20 BEST EXFOLIATORS FOR FACE, (TESTED AND REVIEWED FOR 2024)

Getting a natural shine might be difficult. Your complexion may appear a little lifeless when dead skin cells remain on the surface of your skin for far longer than they should. Fortunately, the top facial exfoliators can assist in removing that doubt. Excessive force could result in irritation, which can lead to hyperpigmentation. Give up using the product if you become red and raw. You’ve come to the perfect spot if you’re searching for the best exfoliator for face.

DERMALOGICA RAPID REVEAL PEEL

Want a peel that looks professional without having to get out of your house? Try this incredible Dermalogica peel. Users gave it high marks for smoothing wrinkles, brightening skin, evening skin tone, and reducing the visibility of pores. An astounding 100% of respondents agreed that their skin tone was more balanced and that their skin was brighter and smoother. In the meantime, 75% of customers concurred that pores, fine lines, and wrinkles were less noticeable. The tubes, however, may be hard for you to open.

ACURE BRIGHTENING FACIAL SCRUB

This scrub is an excellent choice for people with sensitive skin because it works best at preventing severe skin irritation. The best facial exfoliant for achieving a brighter, more radiant complexion was this one, as it gave the deepest cleanse. People adore how it leaves my skin feeling soft and nourished while still leaving me with a deep sense of cleanliness. Be advised that using this scrub could get messy because of the possibility of sink stains caused by its rich color.

ST. IVES FRESH SKIN APRICOT SCRUB

Without a doubt, the best drugstore face exfoliator is St. Ives’ traditional creamy scrub. It minimizes the look of pores, efficiently cleans and removes makeup, and removes debris, oil, and other contaminants. Because it leaves skin feeling smooth, hydrated, clean, and healthy, most consumers adore it. Additionally, it makes their skin sparkle and helps makeup apply more smoothly. Be aware that some people may find this physical exfoliant’s abrasive particles to be very irritating. 

DR.DENNIS GROSS ALPHA BETA UNIVERSAL DAILY PEEL PADS

The typical amount of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) in most skin care products is 2%, which is also present in this liquid exfoliant. According to the manufacturer, the exfoliant is good for all skin types and aids in pore cleaning and fine-line smoothing. Use your fingertips or a cotton pad that has been lightly moistened to apply the liquid to your face and neck. Do not rinse it off.

PAULA CHOICE 2% BHA LIQUID EXFOLIATOR

This toner, which is made with a blend of BHAs and PHAs, is a fantastic choice for people who are new to using chemical exfoliants because it is mild on the face. According to the firm, because PHAs like gluconolactone are large molecules at the molecular level, they assist in giving the skin more time to respond to their exfoliating benefits. This makes them suitable for sensitive skin. In addition to the chemical exfoliants, the recipe contains hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and moisturize, as well as tea tree extract to lessen irritation.

TULA SKINCARE EXFOLIATING SUGAR SCRUB

People’s #1 choice for the best non-abrasive scrub is the Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub. This skin exfoliant boasts a chemical and physical formula that is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is made with a blend of probiotic extracts for smoothing and improving texture, pineapple and papaya extracts for breaking down dead skin and brightening the complexion, and sugar for gently polishing the skin. Although the product’s label claims that it can be used without water, we discovered that this had a slight pulling effect on the skin. Nevertheless, this is still a good exfoliator for face.

NEUTROGENA DEEP CLEAN GENTLE DAILY FACIAL SCRUB

We suggest the Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub as a more affordable option. This face scrub polishes and softens the skin by removing dead skin cells gently using a combination of chemical and physical exfoliants. The non-abrasive face scrub is a great choice for skin types who are oily or prone to acne because it is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores. 

PCA SKIN PORE REFINING TREATMENT

We suggest the PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment, which is made with mandelic acid, rice powder, pumice, papain, kaolin, and bentonite, if you want softer skin. In order to brighten, even out uneven texture, absorb extra oil and pollutants, and gently exfoliate without causing irritation, the exfoliating recipe combines physical and chemical ingredients. Customers particularly enjoy that their complexion does not feel tight or raw after using it and that it has a lovely viscous consistency that makes it simple to apply evenly over the skin. It’s not a daily exfoliator because you can only use it once or three times a week. 

