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Byrdie / Alli Waataja
Exfoliation is a key step in any balanced skincare routine when done correctly. Benefits include clear pores, better circulation, and an even skin tone. It also helps your skin better absorb other products throughout your skincare routine. According to dermatologist Lily Talakoub, M.D., of McLean Dermatology & Skincare Center, "Exfoliation helps serums, moisturizers, and growth factors penetrate deeper into the skin."
If the idea of adding yet another product to your daily skin regimen has your wallet stressing, worry not, we've got all the best recommendations for affordable exfoliators. We're sharing our favorite products that top dermatologists and skincare experts recommend—and they're all available at your local drugstore. Whether your sensitive skin requires a gentle exfoliating cleanser or your oil skin needs a zinc-infused exfoliator, we've got you covered.
The removal of dead, dry skin not only frees up skincare products to do their work but may also increases skin's radiance, clarity, and youthfulness.
Below, browse a collection of exfoliating cleansers, masks, toners, and treatments to help you achieve a more even, radiant complexion. Starting at just $4 a pop, here are the best drugstore exfoliators, according to dermatologists and editors.
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Gentle
A little goes a long way
Makes skin feel smooth
Contains fragrance
A favorite of three of our experts, this very gentle exfoliator went straight to the top spot for its effective yet well-tolerated formula. "Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is very soothing and well-suited for dry, sensitive skin," says Kristina Goldenberg, M.D., of Goldenberg Dermatology. "It helps remove impurities and augments the removal of dead skin cells."
According to Melissa K. Levin, the NYC-based dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology, "Exfoliation is key and necessary for dry and combination skin to continue turnover of dead skin cells. I recommend incorporating an alpha-hydroxy acid product or, for those with more sensitive skin, Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub because it uses micro-fine bamboo particles to buff and soften skin."
Additionally, Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D., of the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York adds that Cetaphil's Extra Gentle Daily Scrub is gentle enough for all skin types, including dry skin, because it contains skin conditioners that don't irritate the skin.
Who It’s For
Exfoliators are generally not a good idea if you’re prone to sensitivity but this formula is incredibly gentle and designed to be well tolerated. This means it can be used on all skin types, including sensitive, who want to brighten their overall complexion. It’s also dermatologist-approved for sensitive skin.
Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: Vitamins B5 and E | Size: 6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Smooths and refines skin
Reduces shine
Cooling feel
Small bottle
For combination skin, Dr. Goldenberg recommends L'Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub. "It contains three different types of sugars that help remove dead skin cells and impurities," she says. The texture is gritty, but since the sugar dissolves quickly when combined with water, it won’t aggravate skin as you smooth it over your face. Instead, it gently buffs away dry, rough patches on the skin, rinsing to reveal an exceptionally smooth surface. "It also contains cocoa butter to provide the skin with moisture and to protect it from too much irritation."
Who It’s For
As Dr. Goldenberg says, this is a great pick if you have combination skin as it gently removes the buildup from clogged pores while reducing shine. It’s suitable for all skin types but you may want to perform a patch test if you’re prone to sensitivity. It’s also safe to use on the lips.
Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: Kiwi seed | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Helps clear acne
Feels cooling
Inexpensive
Contains sulfates
While it’s not the cleanest formula, this no-frills cleanser is one that’s effective at gently rinsing away grease and grime from the day. "For oily skin, Bioré's Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser is very refreshing, and it contains salicylic acid, a chemical and physical exfoliant," says Dr. Bae. The exfoliating formula helps to rid pores of acne-causing buildup while delivering a cool, icy feel that calms skin in the process. This means that it can prevent re-occurring breakouts as well as help clear up existing spots. We think it makes for a refreshing cleanse that you’ll look forward to time and again.
Who It’s For
As this contains blemish-fighting salicylic acid, it’s best suited to oily and blemish-prone skin. More sensitive types will be better using a product with a more gentle exfoliator such as fruit acids.
Type: Foam | Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Size: 6.8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Gentle
pH balanced
Removes makeup
Not cruelty-free
If you suffer from dryness and clogged pores, you’ll know how difficult it can be to treat both concerns at the same time. The good news is that we’ve found the perfect solution. "Dry skin is very sensitive to over-exfoliating, which is why I like this one from La Roche-Posay," says Dr. Engelman. The scrub is ultra-fine with just enough grit to cleanse pores, without being the least bit harsh or irritating to the skin. This is due to added ingredients such as the humectant glycerin that adds hydration and La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water that’s rich in natural antioxidants. "It's also allergy-tested and free of soap, alcohol, and parabens”. In short, this is our go-to alternative when we want to experience the skin-polishing buff of an exfoliator without imbalancing our skin.
Who It’s For
This is formulated for all skin types, but specifically sensitive skin that usually finds scrubs too harsh. As it’s dermatologist and allergy-tested, you can use it confidently without worrying about irritation.
