Fact Checked
By Jenn Sinrich
The best facial scrub for you may depend on your skin type, concerns, and personal preferences. However, an ideal facial scrub is used to exfoliate the skin on the face. It is designed to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed. Facial scrubs typically contain small particles, such as sugar, salt, oatmeal, or fruit enzymes, that work to physically or chemically remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin.
How To Choose The Best Face Scrub?
When choosing a facial scrub, it is important to keep in mind the following factors:
Skin type
Ingredients
Texture
Purpose
Brand and Reviews
By considering these factors, you can choose a facial scrub that is gentle, effective, and suitable for your skin type and concerns. Remember to always patch test a new product before using it on your face and to follow the instructions on the label.
Our Methodology: How We Choose The Best Facial Scrub?
To identify the best facial scrub with the highest potency, we conduct a thorough analysis of the most up-to-date and credible cosmetic formulations and scientific information sources. Our primary focus is on identifying key ingredients that are capable of exfoliating dead skin cells, dirt & impurities, unclog pores, & leaving the skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed.
We also consulted a panel of 3 dermatologists & asked them to share their best face scrub recommendations along with the reason to advocate it. Further, we tested all the scrubs in the light of potency, ingredients, skin type, texture, price, customer reviews & brand reputation. All the products mentioned here are safe to use however, we advice patch test before applying any product directly.
Quick View – Best Face Scrub (Our Top Picks)
Best Exfoliating Scrub for Face
Skinceuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub
If you want your skin to glow like that of rosie huntington whiteley, look no further. Right below, you’ll find some of the best facial scrub brands. These top-tier exfoliants are recommended by dermatologists and are the best in our opinion.
Let’s get a tour on individual face scrub featured above
Beverly Hills MD Skin Renewing Polish is a skincare product designed to exfoliate and renew the texture of the skin.
This polish uses a combination of physical and chemical exfoliants, including microcrystals and glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores and skin cell renewal.The formula also includes nourishing ingredients such as vitamin E, shea butter, and olive oil to hydrate and soothe the skin.
The result is a smoother, brighter, younger complexion. The Skin Renewing Polish suits to all skin types and can be used once or twice per week to maintain a healthy and radiant.
Brand: Beverly Hills MD | Key Ingredients: AHAs, Chinese Plum, Rooibos Tea Extract, & Elemental Crystal Powder | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price : $75.00
Green Signal
- Mechanically exfoliates skin
- Maximizes Your Radiance Glow
- promote a healthy skin barrier
Red Flag
- Only Available on Official Website
Skinceuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub is an effective gentle exfoliating scrub that uses a dual mechanism exfoliation process to refine skin texture and promote a more radiant glow.
This scrub features a unique blend of ingredients, including diatomaceous earth, aminopeptidase, and alpha-hydroxy acid, which work together to remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and smooth the skin’s surface. Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Brand: Skinceuticals | Key Ingredients: Hydrated Silica, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract | Size: 5 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Dry, Normal, Oily, Combination | Price : $32.00
Green Signal
- Polishes Away Dead Skin Cells
- Delivers Hydration to Skin
- Promote Youthful Cell Turnover
Red Flag
- Results May Vary Individually
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub combines the benefits of professional-grade microdermabrasion with nourishing natural oils to create a powerful and effective at-home exfoliation treatment. The use of aluminum oxide crystals, which are commonly used in spa and dermatology microdermabrasion treatments, ensures that the product provides a deep and thorough exfoliation that can help to improve the texture and appearance of the skin. Overall, DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub stands out as the best scrub for women & men.
Brand: Drmtlgy | Key Ingredients: Sugar Cane, Lemon Fruit, Green Tea Leaf Extract | Skin Type: 2 oz| Skin Type: Combination, Oily, Dry, and Normal skin | Price: $24.00
Green Signal
- Provides a Deep Exfoliation
- Remove Dead Skin Cells & Unclogs Pores
- Improving the Texture and Appearance of the Skin
Red Flag
- The results will vary for different individuals.
The Daily Microfoliant from Dermalogica is a rice powder that activates on contact with water for enzymes that gently exfoliate the skin.
This unique exfoliator also contains salicylic acid and papain to help dissolve and remove dead skin, while the phytic acid brightening complex, white tea and licorice to even out the complexion.