PEACH & LILY GLASS SKIN FACE POLISHER

Including regular exfoliation in your skincare routine is one of the greatest strategies to rid your skin of blackheads. The Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher is a product we adored due to its powerful combination of physical and chemical exfoliants that gently remove dry skin and prevent oil buildup. This exfoliating scrub targets premature symptoms of aging, brightens, and soothes the skin. It is enhanced with salicylic acid, fruit extracts, angelica root, and ginseng.

CETAPHIL EXTRA GENTLE DAILY SCRUB

An excellent substitute for a face scrub if you don’t like face scrub but still want the benefit of using it, this is the exfoliating cleanser you will love. In order to offer a deep clean without stripping, the solution is enhanced with micro-fine granules that pull away dirt, debris, and dead skin buildup. One of the best cleansers for oily skin, its hypoallergenic formula is also mild enough to use on more sensitive skin types. Its formulation targets dirt, debris, and excess oil buildup. Nevertheless, it doesn’t do much to lighten skin tone.

KIEHL’S DAILY REFINING MILK PEEL TONER

This product is incredibly fulfilling and yields immediate outcomes. If you are striving for “glass skin,” you should look into this. It literally makes you glow and is all about giving yourself a really mild exfoliation and intense hydration boost. Almond milk, 23 percent emollients, and lipo-hydroxy acid, a derivative of salicylic acid, are combined in a dual-phase composition for the peel. When you mix it up, the ingredients combine to clear blocked pores and remove dead skin cells from the skin’s surface, leaving the skin looking radiant and hydrated. 

AESOP PURIFYING FACIAL EXFOLIANT PASTE

Aesop’s purifying face exfoliator paste is definitely worth keeping in your cupboard because it combines the benefits of manual exfoliation with chemical components for fast velvety soft results. Fine quartz and lactic acid are added to the cream-based washing recipe to help exfoliate dead skin cells, and the fine-grain textured paste evens and smoothes your face. It’s easy to apply: just give your face and neck a gentle massage twice a week. A little goes a long way, which is great given the price, and the subtle earthy aroma appeals to a lot of consumers.

DR BARBARA STURM FACIAL SCRUB

Benefits of this refining facial peel from DR. Barbara includes anti-aging and cell renewal. The scrub buffs away at dry, flaky skin as the chemical components work to soften your complexion. It’s an excellent choice for people who steer clear of more physically demanding scrubs. The mild product, which dispenses as a thick cream with fine grains and leaves skin soft and soothed without causing irritation, is easy to wash off. 

REN CLEAN SKINCARE READY STEADY GLOW AHA TONIC

For years, REN’s ready steady glow tonic has been a beloved mainstay in our skincare routine, living up to its cult status. The non-invasive exfoliating mix includes salicin to soothe, lactic acid to exfoliate dead skin cells, and a combination of AHAs and BHAs to refine skin. REN’s toner is made for everyday use and fits into your evening routine with ease. It applies smoothly with a cotton pad. It not only makes your face look cleaner at the end of the day, but it also makes your skin look younger.

KATE SOMERVILLE EXFOLIKATE INTENSIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT

For good cause, Kate Somerville’s exfolikate is a cult favorite. The dual-action exfoliant provides brightness at home by utilizing both chemical and physical components. The lotion uses natural alpha hydroxy acid, lactic acid, and enzymes from papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin to gently exfoliate dull skin. Rosewood and cinnamon extracts work together to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while a calming combination of aloe vera, antioxidant vitamin E, and honey works to relieve any irritation. When applying the cream to your face, there is a tiny tingling sensation at first, but the effects are an unmatched radiance.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY SUPER RADIANCE RESURFACING FACIAL

Two years ago, Charlotte Tilbury’s first exfoliation product was released, and it did not let down. This dual-purpose product promises to give skin the instant glow that comes from a spa facial at home. It does this by exfoliating and resurfacing the skin. The treatment is meant to be used once a week, and it needs to be applied evenly and kept on the skin for up to 20 minutes. Charlotte Tilbury’s mask exfoliator dried swiftly and wasn’t sticky like some other mask exfoliators.

MURAD VITAMIN C EXFOLIATING FACIAL

Murad’s triple-action exfoliating facial with vitamin C is designed to revitalize skin by combining physical, chemical, and enzymatic techniques for remarkable outcomes. Enzymes work toward radiance, micro-mineral exfoliants manually remove dead surface cells to significantly smooth skin, and vitamin C supports healthier-looking, brighter skin. Glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids complete the trifecta by brightening and cleansing pores.