Type: Gel | Active Ingredients: Diatomaceous earth | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Helps clear acne
Creamy
Effective formula
Skin may feel quite dry after using initially
Leave it to the trusted acne-fighters at Proactiv, to formulate a creamy exfoliator that is gentle enough to smooth and soothe acne-prone skin. "Proactiv's Skin Smoothing Exfoliator contains prescription-strength micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to clear up acne blemishes and help prevent new ones from forming," says Dr. Engelman. "It also contains tiny exfoliating beads and glycolic acid to help reduce excess oil." It may be one of the more expensive options at the drugstore, however the clear, glowy skin that results will continue to validate your investment.
Who It’s For
This treatment is specifically formulated with blemish-fighting ingredients so it should only be used by those with breakouts and acne-prone skin.
Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid | Size: 6 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Purifies and refines skin
Inexpensive
Not overly drying
Contains potential allergens
There is a lot to be said about this fan-favorite scrub, and you can browse a mere 60,000 online reviews to validate the chatter. For all skin types except those with inflammatory acne, Cynthia Rivas, a medical aesthetician at Monica Halem, M.D., in New York City, recommends Acure's Brightening Facial Scrub. "I love that the clay helps purify the skin, and the gentle abrasion won't damage it, either," she explains. The unassuming yellow tube is celebrated for its uncanny ability to buff and soften skin with a cocktail of sea kelp, green clay, and argan oil. The radiant results are praise-worthy and at less than $10 bucks, all that glowiness comes at a price that’s hard to beat.
Who It’s For
This face scrub is safe to use on all skin types, especially inflammatory acne. As it contains potential allergens, however, we’d suggest doing a patch test if you’re prone to sensitivity.
Type: Scrub | Active Ingredients: French green clay, sea kelp | Size: 4 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Spiked with ceramides to hydrate skin
Lightweight texture
Works while you sleep
Has a strong smell
This overnight treatment balances the powerful skin-smoothing results of glycolic and lactic acids, with a combination of super-hydrators like hyaluronic acid, ceramides and licorice root. These ingredients also help to reduce possible irritation from the acids and strengthen the skin barrier. The 5% AHA blend works to speed up cell turnover, gently sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother, more polished complexion. The result? Our skin looked and felt noticeably smoother after a single use, and with continued use 3-4 times per week, pores appear smaller, skin plumper, and skin all-around glowier. It also has a lightweight, comfortable texture that isn’t the least bit greasy or sticky on skin. Don’t forget to follow the next morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen as its exfoliating action may make the skin more prone to photo damage.
Who It’s For
This treatment can be used on all skin types, including sensitive ones, to improve the appearance of dullness, wrinkles, dark spots, and enlarged pores. This is due to its potent yet very hydrating and gentle formula.
Type: Nighttime exfoliant | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid and lactic acid | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: No
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Noticeable glowy results
Large bottle will last you a long time
Won't sting or irritate skin
Can leave skin a bit dry
A quick Google search will surface close to 25,000 glowing reviews for this toner, with shoppers praising the equally glowy results. It’s formulated with 5% glycolic acid which is powerful enough to buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter, smoother canvas below, but gentle enough not to aggravate skin or cause any stinging or burning upon application. The bottle is huge, and you only need a few drops onto a cotton pad to cover your whole face, so it will last you a long time. Make sure to layer up with a moisturizer and SPF after toning, since it can leave your skin a bit tight, but the radiant results are well worth the extra pampering.
Who It’s For
This toner can be used by all skin types to improve an uneven and dull skin tone. If your skin is sensitive, start slowly and use it just once or twice a week until your skin becomes more tolerant.
Type: Toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 4.2 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Refillable
Convenient pads
Soothing cucumber water
Can be too strong for sensitive skin
There’s no denying the convenience that comes from a pre-soaked pad, especially one that delivers an impressively glowy result after a quick swipe. These rounds are saturated (but not drippy) with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids, glycolic and lactic acids, that work double time decongesting pores and sloughing away dull, flakey skin. The effective chemical exfoliants are also balanced by soothing cucumber water, and brightening lemon peel, so your skin gets a gentle, refreshing reboot in seconds. Some testers do find these wipes quite potent so we’d suggest doing a patch test before swiping one across your entire face.
Who It’s For
These exfoliating pads are suitable for normal, combination and dry skin with an uneven skin texture. They may be too potent and drying if you have a more sensitive skin type.
