Top 15 Skin Exfoliants Available In India – 2024
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.
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Dull skin? Not-so-smooth skin texture? Uneven skin tone? Ever wondered why, despite following a proper CTM (cleansing-toning-moisturizing) routine, you have these issues? Well, it is probably because you are not using an excellent exfoliant. Your skin care routine is incomplete without proper exfoliation. If you don’t remove the dirt and dead skin cells built up on your skin, your skin care products will not penetrate deep into your skin to give you the desired results. Never gave it a thought, right? It’s time you make exfoliation a part of your skin care routine. Try the top-rated exfoliants listed below to get glowing skin!
In This Article
15 Best Skin Exfoliants Available Right Now
1. Everyuth Naturals Exfoliating Walnut Scrub
Are you looking for a drugstore exfoliating scrub to effectively remove all the dead skin cells? Everyuth Naturals Exfoliating Walnut Scrub has the goodness of walnut shells and vitamin E in it that exfoliates dead skin cells. Its deep pore cleansing action removes blackheads and impurities. The Nano Multi-Vita complex in it revitalizes and nourishes your skin from within.
Take a pea-sized amount of this product and spread it all across your face and neck to remove all the impurities.
- Removes dead skin cells
- Deeply cleanses the pores
- Provides skin nourishment
- Affordable
- Creamy texture
- Difficult to wash off
- Not suitable for oily skin
2. Biotique Bio Papaya Revitalizing Tan-Removal Scrub
This exfoliant can be used on both the face and the body. It contains pure papaya extracts that unclog skin pores, remove dead skin cells, and smoothen your skin texture. It also removes tan, brightens the skin tone, and gives you younger-looking skin. It lightens and brightens your skin to provide you with a healthy-looking complexion.
- Dermatologist-tested
- 100% organic
- Preservative-free
- Cruelty-free
- No harsh chemicals
- Visible results
- Suitable for all skin types
- Scrub particles are a bit harsh
3. St. Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Brightening Face Scrub
The St. Botanica Vitamin C, E & Hyaluronic Acid Face Scrub contains an invigorating formula that brightens, hydrates, and revitalizes the skin. It contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silk protein, shea butter, walnut shell particles, vitamins B3 and E, and pure natural oils. These ingredients gently exfoliate the skin, replenish moisture, protect the skin from free radical damage, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and stimulate collagen production. Vitamin C improves the skin elasticity and protects your skin from harsh environmental pollutants.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Cruelty-free
- 100% natural ingredients
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Reduces blemishes and pigmentation
- Improves skin elasticity
- Expensive
4. Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub
Those rigid blackheads around your nose can be troublesome. Neutrogena Deep Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub is a gentle exfoliant that removes the blackheads from your nose and prevents new ones from forming. Salicylic acid deeply penetrates the skin and removes all the stubborn oil and dirt. It also contains soothing microbeads that act as a gentle exfoliator. Cedarwood extract maintains the natural oil balance of your skin. Overall, this mildly thick face scrub is suitable for everyday use and makes your skin visibly brighter.
- Removes blackheads
- Gentle on the skin
- Removes oil and dirt
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oil-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
None
5. Khadi Mauri Charcoal Face Scrub
This Ayurvedic herbal formula contains activated charcoal that clears all traces of dirt and impurities from your skin. Its formula also includes apricot that reduces blemishes and pigmentation to give you an even skin tone. It helps control excess sebum production and brightens your skin. This pore-minimizing scrub improves the appearance of your skin significantly.
- Paraben-free
- SLES-free
- No harmful chemicals
- Manufactured as per ISO, GMP, WHO standards
- Cruelty-free
- Suitable for all skin types
None
6. The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam
With The Face Shop Jeju Volcanic Lava Pore Scrub Foam, you will be one step closer to having flawless and clear skin. This skin purifying scrub is infused with volcanic ash from the Jeju Island that cleanses your skin by removing blackheads and impurities. It has a creamy consistency, and its microbeads are very gentle on the skin, making it ideal for daily use. It has citrusy and herbal fragrance. When it comes in contact with water, it foams up and cleanses your skin.
