Exfoliation is an essential part of a healthy and balanced skin care routine. Removing the dead skin cells from the surface reveals fresher-looking skin and allows for better absorption of skin care products. It can be achieved via chemical (acids) or physical (scrubs, microdermabrasion) means, but it’s important not to over-exfoliate, which can cause redness or irritation.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, choosing any old face scrub at the store is not your best bet. Some scrubs use harsh ingredients that can cause irritation or even create micro-tears, which isn’t going to help improve your complexion. If you’re looking for a solution to sloughing off dead skin without inflammation or completely stripped skin, we rounded up nine gentle exfoliators for sensitive skin and everyday use.
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9 Gentle Exfoliators That Won't Irritate Your Sensitive Skin
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Dermalogica
Daily Microfoliant, $57 at Ulta Beauty
Pour this dry powder into your palms and mix with water for a creamy lather that will not only cleanse, but get rid of dead skin. A blend of rice bran and rice extract helps remove old skin cells, while licorice and bearberry help even and brighten your skin tone.
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Kate Somerville
ExfoliKate Gentle Exfoliating Treatment, $65 at Sephora
Papaya, pumpkin and pineapple enzymes in this gentle scrub help to reduce pore size and improve oxygen flow so you rinse to a radiant, healthy glow.
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Farmacy
New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains, $30 at Farmacy
Add water to these tiny grains and watch them transform into a creamy foam. Natural cranberry seeds help remove dirt, while white willow bark, carrot and green tea soothe and calm skin so there’s no irritation.
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Juice Beauty
Exfoliating Cleanser, $25 at DermStore
An organic skin buffer with jojoba beads and pineapple fruit acid that rids skin of debris and impurities without stripping it dry.
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Laura Mercier
Flawless Skin Face Polish, $32 at Sephora
Give your complexion a polished finish with this gentle scrub that hydrates while clearing it of stubborn debris and dead skin cells.
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Sisley Paris
Gentle Facial Buffing Cream With Botanical Extracts, $95 at Nordstrom
A rich and luxurious cream with powerhouse ingredients like matricaria and kaolin that absorb excess oils and soften skin.
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PCA Skin
Gentle Exfoliant, $31 at DermStore
Infused with a dynamic trio of glycolic acid, jojoba oil and aloe vera extract to remove dead skin, improve texture and tone, hydrate and reduce irritation.
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Tarte
Frxxxtion Stick 3-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser, $22 at Tarte
Great for travel, this vegan cleansing stick cleanses and exfoliates all in one. Pop in your bag and glide on for a quick refresh on the run.
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Tatcha
Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder, $65 at Sephora
Great for dry skin, this water-activated enzyme powder is infused with licorice root extract to give skin a punch of moisture so you won’t feel dry after each use.
