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We all know that exfoliating your skin is one of the most crucial steps in any skincare and anti-aging routine. Regular exfoliation will gently remove the dead skin cells on your skin and has a wide range of benefits that include but are not limited to improved texture and tone, minimized pore size, reduced acne scarring, and removal of blackheads.
Your lifestyle, skin type, and needs will determine the best type of exfoliant for your skin and we have sourced a variety of exfoliating options below. Our choices include salt-based scrubs for your face and body, sugar-based scrubs, a microdermabrasion scrub that rivals in-office treatments, and a couple of devices, electronic and manual, that will leave your skin revived and refreshed.
If you are new to exfoliation, it’s best to start out with one time per week to see how your skin reacts to the scrub and build up from there to a maximum of three times for a blemish-free, radiant glow. Read this buying guide to see our highest-rated exfoliators for women of 2024!
Here is the Leading Exfoliator for Women of 2024
Asutra Body Scrub — Best Overall
This exfoliating body scrub contains over 20 healing minerals naturally found in sea salt which makes for an excellent natural exfoliant and skin polisher. Ground for fine and gentle exfoliation, this scrub has also been carefully hand-blended with organic essential oils and skin smoothing enhancers such as aloe vera, jojoba, argan, and sweet almond oils that will keep your skin hydrated and detoxed while leaving it ultra-soft and smooth. This scrub is also great for getting rid of blocked pores, blackheads, in-grown hairs, and blemishes.
Pros
- This scrub uses organic jasmine and frankincense essential oils for a refreshing and healing aroma
Cons
- As this is a small, independently owned business, the price point may be slightly higher than other exfoliators
Dermasuri Exfoliating Set — Runner Up
The Dermasuri Exfoliating Set is an ideal choice for anyone looking to give their body and feet a spa-level treatment from the comfort of their own home. This body exfoliator scrubber is made from a unique Viscose-blended material specially designed for exfoliation with no silicone. Its deep cleansing properties reduce dead skin cells, even out the skin tone, and scrub away dry skin, leaving behind a visible glow. Additionally, the set comes with a moisturizing lotion that helps leave the skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Moreover, those looking for foot care can get soft, luxurious baby-bottom feet with the foot scrubber set included in this bundle.
Pros
- Effectively removes dirt and leaves the skin feeling softer and smoother
Cons
- May be too harsh for people with sensitive skin
GLITCH Exfoliator — Fights Blemishes
Experience the transformative power of GLITCH Exfoliator, a weekly exfoliating mask that fights blemishes and prevents early signs of aging in just one simple step. This treatment delivers an instant and long-lasting dose of glow, leaving your dull and uneven skin radiant and strong. Rest assured, this product is safe for sensitive skin as it is clinically tested, dermatologist approved, and gentle on delicate skin types.
The key ingredients, AHA and BHA power duo, work synergistically to resurface the skin and pores while targeting fine lines and wrinkles. The light texture provides a soothing and sensorial experience, and Centella Asiatica strengthens the skin barrier for added protection. With certifications from Leaping Bunny and Vegan Society, GLITCH Exfoliator is clean, effective, and cruelty-free. The fully recyclable packaging further contributes to its sustainability.
To use, simply apply 2-3 pumps on freshly cleansed skin and gently massage in circular motions to activate the product, avoiding the eye area. Once activated to a white paste, leave it on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off to reveal refreshed skin.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Soothes and hydrates
- Targets fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
- Small bottle
Tree Hut Sugar Scrub — Most Reliable
This sugar scrub is highly moisturizing and infused with 100% certified shea butter that also works as a premium deep moisturizer to soften and smooth dry, cracked skin. In addition, an array of natural oils including safflower seed, avocado, sweet almond, macadamia seed, and orange oils have been included as amazing skin conditioners to further prevent dryness and provide your skin with a refined, healthy glow. In conjunction with the intense exfoliating sugar grains, you can expect all-over hydration and increased elasticity.
