If visible, clogged pores plague you, look no further than this face scrub, another top performer in our face scrub Lab test. The gel-to-cream uses glycolic and lactic acids, as well as papaya extract, to gently smooth skin, but is especially noteworthy for the addition of hyaluronic acid. Krystin Arneson, contributor, I actually stumbled upon what is now one of my favorite face scrubs accidentally. Blake is a former Associate Editor for GoodHousekeeping.com covering beauty, celebrity, holiday entertaining, and other lifestyle news.
M.U. 
https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/best-face-exfoliators, Here Are the Best Lotions for Keratosis Pilaris to Combat Bumpy Skin, If You Haven't Tried These Paula's Choice Products Yet, You're Missing Out, The 13 Best Chemical Exfoliators for Smooth, Soft, and Radiant Skin, The Best Wrinkle Creams for Smooth, Tight Skin, Keep Your Pores Clog-free With the Best Non-comedogenic Moisturizers, 14 Effective Blackhead Treatments Recommended By Dermatologists, These 14 Exfoliators Are Gentle Enough for Sensitive Skin, The 12 Best Microdermabrasion Scrubs to Step Up Your Exfoliation Game, The Best Toners Based on Your Skin Type and Concerns, Give Clogged Pores the Boot With These 16 Best Blackhead Masks, The Best Pore Minimizers for a Smooth Complexion, Dermatologists Weigh in: The 15 Best Drugstore Face Washes, The 11 Best Drugstore Moisturizers with SPF for Hydrated, Protected Skin. So, keeping a good face scrub on hand can ensure your skin looks and feels squeaky clean. Personally, I love it. Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal | Skin Type: All | Size: 0.5 or 2.6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes, "After using the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for over a year now, I can confidently say that it accomplishes its goal of removing dead cells and excess oils from skin.
The bottom line: Proper use of exfoliants ideally creates a smoother, brighter complexion and allows skincare product and makeup application to be more effective and even, Dr. Arch explains. Active Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids, resveratrol, ubiquinone | Skin Type: All | Size: 5, 35, 60 treatments | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes, "I heard someone describe this peel as making your skin look "smooth as plastic" and that's pretty much the gist in a nutshell. I rub it on in circles very gentlyjust barely with my fingertipsso it isn't too abrasive. Beauty Strike Pineapple & Papaya Exfoliating Mask, Best Powder: I use these pads whenever my skin is looking dull or congested, and within minutes it's instantly refreshed, glowy, and plasticized." You cant scrub away acne, and you definitely want to careful to not over-exfoliate acneic skin. Another tester who suffered from clogged pores or oily skin said they saw a visible minimizing effect after just one week. Yes, in theory, it takes time to see lasting results from skincare products, but devoted fans of this leave-on exfoliant say they see the effects after just one night.
Oh yeah, and it smells like a pumpkin spice latte. Celebrity aesthetician Elina Fedotova may be best known for her skin-changing facials, but shes also a cosmetic chemist and has an extensive product line of both skincare and makeup.
M.U. My skin gets a little red after, but I still find it gentle enough that, five minutes later, everything calms down and crazy-glowy skin reveals itself. If you have sensitive skin, youll want to look at the ingredients to see whether a product of either type may cause a reaction for you, but generally, both types can be safe and effective. Sensitive skin types may want to stick to once or twice per week, and exfoliating in the evening is ideal as it helps to open up your pores to the rest of your nighttime skincare routine. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles.
It gave my skin a glow and even helped my makeup go on smoother, a tester noted. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. Perrie Samotin, digital director, This scrub works harder than mostand I'm sure you're probably thinking, It had better, for $125! Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) work by dissolving dead skin cells and zit-causing oil without manual scrubbing. See ya! While, yes, I'm all about glycolic acid and peel pads to give my face a glow, sometimes I just want the feeling that comes from grit.