AVEENO POSITIVELY RADIANT SKIN BRIGHTENING EXFOLIATING DAILY SCRUB

This inexpensive scrub does a great job cleaning. Microbeads softly polish skin while soy extract helps to moisturize and brighten. For acne-prone skin types, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores, and it’s oil-free, so there’s no need to worry about outbreaks.

BOSCIA EXFOLIATING PEEL GEL

This cool peeling gel exfoliator uses both chemical and physical means. Because the formula’s molecules really join together as you apply it, it helps remove debris and dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Buffing is a unique pampering sensation that will make your skin ball up. Then, much deeper, alpha-hydroxy acids from different fruits truly remove bacteria or oil. Even skin types that are sensitive will benefit greatly from it because of the combination of calming botanicals and the absence of preservatives.

M-61 BY BLUEMERCURY POWERGLOW PEEL

This one-step peel uses a combination of salicylic and glycolic acids to tighten pores and remove dead skin cells. It’s great if you’re having trouble with breakouts because it also helps to enhance the texture and tone of your skin. Additionally, chamomile and lavender are added to the pre-soaked wipes to reduce redness and irritation. Please be aware that it could take some time to become used to it. To prevent peeling or dryness as your skin adjusts, start by applying them three times a week before bed and lather on your favorite moisturizer. If your skin is sensitive, cut back or, once your skin is able to tolerate it, use every day.

FINAL TAKEAWAY

Sunscreen use and daily washing are essential for healthy skin practices. However, exfoliation may be the unsung hero of any skincare regimen. Why? Even though dead skin cells are naturally shed by the skin, this process isn’t always successful. Allowing those dead cells to remain and build up can lead to a host of issues with the complexion, including hyperpigmentation, flaky spots, dullness, clogged pores, and more obvious fine wrinkles. To address these concerns, exfoliating can assist in hastening the skin’s turnover process. Check out our list for clear, luminous skin.

Best Face Masks for Sensitive Skin in 2023

You’ve come to the correct place if you appreciate the concept of getting a facial. Still, you are concerned about what a mysterious formula might do to your fragile skin. Modern over-the-counter face masks provide an efficient at-home alternative to salon-quality skin care procedures. Many of them are created with sensitive skin in mind. Still, making the appropriate choice might be challenging. Knowing this, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 face masks for sensitive skin in the hopes that they’ll be able to soothe your delicate skin. Find your favorite mask and then stick with me. 

Are Face Masks Good for Your Skin? 

Face masks can be good for your skin since they can address certain skin issues and enhance the general condition and appearance of your skin. The advantages of face masks vary depending on the kind of mask, the ingredients, your particular skin type, and your skin concerns.

For instance, sheet masks can hydrate and nourish the face, while clay masks can aid in absorbing excess oil and improving the appearance of pores.

It’s crucial to remember that not all face masks are appropriate for all skin types. For people with sensitive or dry skin, some masks could be excessively drying or irritating, while others might not offer enough advantages for others with more specialized needs.

Do Face Masks Expire?

Depending on the active chemicals employed, masks typically lose their effectiveness one to two years after being opened. Clay masks might dry out sooner than that estimate suggests. Other masks have deteriorating components, such as vitamins C and E, which could make them less effective over time. A mask made of activated charcoal, however, won’t lose its effectiveness if it hasn’t come into touch with air. To keep your mask fresher for longer, use a spoon or spatula to dip into the mixture instead of dipping your hands in, which will stop the spread of bacteria. You can also store sheet masks in the refrigerator, which may extend their shelf life a little bit.

Our Top Picks

Best Manuka Honey Face Mask: Savor Beauty Manuka Honey Mask

Powerful ingredients including Manuka Honey, organic papaya extract, and Rice Bran are found in this restorative exfoliating mask. These nutrients work in concert to exfoliate the skin, encourage cell regeneration, and reveal soft, smooth, and radiant skin. Manuka Honey aids in removing impurities from the skin, and papaya and apricot enzymes gently break down dead skin cells to reveal healthier, more even-toned skin. 

