I have been struggling with a couple of skin woes but I am so glad that I have incorporated one of the best exfoliating face washes in my skincare regime. Believe me, it is my savior! To be frank, it was so challenging to deal with my acne-prone and combination skin that I almost lost all hopes of reviving my skin’s lost glory. But thanks to exfoliating face washes for paving the way to achieving healthy and luminous skin.

An exfoliating face wash sweeps away dead skin cells, dirt, dust, impurities, and grime. In addition, it helps in clearing excess oil that ends up clogging my pores. Having said that, they are loaded with chemical exfoliators like AHA, BHA, and PHA and a couple of physical exfoliators, vitamins, and fruit enzymes to take good care of your skin in the long run. What more can I ask for?

A good face wash with exfoliating properties also prevents breakouts and reduces the appearance of wrinkles, blemishes, dark spots, and fine lines. I use it twice or thrice a week for the best results. Adding to that, it has been a great addition to my collection of glycolic acid face washes that take me a step ahead toward attaining clear and glowing skin. 

After plenty of tests and trials, below I have rounded up the top exfoliating face washes that you should think of investing in.

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  Editor’s Pick

  WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash

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I have been loving WOW Apple Cider Vinegar Foaming Face Wash for quite some time for its plant-powered formula and hydrating properties. It is enriched with the goodness of aloe vera and vitamins B5 and E that repair damaged skin, cracks, and blemishes. In addition, the exfoliating face scrub brush with silicone bristles sweeps away deep-seated dust, grime, and impurities gently. Honestly, this face wash is all that I need to reduce acne breakouts without stripping away my skin’s natural oils.

2

Best for All Skin Types

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

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When I came to know this Murad Cleanser has salicylic acid as an active ingredient, it immediately caught my attention. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, salicylic acid is a great agent for peeling and works effectively on acne. When I used it, I could feel my skin getting softer and healthier. I love how it is infused with nourishing ingredients, lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads, and sodium PCA, all of which rejuvenate the skin by providing gentle exfoliation, boosting cell turnover, and retaining moisture. Trust me when I say this — this face wash does wonders on the skin, especially with consistent use.

3

Best for Mature Skin

ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

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What I personally love about ELEMIS products is that they strive constantly to offer eco-friendly packaging. This facial wash by the famous British skincare brand effectively removes pollutants, dirt, and impurities from the skin without stripping it of its natural moisture. It features patented Tri-Enzyme Technology, along with hydrating ingredients moringa, babassu, and white truffle to support the skin’s natural microflora and rejuvenate the skin. I take a pea-sized amount of this facial wash, and it cleanses my skin properly without leaving it dry.

4

Best for All Skin Types

Plum Vitamin C Face Wash

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While on the quest to find a really good exfoliating face wash, this one from Plum got my attention. I have been using it for months now, and trust me, my skin feels so good. What I really like is its luxe blend of ingredients and potent formulas that work toward nourishing and rejuvenating my skin. Having said that, it leaves my skin smooth, soft, supple, and plump. All thanks to the magical properties of ethyl ascorbic acid, Kakadu plum, and Japanese mandarin that take good care of my skin and protect it from free radical damage.

5

Most Nourishing

Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Facial Cleanser

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While researching for the best exfoliating face wash for men and women, I came across this one from Body Merry. With a potent blend of glycolic acid, willow bark, and jojoba wax beads, this facial cleanser renews my skin and keeps blemishes and blackheads at bay. Furthermore, it acts as a hydrating treatment and alleviates clogged pores. What’s more? Its frothy foam gently removes dirt and impurities without stripping away the natural oils off your skin.

6

Most Cost-effective

Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

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I have tried and tested a couple of exfoliating face washes for sensitive skin, but nothing can match up with the results that Cetaphil’s Healthy Radiance Exfoliating Cleanser has to offer. It gently exfoliates the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots, brown spots, hyperpigmentation, and post-acne marks that I have been dealing with for quite some time. Believe me, this cleanser works wonders, especially if you possess sensitive skin.