The more water you mix in, the gentler they get, and they don't have acids (if those make your skin freak out). This leave-on exfoliant (the brands number one product worldwide, NBD) touts salicylic acid. Apply a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher face sunscreen each morning to protect freshly exfoliated skin. That being said, you should be using salicylic acid regularly to help unclog clogged pores (and prevent new clogged pores from forming).
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Deep clean and exfoliate at the same time with Olays gentle cleansing brush, a GH Beauty Award and Beauty Lab test winner. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies.
Active Ingredients: Polyhydroxy acid, niacinamide, aloe vera | Skin Type: Dry, combination | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No, Effective concentration of salicylic acid. 15 Body Scrubs for Smooth, Flake-Free Skin, ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, leave your complexion brighter and glowier. products. In our Lab evaluation, 91% of testers agreed the formulation instantly smoothed skin, 94% thought it was mild and 70% thought it left skin brighter. In this leave-on toner, theyre also combined with soothing aloe and redness-reducing niacinamide, both choice ingredients for the sensitive set. Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 6 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. Summer-humidity-trapping skin? Users notice a smoother, brighter complexion right away, plus it smells like a tropical vacation. Sukari Babyfacial at Amazon, Golde Papaya Bright Face Mask at Golde.co, Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser at Amazon, Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser at Amazon, SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub at Dermstore, TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub at QVC, Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant at Amazon, Dr. Dennis Gross Universal Daily Peel at Amazon, Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment at Amazon, Best Overall: Because the product is specially formulated to have a pH of 3.5, its extra effective without the risk of redness or sensitivity. It's my go-to whenever I fall asleep in my makeup and need to fix my face, which usually ends up being around once a week.
I usually exfoliate two to three times a week after runs, when Im sweaty and feel like I have a lot of grime on my face. "A chemical exfoliant goes deep into the pore and unclogs it," Dr. Engelman says. My skin is crazy sensitive and can't withstand anything too abrasive or harsh; otherwise it triggers my rosacea, which is what makes this scrub so perfect. This formula also doubles as a cleanser and is gentle enough for daily use, perfect for those who dont want to deal with an extra step in their skincare routine.
Its my cure to every single skin problem, so this scrub set my expectations pretty high. Rachel Nussbaum, contributor, This Naturopathica face polish is my go-to physical exfoliator during the summer, especially when I'm trying to calm down an aggressive sunburn.
So you can probably guess that Kylie Jenner's new Kylie Skin scrub got a lot of hate on Twitter when she first announced it. It's made entirely of organic edible superfoods that go from a powder to a gel when activated with water to gently exfoliate your skin.
What do buyers say? There are no jagged or harsh particles here that can wreak havoc on your skin; just microbeads made from diatomaceous earth (essentially, clay) that evenly slough, without ever irritating.
Below are the best face scrubs you can buy for every skin type and need, either tested by the GH Beauty Lab, recommended by our beauty experts or vetted from stellar online reviews. The Cut. My face looks brighter and less dull immediately. review process. Below, our picks of the top face exfoliators on the market. It uses a signature blend of lavender, green tea, and glycolic acid for a deep clean that gets rid of dead skin cells and prevents ingrown hairs. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Review, Best Mask: 105+ Amazing Gifts for Any Man In Your Life, How to Read the 'Virgin River' Books in Order, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Mia Uzzell, editorial intern, I got this as a sample at Sephora years ago and never looked back. Sara Gaynes Levy, contributor, This cleansing balm has bits of Moor mud in it, which is as close to a manual scrub as I get. Glamour may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. The key is simply to find an exfoliant with added hydrating ingredients; this drugstore staple fits the bill. I'm obsessed with the jojoba beads in this product that can slough away a days worth of full coverage makeup and leave behind gleaming skin. Who else recommends it? Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Best Drugstore: I smother it on for about a minute, followed by a rinse with warm water and my face wash (It Cosmetics Confidence in a Cleanser). Also nice: Its a leave-on formula, so all you have to do is swipe it on and go. This product is gentle and gave me baby-smooth skin I had never experienced before.
