Skincare experts cannot emphasize the importance of exfoliation enough. Lifestyle,  weather, and hormonal changes cause impurities to build up on your skin, which makes the skin look dull and discolored. But with the best drugstore exfoliators, you can get rid of them to achieve smoother skin. 

As our skin goes through its natural rejuvenation process, new skin cells are generated, and older, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface. Exfoliation helps to slough off these dead cells, revealing fresher and more radiant skin beneath. According to dermatologist Dr. Vanita Rattan, “Exfoliation helps with improving penetration of actives This means that your other skincare products such as serums, moisturizers, and toners work more effectively when your skin has been exfoliated.”

“In addition, if you like wearing makeup like me, then the makeup goes on smoother if you exfoliate your skin”, adds Rattan. Even with the best primers, your makeup will not look even if your skin’s pores are clogged by dirt, oil, grime, and comedones. 

As exfoliation is a regular part of your skincare regime, most of us cannot spend a fortune on them as they are a consistent investment. Hence, it is best to invest in drugstore exfoliators that are not only effective but also available at a fraction of the cost of premium products. You can find exfoliators containing ingredients like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, enzymes, and gentle scrubbing beads across drugstore brands that cater to different skin types and concerns. Scroll away to see our recommendations.

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  Best Overall

  Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

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Enriched with Beta-Hydroxy Acid, this skin-perfecting liquid exfoliant by Paula’s Choice is a brilliant product to slough off dead skin cells. It is infused with salicylic acid that effectively unclogs pores, removes whiteheads and blackheads, and prevents acne on your skin. The product also has incredible anti-aging benefits, as it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. To alleviate the effects of the chemical exfoliant, the product is enriched with green tea extract that soothes inflammation and rejuvenates your skin. For best results, include this product in your daily skincare routine, but avoid contact with your eyes. The product is non-abrasive and free from parabens or artificial fragrances.

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Best Sustainably Sourced Product

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub

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You can nourish your skin with the goodness of coconut using this facial scrub by PALMER’S. The product is fortified with coconut sugar particles for gentle physical exfoliation of dead skin cells and clogged pores. This helps you achieve a fresh, radiant, and purified complexion. The scrub contains a nourishing blend of coconut water, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter that deeply moisturize the skin after exfoliation. While the product effectively purifies and conditions the skin, it does not leave any residue after washing. What tops off these benefits is that the product is free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and mineral oil.

3

Best Skin Conditioner

era organics revive + Microdermabrasion Manuka Honey Walnut Scrub and Mask

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This physical exfoliator by era organics is a lucrative blend of manuka honey and flecks of walnut shells that enrich your skin with micronutrients while sloughing off dead skin. It is also infused with aloe vera extract, rapeseed oil, and orange oil that boost hydration, soothe inflammation, treat blemishes, and improve skin’s appearance. Cehami extract enhances the product's antibacterial and anti-irritation properties, which protect the skin from external aggressors. The product improves skin’s elasticity by boosting amino acids, while the vitamins C and E enhance radiance. These benefits make it one of the best drugstore face scrubs. For best results, use the product 2-3 times a week.

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Best Anti-aging Properties

Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish

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For beautifully polished, glowy skin, this gentle scrub by Neutrogena is an incredible choice. Its advanced formula contains AHAs like mandelic acid and glycolic acid that give an even tone by reducing acne, hyperpigmentation, and imperfections without compromising your skin’s natural moisture. At the same time, it resurfaces your skin for better absorption of skincare actives and maintains natural lipids for a plump, youthful look. The product is fortified with glycerin, caprylyl glycol, and cetyl alcohol which work as effective skin conditioners to balance out the intense exfoliation effects.

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Best for pH Balance

M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub

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What makes this body scrub by M3 Naturals special is that it not only exfoliates dead skin cells but also improves cell turnover. It contains charcoal granules that purify and deep cleanse your pores, while the aloe juice, coconut oil, and jojoba oil condition and moisturize your skin. The product contains hydrolyzed collagen that improves skin’s elasticity and makes it soft, plump, and beautiful. While the AHA citric acid enhances the properties of charcoal, the spinach extract helps balance your skin’s pH levels with its alkaline properties. This balanced skincare recipe with remarkable benefits makes this product one of the best drugstore exfoliators.

