Dry Skin Friendly Exfoliators That Actually Work

All the Types of Exfoliators You Need to Know

Not all exfoliators are created equal. Some physically buff away dead skin cells, while others break them down with acids or enzymes. “Physical exfoliants often contain granules or particles that work to remove dead skin cells,” says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. “As they wear away the skin’s surface, they accelerate the body’s natural exfoliation process.” Natural exfoliators include ground coffee, sugar, salt, and even dry brushing.

When it comes to physical exfoliators, make sure to take a peek at the ingredients. If the particles are unevenly shaped and have jagged edges—think ground seeds or shells—they could damage the skin and leave you worse off than before. Instead, Dr. Camp recommends looking for more gentle exfoliators like jojoba beads, rice powder, or bamboo powder. 

Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, dissolve the “glue” that keeps dead skin cells stuck together. “Chemical exfoliants have active ingredients that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and reveal newer and healthier cells beneath,” says Dr. Camp. Alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acid are most commonly used to help unclog pores and exfoliate surface-level skin cells. Fruit enzymes are also a popular ingredient. 

Chemical exfoliants can also “brighten skin, improve cell turnover and renewal, and may even help stimulate collagen production within the skin,” says Dr. Camp. Resurfaced skin can allow subsequent skin-care products to absorb more effectively.

Our 10 Favorite Exfoliators for Dry Skin

1. Best Exfoliator Overall for Dry Skin:

PEOPLE'S BEAUTY Frontliner Mask + Scrub

As far as exfoliators go, this PEOPLE’S BEAUTY one is the best of the best—and not just for those with dry skin. We’ve used this two-in-one mask and scrub religiously over the years to help with breakouts and unevenness. It pulls out impurities and excess oils with kaolin clay, and gently exfoliates with cellulose to slough off dead skin and dullness. Meanwhile, a unique trio of hyaluronic acids works to deeply hydrate and replenish your skin, meaning you won’t be stuck with irritation or a tight and stripped feeling. Twice a week, spread an even layer over clean, dry skin and leave on for 10 minutes before rinsing off. Follow up with a hydrating moisturizer to lock in that soft and smooth feel. 

2. Best Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin:

SELFLESS BY HYRAM Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum

Formulated with a combination of mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acid (PHA), rice bran, and salicylic acid, this exfoliator is incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. As someone who is experienced with using exfoliators, Ipster Shana S. shares that “this is a great beginner and sensitive skin-friendly exfoliating serum.” We love that this is an easy product to incorporate into your skincare routine, given you only need to use it every other night after cleansing. Simply pat two to three drops onto your complexion and let the serum work its magic overnight. Brighter, less congested skin texture will be in your future.

3. Best Exfoliator for Acne-Prone Skin:

BlissPRO Liquid Exfoliant, 11.8% AHA | BHA | PHA

Struggle with acne? This rinse-off exfoliant uses a powerhouse combo of lactic acid, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid to banish blemishes. As one Ipster shares, “This stuff is so impressive. When I wake up with a cyst or pimple on my face, this exfoliator helps smooth out my skin texture and reduce inflammation in just two minutes.” As this formula works to stimulate cell renewal, you may feel a cooling and tingling sensation, but you’ll be left with silky, smooth skin. 

4. Best Hydrating Exfoliator:

AVANT SKINCARE PHA Delicate Resurfacing & Refining Microfoliant

If you’re worried an exfoliant will dry out your already dry skin, reach for a formula that boosts hydration. This one features PHAs that gently break down dead skin cells with minimal irritation, leaving you with skin that’s radiant (and not red). By delicately buffing away debris, this micro-foliant also draws water to sensitive skin, making your moisturizers all that more effective. With repeated use, your skin will look more supple and hydrated. For best results, use light pressure when applying and let the gentle friction of the microparticles do their work. 

5. Best Anti-Aging Exfoliator:

ONEKIND Youthdrops Gentle Refining Peel

Your skin becomes more sensitive as you age, calling for an exfoliator that will gently buff away fine lines, blemishes, dark spots, wrinkles, and more. This overnight serum features a bunch of skin-smoothing acids—including glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and malic—plus a touch of vitamin C to help target discoloration, dullness, and fine lines. “This has done wonders for my pre-menopausal (and post-menopausal) skin,” says one Ipster. “While I don’t love the scent of this product, it’s lightened the brown spots on my face. My skin looks brand new!” It’s safe to use this exfoliator every other night too, so you might see results faster than other formulas. Smooth a dime-sized amount of the serum onto your clean face (and neck), then leave it on overnight. Follow with your favorite moisturizer. 

6. Best Exfoliator for Dark Spots:

LAUREN'S SKINCARE Brightening Skin Pads

These exfoliating pads will brighten up hyperpigmentation and dark spots in no time. Brightening ingredients like lactic acid and salicylic acid help even out skin tone and texture, while lemon balm and healing plant extracts boost radiance and reduce redness. “These facial pads have become a staple in my skincare routine,” says one Ipster. “They’re easy to use, don't dry my skin out, and leave my skin bright and clear.” We recommend swiping these onto clean skin in circular motions for a couple minutes. You’ll notice dark spots and acne scars disappear with each use. 