If your skin tends to be drier or more easily irritated, using gentle chemical exfoliants is less likely to irritate, says Dr. Arch.
Apply an even layer of the mask and leave it on for 20 minutes, then rinse off and apply a few drops of the oil for extra hydration and to help soothe skin. But that doesnt mean you should skip this super important skincare step. Clean & Clear's face scrub formulation is specifically made to target blackheads and dissolve impurities with 2% salicylic acid. Two different forms of exfoliation give you the ultimate bang for your buck. "Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells in the stratum corneum, the top layer of skin, to increase cell turnover," explains Beauty Lab chemist Danusia Wnek. What I love the most, though, is that it's extremely gentle. Use your face scrub two to three times per week (avoiding the eye area), sweeping it onto damp skin in circular motions with very light pressure to prevent irritation and micro-tears, the Beauty Lab recommends. I pour a quarter-size pile of the powder in the palm of my hand, then sprinkle on warm water to create a foam. Tatchas Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder is yet another first first step thats made a huge difference in my skin-care routine. It was most popular with consumers, ranking above the rest at making skin satiny, having the right exfoliation level and being the least messy of all the scrubs evaluated. Chemical exfoliants exfoliate skin by using chemicals (like salicylic acid and retinoids), which loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be dislodged. My hyperpigmentation didn't disappear, but my skin had the same glow as it does when I get a facial."
Active Ingredients: 2% salicylic acid | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 1 or 4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes, "After a full week of use, I could feel and see the difference in my skin texture." Our evaluations found that it wasn't irritating and cleansed well, and our consumer testers were amazed to see that it reduced the look of their pores. How often should you exfoliate your face? I don't use it every nightit's part of my twice-a-week full-on skin-care ritualbut I'm obsessed when I do, backlash about crushed walnut shell powder be damned. By definition, regular exfoliation can help leave your complexion brighter and glowier, though this newbie takes it one step further. Bianca Lambert, Product Tester. TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, Best Chemical Exfoliant: Bianca Lambert, Product Tester. A friend had mentioned it offhandedly, so when I came across it in Ulta, I picked up a tube with some extra credits I had. When evaluating face scrubs and exfoliators, our Lab uses technical instruments to measure each product's performance and sends each item to consumer testers with all skin types who give feedback on each scrub's performance. Reflekt Skincare Daily Exfoliating Face Wash, Best Tool: Jojoba esters are the star of the sloughing show, lightly buffing off dead cells, and the wash is also packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and panthenol to help ward off dryness. Alexa De Paulis, contributor.
The results are hydrated skin that looks noticeably brighter. Nicole Pulyado, Product Tester.
Cetaphil is the reigning champ of drugstore skin care in my book, and a tried-and-true brand for those who want something reliable. Anything with witch hazel in it has me sold. Face scrubs have a bad rep and usually frighten people like me (who have eczema and desert-dry skin). This Kate Somerville formula contains chemical exfoliants, like lactic and salicylic acids, which help unclog congested acne-prone skin. The 19 best face exfoliators for soft, velvety skin. The key is choosing a product that relies on ultra-gentle polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs, like the Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner. Read our, Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Exfoliating Treatment at Amazon, Drunk Elephant T.L.C.
Exfoliating face scrubs for every skin concern, from oily skin to blackheads.
Why?
Physical exfoliants "use particulates or granules or devices like cleansing brushes to physically rub off the dead cells on skin," Wnek explains. When it comes to finding the best match for your skin, there are generally two types of exfoliants: physical (a.k.a. One, its gentle enough that you can use it daily, though effective enough that it also works well as a once or twice weekly add-on to your standard skincare routine.
Halie LeSavage, contributor, I'm always hesitant about scrubs with shells in them, but the pumpkin and apricot seed powder of this one is really fine.