This gentle exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and can be used daily to reveal smoother, brighter and more even skin.
Brand: Dermalogica | Key Ingredients: Papain Enzymes, Rice Bran-Derived Phytic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal and Salicylic Acid | Size: 2.6 oz | Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily | Price : $65.00
Green Signal
- Exfoliates to Visibly Brighten
- Balances Uneven Skin Tone
- Reduces the Appearance of Redness
Red Flag
- It Has Fragrance
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is an exfoliating, organic facial scrub that uses sea kelp , French clay and lemon peel to remove dead skin cells , unclog pores improve skin texture.
The formula also contains Argan Stem Cell and Chlorella Growth Factor, which work together to stimulate cell renewal and promote healthy skin. This gentle exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and can be used two to three times a day for best results.
Brand: Acure | Key Ingredients: French Green Clay, Sea Kelp and Lemon Peel & Madonna Lily | Size: 4 Fl. oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination Skin | Price: $9.99
Green Signal
- Brightens Skin’s Appearance
- Detoxifies and Balances All Skin Types
- Gently Removes Dead Skin Cells
Red Flag
- Doesn’t Help with Scars
Best Face Scrub for Acne Prone Skin
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 Bha Liquid Exfoliant
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliator is a leave-on exfoliant that exfoliates the skin softly and unclogs pores with salicylic acid. This non-irritating, lightweight product also contains green tea extract and chamomile to soothe and relax the face, while antioxidants help protect the skin from environmental stresses.
The Skin Perfecting 2 BHA Liquid Exfoliant is appropriate for all skin types, but it works especially well on oily, acne-prone skin.
Brand: Paula’s Choice | Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Green Tea & BHA | Size: 4 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination Skin |Price : $27.20
Green Signal
- Sheds Built-Up Layers of Skin
- Clears & Minimizes Enlarged Pores
- Smooths Wrinkles & Evens Skin Tone
Red Flag
- Results Are Very Slow
This is a gentle, non-irritating scrub that is designed to exfoliate and smooth the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. It’s formulated with micro-fine granules that help to remove dead skin cells and impurities, while also hydrating and protecting the skin.
Brand: Cetaphil | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Vitamin E & B5 | Size: 6 Fl oz | Skin Type: For Combination to Oily, Sensitive Skin | Price: $17.94
Green Signal
- Gently Exfoliates Without Over-Drying
- Prevents Dryness, Roughness of Face
- Cleanses to Remove Dirt, Oil and Impurities
Red Flag
- It Contains Fragrance
This is an exfoliating scrub with magnesium crystals that gently removes dead skin cells and reveals a smoother, brighter complexion. It also includes vitamins A, C, and E, which aid in skin nourishment and protection.
Brand: Zo Skin Health | Key Ingredients: Ultra-Fine Magnesium Oxide Crystals, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate | Size: 2.3 oz | Skin Type : All Skin Type | Price: $68.00
Green Signal
- Sloughs Away Dead Skin Cells
- Leaves Skin Soft and Smooth
- Adds Radiance Glow to the Skin
Red Flag
- It’s Highly Priced
This is a water-based scrub that exfoliates and polishes the skin softly. It includes tiny, non-abrasive beads that aid in the removal of dead skin cells and the unclogging of pores, as well as moisturising and smoothing the skin.
Brand: Clinique | Key Ingredients: Salicylic Acid, Titanium Dioxide | Size: 3.4 Fl oz | Skin Type : Combination, & Oily | Price: $26.00
Green Signal
- De-Flakes Skin, Unclogs Pores
- Leaves Skin Refreshed
- Softens the Look of Fine Lines
Red Flag
- Doesn’t Suit Sensitive Skin
This is a powerful exfoliating treatment that contains both physical and chemical exfoliants, including papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes. It’s designed to deeply cleanse the skin and improve texture and radiance, while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Brand: Kate Somerville | Key Ingredients: | Size: 2 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Price: $98.00
Green Signal
- Exfoliates the Dead Skin
- Smooths and Polishes Skin
- Cleans Clogged Pores
Red Flag
- It’s Highly Priced
This is a multi-tasking cleanser that combines physical exfoliation with alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHAs and BHAs). It’s designed to gently remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and improve skin tone and texture.
