Let’s Get Gritty: Best Facial Exfoliants—Scrubs, Acids, & Hybrid Treatments for Glowing Skin
The links below go straight to Amazon—because skincare should be simple to shop.
You know that dull layer of skin that soaks up your serum before it even has a chance to shine? Yeah—it’s not cute, and it’s definitely not helping your glow goals.
If your face has been feeling a little blah, rough, or just generally over it, chances are you need to exfoliate. But what’s the best way to do that without making your skin angry?
Let’s break it down:
There are physical scrubs (think grainy face washes), chemical exfoliants (acids and enzymes that do the work for you), and your hybrid heroes that bring the best of both worlds.
Here’s how they each work, the pros and cons, and the glow-up potential of each—complete with some of my go-to faves (and one OG I used to love but officially broke up with).
Chemical Exfoliants: Smooth Skin Science
Product spotlight: IMAGE Skincare Resurfacing Masque
This mask is like a mini facial in a tube. It blends glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and lactic acid—a triple acid threat that chemically dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and stimulates collagen. Toss in papaya enzymes to gently munch away flakes and vitamin C to brighten dullness, and you’ve got yourself an at-home resurfacing powerhouse.
Bonus points: It also has tiny jojoba beads for a mild buff, making it a light scrub-acid hybrid.
Pros:
Deep exfoliation without scrubbing
Great for hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and texture
Results start in about a week and keep improving for 4–6 weeks
Cons:
Might tingle or cause sensitivity on first use
Needs to be used just 1–2x a week (and always use a vitamin rich moisturizer after!)
Physical Facial Scrubs: My Old-School OG
Product spotlight: St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub
This one’s a throwback. St. Ives Green Tea Scrub was my OG go-to—a tried-and-true classic I loved back in the day. It’s got 1% salicylic acid to keep breakouts at bay, plus finely milled walnut shell and bamboo powder to manually slough off dry patches. It also includes green tea extract to calm and reduce redness.
But these days? I’ve retired it. It still works, but my skin’s evolved—and I prefer gentler or more targeted formulas now.
Pros:
Instant gratification: smooth skin in one wash
Helps fight blackheads and excess oil
Budget-friendly and satisfying if you like a scrubby feel
Cons:
Not ideal for sensitive skin or acne-prone areas
Manual exfoliation can irritate or damage skin over time if overused, so make sure to use a light amount and be gentle.
Best of Both Worlds: 2-in-1 Exfoliator for Smooth, Radiant Skin
Product spotlight: ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Cleanser
This one’s a multitasker—designed to deep clean, gently exfoliate, and calm your skin without stripping it. It blends salicylic acid (to dissolve gunk inside pores) with jojoba beads (for light physical polishing), plus niacinamide and vitamin E to soothe and hydrate.
It’s gentle enough to use very other day but strong enough to keep congestion away. Think of it as a glow reset button—especially if you’re a little oily or breakout-prone.
Pros:
Daily-safe exfoliation that clears and softens
Fights dullness, texture, and clogged pores
Leaves skin feeling fresh, clean, and not tight
Cons:
Pricier than drugstore options
Not as dramatic as a once-a-week mask, but more consistent results over time
Whether you're all about that tingle, love a good scrub, or want something in between, the key is knowing your skin and choosing what supports it best. Exfoliating isn’t just about sloughing off dead skin—it’s about revealing the bright, smooth skin that’s been waiting underneath.
Exfoliation Must-Knows
Stay Hydrated – Drink water to help your skin bounce back and flush out toxins.
Moisturize After – Use a gentle, hydrating moisturizer post-exfoliation to soothe and protect.
Don’t Overdo It – 1–3x per week max (depending on your skin type). Over-exfoliating can damage your barrier.
Wear SPF (Always!) – Freshly exfoliated skin is more sensitive to UV rays—daily sunscreen is a must.
Be Gentle – No harsh scrubbing. Let the product do the work, not your pressure.
Clean Skin First – Start with a clean, makeup-free face for the best results.
Avoid Other Actives After – Skip strong retinols, AHAs, or peels right after to avoid irritation.
Listen to Your Skin – If you’re red, flaky, or stingy, give your face a break.
Avoid Hot Water – Lukewarm water helps prevent stripping the skin barrier.
Use a Clean Towel – Pat (don’t rub!) dry with a soft, clean towel to avoid bacteria or friction.
Happy exfoliating, glow seekers. And don’t forget the moisturizer & SPF.