7

Best Non-comedogenic

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Exfoliating Cleanser

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I started using Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost cleanser and now nothing can prevent me from achieving youthful and radiant skin. This is indeed the best daily exfoliating face wash that gently cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates my skin. Plus, it is clinically proven to increase the hydration levels of the skin. Let me also tell you that it is specially formulated with hyaluronic acid and is thus renowned for its moisturizing properties. What’s more? It is a dermatologically-recommended brand and thus completely safe and gentle on the skin.

8

Best Fragrance-free

Hero Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser

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Based on my extensive research and findings, Hero’s Clear Collective Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser is the best for anyone who is dealing with acne. With AHA, BHA, and PHA, it removes grime, dust, dirt, and other deeply seated impurities. In addition, it buffs away dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling supple and smooth. What left me impressed is the fact that it is a phenomenal daily exfoliating face wash that has an amazing jelly-to-foam texture. The best part — it is meant for all skin types.

9

Best Gluten-free

VASANTI BrightenUp Exfoliator

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Achieving youthful, clear, and soft skin is now possible with Vasanti’s BrightenUp Exfoliator. Believe me, this is a fail-proof natural exfoliating face wash that is no less than a magical elixir. It is loaded with the goodness of aloe vera and papaya that soothe and heal the skin from within. Additionally, it features a powerful triple-action treatment that provides instant results and visibly brightens up the skin. Hence, this one is surely a skincare essential to bid adieu to dull, dehydrated, and irritated skin.

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Best for Everyday Regime

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Cleanser

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For anyone who wants to bid adieu to dull and drab skin, I recommend Kate Somerville’s ExfoliKate Cleanser. What makes me gravitate toward it is the fact that it is formulated with AHAs and fruit enzymes that gently cleanse not only impurities but also oil and makeup. Plus, it improves the appearance of pores and elevates the radiance of my skin. No doubt, it is the best-rated exfoliating face wash that delivers what it claims!

11

Most Hydrating

Kleem Organic Facial Cleanser

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Lastly, I recommend Kleem’s Organic Facial Cleanser for its splendid formulation that contains vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and turmeric extract. This potent blend makes it stand out from the rest. Having said that, it gently sweeps away dirt, oil, makeup and other impurities, and leaves your skin feeling healthy, cleansed, hydrated, soft, and smooth. What’s more? It is one of the finest anti-aging face washes that also moisturizes the skin with its creamy texture.

That was my comprehensive list of the best exfoliating face washes. Now, let me run you through a detailed buying guide.

Here are a few aspects that I consider before splurging on the best exfoliating face wash for men and women - 

Skin Type: Make sure you analyze your skin type before investing in any of the best exfoliating face washes. For those possessing sensitive skin types, make sure you splurge on face washes that are gentle, mild, and effective just like Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. For those with dry and dull skin, pick the ones that are hydrating and moisturizing. On the other hand, a non-acnegenic face wash is good for those dealing with combination, acne-prone, and oily skin types.

Ingredients: Pay heed to the list of ingredients that are mentioned on the packaging. I recommend investing in face washes that are infused with active ingredients, chemical exfoliants like AHA, BHA, and PHA, alpha-hydroxy acids, physical exfoliants, mandelic acid, papaya enzymes, green tea, Jojoba beads. Additionally, the ones with aloe vera, jojoba, fruit enzymes, and tea tree have proven to be beneficial for achieving healthy, rejuvenating, and smoother skin. 

Formula: The next important aspect is the formula of the face wash. Make sure you vouch for face washes that are free from parabens, sulfates, gluten, mineral oil, and other harmful toxins. Pick the ones that are vegan and cruelty-free and also free from artificial fragrances. For those with sensitive skin, pick one with a gentle formula.

Texture: Analyze the texture of the face wash. I recommend purchasing those that lather well and possess a gel-like texture.