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Carrot & Stick The Honey Amber Exfoliating Polish
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Even if you faithfully wear sunscreen, commit to investing in high-quality serums and creams, and mask regularly, you’re not going to see optimal results if you’re not using an exfoliating scrub. The best exfoliator for the face removes dead cells from the skin’s top layer (stratum corneum) to escalate cell turnover.
Not only does a face exfoliator help the skin become smoother, clearer, and brighter immediately and over time, but all of the other products in your regime will work more effectively. This is because they’ll be able to penetrate the skin — not harbor on the surface with dead cells. But make no mistake. Even the best exfoliating face wash can’t replace the best exfoliating face scrub because it doesn’t have the same mechanical action to sweep away dead skin cells.
So, best face scrub, you ask? Look no further. Here at Deep Science, we’ve reviewed hundreds of products with a scientific lens to ensure you’re creating a skincare routine that’s safe and effective.
Ahead, are 12 of the best exfoliating scrubs to reveal a fresher, more vibrant complexion while maximizing the results of your entire skincare regimen.
Related: Best Skincare Routine
Best Exfoliator for the Face: The List
BEST OVERALL
BEST: Carrot & Stick The Honey Amber Exfoliating Polish, $50
FULL LIST
Formulyst Microdermabrasion Exfoliator, $75
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, $24
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $59
Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $31
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish, $18.75
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Scrub, $28
Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, $48
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, $9.99
Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Face Exfoliant, $33
Lancer The Method Polish, $75
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Gel Scrub, $8.99
Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, $32
The Science Behind Exfoliation
Skin cell turnover — a repetitive process that happens approximately every 28 days — occurs when the living cells from the lowest epidermis layer gradually move up to the skin’s top layer. A healthy renewal cycle is essential for an even, spotless glowing complexion, yet the renewal process slows down with age.
There are two types of exfoliants: physical and chemical. While the former is the gritty, scrub-like formula you may be more familiar with (and that we’re focusing on in this piece), chemical exfoliators dissolve dead skin cells versus sweeping them away.
Related: Best Retinol Serums
How to Choose the Best Exfoliator for the Face
An exfoliating face scrub can be an adequate product to add to your skincare routine, providing you’re choosing a safe formula for your skin type and tone.
It’s interesting to note that scrub reviews have increased an impressive 121% since 2018, and the market itself has grown significantly between 2016 and 2020. This growth is due to a rise in demand for lightening, anti-aging, male, and chemical-free exfoliators and scrubs. With that said, scrubs are getting the attention of influencers, consumers, and pros alike.
Skin Type
While there are face scrubs on the market that cater to each skin type, the reality is, scrubs aren’t as good of an option as chemical exfoliants (which can be used by every skin type) for those with acneic, ultra-dry/mature, or sensitive skin. This is not to say you can’t give a scrub a go. Just be sure to choose a formula that hydrates, nourishes, and protects as well as exfoliates.
Skin Tone
Avoid an intense mechanical exfoliator if you have a darker skin tone because it can result in hyperpigmentation — especially after acne breakouts, burns, surgeries, injuries, or bug bites.
Exfoliating Elements
Do you remember the St. Ives lawsuit of 2017? While the case was thrown out of court in 2018, the company was under fire for its cult Apricot Scrub, which was believed to create micro-tears in the skin. Though the product still has a loyal following today, many other companies have opted to develop face scrubs with less abrasive ingredients such as jojoba beads, poppy seeds, oatmeal, bamboo powder, silica, fruit powders, and rice bran.
Exfoliating elements to avoid are fruit pits, ground-up shells, volcanic rock, chunky salt, etc. Also, avoid plastic microbeads. They can’t be dissolved in water, so they’re not doing Mother Earth any favors.
How to Properly Use a Face Scrub
When it comes to how often to use a face scrub, one to two times a week if you have dry or sensitive skin is typically sufficient, while those with oily skin can increase the frequency to around three times. While some scrubs are marketed for daily use, keep an eye on how your skin is reacting as not all skin types can handle that much exfoliation — nor is it necessary.
