13 Best Dermatologist-Approved Exfoliators For Combination Skin (2024)

Exfoliation is ideal for removing the skin’s dead cells and ensuring your skin remains soft and smooth. But finding the best exfoliator for combination skin is a challenge. Your oily T-zone and dry cheeks may not go well with some clinically-verified moisturizing or drying products. However, you need not feel stranded as we are here to help you out!

Fortunately, we have found a few exfoliators that can balance out skin oils and hydrate dry areas, offering you polished, glowing skin. This article takes you through a list of the 13 best face exfoliators formulated specifically for combination skin. Take a look!

13 Best Exfoliators For Combination Skin – Get Soft And Glowing Skin

1. Best For Skin Longevity:M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Scrub

4.3

Image: M3 Naturals

BUY ON AMAZON | $26.61

The M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Scrub is formulated with lychee and sweet almond oil that help exfoliate and cleanse the skin. According to some reviews on Amazon, the facial scrub boosts collagen production, tightens the skin, increases skin longevity, and reduces the appearance of signs of aging like wrinkles and fine lines. This exfoliating scrub draws out dirt, toxins, pollution, and bacteria from the pores and balances the skin pH. The glycerin, grape seed oil, aloe vera leaf juice, jojoba seed oil, and vitamin E in the scrub are tested to help moisturize and hydrate the skin. All the ingredients in the scrub are sourced in their purest forms and are not processed or bleached.

Pro Tip

Cleanse your face before exfoliating with scrubs to prevent the dirt and grime from settling in the open pores.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has more than 31,358 reviews claiming its efficacy.

2. Best Hypoallergenic:Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

4.5

Image: Aveeno

Now 32% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $8.17

The Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub is a gentle face scrub scientifically formulated with moisture-rich soy extract. It is soap-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-recommended, non-comedogenic, and is suitable for sensitive skin. It gently exfoliates the skin, and draws out toxins and dirt from the skin. Its ingredient list contains jojoba and castor oils that make the skin soft, smooth, and even-toned. Using this scrub to cleanse your face once or twice every week will give a brightening effect. To know more about the benefits of the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub, check out this YouTuber’s video for a thorough reviewer’s experience.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 33,268 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

3. Best For Balancing Skin pH:Biore Daily Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser

4.4

Image: Biore

BUY ON AMAZON | $5.64

The Biore Daily Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser is scientifically formulated with blue agave and baking soda. It instantly deep cleanses the skin and removes oil, dirt, and the dead skin layer. The naturally-derived spherical, smooth beads gently slough off the flaky, dry, and dead skin cell – and reveal the smooth, plump, and healthy skin underneath. Some reviewers claim that the scrub balances the skin’s pH and cleanses the clogged pores. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and vegan.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 535 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are so in awe of this product.

	M3 Naturals Himalayan Salt Scrub Best For Skin Longevity	Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub Best Hypoallergenic	Biore Daily Baking Soda Liquid Cleanser Best For Balancing Skin pH
	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
Skin Type	All, Oily, Sensitive, Dry, Normal	Sensitive	Combination
Dimensions	3.5 x 3.5 x 2.71 inches	1.95 x 2.9 x 6.1 inches.	1.54 x 2.57 x 6.5 inches
Weight	12 Ounces	-	8.64 Ounces
Weight	-	5 ounces	-
Rating
Reviews	31,358	33,268	535
Price	$26.61	$8.17	$5.64

4. Best Non-Drying:Touch Glycolic Acid Face Wash

4.3

Image: Touch

BUY ON AMAZON | $19.95

The Touch Glycolic Acid Face Wash is a non-drying, exfoliating, and foaming AHA cleanser. It contains 10% glycolic acid that gently exfoliates, revitalizes, and brightens dull skin. The low pH of 3.5 effectively fights the signs of skin aging and reduces blemishes, acne, pores, uneven skin tone, rough skin texture, hyperpigmentation, and blackheads, as noted by the reviewers. The humectants in the formula are tested to keep the skin hydrated. The soothing clinically-proven ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile soften the skin. The green tea antioxidants reduce inflammation and detoxify and cool the skin. This face cleanser is paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, non-irritating, alcohol-free, and cruelty-free. It is made in the FDA-inspected cGMP/SOP compliant labs in the USA.

