The 10 Best Exfoliating Face Washes of 2021

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Talk to any dermatologist out there and we guarantee they’ll sing the praises of regular exfoliation. The relatively simple skincare step makes a massive difference, removing the dead, dry skin cells that can not only leave your complexion looking dull and lackluster, but also clog pores. No, gracias.

When it comes to your exfoliating technique, sure, you could opt for a separate product and figure out a way to work it into your (likely already very extensive) daily or weekly routine. But there’s also a much easier way to reap the benefits on the reg. Enter the beauty of exfoliating cleansers, which both wash off dirt, oil, and makeup and also exfoliate simultaneously. They’re also gentle enough that they can be used daily, making exfoliating truly a no-brainer and easier than ever.

Whether you prefer a more scrub-like formula that sloughs off dead skin, or one that dissolves it using enzymes and acids, there’s something out there for everyone—and every skin type.

Take your pick from any of the best exfoliating face washes we can’t get enough of.

Buy On Sephora Buy On Bloomingdales Buy On Tataharperskincare.com

This Exfoliating Cleanser Gave Me the Glowiest Skin Ever

This standout uses apricot microspheres, kind of like that beloved apricot scrub from your teen years, but way better and gentler. They buff off dead skin cells, while a naturally-derived beta-hydroxy acid that comes from willow bark extract degunks pores. Couple that with an added moisturizing olive oil complex, and you’ve got yourself a formula that truly works on all skin types, a sentiment repeated by happy reviewers. Not to mention that the formula is also 100 natural and the packaging is recyclable.

What Our Testers Say

"Before I pumped any of the cleansers out of the green bottle, I could see the orange specks and felt a little nervous about using this formula on my skin. But, once applied to my skin, I could barely feel the apricot microspheres swirling around on my face." — Bianca Lambert, Product Tester

Buy On Nordstrom Buy On Ulta

Everyone thinks of face masks when they think of self-care skincare, but with this, face washing can have an equally relaxing and indulgent effect. This sugar-based scrub warms upon contact (always enjoyable) and contains skin-softening rose water that it also gives it its luxurious scent. It’s an easy way to transform run-of-the-mill daily cleansing into a truly spa-like experience.

Buy On Dermstore Buy On Bluemercury.com

Key Ingredients

Glycerin is a naturally occurring compound in the body; in topical skincare, it is derived from plants. It functions to draw water to the skin and continue hydrating it, making it a great ingredient for extreme dryness.

Dry skin can most definitely benefit from regular exfoliation; after all, all those dry patches make it much harder for any moisturizer to penetrate. But it’s a fine line since over-exfoliating it can actually end up exacerbating dryness. But there’s no need to worry about that with this formula, though. It uses a unique scrubbing ingredient, microbeads made from diatomaceous earth, for mega-gentle exfoliation, and is also loaded with glycerin and aloe to lock in hydration.

Buy On Amazon Buy On Ulta Buy On Walmart

Dermatologists rave about this drugstore staple brand on repeat, and we couldn’t agree more. While the classic cleanser often gets all the love, this exfoliating option deserves some time in the spotlight, too. It’s just as gentle (we’re talking ‘dermatologist tested for sensitive skin’ gentle) but has the added benefit of micro-fine particles for exfoliating purposes. Added vitamins and conditioning ingredients ensure your skin feels ultra-soft afterward.

Philosophy the Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash

Buy On Sephora Buy On Ulta Buy On Walmart

Fans who like scrub-like textures will appreciate that this utilizes itty-bitty micro-exfoliating beads that gently yet effectively slough off dead cells. Top tip: For the best results, massage it thoroughly into damp skin for at least 30 to 60 seconds to let it fully do its thing.

Buy On Dermstore

Key Ingredients

Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid derived from almonds. It is usually found in combination with other products and functions to improve skin texture via exfoliation.

The stars of the show here are gluconolactone, a PHA (poly hydroxy acid) and mandelic acid, an AHA, both of which are known for being notably more gentle than other exfoliating acids. This gel is also free of fragrance, a common irritant, as well as soap-free, so there’s no need to worry about over-drying or further stripping stressed skin. Still, it’s effective enough that oily skin types can use it, too.

Buy On Sephora Buy On Dermstore Buy On Ulta

Any type of exfoliator will help to brighten dull skin, but this one by Dermalogica takes it one step further. Not only does it both scrub off and dissolve discoloration (thanks to rice bran and papaya enzymes, respectively), it’s also infused with licorice and bearberry, active ingredients known to help combat dark spots. Also noteworthy: Because it’s a powder, you can easily customize how intense it is. Add more water to make it slightly gentler, less to up the exfoliating prowess. Plus, there’s no need to worry about spills.

Buy On Dermstore Buy On Verishop.com

If you prefer to steer clear of scrubs and like acid- or enzyme-based exfoliation instead, this is your guy. From the new brand already getting crazy buzz all over the Internet, this option uses three different types of acids to clear away dull skin and pore-clogging gunk. The addition of two different oils work to combat the likelihood of irritation or dryness, and also give it its pleasantly creamy consistency. And while the exfoliation may technically be called “chemical,” the formula itself is clean and non-toxic.

Buy On Amazon Buy On Walmart

With both gentle scrubbers and a potent combo of glycolic and salicylic acids, this would be a great product in and of itself…the fact that it rings in at such an affordable price point is just the icing on the cake. It’s also non-comedogenic and soap-free, choice for those who worry about cleansers drying out or stripping their skin.

Buy On Amazon Buy On Walmart

This strikes the perfect balance, effectively exfoliating any oily spots, without stripping the normal or dry areas of our complexion. Credit a combo of gentle exfoliants—tamarind extract, tea tree oil, plus salicylic acid —that smooth out the texture and even out the tone of your skin. On the flip side, African black soap and shea butter lock in hydration. All that in a cruelty-free formula, free of a long list of questionable ingredients.

These 21 Body Washes Deserve Some Real Estate in Your Shower

10 Exfoliating Face Washes That Will Leave Your Skin Fresh and Flawless

Best Overall: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

Best Luxury: Lancôme Exfoliating Rose Sugar Scrub

Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

Best Mechanical Exfoliant: Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash

Best for Sensitive Skin: Neostrata Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser

Best Brightening: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Best Chemical Exfoliant: Holifrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash

Best Budget: Neutrogena Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

Best Scrub: SheaMoisture African Black Soap Clarifying Facial Wash & Scrub

Related Stories