These 9 Face Scrubs Will Unlock Soft and Smooth Skin on Contact

Why Exfoliation is Essential for Healthy Skin

Think of exfoliation like a reset button for your skin. While your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells, it’s not always possible to remove them all, and an exfoliator can help finish the job. Clearing out all that gunk from your pores prevents breakouts and speeds up your cell turnover process—which may even stimulate collagen production within the skin, says dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Using an exfoliator on a regular basis can leave you with a more long-term hydrated and youthful look.

Not sure where to start? A facial exfoliator can help you get your glow on. “Face scrubs accelerate the body’s natural exfoliation process by wearing away the skin’s surface,” says Dr. Camp. With buildup out of the way, your products have room to fully sink in and work to their fullest potential, making the most of your skincare routine. Using a face scrub also preps your skin for makeup, creating a smooth canvas perfect for achieving that airbrushed look.

Like any skincare step, be careful of overdoing it. “Over-exfoliation can cause skin issues such as dehydration and sensitivity,” warns Dr. Camp. Scrubbing too hard—or too often—can cause "microtrauma” to the skin, leading to more redness and breakouts. “Exfoliating 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,” he adds. Avoid rough ingredients like ground seeds or shells, and instead look for more gentle exfoliators like jojoba beads, rice powder, or bamboo powder. 

Types of Face Scrubs

Before choosing which facial exfoliator is right for you, you’ll want to know the difference between them all. Each face scrub has its benefits and drawbacks, so which one you use is up to a matter of personal preference and skin type. Check out this quick guide to physical, chemical, and hybrid exfoliants: 

Physical:

“Physical scrubs often contain granules or particles that work to remove dead skin cells,” says Dr. Camp. These exfoliating ingredients—which can include sugar, rice powder, coffee grounds, and more—buff away dead skin cells to instantly smooth texture and unclog pores. You’ll see more immediate results with a physical scrub, but they might not be suited for more sensitive skin types. 

Chemical:

“Chemical exfoliants help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and reveal newer and healthier cells beneath,” says Dr. Camp. Popular chemical exfoliants include alpha-hydroxy acids (or AHAs) like glycolic and lactic acids, as well as beta-hydroxy acids (or BHAs) like salicylic acid. Fruit enzymes can also help offer a deeper exfoliation. 

While physical exfoliants scrub away dead skin cells, chemical exfoliants dissolve them, making the latter formula slightly more gentle and suited for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. That said, it can take longer to see noticeable results with a chemical face scrub, but we promise the outcome is worth it. 

Hybrid:

For those who want the best of both worlds, hybrid scrubs combine physical and chemical exfoliation for a balanced approach. They refine texture on multiple levels by pairing exfoliating particles with mild acids or enzymes—giving you an instant smooth that still offers long-term effects.  

How to Choose the Best Face Scrub for Your Skin Type

Choosing the best face scrub for your skin type is super important. The whole point of exfoliating is to achieve smooth and clear skin—and the wrong exfoliant will leave your skin red and irritated instead. Keep reading to figure out which formula is right for you. 

• Oily Skin: If you struggle with excess shine or frequent breakouts, a physical exfoliant may be right for you. Dr. Camp recommends looking for ingredients like charcoal or clay, since those will deeply clean out pores and help control sebum production. Incorporating a gentle chemical exfoliator like salicylic acid can also minimize congestion and leave your complexion feeling fresh and matte without over-drying. This NIP+FAB Salicylic Fix Clay Mask combines all the exfoliants you need to soak up excess oil and banish breakouts. 

• Dry Skin: With dry or flaky skin, you want to exfoliate without stripping away moisture. Look for hydrating ingredients like honey, aloe vera, or glycerin, which will help replenish and soothe your skin as you exfoliate. Avoid abrasive particles and reach for a cream-based or balm-like scrub instead, like this SKIN&CO ROMA Truffle Therapy Whipped Cleansing Cream. 

• Sensitive Skin: Those with sensitive skin or reactive skin should use caution when picking out a facial scrub. If a formula is too harsh (or overused), it can cause redness or microtears in the skin. Choose scrubs made with ultra-fine particles and soothing ingredients—like oatmeal, chamomile, or cucumber extract—to gently polish your skin without irritation. Your best bet is a mild, fragrance-free formula that won’t strip your skin’s natural barrier. 

• Combination Skin: Combination skin often needs a combination exfoliator to match. Look out for a scrub that keeps oil production under control while still retaining hydration, like one with jojoba oil and AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid. These hybrid formulas help control shine in your T-zone while keeping dry patches from flaking.

• Acne-Prone Skin: Face scrubs can help clear clogged pores and lessen your chance of breakouts—when done carefully. “BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate deep into pores to remove excess oil and debris, making them ideal for acne-prone skin,” says Dr Camp. Formulas that are lightweight and non-comedogenic will help gently resurface skin without triggering inflammation. 

• Mature Skin: Keep your skin looking healthy and youthful with a chemical exfoliant. Anti-aging ingredients like glycolic acid, lactic acid, or fruit enzymes will help smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots. These formulas will also help boost collagen production to improve texture over time, leaving you with firmer and fresher skin.