While scrubs themselves may not all be dangerous, over-exfoliating of any kind (physical or chemical) is. Signs you’re overdoing it include redness, itchiness, irritation, micro-tears or abrasions, flakiness, and dryness. You may even experience breakouts even if you’re not regularly acneic.
Cleanse
Start with a clean canvas by washing your face and removing all traces of makeup. While some scrubs advertise that they’ll take care of these steps for you, it’s never a bad idea to use a traditional cleanser to get the job done and then consider your scrub a second cleanse.
Use the Right Amount
You only need about a nickel-sized amount of product (give or take depending on the size of your face), so don’t overdo it, or you’ll just be wasting product. Spread the product evenly on both of your hands to ensure an even exfoliation.
Be Gentle
There’s no need to use a heavy hand when exfoliating; this can lead to irritation. Use light, circular motions (avoiding the eye area) for 15-30 seconds. Don’t forget the corners of your nose, neck, and décolleté. Gentleman, don’t be afraid to work that scrub into your beard and mustache, too.
Rinse Thoroughly
Use tepid water to remove all of the product from your skin. Gently pat your face dry to avoid irritation, especially with acne or sensitive skin.
Restore
Apply a serum and moisturizer appropriate for your skin type.
Protect
Exfoliating makes your skin more sun-sensitive, so you must be wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 during the daytime — even if it’s cloudy outside.
Related: Best Medical Grade Skincare
Best Exfoliating Face Scrub
BEST OVERALL
BEST: Carrot & Stick The Honey Amber Exfoliating Polish, $50
This scrub offers a sensorial experience as it helps revitalize dull skin. Formulated with love for normal, dry, oily and combination skin.
We recommend a physical exfoliator as well. Try Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads.
FULL LIST
Formulyst Microdermabrasion Exfoliator, $75
A skin-refining superstar, Formulyst’s Retexturizing Microdermabrasion Exfoliator is formulated to gently exfoliate built-up layers of dead skin to expose the younger, more vibrant-looking skin beneath. Fine aluminum oxide crystals effectively remove dirt, excess oil, and dead cells.
At the same time, nutrient-rich jojoba oil, red tea extract, apricot kernel oil, squalane, and hyaluronic acid deeply nourish and soothe newly exposed skin. The result is smoother, perfect-looking skin with less visible lines and wrinkles.
Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream Rinse-Off Formula, $24
This popular Clinique exfoliating scrub gently sweeps away rough patches and flakes, improving texture and radiance — it even helps minimize the appearance of fine, dry lines. Your serum and moisturizer will penetrate more effectively while providing the perfect canvas for makeup. Silica provides a gentle exfoliation that’s, as the name suggests, safe enough to use every day. The formula is void of parabens, phthalates, fragrance, colors, and denatured alcohol.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, $59
One of Dermalogica’s most popular products is the Daily Microfoliant, an exfoliating rice-based powder for your face that promises to help you achieve brighter, smoother skin. It’s formulated with microcrystalline cellulose, a gentle abrasive to exfoliate the top layers of skin, removing makeup, excess oil, dirt, and other impurities that may have accumulated during the day.
Additionally, this scrub chemical exfoliants, such as papain (an enzyme derived from papaya) and salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), a skin brightening complex of phytic acid from rice bran, white tea, and licorice to help balance uneven skin tone, and a soothing blend of colloidal oatmeal and allantoin to help calm skin. Despite this scrub’s powerful formula, it’s gentle enough for daily use.
Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $31
Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub features a robust 2% concentration combining hydrated silica, glycerin, and aloe extract to purify pores and promote a healthy skin barrier. The formula is gentle enough for daily use and even softens and hydrates the skin. It’s paraben-, sulfate-, soap-, fragrance-, dye- and alcohol-free, making it suitable for normal, dry, oily, and combination skin.
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish, $18.75
FAB is notorious for formulating products that cater to sensitive skin, and this mild scrub is no exception. Shea butter, oatmeal, and glycerin work synergistically to exfoliate, hydrate, soothe, and brighten gently. Unlike many other scrubs, this one is gentle enough to use every day.