Many testers noted its light exfoliation, with one tester calling it the perfect combination face wash and gentle scrub. After rounding up the best face scrubs across price points, our scientists pre-screen the scrubs by evaluating their ability to remove full-coverage foundation in order to gauge deep-cleansing efficacy.
As an expert in all face and body skincare product categories, Beauty Director April Franzino collaborated with the GH Beauty Lab to round up all the picks above, while also making a few recommendations based on her 15+ years in the industry. I use it once a week for a deeper at-home chemical exfoliation to help with fine lines and pigmentation, she says. Lindsay Schallon, contributor, The best changes Ive made to my beauty routines have all involved adding a pretreatment, like putting on Tatchas silky primer before my foundation or spritzing on Amikas heat-protectant spray before curling my hair. When you really want to get that satisfying, scrub-y feel, this cant be beaten. The citrus scented face scrub seriously impressed our consumer testers as it cleansed skin without causing irritation. Enter this pick, a favorite of Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue, thats so gentle it can be used twice daily. This is her best-sellingexfoliator; safe and effective for any and every skin type, it earns big points for packing a one-two exfoliating punch. Paired with that technique, it's one of the few scrubs that doesn't make me red and really improves the texture of my skin.
I'm a chemical-exfoliant diehard, so I don't bring physical scrubs into the mix that often.
Skincare minimalists (or just the lazy girls among us) should opt for an exfoliating cleanser to combine two essential steps in one.
Sarah Morse, contributor. And yes, you can exfoliate even if you have sensitive skin. In a few seconds it takes off not only fine peach fuzz but also built-up dead, dry skin cells with it; you can actually see them on the edge after, equally gross and satisfying. Lactic acid does the exfoliating duties, though it also contains brightening ingredients such as licorice and lemongrass, perfect for anyone dealing with dark spots. Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device, We Tested the Best Dermaplaning ToolsThese 7 Are Game-Changers, Best Weekly: Its always best to ease into exfoliation, making it a part of your skincare routine once or twice weekly at first, and giving your complexion some time to acclimate before increasing the frequency, says Dr. Arch. One warning: It's the color of coffee grounds, so it makes a bit of a mess in the sink, but it's honestly worth it.
Healthline. All rights reserved. This product is also full of probiotics that protect your skin's natural barrier and lock in hydration. Chemical exfoliation with alpha-hydroxy acids offers additional benefits beyond helping to slough off dead skin cells. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, The 14 Best Face Scrubs for Instantly Glowing Skin, The Best Face Scrubs for Men That Will Brighten Your Complexion. They can brighten skin tone, decrease the appearance of fine lines, and help with acne, says Dr. Arch. 17 Night Creams That Work Overtime for Flawless Skin in the A.M.
Alba Botanica Acnedote Deep Pore Wash, The 17 Best Acne Spot Treatments to Zap Pimples Fast, Best Natural: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, Best Overnight: We know, we know your guy can use your exfoliator and be just fine, but since he won't, try introducing him to this non-abrasive exfoliating toner. At the same time, willow bark and French clay help pull out and purify pores, making this an especially great pick for anyone prone to blackheads. The tech-savvy set will appreciate this multi-tasking, battery-powered tool, though anyone who appreciates instant gratification will appreciate the results. The difference: Because theyre slightly larger molecules, they dont penetrate as deep, making them notably gentler and a great option for those whose skin is easily irritated. In the Beauty Lab's most recent test, 1,375 survey data points were tallied to find the best face scrubs out there. Id say my skin is normal-to-combination, since it can be both oily and dry. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Every time I use it, my skin feels softer, smoother and more evenly textured., This sugar-based Suki face scrub is packed with a laundry list of natural botanical oils and extracts including coconut, lemongrass, sweet orange, chamomile, calendula and lavender. During her seven year-tenure at the Beauty Lab, she's tested skincare products spanning eye creams, serums and facial oils, using specialized skin evaluation lab equipment to gauge changes before and after product use. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. My skin type is fairly normal, so I prefer a scrub that's gentle enough to use daily, which is exactly what this exfoliator is. L.S.
