can trust that they are getting science-backed formulas that target any concern from wrinkles to breakouts.
5. L’Oreal Paris Exfoliator for Brighter Skin
The L’Oreal Paris Exfoliating Toner is a daily-use skincare product that is formulated to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal glowing skin. This toner is suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, sensitive, dry, and normal. The product comes in lotion form and is designed for use on the face.
One of the key ingredients in this toner is Pure Glycolic Acid, which is a type of alpha-hydroxy acid that is known for its exfoliating properties. This acid helps to increase cell turnover and remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smoother, refreshed, and clean. The formula contains 5% Pure Glycolic Acid, making it gentle yet effective.
The toner is also infused with Aloe Vera, which is known for its soothing and moisturizing properties. This helps to prevent the skin from becoming dry or irritated during the exfoliation process.
According to the manufacturer, in just one week of use, the skin feels softer and looks renewed. Over time, the appearance of dark spots is also reduced. The product is free from fragrances, parabens, alcohol, mineral oil, and dyes. It is also allergy tested and suitable for all skin types and tones.
Pros:
- Contains natural exfoliating particles such as apricot seed powder and walnut shell powder, which help to remove dead skin cells and promote brighter, smoother skin.
- Helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
- Can be used on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- Affordable compared to other similar products in the market.
- Has a pleasant, fruity scent.
Cons:
- Contains microbeads, which can be harmful to the environment.
- Some users may find that it leaves a greasy or oily residue on the skin.
This exfoliating toner is part of the L’Oreal Paris Revitalift line of anti-aging products. The range includes creams, eye care treatments, moisturizers, pads, cleansers, toners, and serums designed to help fight the key signs of aging.
L’Oreal Paris is a leading total beauty care company based in Paris. The company offers a range of innovative products and unique expertise from beauty experts in makeup, skincare, hair care, styling, and hair color.
6. The Rice Polish Exfoliator
The Rice Polish is a popular skincare product that helps to renew and rejuvenate the skin through non-abrasive exfoliation and pure Japanese ingredients. The product comes in a cloud-like foam that is gentle on the skin and helps to reveal a smooth, makeup-ready canvas.
The main ingredients in The Rice Polish are finely ground rice bran and papaya enzymes, which work together to promote natural skin turnover and reveal a fresh, glowing complexion. The product is designed to be pH-neutral and amino acid-based, which makes it effective for cleansing the skin without stripping it of essential moisture or breaking the skin’s barrier function.
In addition to the exfoliating ingredients, The Rice Polish also contains Hadasei-3™, which is a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods – green tea, rice, and algae. These ingredients are known for their ability to restore healthy-looking radiance to the skin.
The Rice Polish is ideal for combination to dry skin, and the Classic formula also features silk protein to condition and nourish the skin. The product is easy to use – simply wet your face and hands, dispense a small amount of the foam, and massage gently onto your face in circular motions. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Pros:
- The rice powder in the exfoliator provides gentle physical exfoliation that removes dead skin cells and impurities without irritating the skin.
- The exfoliator contains various natural ingredients, including papaya enzymes and Japanese rice bran, which help to brighten the skin and improve its overall appearance.
- The exfoliator contains hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin.
- The exfoliator is gentle and does not contain any harsh ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin.
- The exfoliator is easy to use, and its powder form allows for customization, as users can adjust the amount of water used to create a texture that suits their skin type and desired level of exfoliation.
Cons:
- The Rice Polish Exfoliator is a luxury skincare product that may be expensive compared to other exfoliators on the market.
- The exfoliator contains fragrance, which may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free skincare products.
Overall, The Rice Polish is a great choice for anyone looking to refresh and rejuvenate their skin. The product is gentle, effective, and contains high-quality, natural ingredients that are known for their ability to promote healthy-looking skin.
Whether you’re preparing for a makeup application or just looking to refresh your complexion, The Rice Polish is a great option for all skin types.
7. La Roche Posay Glycolic Acid Serum
La Roche Posay is a skincare product designed to reduce dark spots and discoloration while improving the overall appearance of the skin. This serum works as a skin tone corrector that brightens and evens skin tone.
The serum contains several active ingredients, including 10% glycolic acid, which is an alpha-hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate the skin and promote cell turnover. This helps to remove dead skin cells and promote the growth of new skin cells, resulting in a brighter and smoother complexion. Glycolic acid is also known for its ability to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making it a popular ingredient in anti-aging skincare products.
In addition to glycolic acid, this serum also contains kojic acid, which is derived from mushrooms and has been shown to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Kojic acid works by inhibiting the production of melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. This helps to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
The serum also contains vitamin B5, which is known for its hydrating properties. Vitamin B5 helps to moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple. This can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
This serum is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is recommended to use this serum once a day, in the evening, after cleansing and toning the skin. Users should apply a small amount of serum to the face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
Pros:
- The product contains 10% glycolic acid, which effectively exfoliates the skin and helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- The formula helps to brighten the skin and improve overall skin tone.
- The product has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any residue.
- It is a dermatologist-recommended brand, meaning its products are tested and approved by dermatologists.
Cons:
- The product contains a high concentration of glycolic acid, which may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
- Some users may experience purging, which is when the skin breaks out in response to a new skincare product.
With regular use, this serum can help to improve the overall appearance of the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots and discoloration, while brightening and evening skin tone. La Roche Posay is a well-known brand in the skincare industry and is known for its commitment to creating high-quality products that are gentle on the skin.
