The 15 Best Exfoliators For Dry Skin (2024) – Our Top Picks
Give your sensitive, dry skin some love and hydration with these cleansing agents.
Carlee is a Licensed Esthetician with over 10 years of experience and a certified acne specialist with Face Reality. She is the co-founder of The Switch Suites, a luxury skincare wellness center located in Bankers Hill, San Diego. She specializes in lymphatic drainage, microcurrent, facial sculpting and dermaplaning.
Read full bio of Carlee Spath
Experience: 2 yearsOyendrila 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
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli 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.
Read full bio of Shiboli Chakraborti
Experience: 3 yearsEshna is an associate editor and a certified skin care coach. She has over three years of experience, a triple main bachelor’s degree in psychology, English, and journalism from Mount Carmel College, Bengaluru, and a master’s degree in psychology from Sampurna Montfort College, Bengaluru.
Read full bio of Eshna Das
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Nobody wants their skin to look dry, dull, or flaky. This is where exfoliators come in, but using the wrong ones can irritate your dry skin. Only the best exfoliators for dry skin remove the top layer of dead skin without leaving your skin dry. These exfoliators contain ingredients that hydrate the skin while cleansing it thoroughly.
There are two types of exfoliators overtaking the skin care industry – chemical exfoliators with face acids and physical exfoliators with small granules. These gently scrub off the top layer of dead, dry, and old skin, uncovering the soft, glowing, and youthful layer of skin below. They aren’t harsh on the skin and don’t cause redness, aggravation, or irritation. Scroll down to read through the 15 most effective exfoliators for dry skin. Pick one, and watch as your dry skin becomes smooth and supple!
In This Article
15 Best Face Exfoliators For Dry Skin
Best For Sensitive Skin:Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
The Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting Liquid Exfoliant is formulated with 2% BHA or salicylic acid that helps shed the top dry and dead skin layer. It helps unclog the pores, removes blackheads, and reduces the appearance of large pores. This leave-on, non-abrasive, non-irritating face exfoliator brightens skin complexion and evens out skin tone. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. This chemical exfoliant is a gentle face exfoliator that does not irritate the skin. This peel is suitable for sensitive skin types. It is among the best chemical face exfoliators for dry skin. It works better than a physical exfoliant and is a must-have in your skincare routine. You can definitely check this video out for more details on this popular exfoliator and learn about the tester’s experience.
- Removes dry and dead skin.
- Reduces large pores.
- Hydrates the skin.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles.
- Combats redness and blackheads.
- Gentle exfoliator.
- Evens out skin tone.
- Brightens complexion.
- Lightweight
- Absorbs quickly.
- Soothes redness.
- Expensive
- Not suitable for oily skin.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 7,118 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Best For Blackheads:Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
The Black Sugar Mask Wash Off from Skinfood features tiny, mineral-rich Brazilian black sugar granules. This sugar face scrub with natural exfoliants is enriched with vitamins like riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid and skin-nourishing minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. The sugar granules help shed the dry, flaky top layer of the skin. They also help remove blackheads. This natural skin exfoliator helps brighten and hydrate the skin. It leaves your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated. You can take a look at this video before purchasing the product.
- Very small and gentle sugar granules.
- Enriched with skin-nourishing vitamins and minerals.
- Removes blackheads.
- Removes dead skin cells.
- Brightens skin tone.
- Evens out skin tone.
- Hydrates the skin.
- Rejuvenates dry and dull skin.
- Affordable
- Not suitable for sensitive skin.
CautionWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 5,160 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
Best For Improving Skin Texture:Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser
The Body Merry Exfoliating Cleanser is formulated with 2.5% glycolic acid. It deep cleanses your facial skin and removes dry, patchy, and rough skin. The natural ingredients like jojoba beads, willow bark, olive oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oil, and tea tree oil in the cleanser nourish and hydrate the skin. This is a good skin exfoliator that helps smoothen out rough and bumpy skin, reduces dark spots, age spots, sun spots, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation. It moisturizes and hydrates dull and lifeless skin and provides an instant natural glow. This cleanser can also be used as part of your daily routine. To know more about the merits of the product, check out this skincare enthusiast’s video.
- Gently exfoliates dry and dead skin.
- Smoothens out rough and bumpy skin.
- Reduces blackheads.
- Reduces dark spots, age spots, and sunspots.
- Reduces acne scars.
- Unclogs pores.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Hydrates and moisturizes dry and dull skin.
- Vegan
- Contains an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), which may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It has received over 2,241 rave reviews on Amazon, proving it is a mass favorite.
Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Best For Sensitive Skin | Skinfood Black Sugar Mask Wash Off Best For Blackheads | Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser Best For Improving Skin Texture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Type | Oily, Combination, Dry, Normal | Normal | Acne Prone,Oily,Dry,Sensitive,All Skin Types |
| Dimensions | 1.57 x 1.57 x 5.51 inches | 3 x 3 x 2.75 inches | - |
| Weight | 3.99 Ounces | 4.96 Ounces | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 7,118 | 5,160 | 2,241 |
| Price | $35 | $6.99 | $19.75 |
Best For Shrinking Pores:Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator
The Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator is the best exfoliator for dry, dull, and sensitive skin. It gently removes dry skin and stubborn blackheads, cleanses and minimizes pores, and removes dirt. This scrub gives the skin a healthy glow by providing the hydration and nourishment it so urgently requires. It reduces the appearance of pores as it offers gentle, regular exfoliation.
It is a safe leave-on facial scrub formulated with active ingredients such as aloe vera, manuka honey, walnut, and antioxidant vitamin C. These ingredients help protect the skin from free radical damage, prevent the skin from aging prematurely, brighten and even out skin tone, and help reduce skin redness.
- Antioxidant vitamin C protects the skin from oxidative damage.
- Prevents premature skin aging.
- Removes dirt and the dry skin layer.
- Rejuvenates and hydrates the skin.
- Adds a healthy glow to the skin.
- Removes blackheads.
- Minimizes pores.
- Not suitable for extra-sensitive skin.
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 15,790 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Best Dermatologist-Tested:Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator
The Boots No7 Total Renewal Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator is a tried and tested dermatological formula that contains aluminium-oxide micro-crystals. These help remove the dry and dull top layer of the skin and reveal a soft, smooth, and porcelain skin.
The formula works gently to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. It protects blemish-prone skin. It leaves the skin feeling fresh, soft, and smooth to the touch. It reveals clean skin that is free from dry patches, uneven texture, and sun damage.
- Tried and tested dermatological formula.
- Removes the dry and dull layer of the skin.
- Makes the skin soft and smooth.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots.
- Makes the skin feel fresh and rejuvenated.
- Adds a healthy, youthful glow to the skin.
- Evens out the skin tone.
- Makes the skin clearer and softer.
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
Best Hypoallergenic:Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic Daily Non-Abrasive Exfoliator
Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic Daily Non-Abrasive Exfoliator is enriched with Japanese rice bran. This non-abrasive gentle face exfoliator also contains finely ground papaya enzymes that promote healthy and natural skin turnover. They also treat dry skin. This face exfoliator is a pH-neutral amino acid-based formula that has proven efficacy in cleansing the skin without stripping the natural oils or breaking the skin barrier.
It contains Hadasei-3, green tea, rice, and algae that help rejuvenate the skin. It shows visible results by reducing fine lines, wrinkles, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation. The pH-balanced formula is also free of harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, DEA, TEA, and sulfates. You can use it every few days per week for best results. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free. You can have a look at this honest review of the product from a skincare enthusiast.
- Cleanses the skin without stripping the natural oils.
- Papaya enzymes promote healthy and natural skin turnover.
- Green tea, rice, and algae help rejuvenate the skin.
- Reduces fine line, wrinkles, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation.
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Mineral oil-free
- Sulfate-free
- DEA/TEA-free
- Allergen-free
- Cruelty-free
- Expensive
RememberBest Gentle Formula:Bliss Micro Magic Skin-renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub
The Bliss Micro Magic Skin-renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub is formulated with volcanic pumice and soothing aloe vera. This gentle facial scrub is also enriched with vitamin E that helps protect the skin from oxidative damage. It gently exfoliates dry and flaky skin and leaves the skin with a radiant glow. It makes the skin soft, supple, and smooth. The large number of positive reviews on Amazon indicate that most people experience visible results with this amazing product.
- Exfoliates dry skin.
- Makes the skin soft and smooth.
- Adds a radiant glow to the skin.
- Gentle facial scrub.
- Affordable
- Cruelty-free
- Contains parabens.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 2,154 reviews claiming its efficacy.
Best For Silky Smooth Skin:The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub Exfoliator
The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub gently buffs away dead skin cells to reveal softer, more radiant skin, leaving your skin feeling incredibly smooth. Shea butter, the main component, is well-known for its skin-nourishing benefits and offers smooth skin. Because of its thick texture and high fat content, it provides the skin with deep moisture. You’ll adore the sweet consistency and delicate nutty aroma that give your exfoliation regimen a touch of luxury. It is mostly suitable for people with dry skin.
- Good fragrance.
- Leaves the skin smooth and shiny.
- Great for winters.
- Does not require a body lotion follow-up.
- Vegan.
