Our Favorite Exfoliating Facial Cleansers for Smooth, Radiant Skin
December 20, 2023
We often sing the praises of exfoliation because the practice is a major contributor to a smooth, radiant complexion. Exfoliation can be done in several ways — physically or chemically — as well as with different types of products, like facial masks, serum treatments, toners and even cleansers.
If you’re on the hunt for a cleanser that is designed to help sweep away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface in addition to cleansing away dirt and excess oil, you’re in luck because we’re sharing our favorites below. Whether you’re looking for a gentle scrub or a formula that uses the power of acids or enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells from the surface, there are options for everyone.
Why Is It Important to Use a Facial Cleaner?
Skincare has gotten very involved in the past few decades and with multi-step skincare routines involving numerous products, it can be difficult to know how to simplify your approach. . Regardless of your skin type or skin concerns, the first step in any skincare routine is to wash your face.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD, the daily use of a facial cleanser is imperative to rid skin of impurities like dirt, oil, sweat and product buildup. When these things pile on your skin, your complexion can appear dull, and clogged pores can turn into blemishes like whiteheads and blackheads.
The Best Exfoliating Cleansers
CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Wash
Reach for this exfoliating cleanser that uses chemical exfoliants (like benzoyl peroxide) to gently remove dirt and impurities. The added niacinamide moisturizes skin to combat dehydration while the acne-fighting ingredients help prevent breakouts from forming while clearing existing blemishes.
La Roche-Posay Ultra-Fine Face Scrub
Designed for sensitive skin types, this face scrub helps purify and exfoliate the skin with ultra-fine pumice particles that gently slough off dead skin cells. The water-gel is infused with thermal spring water to soothe the skin and the glycerin adds essential moisture.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Brightening & Exfoliating Daily Cleanser
This exfoliating cleanser from Kiehl’s is formulated with naturally derived ingredients to help clarify, brighten and refine the complexion without drying out the skin. The formulation of pearlstone, white birch extract and peony extract work together to gently exfoliate, hydrate and protect the skin. You can use this gentle face wash daily (during the day and night) while keeping your skin barrier cleansed and exfoliated.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 3.5% Glycolic Acid Cleansing Gel
If you’re looking for a drugstore exfoliating cleanser that’s powered by glycolic acid for chemical exfoliation, this is a great option for you. In addition to cleansing and exfoliating the skin, this creamy cleanser feels cooling upon application, making it a refreshing pick perfect for summertime.
CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that works to exfoliate and smooth rough skin, and this gentle cleanser formulated with the beloved skincare ingredient is an excellent choice for the face and body. The formula also contains niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and ceramides to help soothe, brighten and nourish the skin.
Lancôme Exfoliating Rose Sugar Scrub
If you prefer physical exfoliating products over chemical options, this gentle sugar scrub is for you. Delicate sugar particles are suspended in the gel cleanser to carefully buff away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface while creating a warming, spa-like effect on the skin.
SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
People with dry skin often fear that exfoliation will be too stripping, but this pick demonstrates that’s not the case. The gentle exfoliating formula is powered by hydrated silica to cleanse the pores and gently slough away dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. It also contains glycerin and aloe to help soothe, hydrate and promote a healthy skin barrier.
HoliFrog Shasta AHA Acid Wash
Finding an exfoliating cleanser that can cut through excess oil to address clogged pores and rid dead skin cells is a must for people with oily skin — and this cleanser does just that. According to the brand, it’s formulated with an exfoliating acid blend containing mandelic acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid, to dissolve grease and dead cell buildup on the skin’s surface and reveal a smoother, more luminous complexion. We also love that it can help reduce breakouts without stripping the skin.
Skinfix Acne+ 2% BHA Cleanser
Regular exfoliation may be beneficial for blemish-prone skin as it helps keep dead skin cells on the skin’s surface from clogging your pores. According to the brand, this non-comedogenic cleanser is great for people who experience breakouts because it contains a blend of exfoliating acids — including salicylic acid, which is known to help with breakouts — while remaining non-stripping and free from fragrance. We also love that it contains azelaic acid, which can help diminish the appearance of dark spots from previous breakouts.
Peter Thomas Roth Anti-Aging Cleansing Gel
Keeping dry patches and dead skin surface cell buildup at bay is one way to help maintain a youthful glow. According to the brand, this anti-aging exfoliating cleanser helps people with mature skin do that thanks to salicylic acid and glycolic acid in the formula. These exfoliating acids work to address rough skin texture, while white oat bark extract can help to brighten the appearance of the skin.
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