Best Face Scrubs for Every Skin Type

1. Best Face Scrub for Oily Skin: 

GROWN ALCHEMIST Polishing Facial Exfoliant: Pink Grapefruit, Glucomannan Extract

Dull and rough-looking skin is no match for this physical exfoliant. Its blend of grapefruit and rosehip oils slows down oil production to mattify your skin, while vitamin C gives you an extra brightening boost. Not only is this face scrub gentle enough for everyday use, but it also doubles as a cleanser—making your skincare routine all the more precise. Say hello to radiant (not shiny) skin. 

2. Best Face Scrub for Mature Skin:

SYMBIOSIS SKINCARE Rejuvenating Gentle Face Exfoliator

Nourishing ingredients like glycolic acid and rosa hybrid flower extract make this facial exfoliator worth its hefty price tag. “This makes my middle-aged skin feel baby soft and smooth,” writes Ipster Null N. “I love how it makes me glow—and how it doesn’t leave me red-faced and irritated.” We recommend gently massaging this scrub over damp skin, then rinsing off with warm water. 

3. Best Brightening Face Scrub: 

GIRLACTIK Fruit Superfood Sugar Face Scrub Mini

Superfoods aren’t just for smoothies—they can also help brighten up skin for a more radiant look. This jelly-like formula includes sugar and strawberry seeds to exfoliate, plus a powerful blend of avocado oil, cucumber, and blueberry and strawberry extracts to energize skin. “I loved the smell of this face scrub,” writes one IPSY member. “This gave me a warm tingling sensation when washing my face, and gave me a smooth and glossy finish.” For the ultimate glow, give this face scrub a go. 

4. Best Physical Exfoliator: 

LANCER The Method: Polish

This super-fine skin polish delicately removes surface debris without stripping your skin barrier. “The creamy base goes on like a dream,” says one Ipster. “I have definitely noticed my skin looking healthier and plumper.” Formulated with natural minerals, as well as pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes, this face scrub will give you results right away. 

5. Best Face Scrub for Dry Skin: 

PEOPLE'S BEAUTY Frontliner Mask + Scrub

Exfoliating dry skin can be tricky, but this two-in-one mask and scrub will leave you smooth—not stripped. It pulls out impurities and excess oils with kaolin clay, and gently exfoliates with cellulose to slough off dead skin and dullness. A trio of hyaluronic acids then deeply hydrates your skin, keeping it safe from that tight and dry 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 silky feel. 

6. Best Face Scrub for Combination Skin: 

DERMALACTIVES Purifying Gentle Facial Scrub

Refresh your combination skin with a glow-boosting facial scrub. This one combines collagen and elastin to clear clogged pores, fade dark spots, and enhance elasticity. “This face scrub is so soft and jelly-like, but it really gives you a deep clean,” reads one review by Kayla I. “My skin feels fresh and hydrated.” For more supple skin, rub a pea-size amount onto your complexion twice a week, let it sit for one or two minutes, and then rinse off.

7. Best Face Scrub for Sensitive Skin: 

AVANT SKINCARE PHA Delicate Resurfacing & Refining Microfoliant

Okay, you’ve heard of AHAs and BHAs—but what about PHAs? PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are chemical exfoliants that work exclusively on your skin’s surface, lessening the chances of irritation. This facial exfoliant is packed with them, meaning you can buff away debris without worrying about stripping your skin barrier. 

8. Best Exfoliant for Acne-Prone Skin: 

SELFLESS BY HYRAM Mandelic Acid & Rice Bran Gentle Exfoliating Serum

A blend of mandelic acid, polyhydroxy acids, rice bran, and salicylic acid make this exfoliator incredibly gentle on sensitive skin. “My skin cleared a few days after using this product, and my dark spots are fading too,” reads an honest review from Ipster Poorna R. “This is an amazing product for hormonal, acne-prone skin.” You can easily incorporate this serum into your skincare routine by leaving it on overnight every other day. 

9. Best Face Scrub for Textured Skin: 

FENTY SKIN Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub

Just like its name implies, this superfine face scrub will leave your skin looking oh-so-juicy. Both a physical and chemical exfoliator, this formula uses a combination of barbados cherry, fruit enzymes, and caffeine to polish your skin. “This thick formula foams up in your hands, and as you massage you can feel the small beads gently exfoliating your skin,” writes Ipster Rebecca R. “My face feels very smooth and perked up afterwards.”

Final Thoughts

The right face scrub can completely transform your skin. Regular exfoliation will ultimately reveal smoother texture, brighter tone, and a healthy glow—just make sure you’re choosing a formula that suits your skin type. Those with oily skin will benefit from scrubs with charcoal or salicylic acid, while dry or sensitive skin does best with hydrating ingredients like honey or oatmeal. Somewhere in-between? Reach for a balanced formula that combines physical exfoliants with chemical ones. 

No matter your preference, remember to space out when you exfoliate to give your skin time to rest and resent. Use your face scrub one to two times a week, or every other day depending on your skin’s tolerance. 

Ready to unlock smooth skin? Explore the IPSY Shop for curated face scrubs, or check out our favorite chemical exfoliators and exfoliating toners. A more radiant you is right around the corner.