Apricot seed powder polishes skin to perfection, while pomegranate enzymes dissolve dead, dry skin. Among the many versions out there now, these remain our perennial fave. Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. Among all the exfoliating acids out there, glycolic earns top marks when you also want to score an anti-aging boost; not only is it a great exfoliator, it can also help stimulate the production of collagen. Developed by a dermatologist, this baking soda-based ZO Skin Health polish left skin silkiest in GH Beauty Lab testing. Active Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, tartaric acids, licorice root | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.5 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. I wasn't disappointedthe granules pack the perfect amount of invigorating power to minimize the appearance of the pores around my nose and my small random patches of acne. I use scrubs sparinglyonce a week, topsso the fact that it's a bit more harsh is fine for me.
You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. I love the balanced level of exfoliation from quartz crystals and the soothing lavender scent," she says. Amber Rambharose, contributor. https://www.thecut.com/article/best-face-exfoliators.html, The 18 best exfoliators we love for soft, smooth skin. SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, Runner-Up, Best Scrub: Face scrubs often irritate my bouts with acne, so a daily facial exfoliant in my skin-care lineup felt inconceivableuntil I found this product. We promise you its much easier to do than it sounds, and that your complexion will feel insanely soft and smooth afterward.
Credit a combination of both alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (glycolic, tartaric, lactic, citric, and salicylic) that both smooth your skins texture and help minimize the look of fine lines and wrinkles. We've all seen the footage: A woman lathers up with a scrub, splashes her face with water (without it going everywhere, the lie of our time), and smiles at her fresh, clean skin in the mirror. Onyeka Obioha, MD is an LA-based board certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, as well as a member of the Skin of Color Society. A little goes a long way, warms up in your hands, and transforms from a stiff balm to a gritty oil that still leaves hydration behind. While it's gentle enough to use throughout the week, it's also pretty expensive, so I like to treat myself to a thermal deep clean once a week or so. Exfoliating is one step of your skincare routine you should definitely not skip. Active Ingredients: Silk protein, green tea leaf extract | Skin Type: Oily | Size: 2 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. calls this Lancer Skincare face scrub one of the products she cant live without for her mature skin.
This allows hydrating and restorative products to work more efficiently after exfoliatingits a must to maximize the benefits of every product used." Biossance Squalane + Glycolic Renewal Facial, Best for Sensitive Skin: Our Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab skincare expertise spans DIY face scrubs, scalp scrubs, body scrubs and beyond. I notice a difference every time I use it. Her personal preference is formulas that combine both chemical and physical exfoliants, like the Kate Somerville product featured, one of the first products she ever used in her early days as a beauty intern.
Since sugar is water-soluble, it dissolves as you go to help prevent the harsh results of over-exfoliating (but remember to be gentle, as there is always a risk of creating micro-tears when using physical exfoliants). If you prefer a gentler scrub, our experts found this offered a light, mild exfoliation.
