12 Best Drugstore Face Exfoliators For Mature Skin – 2024

Exfoliation is a must no matter what skincare routine you follow, but when it comes to mature skin, you have to be twice as careful with the skin care products you use and the ingredients in it. Experimenting with new exfoliant can cause blemishes and acne, which will leave long-lasting marks on your skin. To make sure your sensitive, mature skin is taken care of the right way, you need to use the best drugstore face exfoliators for mature skin. If you don’t know which one is that, be sure to check our list of the 12 top-rated drugstore options specially crafted for mature skin.

What Is Exfoliation?

Our skin has a natural process of removing dead skin cells to make space for new cell regeneration. Sometimes, the skin is unable to do this completely, which results in flaky patches, dry skin, and clogged pores. Exfoliation is the process of removing these dead, dry skin cells from the top layer of the skin using exfoliation tools, granular scrubs, or chemicals. It opens up clogged pores, promotes collagen production, and improves skin vitality. It also brings out radiant skin, reduces the appearance of pores, and reverses uneven texture.

Let’s now take a look at the best drugstore face exfoliators for mature skin.

12 Best Drugstore Face Exfoliators for Mature Skin

1.Best For Dull Skin: E.ra Organics Revive + Microdermabrasion Scrub & Mask

4.3

Image: Era Organics

BUY ON AMAZON | $23.99

This 2-in-1 formula by E.ra Organics helps remove acne, blackheads, dark circles, and acne scars. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. This scrub is best suited for dry, dull, and sensitive skin types. It cleanses and minimizes pores, removes dead skin cells, and moisturizes the skin.

The gentle exfoliator has sugar grains that scrub the skin, leaving it looking healthy and beautiful. It is enriched with high quality botanical ingredients like manuka honey, organic aloe vera, walnut, orange peel oil, and cehami. Manuka honey has anti-aging properties and promotes cellular regeneration, while organic aloe vera accelerates skin cell growth and gives a radiant complexion. Walnut contains vitamins A and E with antioxidant properties that help reduce wrinkles, while orange peel oil fights dark spots, and cehami increases cell growth. This video will give you more insight into the reviewer’s experience with the product. Also, many reviewers have attested to the impressive visible results upon using this product.

Pro Tip

Gently massage on the skin for 2 minutes max and rinse properly. Repeat 2-3 times a week. Or use it as an anti-aging mask.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 15,790 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

2. Best Non-Comedogenic:Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Face Polish

4.3

Image: Neutrogena

BUY ON AMAZON | $17.6

This formula by Neutrogena offers dual-action exfoliation that gets rid of signs of aging, dull skin, and boosts radiance. It is three times more powerful than regular face scrubs and cleansers and provides a better skin tone with a smoother texture and brighter complexion.

This dermatologist-recommended face polish contains mandelic and glycolic acids that offer both chemical and physical exfoliation to the skin. It reduces the appearance of dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and open pores and is suitable for all skin types and tones. This clinically-proven product removes dead skin cells and dissolves the tiny bonds between the cells, promoting surface cell turnover for glowy skin. To make an informed decision before buying, you can check out this video to learn about the reviewer’s experience after testing.

Did You Know?

Neutrogena was founded by Emanuel Stolaroff in 1930 and was then named as Natone. It has been a Johnson & Johnson company since 1994.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

There are more than 13,858 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.

3. Best Non-Drying Formula:Touch Microdermabrasion Scrub

4.3

Image: Touch

BUY ON AMAZON | $18.95

This facial scrub by Touch is a unique formulation of exfoliating alumina crystals, that are expert-recommended, in a moisturizing cream. It eliminates dull, aging, dry, and dead skin cells and provides renewing hydration and moisturization through emollients and humectants.

This facial scrub is enriched with green tea, chamomile, and aloe vera extracts that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties. It also contains allantoin, a skin protectant that heals and stimulates the growth of fresh, healthy tissue. This skin renewal scrub is suitable for acne-prone skin as it helps reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation, blackheads, and acne scars. It exfoliates the skin surface to minimize discoloration and smoothen its texture.

Quick Tip

Complete the skincare routine with a soothing moisturizer and SPF for a day routine.

