These Exfoliators Give Your Skin An Out-Of-This-World Glow

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Sensitive skin is no stranger to the redness and irritation that ensues after using a harsh product or scrubbing your face a little too hard. Even the least sensitive skin can become irritated by exfoliators, and, of course, sensitive skin is even more prone to irritation—which is why it's so important to choose gentle products that won't aggravate your skin barrier.

Dermatologists recommend using chemical exfoliators, such as acids, as the preferred choice for sensitive skin. They are considered more suitable than physical exfoliants like scrubs, loofahs, and abrasives. "Chemical exfoliants work via a chemical reaction that breaks up the 'glue' that holds skin cells together," says dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. "This encourages the shedding of the old outermost skin cells, revealing newer skin cells below." Physical exfoliators, on the other hand, work by manually removing these outermost skin cells.

All chemical exfoliants remove the outermost skin cells to smooth out the skin, reduce dullness, and improve the appearance of pores. There are three main types of chemical exfoliants: alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) and polyhydroxy acids (PHAs). Here's a breakdown of each:

• AHAs: These include glycolic, mandelic, malic, citric and lactic acids, as well as natural fruit acids. "Of the AHAs, one of my favorites for sensitive skin is mandelic acid, a gentle acid derived from almonds," says Dr. Murphy-Rose. "Mandelic acid is less strong compared to many other hydroxy acids due to its larger molecular size—it penetrates the skin slower, so it exfoliates more gently," she says. Generally, AHAs are best for treating hyperpigmentation and signs of aging.

• BHAs: Salicylic acid, which is a BHA, is the only acid that travels into the pore to clean deeply and reduce sebum buildup, according to Dr. Murphy-Rose. BHA is excellent for treating acne-prone skin.

• PHAs: The common PHAs are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose. "PHAs are gentler exfoliants that also provide antioxidant and hydrating benefits," Dr. Murphy-Rose says.

Meet the experts:
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD,is a board-certified cosmetic and medical dermatologist specializing in facial rejuvenation at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York
Rachel Reyes-Bergano, DO, is the medical director of SkinSpirit Pasadena
Erika Luren, NP, is a dermatology nurse practitioner and CEO of Parasol Aesthetics
Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the associate professor and director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital

Now that you've brushed up on the science behind exfoliators, here are the best dermatologist-recommended exfoliators for sensitive skin, from cleansers to serums, that won't leave your skin angry and red.

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Dr. Murphy-Rose and Rachel Reyes-Bergano, DO, medical director of SkinSpirit Pasadena, both endorse this acid-based exfoliating cleanser. It's an excellent choice for sensitive skin since it's rinse-off, minimizing prolonged skin contact. SkinMedica's exfoliating cleanser blends alpha and beta hydroxy acids, promoting improved skin tone, breakout prevention, and a smoother complexion.

"Alpha hydroxy acid works more on the surface to give a radiant glow with consistent use while beta hydroxy acid works below the surface to break up sebum and pore congestion. This makes it a key ingredient for treating blemish-prone skin," Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Plus, this exfoliator won't leave your skin dry thanks to the added jojoba oil—in fact, your skin will feel extra smooth immediately after cleansing.

Rave review: "I like this for twice-weekly deep cleansing. It never irritates, but I can tell it really gets the gunk out of my face after a day of sweat, suntan lotion, and dirt."

PHA Facial Cleanser

If your skin is normally dry or becomes extra arid in the colder months, try an exfoliator with a gentle acid that can revitalize your skin without leaving it parched. Neostrata's Restore PHA Facial Cleanser contains PHAs, which offer both ultra-gentle exfoliation along with hydration. "Unlike other exfoliating acids, polyhydroxy acids are a great option for people who have dry or sensitive skin," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. "Because of their large chemical structure, PHAs do not penetrate deeply into the skin, which explains their mild effects."

Rave review: "I love this cleanser! It's hydrating yet clearly exfoliating, as my skin always looks glowy and clean."

Strawberry Smooth BHA + AHA Salicylic Acid Serum

This lightweight serum from Glow Recipe is a great option for people who have oily or acne-prone skin, Dr. Zeichner says. "It combines oil-absorbing salicylic acid with mandelic acid, and alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works particularly well for individuals with oily skin," he says. Plus, this serum contains strawberry extract, which boasts antioxidant properties that help protect the skin against free radical damage, according to a 2020 study by Antioxidants.

Rave review: "Expensive but so worth it for my acne-textured skin. I notice how much my skin loves this when I don't use it. It made my skin so smooth and less textured."

Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

For folks with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema, finding a toner that can exfoliate dull skin without overdoing it can be quite a feat. But this new generation of acids called polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), a cousin to AHAs and BHAs, is the perfect alternative. "The crucial components in Medik8's Exfoliating Toner consist of molecules that, while too large to penetrate the skin's surface, possess the power to delicately target and exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin," says dermatology nurse practitioner Erika Luren, NP. Medik8's exfoliating toner also contains aloe vera, which is anti-inflammatory and helps add moisture to your skin.

Rave review: "Makes me feel clean, but without stripping my skin. It also allows my serums and moisturizers to sink in perfectly."

Celery AHA + LHA Resurfacing Serum

This serum combines glycolic acid with lipohydroxy acid to provide the benefits of both alpha and beta hydroxy acids. "Lipohydroxy acid is a cousin to salicylic acid and is thought to give gentler exfoliation, so it can be used even in people who have more sensitive skin," Dr. Zeichner says. This exfoliating serum also contains niacinamide, a potent B vitamin that helps increase hydration while reducing acne-related inflammation. This is the perfect cleanser if you find that salicylic acid products are too harsh on your skin.

Rave review: "After using this serum every morning for four-plus weeks, I've noticed noticeable changes in my skin's radiance and texture. There are fewer breakouts and dark spots, my skin is less oily, and overall it just looks better. Also, my pores are much smaller than they used to be."

Invigorating Coffee Scrub

Juara's Invigorating Coffee Scrub will turn shower time into the ultimate self-care experience. It's formulated with ground Sumatra coffee beans, hydrating jojoba, and a sulfate-free cleanser that's gentle on sensitive skin. The rich, buttery texture will leave your skin feeling polished while the intoxicating mocha scent is guaranteed to awaken both your skin and senses. "Coffee beans contain caffeine, which is a natural antioxidant that can help protect our skin from environmental stressors while also promoting cellular turnover, making it a great option for skin exfoliation," says Dr. Reyes-Bergano.

Rave review: "This scrub is everything it promises and more. My skin feels incredibly smooth and the smell is spectacular!"

Guarana Scrub

If you're a fan of feeling those exfoliating beads between your face and fingertips working their magic, opt for a gentle physical exfoliator like Yonka's Guarana Scrub. It's formulated with guarana and organic brown rice micro-beads that strip away dead skin cells while calendula and chamomile help soften the skin. "Oryza sativa (rice bran extract) is full of fatty acids like oleic, linoleic, and palmitic fatty acids, which are great for repairing the fatty binding of the epidermal skin layer and improving moisture retention," Luren says. Additionally, it incorporates St. John's wort, renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making it a solid choice for skin prone to irritation and sensitivity, according to Luren.

Rave review: "Very gentle and does a great job of getting rid of dead skin cells."

Mandelic Acid 10% + HA

This serum contains mandelic acid and can be used as a gentle peel to improve your skin's texture and tone. "What makes mandelic acid suitable for sensitive skin and rosacea-prone skin is its larger molecular weight that more slowly penetrates the skin compared with other AHAs," Dr. Murphy-Rose says. Plus, the short ingredient list is great for those prone to allergic reactions to reduce the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction.

Rave review: "I have sensitive and reactive skin and this product didn't cause any redness or burning. It is really gentle on my face."

Exfoliating Stick

This exfoliating stick from Payot goes on super smooth and boasts a creamy texture that leaves your skin feeling supple and nourished. "Blending the best of both worlds, this formula integrates physical and chemical exfoliation, enhanced by the soothing properties of hemp seed extract for an exceptionally gentle manual scrub experience," says Dr. Zeichner. "Additionally, it features glucose lactone, a polyhydroxy acid, not only ensuring hydration but also effectively chemically exfoliating dead skin cells from the surface." Unlike most exfoliators, which come in liquid form, this unique stick applicator is TSA-approved, so you can toss it into your carry-on to keep your skin rejuvenated on vacay.

Rave review: "This stick is so good. First of all, it is less messy and very easy to use. Second of all, it left my skin looking clean, plump, and healthy."

Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment

This exfoliating treatment from CeraVe comes recommended by Dr. Murphy-Rose because it boasts gentle yet effective ingredients. "It contains a well-balanced combination of 5 percent AHAs (lactic and glycolic acids) to gently exfoliate. It also has soothing and hydrating ingredients, including ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and licorice root." Simply apply a pump of this serum at night, massage it in until it's completely absorbed, and let it work its magic overnight.

Rave review: "I was a little skeptical with this due to overnight exfoliation seeming to be too harsh for sensitive skin like mine, but this was nice and gentle. It was a nice exfoliating treatment."

Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads

Skincare Junkie Pore Therapy Daily Toner Pads were designed to exfoliate your skin, minimize the appearance of pores, and prevent breakouts. Each pad is saturated in a toner that hydrates while exfoliating, so it's even gentle on drier skin types. "In addition to salicylic acid in a lower concentration, these toner pads contain the polyhydroxy acid gluconolactone to hydrate while gently exfoliating, plus antioxidant-rich fruit enzymes to help smooth skin," says Dr. Murphy-Rose, who developed the Skincare Junkie brand. "Hyaluronic acid in seven molecular weights attracts water at multiple levels in the skin while skin-soothing aloe calms dry, sensitive skin." Plus, these pads are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, pregnancy-safe and have been clinically tested on sensitive skin.

Rave review: This is a new product, so it doesn't have reviews yet.

Retexturing Activator

Dr. Reyes-Bergano recommends this oil-free serum for people who can’t tolerate retinol, as it's much gentler. "This is a multipurpose serum that helps to exfoliate and hydrate while helping to improve skin radiance," she adds. The 20 percent glycolic acid concentration helps resurface your skin to reveal a smoother texture, while the hyaluronic acid helps draw moisture into the skin.

Rave review: "It really hydrates the skin and fixes up dull spots on your face. I highly recommend this product for all sin types and to have amazing results."

Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment

The Skinceuticals Phyto A+ Treatment is a lightweight moisturizer that brightens the skin and helps reduce redness, thanks to ingredients such as azelaic acid and arbutin, saysDr. Reyes-Bergano. "Azelaic acid is a mainstay skincare therapy for individuals struggling with rosacea, as it's gentle yet exfoliating and calming for redness. Meanwhile, the niacinamide in the formula is known to be greatly anti-inflammatory and can help with bumps, rosacea, or acne," Luren says. It's also oil- and silicone-free, so it won't clog your pores. Plus, the lightweight gel-cream texture absorbs into your skin, so you can use it under a full face of makeup.

Rave review: "I love this stuff. It calms my red, oily skin. After a month, I’ve noticed a significant difference in the texture, tone, oiliness and overall clarity of my skin."

Daily Resurfacing Disks

Roc's budget-friendly cleansing pads come recommended by Dr. Zeichner. "These ultra-gentle, manual exfoliating pads physically remove dead cells from the surface of the skin," Dr. Zeichner says. "They deliver glycerin to hydrate, smooth, and plump the skin while offering brightening benefits." Pop them in your gym bag to exfoliate post-workout and take them with you on your next getaway (pssst, they're travel-friendly!).

Rave review: "These cleaning pads work so fast and truly help my skin out. I love how they make my skin feel super clean, smooth, and visibly better. My skin doesn't look dull or irritated like other products have."

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA

Physical exfoliators can aggravate sensitive skin, but First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is approved by Dr. Murphy-Rose because it combines physical and chemical exfoliators. "Crafted with a potent 10 percent AHA blend for effective exfoliation, the KP Bump Eraser Scrub goes the extra mile with added skin moisturizers and bisabolol for a soothing touch. The inclusion of gentle buffing beads sets it apart, ensuring a milder exfoliating experience compared to alternatives like crushed walnut pieces," she says. Users rave that this exfoliator truly lives up to its name and gets rid of stubborn razor bumps as well as prevents ingrown hairs. "For sensitive skin, be sure to gently massage the product in and then leave it on to let the acids go to work before rinsing off," Dr. Murphy-Rose says.

Rave review: "This scrub leaves your skin soft like butter and bump-free! I’ve gotten so many compliments on my skin texture when using this religiously."

How our team chose the best exfoliators for sensitive skin

For the past few months, Women’s Health editors, including contributor April Benshoshan, have been researching the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated exfoliators for sensitive skin. Our team consulted four skin experts and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best sensitive skin-approved exfoliators for a wide range of needs and preferences.

How should I apply an exfoliator to sensitive skin?

Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends that people with sensitive skin choose gentle chemical exfoliators instead of abrasive manual ones. "The best tips are to choose your product wisely and to start slow, increasing frequency only as tolerated," she says.

To err on the side of caution, perform a spot test by applying a small amount of the exfoliator to your wrist, and then wait three to five days to check for a reaction before trying it on your face or body, Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends.

How often should people with sensitive skin exfoliate?

Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends exfoliating one to three times a week to start. While that's a good general rule of thumb, the type of exfoliator you use should also be taken into consideration. If you're using a chemical exfoliator that stays on your skin, like a toner, serum, or pad, then your skin will be exposed to the exfoliating acid for a longer period of time, so its effects will be stronger. In contrast, a rinse-off exfoliating cleanser provides the acid for a shorter duration, resulting in less pronounced effects compared to a leave-on product with identical ingredients and potencies, according to Dr. Murphy-Rose. That means rinse-off products can generally be used more frequently.

What kinds of products should you use after you exfoliate?

Always moisturize skin after exfoliating. "Look for hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and dye-free products to avoid skin irritation," Dr. Murphy-Rose says.

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