Active Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass | Skin Type: All | Size: 1 or 1.7 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No. This gentle exfoliating mask will make you feel like you're doing this whole adult thing right. Healthcare professionals review articles for medical accuracy. This exfoliating face wash touts a 2% concentration of salicylic acid and also has the added benefit of working well on both face and bodysince we all know that bacne is a very real thing. Thank God I did. There are so many physical exfoliators on the market to navigate, but this heavenly formula stands out from the bunch. This is the only one I trust. For skincare minimalists looking to combine cleansing and exfoliating in one easy step, the Reflekt Skincare Daily Exfoliating Facial Wash is a Byrdie favorite, highly effective yet gentle enough to be used twice daily. Active Ingredients: Glycolic acid, green tea, witch hazel | Skin Type: Oily, acne-prone | Size: 4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. Chemist Danusia Wnek recommended and evaluated the Lab-tested picks in this list. Two, it delivers a combination of both physical and chemical exfoliation, thanks to rice powder and papaya enzymes, respectively. Active Ingredients: Bamboo stem extract, poppy seed oil | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 fluid ounces | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. It was on par with other top performers we tested for not irritating skin. The Inkey List PHA Gentle Exfoliating Toner, Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
First off, there's a nice mix of alpha and beta hydroxy acids that get to work on dead skin, and then there are plant-based cellulose beads that make everything feel super polished. As most impressive overall, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is packed with dead skin-dissolving enzymes that result in an instant glow. 2,600+ Sephora reviewers rated this product 4.4 stars or above. Active Ingredients: Lucuma, papaya, sea buckthorn juice powder | Skin Type: Normal | Size: 1 fluid ounce | SPF: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes. I put it on, let the ACV component gently exfoliate, and then wash the grainy formula off. She covers all things skincare for Byrdie, from ingredients to acne advice. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser, Best Scrub: Translation: A face scrub makes skin appear smoother, brighter, clearer and more radiant, both immediately and over time. Read on for the best face scrubs Glamour editors swear by. I use a light layer, about the size of a penny on my hand, and rub very gently in circular motions all across my face.
Do this once a week, and your skin will feel, you guessed it, baby soft, and youll see why this product is so top-rated. But if you're dealing with a breakout more often than not, look for exfoliating acids over scrubs.
This natural process also slows over time (joy). Exfoliating effectively at a palatable price, the iconic St. Ives drugstore cream scrub lived up to its cult-classic status during our Lab tests. Certain optionsthink certain seeds and shell particlescan be unevenly shaped and with jagged edges that can be damaging to your skin.
Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. When it comes to establishing good skincare habits, cleansing correctly and using sunscreen daily are of utmost importance. Bonus points for the addition of soothing aloe.
On the flip side, if youre looking for a more intense, weekly option, try the Glytone Rejuvenating Mini Peel Gel or the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. The exfoliating beads are gentle enough to use every day, with a smooth, milky oatmeal base acting as a cool anti-inflammatory face wash for the days I get a bit too much sun. And three, because its a spill-proof powder, its the ideal exfoliator to take with you when you travel. HoliFrog Como Popp-E Renewal Scrubby Wash, Best for Mature Skin: "It's called a cleanser, but this formula intensively buffs skin, leaving it baby-smooth," says GH's beauty director. The reality is, of course, much more nuancedand given that exfoliation is the key to glowy skin, it's worth it to get into the nitty-gritty before grabbing a random bottle off the shelf. We haven't tested this pick in Lab yet, but our beauty pros recommend salicylic acid as an acne-fighting ingredient. Bianca Lambert, Product Tester. A mix of lactic acid plus pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin enzymes work to dissolve dead skin, while also buffing away cells physically. In the Beauty Lab's most recent test, we tallied 1,375 survey data points to determine which exfoliating face scrubs actually worked. Face scrubs can often feel like a trade off where powerful exfoliation often means withered skin postapplication, but luckily, this scrub lives up to its name. This is hands down the best drugstore face scrub I've ever used.
Since many of these do more than just exfoliate, its a nice way to get an added bang for your buck. Bella Cacciatore, contributor, Face scrubs that use crushed walnut powder as an exfoliant have been polarizing for years. So, how to choose a face exfoliator? Infused with herbal botanicals like walnut shell powder and lemon peel, this exfoliating face scrub came to impress in our GH Beauty Lab face scrub test. I use it a few times a week, whenever my skin is looking particularly dull or I feel hormonal acne coming on, and it gently brings my face back to life. But it also delivers a big dose of protective vitamin C and astaxanthin (a mega-antioxidant thats 550 times more powerful than vitamin E), which both ward off future damage and help brighten skin over time, too. Dr. Melissa Doft of Doft Plastic Surgery says exfoliating two to three times a week is ideal for getting rid of dead skin cells without stripping skin.