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est for All Skin Types

Dermatologica Daily Microfoliant

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With this daily facial scrub by dermatologica, you can stop worrying about your skin drying up after exfoliation. This is because it contains colloidal oatmeal that seals in the skin’s natural moisture, soothes inflammation, and allows your skin to rehydrate. The product is an advanced blend of physical and chemical exfoliants that enhance each other's properties without being too abrasive. It contains powdered rice bran that improves texture, salicylic acid that treats and prevents acne, as well as papaya enzymes that brighten your skin. This product is safe to use as it is free from parabens, artificial fragrances, and artificial dyes.

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Best for Sensitive Skin

Cure Natural Aqua Gel Exfoliator

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This gel exfoliator by Cure has a remarkably gentle formulation. It is made with 91 percent activated hydrogen water that penetrates the epidermal layer of the skin, reduces inflammation, and boosts hydration better than other humectants. At the same time, it acts as an antioxidant and protects the skin from external aggressors. These benefits are enhanced by aloe, ginkgo, and rosemary extracts that nourish and revitalize your skin. The product gently sloughs off dead skin cells without being abrasive on your skin, and subtly reduces the appearance of melanin pigments. Use this product 1-2 times a week for the best results.

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Best Soothing Properties

Eva Naturals Exfoliating Facial Scrub

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Fortified with finely granulated cosmetic pumice, this facial scrub by eva naturals is an effective product for all skin types. It has a moist, sandy texture that gets rid of dead cells, oil, and debris off your face and its vitamin E content makes skin soft and healthy. Salicylic acid and willow bark extract enhance the properties of the physical exfoliator and help achieve an even skin tone and brightened complexion. This microdermabrasion scrub consists of clean ingredients that leave your skin feeling smooth, clean, and conditioned. For best results, use this product once a week.

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Mother Made Exfoliating Aqua Peel Gel

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This water-based peel gel by MOTHER MADE is an incredible product to brighten your complexion while exfoliating dirt and debris off your face. The product is specifically designed to reduce dullness, dryness, and flakiness without stripping off the skin’s natural moisture. Unlike harsh chemical scrubs, the product gently balls off on massage and collects skin’s impurities with it that you can wash off after use. It is enriched with green tea extract, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, and baobab seed extract that soothes, conditions, and nourishes your skin while alleviating inflammation. These benefits make it one of the best drugstore exfoliators to achieve beautiful skin. For best results, use this peeling gel 2-3 times a week with other skincare products.

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Best for Smooth Skin

Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Exfoliant

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If mild exfoliators don’t work for your skin, then you should get your hands on this effective liquid exfoliant by Neutrogena. It has an advanced blend of AHAs and PHAs, which not only helps get rid of dead skin, but also reduces the appearance of fine lines and boosts hydration. It is infused with glycolic acid, mandelic acid, and gluconolactone that improve complexion and smoothen your skin. This product is safe for use as it is free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, phthalates, artificial fragrances, or dyes. Hence, it is one of the best drugstore exfoliators for your skin.

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Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell

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This mild, cream-based enzyme formula by Pharmagel is perfect for sensitive skin types. The product contains papain, a gentle exfoliating enzyme derived from papayas, that does not abrade your skin. Its properties are enhanced by small quantities of AHAs and BHAs in the product that slough off dead cells and give an even skin tone. The product is fortified with walnut shell powder that provides subtle physical exfoliation, as well as allantoin that moisturizes the skin and resurfaces it for a smooth texture.

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Best for Multiple Benefits

First Botany Lavender Shea Exfoliating Body Scrub

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For dull and aging skin, this Dead Sea salt body scrub by First Botany is an incredible choice. It is infused with collagen that boosts skin’s elasticity, firmness, and cell longevity, consequently giving a youthful glow. The product also contains a blend of lavender oil, shea butter, and aloe vera extract that deeply conditions, nourishes, and hydrates the skin. It has a luxuriously moist, sandy texture that gives you a delightful bathing experience while cleansing and purifying your skin. What makes this product remarkable is that it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, shaving bumps, dark spots, wrinkles as well as fine lines. Hence, it is one of the best drugstore exfoliators for all skin types.