- Greasy
- Melts easily
Best For All Skin Types:Chamuel Tea Tree Body Scrub
The Chamuel Tea Tree Body Scrub is formulated with 100% pure dead sea salts, plant-based stem cells, ginger root extracts, and essential oils. It deeply exfoliates the skin, removes dead skin cells, impurities, eliminates dull and rough skin. In addition, it repairs the skin and softens it, leaving it fresh and well moisturized. It also removes calluses and odor from the feet, revealing itch-free, smoother, and softer feet.
- Suitable for all skin types
- Can be used for the entire body and foot
- Gentle on skin
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Might not be great with very dry skin
Best For Redness:Borghese Intensive Age Defying Exfoliator
The Borghese Intensive Age Defying Exfoliator is a foaming scrub that helps smoothen rough, dry skin. It unclogs the pores, removes blackheads, and adds a healthy glow to the skin. It helps treat dull skin and hydrates the skin. The collagen and elastin in the product help make the skin supple and firm. This gentle face exfoliator helps reduce redness and inflammation, and defends the skin from oxidative damage.
- Foaming scrub that helps smoothen rough, dry skin.
- Unclogs the pores.
- Removes blackheads.
- Adds a healthy glow to the skin.
- Rejuvenates tired and dull skin.
- Hydrates the skin.
- Gentle on the skin.
- Reduce redness.
- Defends the skin from oxidative damage.
- Helps reduce inflammation.
- Expensive
Best Non-Comedogenic:St. Ives Exfoliate & Nourish Facial Oil Scrub
The St. Ives Exfoliate & Nourish Facial Oil Scrub is a gentle, nourishing exfoliator that is formulated with coconut shell granules and 100% grapeseed oil. The rich fatty acids and vitamins in the natural ingredients pamper the skin and make it soft and glowing. The exfoliator is dermatologist-tested and is free of parabens. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types.
- Treats dry and dead skin.
- Makes the skin supple and soft.
- Adds a radiant, youthful glow.
- Dermatologist-tested.
- Paraben-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Affordable
- Might be too greasy for oily skin.
Best For Skin Brightening:InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub
InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub is formulated to reduce dullness and the appearance of fine lines. It is infused with vitamin C that helps to reduce the dark spots and increase radiance. The scrub is powered by quartz crystals, jojoba beads, and strawberry seeds that buff away dullness. It is ideal for all skin types. The results-driven scrub comes with a blend of coconut water, aloe vera, and green tea that helps to nourish and protect the skin. This gentle scrub promotes healthy cell renewal, minimizing the aging signs. Also, no animal testing was done in the making of this product.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Good fragrance
- Cruelty-free
- Easy-to-use container
- Paraben-free
- None
"This scrub cleanses and rejuvenates my skin. It has a creamy texture with grains in the formula that help exfoliate the skin gently. It smoothes the skin but does not cause dryness."
Best For Glowing Skin:Pure Biology Turmeric Body Scrub
The exquisite Pure Biology Turmeric Exfoliating Body Scrub is a delicate yet powerful exfoliating scrub body polish that contains superior natural ingredients which help calm inflamed skin and encourage smooth, glowing skin and helps achieve radiant complexion. The main components of this body scrub, turmeric and sea salt, help to revitalize and brighten uneven skin tone. It lessens the appearance of cellulite and aids in the reduction of wrinkles, fine lines, and breakouts. It also exfoliates clogged pores, in-grown hairs, razor bumps, eczema flakes, and keratosis pilaris. The product contains soothing body oils that keep the skin smooth and nourished for a long time and is a must have dry skin care product.
- Makes the skin soft and smooth.
- Vegan.
- Affordable.
- Easy to apply.
- Balances complexion.
- Smoothes out skin texture.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Unpleasant smell
- Greasy
Best Anti-Aging:NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion Crystals
The NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion Crystals are an excellent choice to give your skin a spa-quality care and improve its health and appearance. The crystals are infused with salicylic acid and vitamin C, which gives anti-aging benefits like reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, stretch marks, and acne scars. The exfoliator scrub also helps in improving blood circulation, minimizing pores, smoothing keratosis pilaris, and promoting youthful-looking radiant skin.
- Diminishes blackheads, blemishes, and acne scars.
- Anti-aging benefits.
- Makes skin smooth, bright, and glowing.
- Suitable for all skin types.
- Gentle exfoliation.
- Can cause skin reactions.
Best For Acne Scars:UpCircle Face Scrub
The UpCircle Face Scrub is formulated with natural high-quality Arabic coffee, chamomile, rosehip, geranium, and patchouli essential oil. It is a foaming gentle face scrub that offers deep cleansing. The shea butter nourishes and hydrates the skin. This face exfoliator gently polishes the skin and removes dead cells, dirt, and buildup. It helps reduce blemishes and acne scars. This is a vegan skincare product.