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Scrub, $28
Kiehl’s paraben- and sulfate-free energizing facial scrub for men effectively exfoliates while invigorating the skin, thanks to caffeine, menthol, citrus extracts, and vitamin E. Just be sure to conduct a patch test first because some of these ingredients, though beneficial, can cause sensitivity. Along with improving the skin’s texture, this face exfoliator also preps the skin for a close, comfortable shave.
Proactiv Skin Smoothing Exfoliator, $48
To be clear, it’s never a good idea to aggressively exfoliate acneic skin because you run the risk of spreading breakouts and causing further inflammation. However, mild acne can benefit from a scrub such as this formula from Proactiv, one of the leaders in acne skincare. It’s formulated with micro-crystal benzoyl peroxide to treat blemishes and keep new ones from forming.
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, $9.99
Walnut shell powder (not chunky pieces) sweeps away dead cells and refines pores while lemon peel noticeably brightens, resulting in refreshed, smooth, and radiant skin. As a bonus, it deeply cleanses and can even effectively remove a full face of makeup.
Fresh Umbrian Clay Mattifying Face Exfoliant, $33
Mineral-rich Umbrian clay absorbs excess oil, giving the skin a clear, refined, matte-like appearance. Fine bamboo and olive particles effectively remove stubborn dead skin cells that tend to stick to oily skin, eventually leading to blackheads and breakouts. You can apply this formula like a mask and wait a few minutes before dampening your fingers and working the product into the skin like a traditional scrub.
Lancer The Method Polish, $75
This exfoliator blends physical and chemical properties and can be used daily to keep mature skin looking revitalized. Quartz crystals, pumpkin, and pomegranate enzymes effectively remove dead surface cells while leaving the skin noticeably softer and brighter after just one use. Between the relaxing lavender scent and the self-warming formula, it’s as though you’re giving yourself a mini spa treatment.
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Gel Scrub, $8.99
This popular Neutrogena exfoliating scrub gently yet effectively exfoliates and removes impurities while salicylic acid targets breakouts. The formula features proprietary Barriercare cleansing technology to ensure the skin remains soft and balanced versus stripped of its natural oils. It works best on oily and acne-prone skin types.
Tula So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, $32
Tula harnesses the power of skin-friendly probiotics in its products, which work to strengthen the skin’s microbiome that can become disrupted from over-exfoliating, using the wrong skincare products, medication, allergies, and environmental stressors. This scrub is formulated with sugar that naturally dissolves during the exfoliating process, so it’s more gentle on the skin. The addition of fruit enzymes ensures that you’re getting a thorough yet pure exfoliation.
Face Exfoliator: The Bottom Line
What’s the best face exfoliator?
Overall we suggest, Carrot & Stick The Honey Amber Exfoliating Polish. We recommend a physical exfoliator as well. Try Carrot & Stick The Brightening Pads.
The best exfoliator for the face removes dead cells from the skin’s top layer (stratum corneum) to escalate cell turnover.
Not only does a face exfoliator help the skin become smoother, clearer, and brighter immediately and over time, but all of the other products in your regime will work more effectively because they’ll be able to penetrate the skin — not harbor on the surface with dead cells.
When shopping for an exfoliating scrub, consider your skin type and tone. Look for formulas that contain less abrasive ingredients, such as jojoba beads, poppy seeds, oatmeal, bamboo powder, silica, fruit powders, and rice bran. Avoid fruit pits, ground-up shells, volcanic rock, chunky salt, etc. Also, avoid plastic microbeads. They can’t be dissolved in water, so they’re not doing Mother Earth any favors.
While scrubs themselves may not all be dangerous, over-exfoliating of any kind (physical or chemical) is. Signs you’re overdoing it include redness, itchiness, irritation, micro-tears or abrasions, flakiness, and dryness. You may even experience breakouts even if you’re not regularly acneic.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about an exfoliating scrub.
FAQs
Before exfoliating, you want to make sure you remove all traces of makeup and dirt. Otherwise, you’re just scrubbing all of this debris more profoundly into your pores.