Quick Tip

Apply this product in gentle circular motion for 30 seconds and then wash off using warm water.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 412 great reviews on Amazon.

5. Best Anti-Aging:Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant

4.4

Image: Paula's Choice

BUY ON AMAZON | $37

The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Gel Exfoliant is a gentle, non-abrasive, and leave-on anti-aging exfoliator. It removes the dull and lifeless skin layer to reveal soft and brighter skin with glowing radiance. It revitalizes and hydrates combination skin. The glycolic acid, green tea, and chamomile help minimize discoloration. They also reduce the signs of aging like wrinkles, age spots, and loose skin. The hyaluronic acid makes the skin plump and firm. It contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like the powerful green tea antioxidant that detoxifies, protects from sun damage, and reduces inflammation. The professional-grade lightweight gel cleanser exfoliator soothes the skin and makes it smooth. It delivers hydration to the deeper skin layers and helps reduce breakouts. It is cruelty-free, fragrance-free, non-irritating, and made in the USA.

6. Best Detergent-Free: Tatcha The Rice Polish

4.7

Image: Tatcha

BUY ON AMAZON | $68.0

Tatcha The Rice Polish is a foaming non-abrasive, gentle, creamy exfoliator. It is scientifically formulated with nourishing finely-ground Japanese rice bran and papaya enzymes. This cloud-light foaming exfoliant promotes natural skin turnover to instantly reveal a smooth, radiant skin. The hadasei-3, a trio of anti-aging Japanese superfoods comprising of algae, green tea, and rice helps restore skin health.

The scrubdoes not strip the skin of its natural moisture. It does not break the skin barrier. It effectively treats hyperpigmentation, improves skin tone, and the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It is free of mineral oil, phthalates, surfactants, detergents, urea, parabens, and DEA/TEA. It is dermatologist-tested, non-sensitizing, and cruelty-free. If you need further convincing, check this YouTuber’s video out to learn more about a tester’s experience.

7. Best Exfoliation: InstaNatural Exfoliating Glycolic Face Mask AndScrub

4.2

Image: Instanatural

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.97

The InstaNatural Exfoliating Glycolic Face Mask AndScrub is a combination of physical and chemical exfoliators that provides dual-action gentle exfoliation. This professional-grade intense exfoliator contains glycolic acid and quartz crystals that remove the dead skin layer, dirt, pollution, and excess oil. The pumpkin, turmeric, and vitamin C brighten the skin and even out the skin tone. They promote skin turnover and tighten the skin by boosting collagen production. Aloe vera soothes and nourishes the skin, which makes the product ideal for dry skin as well. The skin-replenishing minerals and vitamins in the formula make the skin softer and smoother. Apply a thin layer and let it set. Use lukewarm water to gently scrub on the skin in a circular motion. The scrub is free from parabens, mineral oil, formaldehyde releasers, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petroleum, DEA/MEA/TEA, polyethylene glycol (PEGs), and unsafe preservatives. The product is cruelty-free. In this YouTube video, you will find a tester’s experience and a detailed review of the product.

Pro Tip

Do not steam your face before scrubbing. Steamed face is sensitive and exfoliation may cause inflammation.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The product has received 3,516 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.