4. Best For Quick Cell Regeneration:Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant Face Exfoliator

4.7

Image: Dermalogica

BUY ON AMAZON | $62.0

The Dermalogica Multivitamin Thermafoliant Face Exfoliator combines physical and chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells. It also infuses skin-conditioning vitamins and age-fighting ingredients to boost cell renewal and overall skin health. The scientifically formulated product activates on contact with water and stimulates salicylic acid and retinol penetration into the skin. These ingredients accelerate the skin’s natural exfoliation process and boost the production of new cells. The exfoliator also contains licorice and vitamins C and E that protect the skin against free radical damage, promote firmness, and brighten skin tone.

5. Best Enzyme Exfoliator: Tula Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

4.6

Image: Tula

Now 23% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.34

This exfoliating sugar scrub from Tula Skincare leaves the skin even-toned, brighter, and smoother. Sugar offers mild exfoliation and is gentle on the skin. It cleans dirt, buildup, and excess oil from the surface of the skin without stripping its natural oils or creating abrasions. This face scrub is enriched with probiotic strains and superfoods like papaya and pineapple that polish and soften the skin and accelerate new cell production. The clinically-proven formula also contains natural fruit enzymes that chemically exfoliate and brighten the skin.

6. Best Revitalizing:Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator

4.5

Now 26% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $35.45

The Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator removes grime, buildup, and dead skin cells from the skin. It contains hydrating rose extracts and micro-spherical jojoba beads that offer light exfoliation and revitalize the skin surface. The cucumber extract in this formula is rich in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant with healing properties. It moisturizes the skin and gives it a smooth and supple texture. This clinically-proven exfoliator refines and revitalizes the skin, revealing a fresh and even-toned complexion. It also reduces skin irritation and soothes the facial skin. Multiple reviewers praised this product for its ability to tackle multiple skin concerns and offer brighter skin.

7. Best Plant-Based Formula:Palmer’s Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub

4.5

Image: Palmer's

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.35

The Palmer’s Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub contains coconut sugar and extra-virgin coconut oil. The sugar helps buff away dead skin cells to provide smoother and healthy-looking skin. The coconut oil, on the other hand, hydrates and nourishes the skin deeply. The facial scrub also contains cocoa butter, peppermint oil, and Tahitian monoi oil. These ingredients refresh the skin and impart a luminous glow. Regular use of the scrub will provide you with softer, smoother, and supple skin.

8. Best For Sensitive Skin:Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell Facial Scrub

4.5

Image: Pharma Gel

BUY ON AMAZON | $27

The Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell Facial Scrub is rich in papaya plant extracts and polished walnut shell powder. The revitalizing papaya enzymes and the polishing walnut grains help remove dead skin cells to smooth out the skin, providing a good base for shaving. The scrub also contains “enzyme ex-cell,” which imparts an instant glow. It also comprises allantoin, which refreshes, soothes, and revitalizes the skin. You can also use the product as a pre-shave treatment for a smoother and close shave.

9. Best Gentle Formula:Pevonia Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

4.5

Now 25% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $32.25

This exfoliator by Pevonia is a hydrating cleanser that gets rid of dead skin cells and unclogs pores by removing buildup and grime. It smoothens rough skin and provides a radiant glow. This non-drying formula works well on flakey, rough skin and provides a smooth and glossy texture. It also enhances nourishment and prepares the skin for further treatment. This cleanser is ideal for mature and dull skin and is suitable for people with keratosis pilaris.

10. Best Travel-Frriendly:OctoVie Skin Brush

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON | $18

The Octovie Skin Brush is a face and body exfoliator. It provides a spa-like massage while gently removing dead and dry skin cells, makeup build-up, excess oil, pollutants, and dirt. This brush is made of recyclable material without latex or BPA. It is constructed with finger-like nubs that are gentle on the skin and minimize pores and the appearance of fine lines. This travel-friendly brush offers smooth skin and also makes it softer and radiant.

11. Best Organic:Made From Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub

3.5

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

The Rooibos Tea Face Scrub provides intense moisturization while gently exfoliating toxins and dead cells from the skin. This anti-aging exfoliator is infused with organic jojoba wax beads that are soft on the skin. It tones wrinkles and fine lines and provides a smooth texture without abrasions.

This dermatologist-tested skin care product also contains vitamin E and aloe vera that soothe the skin and even out the skin tone by revealing a fresh layer of balanced and hydrated skin cells. This tea scrub contains witch hazel that provides moisture and nourishment to the skin. Use this exfoliator to bring out the youthful and radiant appearance hidden below the polluted and damaged skin layer.