Pros
- This scrub is super hydrating
Cons
- If you have extremely sensitive skin, another option might be better
Aveeno Facial Scrub — Contender
This scrub has a unique formula that combines moisture-rich soy extract with microbeads to gently exfoliate your skin. As a brightening facial scrub, it not only gently exfoliates, but will help improve skin tone, texture, and clarity and as a daily cleanser, this soap-free formula will leave your skin clean without drying it out. This scrub is also made with jojoba and castor oils to soften while providing the hydration needed to keep it looking and feeling its best.
Pros
- This scrub is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and safe for sensitive skin
Cons
- If you have sensitive skin, start out using 1-2 times per week and build up from there
M3 Naturals Salt Scrub — Most Notable
This salt scrub uses all-natural Himalayan pink salt to help exfoliate and detox the body while helping to improve hydration. Suitable for both the face and body, this scrub contains lychee fruit which is rich in antioxidants and sweet almond oil to provide the ultimate oil and impurity cleanse for your skin. This formula is also infused with collagen and stem cells that provide uniqueness and a boost in natural collagen while increasing skin cell longevity which can contribute to a scrub’s anti-aging performance.
Pros
- The included Himalayan Pink Salt is unbleached, unrefined, and unprocessed
Cons
- Be very gentle when using on the face
Dylonic Exfoliating Brush — Also Consider
When razor bumps and/or ingrown hair start causing issues, the key to fending them off is an effective, daily exfoliant to keep hair follicles from clogging. Dylonic’s flexible bristle brush is a chemical-free, manual way to treat and/or prevent them from happening by stimulating the skin anywhere you remove hair. For the best and most expeditious results, use this brush twice daily on wet or dry skin and all over the body including legs, underarms, neck, beard, and bikini line before shaving or waxing.
Pros
- An easy to hold, ergonomic grip fits perfectly in the palm of your hand making it simple and comfortable to use
Cons
- This brush should be replaced every six months for maximum hygiene
Era-Organics Exfoliator — Another Option
If you want results similar to those given in a clinician’s or aesthetician’s office but don’t want to go through the hassle, this scrub is a great option. This sugar-based scrub works by gently loosening dirt and getting rid of dull and dead skin while nourishing your cells with each wash. Safer than a chemical peel, this scrub contains nourishing ingredients such as aloe vera, grapeseed oil, and manuka honey to protect skin from damaging free radicals while experiencing deep hydration and an overall more youthful complexion. Other benefits include the removal of blackheads, minimized pores, and stretch marks.
Pros
- This scrub can also be used as a facial mask to help balance and tone the skin while reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
Cons
- If you have oily skin, use this product only once per week
Fancii Facial Cleansing Brush — Best for the Entire Body
Another great option for deep exfoliation is the use of an exfoliation brush. Made with ultra-soft nylon bristles, this facial cleansing system by Fancii gently exfoliates and cleanses makeup and dirt from pores, leaving skin smooth and refreshed. It is believed that using a facial brush may give you a more intense exfoliation than cleansing with your hands and it is a great daily alternative to your regular facial exfoliant. This system comes with three brush heads (a daily cleansing brush, exfoliating brush, and a silicone brush for sensitive skin types), can be used in the bath or shower, and has two powerful speed settings for daily deep cleansing and gentle exfoliation.
Pros
- A user manual and convenient travel case are also included
Cons
- This brush does not come with batteries
Buyer’s Guide: Exfoliators for Women
Apart from women facing real skin-related issues, exfoliators are great for regular skincare. An exfoliator can make your skin glow while dealing with dead cells. Moreover, dermatologists recommend exfoliators for dealing with many skin-related issues. However, using the wrong kind of exfoliator could not only be useless for your specific skin problem but could also damage your overall skin. Using an exfoliator more than required could also be fatal for your skin. Then there are also many types of exfoliators; for instance, there are physical and then there are chemical. The physical ones use grains along with a machine to abrasively remove the dead cells, giving your new skin. The chemical ones are mostly used by women, which use chemicals like various acids to clean their skin thoroughly. However, as said earlier, different chemicals have different purposes that we will discuss in the buying guide below so that you can select the top exfoliator for women in 2024.