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Best Botanical Formula

Sand & Sky Australian Pink Clay Flash Perfection Exfoliator

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This advanced pomade by Sand & Sky is an excellent exfoliator with several skincare benefits. It contains Australian pink clay that detoxifies the skin and purifies pores to prevent acne and comedones. The product contains ultra-fine particles of bamboo and macadamia that gently exfoliate dead skin and grime, and resurface smooth skin. These properties are enhanced by Alpha-hydroxy acids from the Australian finger lime extract that gives an even tone. Also, the product contains rosehip, olive, and grapeseed oils that revitalize and condition the skin and enhance the product’s benefits.

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Lancer The Method: Polish

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Designed specifically for normal to combination skin, this daily exfoliating face wash is enriched with natural minerals to gently remove impurities and reveal a smoother, more radiant skin. It is formulated with a blend of powerful ingredients that work together to provide optimal results. The fine minerals infused in it delicately exfoliate the skin, eliminating dead cells and promoting a more refined texture. This gentle scrubbing process helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts, leaving your skin looking clearer and more even-toned.

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Ongaro Beauty Pro-Care Enzyme Exfoliator

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This natural gentle face cleanser is designed to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and renewed. Infused with the power of organic fruit enzymes, this exfoliator gently dissolves dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and reveals a brighter and more even-toned complexion. Formulated with natural ingredients, this exfoliator proves to be gentle on the skin while effectively removing impurities and promoting cell turnover. With regular use, this face scrub can help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and blemishes, giving your skin a smoother and more refined texture.

Now that you’ve been through our recommendations for the best drugstore exfoliators, let us go through this buying guide, so you can make an informed purchase.

Chemical Exfoliants: One of the best ways to exfoliate your skin is through chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and BHAs. These include glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, kojic acid, salicylic acid, willow extract, etc. Such ingredients help in getting rid of dead cells by loosening the bond holding them together, allowing a smoother skin layer to resurface. PHAs also provide anti-aging benefits. However, while some chemical exfoliants may be gentle and work gradually on your skin, others may be too harsh on sensitive skin. Hence, if you have sensitive skin, opt for products with a lesser concentration of such ingredients. You can find chemical exfoliants in peel gels, creams, lotions, liquid, or scrubbing pomades. Such products are more effective on the skin of your face than your body. 

Physical Exfoliants: Physical exfoliants contain microbeads, granules, or powdered ingredients that are either dry or blended in a pomade. Such products are effective in scrubbing off comedones, dirt, oil, and grime from your skin while making it clean and fresh. Unlike chemical exfoliants, these products also enhance blood circulation in the area you apply them and improve skin health. While scrubs are more effective for the skin on your body, they may be too harsh for your face. Nonetheless, many drugstore exfoliants these days have advanced formulations that are gentle for your face as well. For oily skin types with clogged pores, blackheads, and whiteheads, it is a good idea to opt for intense formulations. But, people with sensitive skin should avoid them as they can cause inflammation. 

Enzyme exfoliants: For highly sensitive skin, the most gentle way to exfoliate is through enzyme-based formulations. These consist of fruit enzymes such as papain (derived from papayas) and bromelain (derived from pineapples) that scuff dead skin from the epidermal surface and give a brightened appearance. Nonetheless, the impact of enzyme exfoliants is very subtle and gradual, so they may not show immediate results. 

Mild formulation: Always look for products with a mild formulation so that the exfoliation does not trigger inflammation, redness, or abrasion. Products with humectants such as aloe extract, hyaluronic acid, and nourishing oils as well as skin conditioners such as glycerin and caprylyl glycol soothe and hydrate the skin. Also, antioxidants such as vitamins E and C protect your skin from external aggressors.

Some drugstore exfoliators these days have such advanced formulations that provide all benefits of high-end products at half the price. The above-mentioned products are effective, safe, beneficial, and highly reviewed by their users. While there are many types of exfoliators in the market, you need to understand your skin’s needs before getting your hands on a product. And before buying, always ensure you thoroughly read the ingredients list to stay away from any allergens. Happy shopping!

