11 best face scrubs for gentle exfoliation
When you think of face scrubs, you probably recall - with some dread - the coarse formulas you used to drag across your skin as a teenager. But actually, exfoliation doesn't have to be that way.
In fact it shouldn't be that way - there are plenty of great manual exfoliators capable of buffing and sloughing away dead skin and impurities without damaging your face. Out with the apricot kernels, in with the jojoba beads! We're talking gentle, non-abrasive formulas that effectively sweep away dead skin cells, dirt and pollution for a vibrant, nourished glow.
Meet the experts:
What's the difference between a face scrub and a facial exfoliator?
“A facial scrub is a physical exfoliant that is usually formulated with exfoliating beads or natural grains such as sugar, salt or jojoba,” says Daniel Isaacs. “These work by gently and ‘physically’ polishing the surface of the skin; removing dead skin cells to reveal a radiant, refreshed-looking complexion underneath.”
On the other hand, Daniel explains, a facial exfoliator or a ‘chemical exfoliator’ contains ingredients such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and mandelic acid, to ‘chemically’ exfoliate the skin rather than physically polish away dead skin cells.
“There are many different types of exfoliating acids, but the main categories are AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids), BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) and PHAs (polyhydroxy acids). These acids help to break down the bonds between skin cells, allowing them to shed away more easily and therefore stimulating faster skin cell turnover.”
Which skin types are suited to facial scrubs?
The face scrubs included in our edit below are gentle and formulated for daily or weekly use, but those with certain skin concerns should be careful with any type of exfoliation. If you're dealing with a breakout, more often than not look for exfoliating acids, like the aforementioned BHAs and AHAs over scrubs.
For combination skin, derms often recommend a physical-chemical hybrid. The sandy texture removes dead skin cells with friction, while acids and enzymes get rid of oil without bothering your dry spots.
“It’s important not to overload the skin with too many exfoliants in one regime as this could lead to an impaired skin barrier and, ultimately, sensitised skin,” Daniel says. “If you’re using high-strength exfoliating treatments, we always recommend that you follow the product’s specific guidelines. Additionally, we recommend that you look at the ingredients in the rest of your skincare routine, to ensure that you’re not overloading your complexion with too many exfoliating acids.”
Dr Angela Tewari agrees: “I think those that have rosacea, sensitive skin or have acne-prone skin and have treated their skin already with a number of acids need to be very careful and need to ensure if they want to use a scrub the kernels are very fine and don't cause any skin abrasions.”
Which are best face scrubs on the market right now?
It often takes a lot of trial and error to find the kind of exfoliant that works best for your skin, so we turned it over to our staff and narrowed down the options to ones with proven results. Read on for the best face scrubs Glamour editors swear by.
A version of this article originally appeared on GLAMOUR US.
To know Elemis's Pro-Collagen range is to love it, and the Glow Boost Exfoliator is no exception. Complete with cellulose beads to gently buff away dead skin, it is also infused with starflower, elderberry and Optimega oils to help smooth, soften and nourish.
A cult buy for good reason. Gorgeously gentle with a powder-fine texture that turns milky when it comes into contact with water, it leaves skin silky-soft and revitalised. Finely ground Japanese rice bran is responsible for the manual exfoliation, whilst papaya enzymes help to remove dead skin cells for all-around radiance.
One way to wake up tired skin is with this ultra-zingy exfoliator, which features caffeine to boost radiance, as well as gentle jojoba and carnauba wax beads to help unclog pores. It also smells utterly heavenly thanks to a refreshing blend of grapefruit, lemon, and spearmint.
One of the reigning champs of chemist skincare, Cetaphil is a tried-and-true brand for those who want something reliable. Face scrubs can often feel like a trade-off where powerful exfoliation equals withered skin post-application, but luckily, this scrub lives up to its name.
An oldie but a goodie, this face polish is an exfoliating MVP in many a bathroom cabinet. Its super-smooth formula – which uses wild rose seed powder as its natural exfoliator – doesn't feel grating or harsh, and antioxidant-rich milk thistle and cooling aloe vera keep skin supple and nourished.