The mask is mild, moisturizing, and efficient at exfoliating the skin, according to customers. A few users have also remarked on the mask’s lovely aroma and texture, as well as how soft and radiant it makes their skin feel. One client even claimed that the mask is excellent at drawing out toxins and tightening. After utilizing it for a while, some people, however, said there was no difference. Guess some people might find it useful.

Best Mint Julep Face Mask: Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque Face Mask

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque Face Mask is a natural home remedy that works well to minimize enlarged pores, remove blackheads, and dry up acne breakouts. Apply the masque to the face and neck and let it firm and harden as it removes waste products from the pores. The masque is easy to use. Rinse the masque off with warm water and a washcloth after a few minutes to reveal clean, revived, and smooth skin.

Customers appreciate its efficiency in de-gunking oily and acne-prone skin by absorbing oil from pores, unclogging pores. It also gets rid of extra oil and grime, which leads to renewed and refreshed feeling. The product is said to be beneficial for skin that can be sensitive and react to other products.

Several users have complained about having trouble getting the product out of the tube, and one buyer said their tube seemed to be too dried out. These unfavorable evaluations, though, were rare.

Best Drugstore Face Mask: Yes to Cucumbers Cooling Jelly Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

The cucumber extract in the dermatologist-tested Cucumber Gel Face Mask is intended to calm and soothe sensitive skin. It has more than 11 uses per tube and can be used as a sleeping mask or primer. A generous amount should be applied to clean the skin. After 10 minutes, rinse with cool water. The formulation is over 95% natural and free of silicones, SLS, and parabens. Additionally, it is Leaping Bunny-certified and cruelty-free.

The Queen Helene Masque Mint Julep has gotten overwhelmingly good feedback for its ability to cure oily, acne-prone skin and minimize the look of pores. Reviewers advise slathering on a thick amount and leaving it on the face for 15 to 20 minutes until it dries. Despite being inexpensive and useful, some reviewers have complained that the substance can be drying and challenging to squeeze out of the tube. The fragrance in this product may be a problem for those who are allergic to fragrance.

Best Hydrating Face Mask: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

The Jet Lag Mask from Summer Fridays is your best option if it’s hydration you’re looking for. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, shea butter, and ceramides are included in the well-known composition to provide much-needed moisture, as well as niacinamide and vitamin C16 to enhance radiance. This moisturizing product can be applied as an under-eye treatment or as a regular mask. Furthermore, those with sensitive skin can now more easily make use of the nourishing benefits without being irritated thanks to the fragrance-free reformulation.

Many customers praised the product’s moisturizing and energizing qualities. Some people also like the fact that it may be applied as an overnight mask or as a quick pick-me-up.

Nonetheless, several users complained that the formula was too thick and challenging to apply. In addition, some clients believe the product is overpriced in comparison to competing goods.

Best Exfoliating Face Mask: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask is suitable for all skin types and concerns. It can be applied as a leave-on mask to moisturize and brighten the skin or as an overnight sleeping mask. Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract, and AHAs are the active components. But some people may become sensitive to fragrance, which is one of the potential allergens.

People have generally given the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask excellent feedback, enjoying its refreshing and moisturizing qualities as well as the visible improvement in their skin’s texture and appearance. The added scent, though, may have caused some users’ skin irritation or sensitivity, and there have been some complaints about the product’s high price and lack of noticeable results.

Best Budget Face Mask: Aveeno Soothe Oat Face Mask with Pumpkin Seed Extract

The rebalancing Aveeno Face Mask contains oat, pumpkin seed, and feverfew extracts. Together, the prebiotic oat, pumpkin seed, and feverfew extract calm and restore equilibrium to the skin. It adheres to the Aveeno Wellness Promise by being gentle, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and gentle enough to use two to three times per week.

Reviewers adore its moisturizing and revitalizing qualities as well as the apparent improvement in the texture and appearance of their skin. Use it 1-2 times a week and it’s gentle enough for sensitive skin. There have been a few complaints concerning the formula’s lack of noticeable benefits and customers’ experiences with skin irritation. Some users also find the formula to be overly thick and difficult to spread.

Best Splurge Face Mask: Eve Lom Rescue Mask

Your skin will love the weekly pick-me-up provided by EVE LOM Rescue Mask. Kaolin clay with almond and honey infusion deep cleans pores to support brighter skin tone, and cooling camphor extract reduces inflammation and redness. This treatment mask is specially created to restore balance and vitality to your skin and is excellent for jet lag, breakouts, and morning puffiness. 