Brand: Murad | Key Ingredients: Salicylic, Lactic, Glycolic Acids, and, Jojoba Beads | Size: 6.75 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry & Combination|Price: $46.00
Green Signal
- Encourages Cell Turnover
- Reveals Visibly Brighter Skin
- Polishes Away Dull, Dry Skin
Red Flag
- Doesn’t Suit Sensitive Skin
Best Face Scrub For Aging Skin
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Age Defying Exfoliator
This is a powerful exfoliating treatment that contains aluminum oxide crystals to remove dead skin cells and improve texture, while also stimulating cell renewal and collagen production. It’s designed to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.
Brand: Dr. Brandt Skincare | Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, Jojoba Oil, Aloe Vera and Chamomile Extracts | Size: 2 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Price: $79.00
Green Signal
- Buffs Away Dead Surface Skin Cells
- Improves Dullness and Uneven Texture
- Polishes, Smooths the Look of Skin
Red Flag
- It’s Priced High
This is a gentle scrub that is designed to improve skin tone and texture while also brightening the complexion. It contains soy extract and natural exfoliants to remove impurities and dead skin cells, while also nourishing and hydrating the skin.
Brand: Aveeno | Key Ingredients: Soy Extract, Cellulose, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine | Size: 2 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal Skin | Price: $7.00
Green Signal
- Exfoliates Intensely
- Softens & Nourishes Skin
- Improves Skin Tone & Texture
Red Flag
- Only Suits Normal Skin
This is a gentle scrub that is designed to improve skin tone and texture while also brightening the complexion. It contains soy extract and natural exfoliants to remove impurities and dead skin cells, while also nourishing and hydrating the skin.
Brand: La Roche-Posay | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, Perlite | Size: 1.69 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal, Oily, Sensitive Skin |Price: $19.99
Green Signal
- Gently Exfoliates
- Smooths and Purifies Skin
- Improves Skin’s Physiological Balance
Red Flag
- It Contains Rough Granules
This is a water-activated exfoliating powder that is designed to polish and brighten the skin. It contains a blend of Japanese rice bran, papaya enzymes, and pearl to gently exfoliate and nourish the skin, while also improving texture and radiance.
Brand: Tatcha | Key Ingredients: Papaya Extracts, Silk Extract, Japanese Rice Bran | Size: 2.1 oz | Skin Type : Combination to Dry Skin | Price: $35.00
Green Signal
- Restore Healthy-Looking Radiance
- Prevents Tightness in Dry Skin
- Conditions & Nourishes Skin
Red Flag
- Packaging Can Be Improved
This dual-action scrub exfoliates your skin both physically and chemically. AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) with high potency assist to loosen and remove dead skin cells, while lemon peel powder and ultra-fine sugar gently buff away rough skin. This scrub also contains holy basil and chamomile, which will aid to relax and soothe your skin. Yet, it can make skin more sensitive to the sun, increasing the risk of sunburn.
Brand: OLEHENRIKSEN | Key Ingredients: AHAs 10%, Holy Basil and Chamomile Extracts | Size: 3 oz | Skin Type : Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily | Price: $35.00
Green Signal
- Exfoliates and Purifies Skin
- Physically and Chemically Exfoliates
- Smoothes Skin Texture
Red Flag
- May Increase Your Skin’s Sensitivity to the Sun
First Aid Beauty Treatment Radiance Polish exfoliates, cleanses, and refreshes the skin, leaving it with a healthy shine. Shea nut shell powder exfoliates dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth and bright. Willow bark extract works as an astringent, tightening pores and stimulating cell renewal.
Brand: First Aid Beauty | Key Ingredients: Shea Nut Shell Powder, Willow Bark Extract, Grape Seed Oil | Size: 3.5 oz | Skin Type : All Skin Types | Price: $31.95
Green Signal
- Cleanses the Skin Deeply
- Removes Dirt & Impurities
- Nourishes & Conditions Skin
Red Flag
- Not Worth the Money
Neutrogena Daily Scrub is a facial scrub designed to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dirt, oil, and dead skin cells. Its formula contains exfoliating microbeads and beta hydroxy acid (BHA), which help to unclog pores, promote cell turnover, and reveal fresher, smoother skin. While many users find it effective and pleasant to use, some find it too harsh for their skin or dislike the use of plastic microbeads.
