17 Best Gentle Exfoliating Products For Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser

If you’re new to exfoliation or your skin doesn’t tolerate high concentrations of dermatological actives, opting for an exfoliator in the form of a wash-off product could be a great solution. This gentle exfoliating cleanser is powered by salicylic acid to help resurface the skin and address clogged pores. It also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to soften and hydrate the skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier. 

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub

Prefer physical exfoliation? Go for a gentle scrub with fine particles that won’t be overly abrasive on the skin. We love this one because it’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It contains ultra-fine pumice particles suspended in a gel-like formula to gently buff away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking and feeling smooth.

Youth to the People Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant

This lightweight toner helps zap dark marks and discoloration over time with 7% lactic and 3% glycolic acid. It has hydrating ingredients plus antioxidants to help give you brighter, softer and smooth skin.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner Liquid

Thayer Milky Hydrating Face Toner With Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid

This non-comedogenic pick is made with sensitive and dry skin types in mind thanks to its hydrating hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom ingredients. It works to gently exfoliate and won’t leave your skin feeling stripped.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser

Oily skin types will love this powder cleanser that helps detox and refine the skin. It combines AHAs and white clay to help absorb excess oil and clarify pores.

Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Gently slough off dead and dull skin cells with this exfoliating scrub that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped. It has a 2% concentration of hydrated silica, glycerin and aloe extract to help your skin’s barrier retain moisture all while removing impurities.

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads

AHAs and BHAs come together in these exfoliating peel pads that will help refine and refresh the skin. They work to remove excess oil, dark spots and even fine lines.

Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum

If you have acne and sensitive skin, we recommend incorporating a pimple-targeting exfoliating serum into your routine. This formula contains 1% salicylic acid and 4% glycolic acid to help minimize the look of redness and congestion.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Glow Recipe claims that its watermelon-scented formula with AHAs and hyaluronic acid works to resurface the skin and help refine the appearance of pores, while also providing a boost of moisture.

E.l.f Cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant

This creamy exfoliant works to remove dead skin and impurities all while giving you a hydrating, refreshing wash. It has licorice root extracts, papaya extracts and tangerine extracts to gently exfoliate and give the skin a boost of antioxidants and exfoliation.

Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator — With Bamboo Charcoal

Give your skin a much needed boost with this body exfoliating formula that has AHAs/glycolic acid. It also contains bamboo charcoal to help physically slough off dead and dull skin.

Soho Skin Liquid Exfoliator

Brighten and even out skin tone with lactic, mandelic and succinic acids with this exfoliating toner. It works best on all skin types — sensitive included — to help reveal brighter, healthier-looking skin.

The Outset Exfoliating Revitalizing & Energizing Caffeine Micro Polish

Polish and refine the skin with this caffeine scrub that contains soothing chamomile and fine perlite. It will help reduce the appearance of pores and will visibly smooth and clarify the skin.

Pixi Beauty Clarity Tonic

The combination of salicylic, glycolic and lactic acid come together to help promote clearer skin thanks to this tonic. You’ll be left with minimized pores and less redness over time.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

Restore your skin’s natural glow with this lactic acid treatment that helps minimize dark spots and clogged pores. It also contains aloe to soothe the skin, making it appropriate for all skin types, including sensitive.

Billie Ultimate Skin Solution

Exfoliation goes way beyond your face care — it’s an important step in your shave routine, too! This skin solution helps keep your skin soft and smooth post-shave, and works to keep ingrown hairs at bay thanks to its AHA and BHA formula.