7. Best Exfoliator for Uneven Skin Texture:

FENTY SKIN Pre Show Glow Instant Retexturizing Treatment and Applicator

Seeking smooth skin? This exfoliating formula contains 10% AHAs and fruit enzymes to help gently loosen up dirt, debris, and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin—so you can say goodbye to unwanted dry patches and flakes. A dash of rooibos helps rejuvenate and brighten your complexion too, keeping your skin glowing without making it dry or tight. You’ll notice the effect right away, and with repeated use, your skin texture will feel and look smoother overall. 

8. Best Exfoliating Scrub:

TERRE DE MARS 023 Céleste Creamy Face Coffee Scrub

Wake up your skin with this creamy coffee scrub. It uses natural exfoliants like cane sugar and coffee powder to slough away dead skin cells, while its shea butter base makes sure it’s not too rough on skin. “This exfoliates nicely without leaving your face feeling sandpapered,” says one Ipster. “It made my skin feel super soft and clean.” Try using this scrub once or twice a week for soft and hydrated skin, and use gentle circular motions to avoid over-exfoliating. 

9. Best Soothing Exfoliator:

ALPYN BEAUTY Wild Huckleberry Radiance Recovery Peel

Get glowing—without the irritation—with this radiance-boosting exfoliating peel. It’s loaded with eight acids to effectively exfoliate skin, while soothing chamomile and colloidal oatmeal calm and moisturize the skin barrier. Huckleberry adds a brightening touch and helps defend your skin from the elements long-term, making this a great option for those who might be prone to redness and dryness. This formula is even gentle enough to use daily if you find you need it. 

10. Best Exfoliator for Combination Skin:

DERMALACTIVES Purifying Gentle Facial Scrub

If you have combination skin, try out this powerful facial peel. Its potent blend of collagen and elastin clears clogged pores and fades the look of dark spots, all while enhancing elasticity. “My skin is acne and eczema-prone, but the jelly-like consistency of this product felt soft on my skin and didn’t burn,” says one Ipster. “It left my face feeling so smooth and moisturized unlike most exfoliators I’ve tried!” Rub a pea-size amount onto your complexion twice a week, let it sit for one or two minutes, and then rinse off for smoother, more supple skin. 

How to Use Exfoliators 

When using physical exfoliators, Dr. Camp recommends exfoliating with a physical exfoliator for about 30 seconds (or less) using small, gentle, circular motions. As for chemical exfoliators, follow the instructions on the packaging, as they can vary by product. 

Exfoliating Dry Skin FAQs

How often should I exfoliate dry skin?

Remember, over-exfoliation can cause redness, irritation, breakouts, and damage to your moisture barrier. One to two times a week should be enough for dry or sensitive skin, while less sensitive skin types may be able to handle it every or every other night. 

What kind of exfoliator is right for my skin type?

Choosing the right exfoliator for your skin type is vital. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to avoid physical exfoliation and instead go with AHAs like glycolic acid. “AHAs exfoliate the upper layers of the skin while also hydrating and helping your skin retain moisture,” adds Dr. Camp. “Lactic acid and mandelic acid are also less likely to cause irritation as they don’t penetrate as deeply into the skin.”

Meanwhile, those with more resilient skin can seek out salicylic acid as a way to control acne and oil production. The beta hydroxy acid has a small molecular weight, allowing it to penetrate pores more effectively than other exfoliating actives. “When you have oily skin, your dead skin cells are more adherent and don't flake off as quickly, which can contribute to breakouts,” Dr. Camp explains. Using salicylic acid helps speed up skin turnover and unclogs pores. 

Who should use a BHA exfoliant?

BHAs stand for beta hydroxy acids, which are ideal for oily, blemish-prone skin because they exfoliate inside pores and help prevent breakouts. Those with more dry or sensitive skin may want to steer clear of BHAs, since they hold onto less moisture than AHAs and may leave you feeling more irritated than before. 

When should I not exfoliate?

If you're suffering from any sort of skin concern like acne, a rash, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it’s best to hold off on exfoliating until the condition clears. Otherwise, you risk making the condition worse. 

Final Thoughts

Exfoliating smooths skin while unclogging pores and reducing the appearance of dark spots and fine lines. Ultimately, it helps increase cell turnover to reveal a fresh complexion underneath, and regularly exfoliating can increase skin radiance and help prevent breakouts. 

Still, not all formulas are created equal, and you’ll want to choose the right exfoliator for your skin type and concerns. Whether you prefer a physical scrub, a chemical peel, or something in-between, remember to space out your exfoliating to give your skin time to rest and reset. We recommend exfoliating in the evening as it helps open your pores to the rest of your nighttime skincare routine—and always make sure to wear SPF after exfoliating, as some formulas can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.

As winter approaches, make sure to take care of your dry skin with hydrating products. Find the perfect serums and moisturizers to pair with your new exfoliating routine on IPSY Shop, and check out our latest beauty must-haves.