8. Best For Preventing Breakouts: Clinique Clarifying Lotion

4.6

Image: Clinique

BUY ON AMAZON | $34.88

The Clinique Clarifying Lotion is a dermatologically-approved exfoliator for combination oily skin. It clears away the excess oil, dirt, pollutants, and the dry and flaky skin. It removes impurities from the deep layers of the skin, helps in pore-refining, and prevents breakouts and blackheads. It makes the skin look cleaner, fresher, and healthier. It also reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

9. Best For Shrinking Pores: AcneFree Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Face Scrub

4.2

Image: Acne Free

Now 40% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.05

The AcneFree Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Face Scrub is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, charcoal, and jojoba. These ingredients cleanse the skin pores by removing dirt, oil, and pollutants, which in turn make the skin texture appear smooth. With its pore-shrinking property, it gently removes blackheads and whiteheads to make your skin feel fresh, clean, and rejuvenated. This exfoliator removes dead skin layers to reveal the soft, healthy, and glowing skin underneath. This fragrance-free skin exfoliator helps to protect the skin from irritation, making it suitable for acne-prone skin.

10. Best For Enhancing Glow: Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub

4.7

Image: Goldfaden Md

BUY ON AMAZON | $78

The Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub is scientifically formulated with seaweed extract, jojoba oil, and ruby crystals. It provides instant skin exfoliation and skin renewal, removes the dead skin layer, seals moisture, enhances glow, and evens out the skin tone. The hyaluronic acid and organic red tea plump and detoxify the skin. It visibly reduces the appearance of aging and smoothens out the skin under the eyes, neck, and face. This anti-aging exfoliator reduces wrinkles and makes the skin look youthful.

This skincare product is developed by Dr Gary Goldfaden, a dermatologist for over 40 years. It is a trusted and effective brand that is formulated with plant antioxidants and infused with botanicals. It is free of parabens, alcohol, petrochemicals, mineral oil, and silicone. It is 100% vegetarian, hypo-allergenic, and not tested on animals.

11. Best For Reducing Blackheads: Nip + Fab Glycolic Overnight Purifying Gel

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The Nip + Fab Glycolic Overnight Purifying Gel is a gentle exfoliator formulated with glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and niacinamide and is proven to deliver visible results. The glycolic acid exfoliates gently, evens out skin tone, and reduces hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and skin discoloration. The salicylic acid cleanses the dirt, oil, and pollutants. It goes deep into the pores and flushes out the gunk and impurities. It prevents clogged pores, minimizes blackheads, and prevents breakouts. The niacinamide has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces sebum production, and shrinks pores. This professional-grade lightweight gel exfoliant brightens the skin and makes it smooth, soft, and radiant.

12. Best Non-Abrasive: Ongaro Beauty Enzyme Exfoliator

4.2

Image: Ongaro Beauty Pro-care

BUY ON AMAZON | $22.95

The Ongaro Beauty Enzyme Exfoliator is a perfect gentle facial scrub scientifically formulated with natural enzymes from papaya, grapefruit, pumpkin, and pineapple. It is an organic, non-abrasive cleanser that helps in removing dead skin cells without damaging the skin much. This scrub is best suited for people with dry skin as it has essential oils and moisturizing ingredients like vitamin C and aloe vera gel, which hydrates the skin and makes it soft and supple and improves skin clarity with visible results. It is also free of artificial chemicals and fragrances, making it a safe and effective option.

13. Best For Uneven Skin Tone: Urban Skin Rx Combination Skin Cleansing Bar

4.3

Image: Urban Skin Rx

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.99

The Urban Skin Rx Combination Skin Cleansing Bar is a gentle and effective cleanser scientifically formulated with salicylic acid, hibiscus flower extract, and licorice root extract. It also features results-driven ClearTone Advance technology, which helps improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and in deep cleansing. The nourishing ingredients help diminish signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness. The unique bar makes it easy to use and helps in precise application to get an even skin complexion with proven efficacy. You can also use it as a rejuvenating mask and leave it on the skin for 3-5 minutes to get smooth, hydrated, and glowing skin.

These are the thirteen best exfoliators for combination skin. If you do not find any of these clinically-tested products in an offline or online store, you may go for other substitute exfoliators. The following checklist can help you understand what to look for in such a product.

What To Look For In A Good Exfoliator For Combination Skin?