Brand: Neutrogena | Key Ingredients: Cellulose, Glycerin, & Titanium Dioxide | Size: 4.2 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal & Acne prone Skin | Price: $9.98
Green Signal
- Cleanses Away Dirt, & Oil
- Exfoliate Deep into the Pores
- Helps Fight Acne and Breakouts
Red Flag
- May Not Suit to Everyone
Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub gently exfoliates and cleanses the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed. It is formulated with rice granules and vitamins to help remove dead skin cells and impurities while nourishing and hydrating the skin. The scrub’s texture might irritate acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Brand: Simple | Key Ingredients: Anthemis Nobilis Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E, Rice Granules | Size: 2.5 Fl oz | Skin Type : Normal Skin | Price: $9.98
Green Signal
- Exfoliates Face Gently
- Improves Skin Texture
- Cleanses Skin’s Impurity
Red Flag
- The Texture Is Granular
Which facial scrub is best for you?
Preferences and use should inform the choice of facial scrub you purchase. As you probably know, there are two different types of facial scrubs; chemical and physical. The classification of exfoliant is based on the constituent ingredients.
Chemical exfoliants use acid or enzyme-based formula to remove dead cells from the skin surface. Typically, they use alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs).
Dr.Neal Schultz, MD, NYC dermatologist, and creator of BeautyRx told The Beauty Insiders that, “chemical facial scrubs basically dissolve the glue holding dead skin cells together, thus enhancing their removal.”
Physical facial scrubs on the other hand use beads or other abrasive pellets to dislodge dead cells from the skin surface. “Physical exfoliants mechanically remove deal cells and debris by abrading them,” says Dr. Dennis Gross, MD, NYC-based dermatologist.
Because of the mechanical nature of physical exfoliants, many people prefer them over the chemical scrubs.
So, to wrap it up, the choice of an ideal facial scrub depends on the nature of your skin, the types of exfoliant; chemical or physical, among other factors.
How do facial scrubs work?
By definition, facial scrubs are cream-based routine skincare products enriched with exfoliating agents for sloughing off dead skin. They are also called exfoliants. They are different from face washes that are basic cleansers used to remove dirt from the skin surface.
The exfoliating agents used in facial scrubs may be small particles, beads, or chemicals. The direction for using facial scrubs is pretty simple. You only need to slather the cream on the face and massage repeatedly till all the deal skins have sloughed off.
Facial Scrub – Image/Shutterstock
What are the Common ingredients in facial scrubs?
The ingredients vary depending on the type of exfoliant; chemical or physical. Here are some common ingredients you may want to check out when shopping for facial scrubs.
Jojoba beads
A natural non-abrasive exfoliant used in facial scrubs for those with sensitive skin. The beans are round, smooth, and polished hence won’t scratch your skin. Jojoba beads have been used in the profession of dermatology for thousands of years.
Pumice crystals
A natural exfoliant perfectly suited for microdermabrasion. Like jojoba beads, Pumice crystals are used in physical facial scrubs. Research indicates that pumice is very effective at removing hyperkeratotic tissue.
Bio-elements Herbology
A concentrate of four Chinese herbs. It has both physical and chemical exfoliative properties. Its mechanism of action entails physical sloughing off the dead skin cell on the surface. Next, its water-soluble granules penetrate the skin to dissolve any other wastes clogging skin pores. Many Chinese herbs have been used successfully as a skin treatment for centuries.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
Glycolic acid and lactic acid are potent exfoliants used in most chemical facial scrubs. Research has shown that it can successfully prevent UV-induced skin damage.
Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs)
Salicylic acid is the main constituent in this category of exfoliants. The acid is often used in chemical facial scrubs for acne and related skin conditions. Hydroxy Acids are the most widely used anti-aging agents.
Benefits of using facial scrubs
Facial scrubs provide an excellent way to deal with acne and related skin conditions. If you are struggling with whiteheads or blackheads, consider trying chemical or physical exfoliants. That aside, facial scrubs are also used to manage aging signs.
For instance, you can use chemical or physical exfoliants to eradicate wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. They are also used to even out the tone for hyper-pigmented skin. Apart from managing acne and aging signs, facial scrubs are also used to enhance skin radiance and texture.
What Happens If You Don’t Use Scrub?
If you don’t exfoliate your skin, dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, leading to a range of issues, including:
- Dull, uneven skin tone: Dead skin cells can make your skin look dull and tired, and can contribute to an uneven skin tone.