- Creamy consistency
- Removes excess sebum
- Removes dead skin cells
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for daily use
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Prevents breakouts
- Not suitable for dry skin
7. The Body Avenue Rose Geranium Scrub
The Body Avenue Rose Geranium Scrub is an excellent all-in-one face exfoliator. This scrub exfoliates dead skin, removes tan, and unclogs pores. It is enriched with the softening effects of rose petals, glycerin, corn starch, walnut shells, shea butter, and beeswax. It soothes your skin and keeps it hydrated and smooth. Rose geranium oil improves the appearance of scars on your face. The formula also has antioxidant, antiseptic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Exfoliates dead skin cells
- Removes tan
- Softens and hydrates the skin
- Brightens the skin
- Soothes the skin
- Antiseptic and astringent properties
- Prevents skin damage
None
8. Greenberry Organics Bio Active Tan Removing & Exfoliating Scrub
This exfoliating face scrub by Greenberry Organics removes the smallest impurities from your face effectively. Its formula has the perfect blend of natural ingredients like raspberry, aloe vera, kojic acid, and coconut extracts. It is an instant remedy for removing tan, blackheads, and whiteheads. Vitamin E oil protects your skin from sun damage, and the goodness of shea butter improves skin elasticity.
- Removes all the impurities
- Removes tan and blackheads
- Protects skin from UV damage
- Improves skin elasticity
- Imparts a youthful glow
- 100% natural
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Not very smooth consistency
9. Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream
Clinique 7-Day Scrub Cream polishes your skin gently and improves its texture. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and premature age spots. It is a non-drying formula that does not strip away the natural oils of your skin.
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- No artificial fragrance
- Developed by dermatologists
- Suitable for daily use
- Expensive
"I've found that this scrub works well for a daily polish. A small amount is sufficient and feels gentle on my skin. It revives tired skin without causing redness or irritation."
10. Lotus YouthRx Active Anti-Ageing Exfoliator
Lotus YouthRx Active Anti-Ageing Exfoliator has a unique formula that sloughs away dead skin cells gently to reveal healthy and glowing skin. It contains a triple-action formula that protects your skin from within. It also improves radiance, prevents fine lines and other signs of aging, and maintains your skin’s firmness.
- Visible results
- Makes skin smooth and firm
- Brightens the skin
- Pleasant fragrance
- Suitable for all skin types
- Affordable
- May be too harsh for sensitive skin
11. Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub has an Ayurvedic formula that contains kumkumadi tailam. This Ayurvedic ingredient reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens your complexion, and boosts skin cell growth. It also contains saffron extracts that reduce pigmentation and repair damaged skin. It gets rid of the pollutants built up on your skin, keeping it hydrated and clean.
- 99.5% natural
- Brightens the skin
- No artificial colors
- No artificial fragrance
- Paraben-free
- Petrochemical-free
- Urea-free
- Cruelty-free
- Not suitable for all skin types
12. Mamaearth Charcoal Face Scrub
Unclog your pores and remove impurities gently with the Mamaearth Charcoal Face Scrub. It is fortified with activated charcoal, fine walnut granules, and tea tree. This powerful blend rejuvenates your skin, cleanses the pores, treats acne and tan, and offers an even complexion. The scrub also effectively removes dead skin, making your dull skin appear radiant and naturally glowing.
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Dermatologist-tested
- Free from harmful chemicals
- Travel-friendly
- Silicone-free
- Might seem harsh on sensitive skin
13. Plum Chamomile & White Tea Brighten-Up Face Scrub
Plum Chamomile & White Tea Brighten-Up Face Scrub is gentle on your skin and the environment. It is made with biodegradable cellulose beads and walnut powder that remove dull, dead skin cells to reveal healthy, new skin cells. This mild exfoliating scrub with walnut shells helps remove tan, dirt, and excess oil from the skin. The antioxidant-rich plant nutrients of white tea and chamomile protect and soothe stressed skin. It also contains sunflower oil that hydrates and nourishes the skin without leaving it dry after scrubbing. This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
- Gentle on the skin
- Removes dead skin cells
- Brightens the skin
- PETA-certified vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Biodegradable
- Phthalate-free
- SLS-free
- Contains fragrance
14. Pilgrim Volcanic Lava Ash Face Scrub
Revitalize your skin with the beauty secrets of this Korean exfoliating volcanic lava ash face scrub from Pilgrim. It has white lotus, volcanic lava ash and yugdugu to remove white and blackheads, deep cleanse your skin, and promote skin elasticity. It also effectively prevents aging by minimizing the fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation. It’s a unisex product and formulated to suit all skin types.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- FDA-approved
- Paraben-free
- Toxin-free
- Sulfate-free
- Sensitive skin may experience burning sensation
15. DeBelle Apricot Bloom Facial Exfoliator
Pamper your skin and let it bloom with the Apricot Bloom Facial Exfoliator by DeBelle. This dual-use skin care product can be used as an exfoliator and a face mask. The walnut beads act as a gentle exfoliator and remove all the skin impurities and dead skin cells. If you want to use it as a mask before exfoliation, leave it on your face for 10 minutes before rinsing it off. The natural blend of jojoba oil, argan oil, and aloe vera extract tightens your skin and gives it a healthy and glowing appearance.