12. Best Cruelty-Free Option:Winky Lux Orange You Bright Gentle Vitamin C Exfoliator

4.7

Image: Winky Lux

BUY ON AMAZON | $28

The Winky Lux Orange You Bright Gentle Vitamin C Exfoliator offers natural remedy for dull, pigmented skin. This lactic acid-infused scrub gently sloughs off dead skin and unclogs your pores while its star ingredient, vitamin C fades scars and helps brighten the skin. It imparts a brightening effect on your skin. It also contains orange, carrot, and sunflower oils that moisturize and keep your skin soft and supple. Other ingredients like rice and rosemary extracts make it suitable for sensitive skin use. Its scintillating aroma of fresh oranges leaves your skin feeling refreshed and energetic.

As you may have already observed, exfoliators can be of different types. Read on to find out more.

Types Of Exfoliators – What Is The Exfoliant’s Mode Of Action?

Exfoliators are broadly classified into two types – physical and chemical. Apart from these, there are also the gentle scrub formulas.

• Physical Exfoliators: These exfoliators scrub the top layer of the skin and provide instant smoothness. Physical exfoliators come in the form of facial scrubs, facial brushes, muslin cloth, and konjac sponges. These often cause mild abrasions while removing the dead skin layer.
• Chemical Exfoliators: These treat the top and inner layers of the skin and need to be applied and left for a while. Chemical exfoliators like alpha hydroxy acids take time to show results as they help the skin exfoliate naturally and provide antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits. These also help boost collagen formation. Chemical exfoliators include salicylic acid masks, exfoliating toners, glycolic acid moisturizers, exfoliating cleansers, and chemical peels.
• Gentle Scrubs: Exfoliators also come in the form of gentle scrubs. These are usually made of natural botanical extracts and include exfoliating beads that are gentle on the skin and dissolve with massage. These extract beads scrub the dry, dead skin off and moisturize the skin.

If you are wondering about the frequency of exfoliation for mature skin, scroll down to the next section.

How Often Should Mature Skin Be Exfoliated?

This really depends on your skin type. If you have very oily skin, you may need to exfoliate more often. Two to three times a week of exfoliation should be sufficient for mature skin. But, if the skin feels irritated and red, it is advised to take a break from exfoliation. This is because even though exfoliation has many benefits, over-exfoliation can be detrimental for mature skin. It strips the skin of its natural oils, slowing down cell regeneration, which accelerates aging of the skin.

Infographic: Drugstore Face Exfoliators: Ingredients To Consider & Avoid

Exfoliating the skin is tricky as some commonly used exfoliating ingredients can harm the skin and result in its degradation. So, it is always important to know the beneficial and harmful ingredients to watch out for before investing in a drugstore face exfoliator.

Check the infographic below to find out more about the ingredients you should consider and avoid to soothe your skin.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Is exfoliation good for mature skin?

Yes. Exfoliating promotes cellular turnover, which softens wrinkles and fine lines and reduces hyperpigmentation.

How often should a 60-year-old woman exfoliate her face?

A 60-year-old woman should exfoliate her face two to three times a week to reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness.

Should you exfoliate your face morning or night?

If you have sensitive or dry skin, exfoliate your face before going to bed to enable your skin to repair as you sleep. If you have oily skin or dullness when you wake up, exfoliate in the morning to remove dead skin cells and excess oils.

Should you moisturize after you exfoliate mature skin?

Yes, moisturize your skin after exfoliation to prevent dryness and enlarged pores.

Is facial scrub the same as an exfoliator?

Yes. Facial scrub is the same as an exfoliator. They help eliminate dead skin, dirt, and oils from the face.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach and has a good understanding of the products that suit mature skin. She has compiled the above list of best face exfoliators from drugstore brands after going through the specifications of various products and evaluating loads of feedback gathered from trusted online forums. These products are gentle on the skin and help safely remove dead skin cells besides reducing/preventing acne, fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.

Best Drugstore Face Exfoliators For Mature SkinBest Drugstore Exfoliators For Clean And Clear SkinBest Face Exfoliators For Soft And Supple Skin

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Blade TiessenMedical Esthetician

   

Blade Tiessen is a certified esthetician and the owner of a renowned anti-aging clinic in Orillia, Canada. He has over 34 years of experience in the esthetics industry and has worked in several premier spas across Toronto, including the prestigious Yorkville area.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

 

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.

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