- Shea butter nourishes and hydrates the skin.
- Reduces blemishes and acne scars.
- Makes the skin healthy and glowing.
- Leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth.
- Vegan
- Expensive
These are the 15 best face exfoliators you can choose from. By adding an extra step of scrubbing or exfoliating your skin, you will reap the following benefits:
Benefits Of Exfoliating Dry Skin
- Removes dry and dead skin.
- Makes the skin texture smoother.
- Leaves the skin feeling soft.
- Helps reduce acne marks and blemishes.
- Helps protect the skin against toxin buildup.
- Promotes healthy skin aging.
- Brightens up the skin.
- Adds a youthful glow.
- Makes the skin flawless.
How To Exfoliate Dry Skin?
- To exfoliate dry skin, you may use a physical or chemical exfoliator. However, make sure the exfoliator is cream-based or has hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or olive oil. For chemical exfoliators, look for ingredients like glycolic acid.
- Be gentle while your scrubbing your face in a circular motion.
- Use a moisturizer with SPF 15 after exfoliating your skin.
- Do not over-exfoliate your skin.
The following section can help you make a better purchase decision while buying an exfoliator for dry skin.
How To Choose the Best Exfoliator For Dry Skin?
- Choose an exfoliator that has hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, natural oils, jojoba wax beads, soft sugar granules, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Go for dermatologically-approved formulas to reduce the chances of skin irritation.
- Choose an exfoliator that helps reduce pigmentation and unclogs pores.
- Choose a gentle and mild exfoliator.
- Choose a non-comedogenic exfoliator.
- You may also check the feedback on the product you like and read the reviewers’ experiences to make the right choice.
Infographic: Top 5 Hydrating Ingredients In Exfoliators For Dry Skin
It is important to use gentle exfoliators for dry skin that get rid of dead skin cells while also imparting deep hydration to it. You can look for exfoliators that are enriched with moisturizing ingredients. They not only cleanse your skin but also help address skin concerns, such as redness, acne, uneven skin tone, and dullness. Check out the infographic below for some key hydrating ingredients in dry skin exfoliators, and include them in your skin care routine!
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Having dull, dry, or flaky skin is not desirable, and that is why you need the best exfoliators for dry skin. These exfoliators remove the top layer of the dead skin cells without leaving your skin dry. They have a hydrating formula that gets absorbed quickly and soothes multiple skin concerns. While the Paulas Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant helps minimize pores and reduce blackheads with its gentle yet effective formula, the Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic Daily Non-Abrasive Exfoliator cleanses the skin without breaking the moisture barrier, and if you have dry skin, try the non-irritating Body Shop Shea Body Scrub Exfoliator for deep rejuvenation. In addition, these exfoliators are devoid of synthetic chemicals that might harm your skin. We recommend you to go for cream-based exfoliators if you have dry skin and use a moisturizer and sunscreen after exfoliating your skin. It is advised to do a patch test before using any product to rule out allergic reactions.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Oyendrila Kanjilal, the author of this article, is a certified skin care coach. She understands skin, its needs, and issues. Her expertise in this field has helped her conduct an in-depth study and recommend the best exfoliators for dry skin based on reliable user reviews. The exfoliators even out skin tone, hydrate skin, reduce large pores, and help attain that much-loved flawless skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exfoliating good for dry skin?
Absolutely! Removing dry and flaky skin in regular intervals helps rejuvenate and nourish the skin.
How do you exfoliate dry skin?
Use lukewarm water to first dampen the skin. Use a gentle cleanser first. Next, apply a gentle exfoliator and use slow and gentle circular motions to scrub the skin. Wash off with lukewarm water. Apply a moisturizer.
How many times should you exfoliate dry skin?
Exfoliate once a week if you have dry skin. Over-exfoliating can damage the skin.
Which chemical exfoliator is the best for dry skin?
The Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser is the best for dry skin as the glycolic acid in the formula not only exfoliates but also rehydrates the skin. The product is also enriched with other naturally moisturizing ingredients that are good for the skin.
Does exfoliating make dry skin worse?
No, gentle exfoliation is not bad for dry skin. But, avoid over-exfoliating the skin or using a harsh physical exfoliator.
Is scrubbing good for dry skin?
Yes, scrubbing is good for dry skin as long as you use gentle formulations that are made of fine scrub particles.
Is it good to exfoliate dry and acne-prone skin daily?
No, daily exfoliation is not good for any skin type. For dry, acne-prone skin you can exfoliate twice a week for the best results.
Is BHA or AHA better for dry skin?
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) like lactic and glycolic acid are better for dry skin than Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). The AHAs exfoliate the surface and also help it hold onto moisture for rehydration. With AHAs, use less strength for a more mild exfoliating effect, preventing any skin irritation.
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