- Can also be used as a face mask
- Gently removes skin impurities
- Tightens the skin
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
None
Considering the variety of options available in the market, choosing the right exfoliator according to your skin type can be tricky. The exfoliation process removes dead skin cells, impurities, excess oil, and dirt from your skin that might further clog the pores. Check out the next section to find out what factors to keep in mind when buying an exfoliator.
How To Choose The Best Exfoliator For Your Skin
- Skin Type
If you have normal to dry or combination skin, choose an exfoliator that is not very harsh on the skin and contains AHA. If you have oily skin, choose a product that has BHA. Make sure you don’t over-exfoliate, as it will make your skin dry and cause excessive oil production. In the case of acne-prone skin, you should be careful because certain exfoliators may aggravate it. Consult your dermatologist for recommendations. - Natural Ingredients
For better exfoliation results, choose a scrub that contains natural ingredients and is free from added chemicals. Consider selecting a scrub with natural plant and fruit extracts or other active ingredients like argan oil, aloe vera, etc. - How Often You Exfoliate
Before choosing the product, keep in mind that exfoliation is not something you should do regularly. Irrespective of your skin type, you should exfoliate just once or twice in 2 weeks. If you have oily skin, you can repeat the process twice a week, but no more than that.
While face scrubs work wonders on your skin, overusing them can result in rashes, skin irritation, and redness. You need to maintain a balance and make sure that you are not over-exfoliating your skin. Never use exfoliants more than twice a week. And, of course, make sure that you are using an exfoliant that suits your skin type. Try out one of the skin exfoliants listed above to get glowing skin!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to exfoliate your skin?
Exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells that form a layer and sit on top of your skin. Basic exfoliation requires the following steps:
- If you’re using a physical exfoliator, cleanse your face with your regular cleanser. Take some of your favorite exfoliator and massage it into your skin in circular motions. Keep doing so for about a minute. Rinse it off with water and pat dry your face with a towel.
- If you’re using a chemical exfoliator, wash your face with your regular face wash. Chemical exfoliators often come in the form of a pre-moistened cotton or pad. Place this all over your face and neck. Give it a few minutes to let the chemical get absorbed into your skin. Some chemical exfoliants are also known as ‘peels’ and require to be washed off a few minutes after application.
What is the best exfoliator for aging skin?
Kama Ayurveda Kumkumadi Brightening Ayurvedic Face Scrub and Clinique 7 Day Scrub Cream are two of the best exfoliators for aging skin.
Is exfoliation bad for the skin?
No, exfoliation is not harmful for your skin. It removes skin impurities, excess oil, and dirt and gives you healthy-looking skin. However, exfoliation should not be done too often. You can do it once or twice in two weeks.
Does exfoliating age your skin?
Over-exfoliation removes the protective barrier on your skin, resulting in damage and inflammation. It harms your skin and makes it age faster by causing loss of hydration and elasticity.
What are the key ingredients used in skin exfoliants, and how do they benefit the skin?
Skin exfoliating scrubs majorly comprise microbeads for scrubbing, vitamins C, B12, and E for brightening, and emollients like glycerin or shea butter for hydrating. The microbeads are usually made of antioxidant-rich natural ingredients such as coffee, fruit enzymes, and charcoal.
What is the best time of day to incorporate a skin exfoliant into a skincare routine?
While you can exfoliate your skin once or twice a week either in your AM or PM routine, exfoliating at night is more convenient. As you go to bed, your skin gets time to heal from exfoliation without getting exposed to the sun or environmental aggressors.
Can exfoliants be used alongside other skincare products, such as serums and moisturizers?
Yes. You may use your regular skin care serums and moisturizers after exfoliating. However, avoid using serums with strong acids and active ingredients for 24-48 hours after exfoliation to prevent irritating the skin.
What is the recommended process for patch testing a new exfoliant to avoid adverse reactions?
Apply a pinch of scrub on a coin-sized patch of skin on your inner arm and scrub for a few minutes. Rinse it away and observe the area for 48 hours to note any adverse reactions. If there is an allergic reaction, visit a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can exfoliants be used on sensitive areas of the skin, such as around the eyes or lips?
No. Avoid using exfoliants on the skin around your eyes and on your lips to prevent irritation and redness. You can use exfoliating scrubs that are designed to be gentle on the delicate skin on the lips. However, avoid exfoliating the skin around your eyes completely.
Best Scrubs For Dry Skin Available In IndiaBest Scrubs For Sensitive Skin In India
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