• In general, it is recommended to exfoliate 1-3 times a week. However, this can be adjusted based on your skin's reaction and tolerance to exfoliation. It's important to listen to your skin and adjust your exfoliation frequency accordingly. 
• If you have sensitive skin, exfoliating once a week may be sufficient. Sensitive skin tends to be more delicate and can easily become irritated with too much exfoliation. Opt for gentle exfoliators that contain soothing ingredients like chamomile or aloe vera. 
• On the other hand, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may benefit from exfoliating more frequently, up to 2-3 times a week. 
• Exfoliating helps to remove excess oil and unclog pores, which can help prevent breakouts. Look for exfoliators that contain salicylic acid or glycolic acid, as they are effective in treating acne-prone skin. 
• For those with normal or combination skin, exfoliating 2 times a week is a good starting point. This can help maintain a balanced complexion and prevent any buildup of dead skin cells. Choose exfoliators that are gentle yet effective, and avoid over-exfoliating, as it can lead to dryness or irritation.
• If you're unsure about how often to exfoliate, it's always a good idea to consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional who can provide personalized advice based on your specific needs.

Exfoliating Tips:

Understand Your Skin Type: Before diving into the world of exfoliation, it's crucial to understand your skin type. Determine whether your skin is dry, oily, combination, normal, or sensitive. Knowing this will help you choose the right products and techniques that best suit your skin's needs. Gentle exfoliation works best for sensitive skin, while those with oily skin may benefit from more intensive exfoliation.

Choose the Right Exfoliator: From scrubs to chemical exfoliants, the options are endless. Opt for a physical exfoliator with really fine particles if you prefer a more hands-on approach. However, if you have sensitive skin, consider a chemical exfoliant containing AHAs or BHAs, which gently dissolve dead skin cells without abrasive particles.

Consistency is Key: Incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine is not a one-time affair. To see noticeable results, commit to exfoliating at least once or twice a week. Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, so find the right balance for your skin type.

Be Gentle: When exfoliating, avoid applying excessive pressure or scrubbing too vigorously. This can irritate the skin and cause redness or inflammation. Instead, use gentle, circular motions, allowing the exfoliator to do its job without causing harm.

Focus on Problem Areas: Certain areas of your face, such as the T-zone or chin, may require extra attention. Paying special attention to these problem areas can help unclog pores and prevent breakouts. Just remember to be gentle and avoid over-exfoliating these sensitive areas.

Don't Forget Your Body: While facial exfoliation is essential, don't neglect the rest of your body. Regularly exfoliating your body will help remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, and leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. Use a body scrub or loofah in the shower to achieve a head-to-toe glow.

Follow Up with Hydration: After exfoliating, it's crucial to replenish and hydrate your skin. Exfoliation can temporarily disrupt the skin's barrier, making it more vulnerable to environmental aggressors. Follow up with a nourishing moisturizer or serum to lock in moisture and restore your skin's balance. This step is essential for maintaining a healthy and radiant complexion.

Enhanced Skin Texture: One of the primary benefits of exfoliating is the improvement in skin texture. By sloughing away dead skin cells, exfoliation helps to smooth out rough patches and uneven skin tone, you will be left with a softer and more refined complexion. Regular exfoliation can also help to minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making your skin look and feel younger.

Deep Cleansing: Exfoliating not only removes dead skin cells but also helps to unclog pores, preventing the buildup of dirt, oil, and impurities. This deep cleansing action can be especially beneficial for those with acne-prone or congested skin. By removing the debris that can contribute to breakouts, exfoliating promotes clearer and healthier skin.

Improved Absorption of Skincare Products: When dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin, they create a barrier that prevents skincare products from fully penetrating and delivering their benefits. Exfoliating helps to remove this barrier, allowing your serums, moisturizers, and other skincare products to be absorbed more effectively. This means that your products can work more efficiently, providing maximum results for your skin.

Brightened Complexion: Dull and lackluster skin can make you look tired and aged. Exfoliating helps to promote cell turnover, revealing fresh, new skin cells underneath. This can result in a brighter and more radiant complexion, giving you that healthy glow that we all desire.

Increased Circulation: The process of exfoliating stimulates blood flow to the skin, which can help to improve circulation. This increased circulation can promote a healthy and vibrant complexion while also aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the skin cells. As a result, your skin may appear more plump and rejuvenated.

Some drugstore exfoliators these days have such advanced formulations that provide all benefits of high-end products at half the price. The above-mentioned products are effective, safe, beneficial, and highly reviewed by their users. While there are many types of exfoliators in the market, you need to understand your skin’s needs before getting your hands on a product. And before buying, always ensure you thoroughly read the ingredients list to stay away from any allergens. Happy shopping.