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

Best Overall: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser

5

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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.

Best Luxury: Lancôme Exfoliating Rose Sugar Scrub

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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.

Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

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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.

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

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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.

Best Mechanical Exfoliant: Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash

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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.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Neostrata Mandelic Clarifying Cleanser

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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.

Best Brightening: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

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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.

Best Chemical Exfoliant: Holifrog Shasta AHA Refining Acid Wash

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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.

Best Budget: Neutrogena Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

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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.