• Pick an exfoliator that is not too drying (or one that has oil).
• The exfoliator should give balanced skin pH.
• Choose a clinically examined and confirmed physical exfoliator that contains Himalayan pink salt or gentle, spherical wax beads, ground seeds, or rice powder. Avoid walnut scrubs.
• Choose the best chemical exfoliator that contains alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) or glycolic acid.
• The concentration of chemical exfoliants should not be more than 10%.
• If you have mature skin, try an exfoliator with hyaluronic acid to plump it up.
• The physical exfoliator should be free of harsh chemicals and dyes.

Following the right skincare routine can further improve your combination skin.

Proper Skincare Routine For Those With Combination Skin

Combination skin requires extra care. The associated products that you use must be balanced. Here’s how you can take care of your ever combination skin:

• Cleanse – Use a gentle cotton pad and a water-based makeup remover to cleanse your face.
• Wash – Use a gentle face wash with clinically proven results to remove all the dirt and gunk.
• Tone – Use a toner for combination skin to remove all the traces of makeup. A toner also balances the skin pH and hydrates skin.
• Exfoliate – Take a small amount of exfoliator, dab it on the skin, and use gentle pressure to apply it to your skin in circular motions.
• Wash – Use lukewarm water to wash your face. Use a soft towel to pat your skin dry.
• Apply sunscreen – Use a sunscreen for sensitive skin as endorsed by medical professionals, to protect your skin from sun damage.
• Moisturize – Use an aloe-based or a water-based hydrating formula that reduces dryness.

Infographics: Dos And Don’ts Of Using Exfoliators For Combination Skin

Exfoliants and scrubs reduce blackheads and even out the skin’s texture. However, using them the right way can be difficult, especially with chemical exfoliants like peels, which are highly potent and can cause skin irritation. Do not worry! We will walk you through the dos and don’ts of using exfoliants, so you can achieve the healthy skin you desire. Scroll down to check out our infographic.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you exfoliate combination skin?

Use a physical or chemical exfoliator that does not contain ingredients that cause excess dryness or oiliness especially in T-zone areas. Cleanse your skin with a face wash, use a toner, and then use an exfoliator to soothe redness. Use gentle, circular motions to exfoliate your skin. You will get an instantly glowing skin.

What happens if you don’t exfoliate?

If you don’t exfoliate often, dead skin debris, dirt, oil, and toxins get accumulated. These can make your skin look dull, lifeless, and greasy. Not exfoliating regularly can also make your skin more prone to infections.

How often should you exfoliate your combination skin?

Exfoliate once a week or twice a month, depending on your skin condition. Do not over-exfoliate as it can break your skin and cause redness and inflammation.

What type of exfoliator is the best for combination skin?

Glycolic acid-based exfoliators are the best for combination skin. They absorb and control excess oil production in the oily parts of your skin and also deeply nourish the dry zones.

Is exfoliating good for combination skin?

Yes. Combination skin contains both oily and dry patches. Exfoliation is important to cleanse the dirt, impurities, and sebum from your skin while nourishing the dry patches. It heals flaky skin from the dry parts and reduces the formation of acne in the oily parts.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author, is a certified skincare specialist. She uses her expertise and excellent research skills to bring customized solutions to all your skincare woes. She believes that exfoliation is the key to ensuring your skin remains soft and smooth, especially for those who struggle with combination skin. She carefully read through the ingredients of various exfoliators for combination skin and shortlisted the top-rated ones for your daily use. These exfoliators balance the oil in your skin and hydrate it to give you radiant skin.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Anna H. ChaconMD, FAAD

     

Dr. Anna Chacon is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology with over 9 years of experience. She enjoys practicing all aspects of dermatology and is licensed to practice in 49 states.

Read full bio of Dr. Anna H. Chacon

Oyendrila KanjilalCommerce Writer

 

Oyendrila holds a master's degree in English Literature from the University Of Calcutta, West Bengal, and is a certified skin care coach. As a beauty and lifestyle writer with two years of experience, she writes about everything that the modern woman needs to know about grooming and self-care.

Read full bio of Oyendrila Kanjilal

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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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

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