- Clogged pores: When dead skin cells mix with oil and other debris on the skin’s surface, they can clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads, and acne.
- Rough, bumpy texture: A buildup of dead skin cells can make your skin feel rough and bumpy to the touch.
- Dryness: Dead skin cells can prevent moisturizers and other skincare products from penetrating the skin, leading to dryness and dehydration.
- Fine lines and wrinkles: When dead skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface, they can make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent.
Are Face Scrubs Bad for Skin?
When used correctly and with the right frequency, face scrubs can be a beneficial part of a skincare routine. However, if used improperly, face scrubs can potentially damage the skin. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Over-exfoliation: Scrubbing the skin too frequently or too aggressively can cause irritation, redness, and even micro-tears in the skin, which can lead to long-term damage.
Harsh or sharp particles: Some scrubs use harsh or sharp particles, such as ground shells or seeds, that can be too abrasive for the skin, causing irritation or even scratches on the skin.
Unsuitable for some skin types: Certain skin types, such as very sensitive or dry skin, may be more prone to irritation from face scrubs. In these cases, it may be better to use a chemical exfoliator that is gentler on the skin.
Environmental concerns: Some face scrubs contain plastic microbeads that can be harmful to the environment when they are washed down the drain.
To avoid these issues, choose a gentle face scrub with natural exfoliants, such as Beverly Hill Md Skin Renewing Polish, Skinceuticals Micro Exfoliating Scrub and use it no more than 1-2 times per week. Be gentle when applying the scrub to the skin, and avoid the eye area or any areas of the face that are particularly sensitive. If you have any concerns or experience irritation, discontinue use and consult with a dermatologist.
Do Dermatologists Recommend Scrubbing?
Yes, many dermatologists recommend exfoliating the face using a scrub as a part of a healthy skincare routine. Exfoliating helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, which can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin. Additionally, exfoliating can help to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, enhance the effectiveness of other skincare products, and increase skin cell turnover, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, it is important to note that not all types of exfoliation are suitable for all skin types. For example, those with very sensitive or dry skin may need to use a gentler exfoliator or exfoliate less frequently.
FAQ’s
Q.What Does a Face Exfoliator Do?
A. A face exfoliator removes dead skin cells and debris from the surface of the skin, revealing smoother, brighter, and more radiant skin underneath. It helps to unclog pores, prevent acne, and improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin.
Q.How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?
A. How often you should exfoliate your face depends on your skin type and the type of exfoliation you are using. Generally, it is recommended to exfoliate your face 1-2 times per week for most skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, you may need to exfoliate less frequently, such as once every two weeks.
Q.When Should You Not Exfoliate Your Face?
A. You should not exfoliate your face if:
1. You have sunburn, open wounds, or cuts on your face.
2. You have a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea.
3. You have recently had a professional facial or chemical peel.
4. Your skin is very sensitive or dry, or you have recently used a retinoid or other active skincare ingredient.
5. You have shaved your face or used hair removal cream within the last 24 hours.
Q.Are Face Scrubs Good for Sensitive Skin?
A. Face scrubs can be too harsh for sensitive skin, but there are some gentle face scrubs specifically formulated for sensitive skin that may be less likely to cause irritation. It’s important to choose a product with smaller and smoother exfoliating particles and to do a patch test before using the product all over the face. It’s also important to use the face scrub no more than 1-2 times per week to avoid over-exfoliating the skin.
Q.What’s the Difference Between Chemical and Physical Exfoliators?
A. Chemical exfoliators use acids or enzymes to dissolve and remove dead skin cells, while physical exfoliators use a gritty texture or tool to physically scrub away dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliators tend to be gentler and less abrasive than physical exfoliators, but both types can be effective in improving skin texture and appearance when used properly.
Final Verdict – Best Facial Scrubs 2023
In conclusion, using a face scrub is an essential step in any skincare routine to help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and reveal smoother, more radiant skin. With so many options available in 2023, it can be tough to find the right one for your skin type and preferences. However, our top picks offer something for everyone, from gentle exfoliators to more potent formulas.
So whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin, there’s sure to be a face scrub on our list that’s perfect for you. Try one today and see the difference it can make in your complexion!
Why Should You Trust Us?
Our experts have thoroughly investigated every detail of each product for a week or more and have determined that they pass safety checks. This ensures that the products we recommend are the best for addressing your skincare concerns.
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