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…
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.