This glycolic acid serum is no exception and can be a great addition to any skincare routine, particularly for those who struggle with hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone.
8. ELEMIS Papaya Enzyme Peel
The ELEMIS cream is a skincare product that is designed to purify, revitalize, and smooth the skin. This cream is suitable for those with normal skin types and comes in a cream formulation.
One of the active ingredients in this cream is Vitamin E, which is known for its antioxidant properties. Vitamin E is a powerful ingredient that helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and environmental stressors. This ingredient is also known to help moisturize and nourish the skin, helping to maintain its health and appearance.
The cream is designed to purify the skin by removing impurities and promoting a clearer complexion. It helps to revitalize the skin by promoting cellular turnover and encouraging the growth of new, healthy skin cells. This helps to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, leaving it smoother and more radiant.
This ELEMIS cream is also designed to hydrate the skin and lock in moisture, helping to maintain a healthy, balanced complexion. Its lightweight texture allows it to absorb quickly into the skin, leaving it feeling soft, supple, and refreshed.
Pros:
- Contains natural fruit enzymes from papaya and pineapple, which help to exfoliate and improve skin texture.
- Contains nourishing ingredients such as milk protein and vitamin E, which help to hydrate and soften the skin.
- You can use it on all skin types
- Helps to brighten and even out skin tone.
- Has a pleasant, tropical scent.
Cons:
- Can cause skin irritation or sensitivity if left on for too long or if used too frequently.
- May not be suitable for those with nut allergies, as the product contains almond oil.
ELEMIS is a luxury skincare brand that offers a range of high-quality skincare products. The company’s products are designed to provide visible results and promote overall skin health. ELEMIS is known for using natural, high-quality ingredients in its products, and its creams are no exception.
This cream is a part of their product line that focuses on providing gentle yet effective skincare solutions for those with normal skin types.
9. Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
The T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is an at-home facial mask that is designed to gently exfoliate and resurface the skin, improving its clarity, texture, and tone. The product is manufactured by Drunk Elephant, a skincare company that prides itself on creating clean and non-toxic products.
The Babyfacial is formulated with a combination of matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple, all of which work together to improve the skin’s elasticity and reveal a baby-faced complexion. The mask has a pH level of 3.5, and it tightens, brightens, and smooths the skin with a slight tingle.
To use the product, you should apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 15 minutes. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry. For best results, it is recommended that you use the Babyfacial once a week, and follow it immediately with the Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil.
Drunk Elephant products are designed to be like ingredients in a skin smoothie, providing nutrition for your skin. The company uses silicone-free, bio-available formulas that are highly absorbable and mixable, so you can create a customized skincare regimen based on your skin’s needs.
Pros:
- The product contains a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids that provide effective exfoliation, removing dead skin cells, and improving the skin’s texture.
- The product’s exfoliating properties help to brighten the skin, reducing the appearance of dark spots, acne scars, and other discoloration.
- The product’s exfoliating action also helps to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles, improving the skin’s overall appearance.
- The product is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is formulated without harsh ingredients.
- The product is cruelty-free, which means it has not been tested on animals.
Cons:
- The product’s high concentration of active ingredients may cause irritation or sensitivity in some people, particularly those with sensitive skin.
- The product contains essential oils, which may be irritating for people with sensitive skin or those who prefer fragrance-free skincare products.
Drunk Elephant is also known for avoiding the “Suspicious 6,” which includes essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes, and SLS. By avoiding these potentially harmful ingredients, Drunk Elephant aims to create products that are safe and effective for all skin types.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exfoliator for Dry Skin
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Exfoliator for Dry Skin:
Type of Exfoliator: There are two main types of exfoliators: physical exfoliators and chemical exfoliators. Physical exfoliators contain granules or beads that manually remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
Chemical exfoliators, on the other hand, use ingredients such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells and gently remove them. For dry skin, it is often recommended to use a chemical exfoliator as it is gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or inflammation.
Ingredients: It is important to check the ingredients list of any exfoliator you are considering to ensure that it does not contain any harsh or irritating ingredients. Look for ingredients that are known to be hydrating or moisturizing, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe vera, or chamomile. Avoid products that contain fragrances, sulfates, or alcohol, as these can strip the skin of its natural oils and exacerbate dryness.
pH Level: The pH level of an exfoliator is an important factor to consider. The skin’s natural pH is slightly acidic, so it is recommended to choose an exfoliator with a pH level between 3 and 5.5. This will help to ensure that the exfoliator is not too harsh on the skin and does not disrupt its natural balance.
Texture: The texture of the exfoliator is another important factor to consider. For dry skin, it is recommended to choose a product with a gentle, creamy texture that will not cause any friction or irritation. Avoid products with sharp or abrasive particles, as these can damage the skin and make it even drier.
Frequency of Use: When it comes to exfoliating dry skin, less is often more. Over-exfoliating can cause the skin to become even drier and more sensitive. It is recommended to exfoliate no more than once or twice a week to avoid over-exfoliating and causing irritation.
Allergies and Sensitivities: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, it is important to choose an exfoliator that is specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin. Look for products that are fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-tested to minimize the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
If you have any concerns about using a particular product, it is always a good idea to do a patch test on a small area of skin first to ensure that it is well-tolerated.
Conclusion
Exfoliating dry skin can be tricky, but with the right product and technique, it can be done safely and effectively. Choose an exfoliator that is gentle and non-irritating, and be sure to moisturize after exfoliating to prevent further dryness.