You also have to be careful not to over-cleanse because you’ll be stripping the skin of its natural oils, which in turn causes the skin to produce even more oil as a self-defense mechanism. Instead of cleansing twice, swipe a gentle micellar water, toner, or essence across your face to restore its pH.
Do scrubs make acne worse?
If you’re dealing with a chronic acneic condition, you may want to skip using a facial scrub. While exfoliation can help prevent acne by removing dead skin cells, dirt, and oil, a scrub can aggravate acne and spread bacteria, thus causing more acne to form.
Sources:
How to Stay Ahead in the Booming Skincare Market,” Cosmetic Executive Women, January 2020.
“Demand for Natural and Organic Products to Boost the Global Exfoliators and Scrubs Market Through 2020, Reports Technavio,” Business Wire, December 2016.
Real Chemistry Original review: May 14, 2020.
Real Chemistry is a newer skincare brand that has brought some unique skincare products to the western market. In particular, their Luminous 3 Minute Peel builds on the gormage-style exfoliators that have been popular for years in Asia. Today, the brand focuses on using the latest scientific research to help them develop new and interesting interpretations of some of the most beneficial skincare products on the market.
The Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin types. Due to the type of exfoliation that this product provides, those with sensitive skin may even find this to be the most gentle option for regular, light exfoliation.
The Luminous 3 Minute Peel was designed to serve as a gentle facial exfoliant. Exfoliators have become some of the most popular products in recent years including mechanical exfoliants, and most recently, a new wave of gormage-style exfoliants. But what exactly do these exfoliants do?
Real Chemistry created their Luminous 3 Minute Peel in order to fill a gap they had noticed, especially in the western skincare market. While acids, microdermabrasion and chemical peels have become increasingly popular due to their impressive exfoliating abilities, these ingredients and formula can be incredibly abrasive on the skin. In fact, we’ve seen a steady rise in individuals reporting sensitive and sensitized skin due to the overabundance of more potent chemical and physical exfoliants.
Exfoliation is a wonderful tool. It helps remove dead skin cells which can clog pores, as well as excess oil, dirt and debri. But for those with sensitive skin types, over exfoliating can severely damage your skin’s natural protective barrier. In order to get the best of both worlds Real Chemistry developed their 3 Minute Peel. This product can technically be classified as a physical exfoliant, but a much gentler option. The Luminous Peel starts as a gel-like consistency, but transform on contact with your skin. After application, the product will start to ball up and pick up dead skin cells, creating small beads. Depending on the amount of exfoliation you’re looking for, this product can be rinsed away as soon as the formula has bunched up and collected dead skin cells, or massaged into the skin a bit longer before rinsing away cleanly. When asked, 99.5% of customers said that the Real Chemistry Luminous 3 Minute Peel was as effective or more effective than acids or chemical peels, but did not cause skin irritation like other products.
When it comes to formulated products, Real Chemistry has been devoted to researched-backed ingredients and ingredient transparency from the get-go. In fact, this is one of the few brands that has released the percentage of their ingredients along with their official ingredient list. For example, looking at the base of this formula, the first 5 ingredients include water at 75.55%, glycerin at 14.5%, peg 5 glyceryl triisostearate at 4.25%, alkyl(C=10-14)benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride at 3.5%, and carbomer at 1.25%. As you can see, water makes up the majority of the formula, with glycerin as a hydrating boost while peg 5 glyceryl triisostearate, alkyl(C=10-14)benzyl trimethyl ammonium chloride and carbomer give this product its unique texture that allows for such gentle, yet effective exfoliation.
In addition to these ingredients however, there are a number of additional ingredients that possess their own set of beneficial properties. Hyaluronic acid for example is an excellent humectant, which can store up to 1,000 times its weight in water. With that said though, this formula is still fairly streamlined in order to minimize any irritation and make the formula suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. The entire formula only has 11 ingredients, making it an excellent option for those who love having a consistent exfoliating routine, but find acids and harsh scrubs to be too abrasive and irritating to use regularly.