Treating Dry Skin
Dry skin can be a real problem for many women, especially in winters when people prefer closed heated rooms. Hence, the moisture in the atmosphere becomes very low, which can cause your skin to dry. Remedy for extremely dry skin is important as soon as possible. It's best to try lotions with hydrating ingredients, moisturizing oils, and vitamins like vitamin C and E. Moreover, ensure a gentle touch when applying these lotions as highly dry skins are very sensitive.
Treating Lightly Dry Skin
Some women experience lightly dry skin. This can usually be due to the deficiency of water and minor environmental factors. For treating dry skin, you can always opt for an exfoliator of your choice. It will help if you buy sugar scrubs with any hydrating elements. Just buy any exfoliator with medium scrubbing power and drink plenty of water.
Treating Oily Skin
Oily skin could worsen your situation, especially with acne and blackheads. No matter how you pat your skin, the oil won't go off your face. It's best to exfoliate your skin two to three times a week at this point. It would help to use exfoliating liquids like the ones that have a little BHA liquid or an oil-free acid booster For women with extreme oily skins, it would help to buy a physical exfoliator that treats oily skins. It is a device that works like a cleanser. The settings can be adjusted depending on your need and are more efficient.
Treating Slightly Oily Skin
For women with slightly oily skin, it is best to go with the physical exfoliator discussed above. Moreover, you can also buy mild moisturizing creams with AHA alpha hydroxy acid to treat your issue. Use these kinds of cleanser exfoliators once or twice a week, wash your face often, use face masks, and pat your face with a dry towel to treat your oily skin as soon as possible.
Treating Sensitive Skin
It is highly recommended for women with sensitive skin to avoid mechanical exfoliators and use the other ones if you don't have any skin-related medical problems. It's best to opt for mild exfoliators like those in powder form and turn to liquid once in contact with water. These are generally made from natural material like rice which is pretty safe for your skin. You can also opt for chemical exfoliators with 5 to 10 percent acids which are safe to treat dry, sensitive skin. However, it's still best to consult a dermatologist if nothing suits you.
Treating Mature Skin
Mature skin faces the most skin-related issues as they are the most sensitive. Exfoliators are necessary for old women for the regular revival of their skin. It would be best to use exfoliators such as skin masks with BHA and AHA for treating mature skin. However, it's best to keep the influence mild, as said earlier; mature skins are sensitive.
Treating Acne Skin
Acne can be quite irritating and needs to be treated as quickly as possible. It's always best to avoid physical exfoliators when it comes to acne as they usually work with sugar and salt grains which could further damage your skin. Acids like BHA and AHA enclosed in chemical exfoliators are pretty useful for treating acne. For women with severe acne issues or acne with sensitive skin, it's best to get a dermatologist's recommendation on the best exfoliators.
Exfoliating More Than Required
Most women tend to make the mistake of over-exfoliating. Their skin responds to this unnecessary exfoliation by irritation, red color, or scratching. It's best to stop exfoliating if it reacts with your skin. Don't use any lotions or scrubs for a while. When your skin finally becomes normal, then exfoliate with mild chemicals once or twice a week. If it suits you, then gradually increase its use. However, do get a dermatologist's opinion before using the same chemical that caused you trouble in the first place.
Exfoliator Burn
You used an exfoliator for the first time, and it caused you to burn your skin. What should you do? First of all, clean your face thoroughly with cold water to ease the pain, and gently pat your skin with a towel. You can also use aloe vera gel to ease the pain as the aloe vera plant is known for its healing powers. If nothing helps, consult a doctor as soon as possible or rush towards the hospital.