Type: Pads | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid and lactic acid | Size: 28 pads | Cruelty-Free: No
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Budget-friendly price
Immediate results
Can be used on body and scalp
Can be irritating to sensitive skin
This affordable toner is a bottle of many benefits. Not only does it do a number clearing clogged pores with 7% glycolic acid and calming Tasmanian Pepperberry to reveal a noticeably smoother and brighter complexion, but it’s also celebrated as a scalp treatment and body exfoliant. It’s the bottle that went viral on TikTok for its lesser-known ability to treat dandruff, complete with a unique concentrated nozzle dispenser that makes applying along your part feel intentional. While the anti-microbial formula may be too powerful for some sensitive faces, it works wonders on rough patches on arms and feet, buffing away dry, flaky roughness to reveal better-looking skin head-to-toe.
Who It’s For
This is for anyone that wants to target dullness, an uneven skin tone and signs of aging on the face and body, as well as dandruff on the scalp. It’s also suitable for all skin types apart from sensitive.
Type: Toner | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 8 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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It gently cleanses
Won't strip skin of moisture
Inexpensive
Results take some time
Think of this skin-brightening cleanser as a friendly introduction to chemical exfoliation. Because the cleanser only temporarily sits on skin before being rinsed away, it delivers a gentler skin polishing than some of the alternatives on this list. The gel cleanser is formulated with a trio of exfoliators, including glycolic acid, lactic acid, and malic acid—alongside the antioxidant-rich spirulina extract which helps to balance and calm skin thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. The results are not immediate, but with continued daily use, skin appears noticeably more even and radiant post-cleanse.
Who It’s For
Use this to target dark spots, uneven skin tone, and dullness. It’s suitable for most skin types but just start gently if you’re on the sensitive side.
Type: Cleanser | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid | Size: 5 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
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Quick application
Cool jelly texture
Fast results
It's not for sensitive skin types
This mask is powerful and fast-acting thanks to a juicy cocktail of fruit enzymes—like pineapple and papaya extract—and chemical exfoliants—like glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid— that effectively slough away build-up and dead skin cells in just two minutes. The powerful formula delivers impressive skin-brightening results that are apparent immediately post-rinse and the cool jelly texture makes for something of a sensory experience as you apply it over your face. Despite the power play ingredients at work, it won’t burn or irritate normal skin types—as long as you rinse off at the two-minute mark. However, it might be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
Who It’s For
As mentioned above, this is a very effective exfoliator for all skin types but it may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.
Type: Mask | Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid | Size: 1.7 fl. oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Where We Stand
Exfoliation is an important step in every skincare routine, no matter your skin type. However, the type of product you choose—a cleanser, mask, or toner—and type of exfoliant—physical or chemical—can make a big difference in your results. A good pick for all skin types and recommended by our dermatologists is Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub. However, if you are oily and prone to acne, Proactiv’s Skin Smoothing Exfoliator may be the pick for you.
How We Tested
In order to determine which drugstore exfoliators for glowing skin outperform their competition, we began by researching the most popular and highly rated options on the market as well as consulting with experts. Once we selected which ones to test, we took tons of options to our lab facility in NYC, as well as testing them at home in our daily lives. Here we evaluated each exfoliator based on its formula, ingredients, results and value for money. Those that ranked the highest across the categories and therefore impressed us the most appear on this list.
- Type of product (mask, face wash, treatment etc)
- Formula and active ingredients
- Ease of application and feel on the skin
- Immediate results and results over time
- Cruelty free
- Value for money
What to Look For in a Drugstore Exfoliators
- Alpha-Hydroxy Acid: Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliants for the skin. According to dermatologist Rachel Nazarian, M.D., they include many benefits for the skin. They slough off dead skin cells, help increase collagen production, hydrate, and offer antioxidant benefits. Of course, like any exfoliator, overuse can cause skin irritation. Follow your dermatologists recommendation when using AHA exfoliating products. Some of our favorite products from this list that contain AHAs are Versed Doctor's Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask and First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads.
- Zinc: Zinc can be found in a variety of skincare products, often in sunscreen, but also in exfoliators. If you have oily skin, seek exfoliators with zinc in the ingredients, such as La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel Cleanser. Zinc eliminates excess oil without signaling the skin to produce more oil, according to celebrity esthetician Joanna Vargas.
Why Trust Byrdie
Lindsay Colameo and Megan Beauchamp used their knowledge of the beauty industry as well as tapped dermatologists to create this list of the best drugstore exfoliants. They considered all skin types and skin concerns to find product picks for everyone.
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for Byrdie since 2022. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves—from the most effective collagen serums to the best drugstore makeup essentials.
To get further insights on the best drugstore exfoliators, we also spoke with a number of experts:
- Melissa K. Levin is a dermatologist and founder of Entière Dermatology
- Kristina Goldenberg, M.D. is a dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology
- Yoon-Soo Cindy Bae, M.D. is a dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
- Dendy Engelman, M.D. is a dermatologist at Shafer Clinic
- Cynthia Rivas is a medical aesthetician at Monica Halem, M.D.
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