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!

15 Best Face Exfoliators For Dry Skin

1. 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 face exfoliator brightens skin complexion and evens out skin tone. It also reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It is a gentle face exfoliator that does not irritate the skin. It is suitable for sensitive skin. It is among the best chemical face exfoliators for dry skin. It provides hydration and makes the skin soft. You can definitely check this video out for more details on this popular exfoliator. Pros

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.

Cons

Expensive Not suitable for oily skin.

2. 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 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. Pros

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

Cons

Not suitable for sensitive skin.

3. 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. To know more about the merits of the product, check out this skincare enthusiast’s video. Pros

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

Cons

Contains an alpha hydroxyl acid (AHA), which may increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

4. 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 is a safe leave-on facial scrub formulated with 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. Pros

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.

Cons

Not suitable for extra-sensitive skin.

5. 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. Pros

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.

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive skin.

6. 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 cleanses 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 helps reduce fine line, wrinkles, breakouts, and hyperpigmentation. The formula is also free of harsh chemicals like phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, DEA, TEA, and sulfates. It is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free. You can have a look at this honest review of the product from a skincare enthusiast. Pros

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 Cruelty-free

Cons

Expensive

7. Best 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. Pros

Exfoliates dry skin. Makes the skin soft and smooth. Adds a radiant glow to the skin. Gentle facial scrub. Affordable Cruelty-free

Cons

Contains parabens.

8. Best For A Youthful Glow:Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub

The Ole Henriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub helps even out skin tone and texture, reduces pores and fine lines, removes dirt from clogged pores, and rejuvenates dull and lifeless skin. It is formulated with walnut, ginseng, and chamomile extracts. It purifies the skin and transforms rough, dry, and dull skin into youthful, healthy, and glowing skin. It is suitable for all skin types. Pros

Purifies the skin. Removes dirt from clogged pores. Treats dull and dry skin. Reduces skin roughness. Adds an instant youthful glow. Makes the skin soft and smooth. Non-abrasive Suitable for sensitive skin.

Cons

Expensive

9. 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. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Can be used for the entire body and foot Gentle on skin Cruelty-free Paraben-free

Cons

Might not be great with very dry skin

10. 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. Pros

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.

Cons

Expensive

11. 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. Pros

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

Cons

Might be too greasy for oily skin.

12. Best For Skin Brightening:InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub

InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Scrub is formulated to reduce dullness and the appearance of the 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 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. Pros

Suitable for sensitive skin Good fragrance Cruelty-free Easy-to-use container Paraben-free

Cons

None

13. Best Anti-Aging:Made from Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub

The Made from Earth Rooibos Tea Face Scrub is an anti-aging exfoliator that cleanses and moisturizes delicate, sensitive skin. The formula contains tiny jojoba wax beads that help remove the dead top layer of the skin. They also smoothen the skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The scrub provides hydration and plumps up the skin to give it a youthful appearance. The scrub is also enriched with ingredients like aloe vera, rooibos, and vitamin E that correct skin tone, balance complexion, and reduce facial skin redness. Pros

Anti-aging skin exfoliator. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Moisturizes and hydrates the skin. Jojoba wax beads remove dry and flaky skin. Corrects skin tone. Balances complexion. Reduces redness. Smoothens out skin texture. Plumps up the skin. Adds a youthful radiance. Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free

Cons None

14. Best For Clear Skin:Lierac Gentle Exfoliator

The Lierac Gentle Exfoliator is a mild and gentle skin exfoliator that brightens and refines the skin. It removes dead skin cells. It is formulated with mallow, which is rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-free radical pigments that correct the skin tone and repair skin damage. The linseed flower extract reduces redness and detoxifies skin. It makes it supple, clear, and radiant. Pros

Mild and gentle skin exfoliator. Anti-free radical pigments correct the skin tone. Repairs skin damage. Reduces redness. Detoxifies skin. Makes the skin soft, supple, and clear.

Cons None

15. 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. 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. Pros

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

Cons

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 scrub 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.

Choose an exfoliator that helps reduce pigmentation and unclogs pores.

Choose a gentle and mild exfoliator.

Choose a non-comedogenic exfoliator.

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. 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? AHAs are better for dry skin as they exfoliate the surface and also help it hold onto moisture for rehydration.

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