Many users claim that the mask thoroughly cleanses their skin without making it feel tight or dry. Additionally, it did a fantastic job of clearing clogged pores and removing surplus oil. When your skin is under stress, using the Eve Lom Rescue Mask can assist since it nourishes your face and reduces puffiness around your eyes. There haven’t been many negative reviews of this product up to this point. 

Best for Pore Care: CETAPHIL Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask

This mild mask from CETAPHIL will work if you have clogged pores or simply want a deeper clean without aggravation. With the help of soothing cucumber seed extract, it hydrates and brightens skin tone while helping to remove dead skin cells and pollutants that can clog pores and cause breakouts. In addition to providing a fresh, clean feeling on the skin, the creamy clay formula helps prevent dryness.

Customers frequently remark on how simple it is to use and how quickly the mask dries, leaving their skin feeling revitalized. Many individuals also point out that it doesn’t result in any stinging or drying, which can be problematic for people with sensitive skin. Others have instead complained that the mask can be challenging to remove and might leave a residue on the skin.

Best Hydrating Hydrogel Mask: NEUTROGENA Hydro Boost Hydrating Mask

If you’ve never used a hydrogel mask, you’ll become addicted after using this one. Its cooling, refreshing effect makes it ideal for calming sensitive skin. This hydrogel mask is crammed full of moisturizing elements that rapidly soothe dry skin and help it retain hydration over the long term because it can contain up to 50 times more water than a regular sheet mask.

A nice and soothing experience is made possible by the mask’s ease of use and a good fit on the face, according to several consumers. Numerous people also point out that it doesn’t irritate or create sensitivity and has a pleasant aroma. Some have nonetheless reported that the mask can be messy, hard to use, and does not stick properly to the face. A few individuals also claim that it did not adequately hydrate their extremely dry skin.

Best for Reducing Redness: DR. BRANDT SKINCARE HYDRO BIOTIC™ Recovery Sleeping Mask

Dealing with redness and irritation is a frequent skin concern if you have sensitive skin. Probiotics, fatty acids, and ceramides are combined in this fragrance-free mask to build the skin barrier, lessen inflammation and redness, and moisturize the skin. This face mask can lock up moisture for up to 72 hours, making it an ideal choice for all skin types, especially those with extremely dry skin. 

Customers said that after using the mask, their skin felt soft, moisturized, and renewed. Others claimed that the mask enhanced the texture of their skin and diminished the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A few unfavorable reviews, nevertheless, noted that the mask left their skin feeling dry or caused breakouts. Some people thought the scent was excessively overpowering.

DIY Face Mask At Home 

Oatmeal Face Mask

Oatmeal is a frequently used ingredient in many face mask products, thanks to its soothing properties. And instead of buying a face mask with this component included, have you ever thought of making one? A DIY Oatmeal face mask may work better on your face. Here are some instructions on how to do this. First, rolled oats and water are required, honey and yogurt can be optional. The rolled oats and boiling water should be combined in a bowl to create a thick paste. Then, allow the mixture to cool for a while. If preferred, stir in the yogurt and/or honey to the mixture. To protect your eyes, only apply the mask to your clean face. Put the mask on for ten to fifteen minutes. Don’t forget to use warm water to wash the mask off, then pat your skin dry.

Avocado Face Mask Recipe

The same as oatmeal, avocado is known for its excellent ability on the skin. The avocado’s nutritious fats can assist to hydrate and nourish the skin, and the addition of honey and yogurt can further hydrate and brighten the complexion. Here is an avocado face mask recipe. First, remove the avocado’s pit by halving it. The avocado flesh should be removed and mashed with a fork into a bowl until it is smooth. If preferred, combine the mashed avocado with the honey and/or yogurt and swirl well. When applying, To protect your eyes, only put the mask on your clean face. Leave the mask on for ten to fifteen minutes and then use warm water to wash the mask off, then pat your skin dry.

It can be difficult to discover the finest face mask for sensitive skin, but there are lots of wonderful solutions that can calm, hydrate, and nourish delicate skin. It’s crucial to opt for masks made with mild, non-irritating components like chamomile, aloe vera, honey, and oatmeal. To prevent any allergic reactions, it is usually advised to patch-test new items before using them. Sensitive skin types can attain a healthy, glowing complexion with the correct face mask and a gentle skincare regimen.