Osmosis Skincare Calm Gentle Retinal Serum 30ml
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If You Try A Physical Exfoliant
While not the best for sensitive skin types, physical exfoliants have an advantage: you can control the intensity. Using a physical scrub gives you complete control of the exfoliation, so you can quickly stop if you’re getting irritated. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t exfoliate more than twice a week to prevent irritation.
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Exfoliating Cleansers: Best Ones For Your Skin And How To Use Them
December 21, 2021 By Kelly Mikulec
- Exfoliating cleansers are not only beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin but for sensitive and dry skin as well
- They are formulated to clear pores of oil and debris buildup, and to slough off dead skin cells on the skins surface
- Shortcomings of each skin type can be addressed with the addition of skin-balancing active ingredients
- Exfoliating cleansers are available in gentle to full-strength formulas to meet the needs of all skin types
Exfoliating cleansers are a convenient way to combine the benefits of cleansing and exfoliating in one single product. The cleanser targets grime, makeup and environmental pollutants the exfoliant not only works deeper to remove excess oils and debris within pores, but removes dry flakes and dead skin cells at the surface level.
The combined forces of both agents effectively work to remove dirt and excess shine. This serves to refresh, clarify and smooth skin for a more even-toned, brighter complexion.
Contents
Salicylic Acid Deep Exfoliating Gel Based Cleanser

Formulated to exfoliate and clear clogged pores, Salicylic Acid Deep Exfoliating Gel Based Cleanser is all you need to get a more refined skin texture. It contains salicylic acid and glycolic acid that targets both the surface and deeper levels of your skin.
It unclogs pores through exfoliation to give an even skin tone. The cleanser is infused with green tea extract, chamomile, comfrey flower extract that reduces inflammation, soothes, repairs, and heals the skin. It helps to get rid of impurities whether its excess oil that clogs pores and dead skin cells.
Key Features:
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Aspect Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser
The Aspect Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser is a gentle foaming cleanser ideal for all skin types, especially dry and sensitive skin. … impurities without stripping skin of essential moisture.Is Aspect Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser suitable for oily skin?Gentle Clean Facial Cleanser has been formulated with dry and sensitive skin types in mind …
The 10 Best Exfoliators For Sensitive Skin
Just because you have sensitive skin, doesnt mean you cant get a deep, exfoliating clean. From body scrubs to gentle face scrubs, these products are our best picks for your delicate skin.
Elemental Herbology Macadamia & Papaya Radiance Body Scrub
This effective, yet gentle scrub boasts ingredients like Kombuchka, macadamia, papaya and buriti oil to deliver nutrients to your skin while nourishing it simultaneously. $72, elementalherbology.com
TATCHA Indigo Soothing Rice Enzyme Powder
This powder exfoliator features Japanese Indigo, which is a natural anti-inflammatory that is scientifically proven to effectively treat reactive skin. $65, tatcha.com
Purity of Elements Daily Detox Exfoliating Cleanser
This cleansers blend of soybean oil, jojoba oil, goji berry and white tea extract is formulated to exfoliate skin without stripping away essential hydration. $29, nordstrom.com
Joanna Vargas Skincare Exfoliating Mask
This ultra-fine liquid treatment uses natural ingredients like kaolin clay and volcanic ash to gently exfoliate skin and leave it silky smooth. Use it as an exfoliating cleanser or leave it on for 15 minutes and use it as a mask! $75, joannavargas.com
Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Scrub
This oil-free scrub is gentle enough to use every day, yet effective enough to deep clean pores. Microbeads gently exfoliate sensitive skin while betahydroxy acid leaves skin soft and smooth. $6, neutrogena.com
Caudalie Gentle Buffing Cream
EVE LOM Rescue Mask
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Laneige Cream Skin 50ml
A two-in-one, Laneige Cream Skin is both a toner and moisturiser in one – streamlining your Korean skincare routine and optimising hydration…. for all skin types – Cream Skin is also particularly suited for sensitive skin types.What are the key benefits of the Laneige Cream Skin?Toner and moisturiser in oneRelieves skin drynessMild and gentle formula suitable …
Pca Skin Retinol Treatment For Sensitive Skin 295g
Retinol can be for anyone. … for all skin types, PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin is a great … … for. What are the features & benefits of PCA Skin Retinol Treatment for Sensitive Skin?An anti-ageing serum featuring a gentler retinolSuitable for sensitive skin typesSuitable for people who want to introduce retinol to …
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The Right Exfoliant For Your Skin Type
The key to successful exfoliation is choosing the right kind of exfoliant for your skin type. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa K. Garshick recommends opting for products that use salicylic acid, one of the most popular BHAs. Salicylic acid is oil-soluble, so it helps penetrate deep into the pores to help unclog them while also eliminating dead skin cells.
If your skin is extra dry or on the sensitive side, Dr. Garshick suggests reaching for products formulated with AHAs and PHAs. In general, those with sensitive skin can still exfoliate, but its best to use ingredients that will be less irritating to the skin, she says. Lactic acid and mandelic acid are larger molecules when compared to glycolic acid, so they are unable to penetrate as deeply. As a result, they can be less irritating, making them a good option for sensitive skin. Additionally, polyhydroxy acids such as gluconolactone are another option for those with sensitive skin.
Q How Often Should I Exfoliate
A. If you have dry skin, exfoliate no more than two or three times a week. Excessive exfoliating can further irritate skin. But if your skin is quite oily and/or you have some body acne, you may exfoliate daily if the body wash is gentle enough. You can find out by checking the label of your product.
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Face Exfoliator Tips For Sensitive Skin
You can basically consider exfoliation the gateway to softer, more glowing skin overall, though it can make your skin feel extra sensitive and increase UV light sensitivity . Because of this, dermatologists suggest easing into it if you have easily reactive skin. That’s especially important if you have a touch-and-go condition like eczema or rosacea.
Doctors recommend that those with sensitive skin start conservatively. Because people with sensitive or dry skin are more prone to redness, burning, flaking, and irritation from these treatments, its important to use them less frequently and use lower strengths than someone with oily skin or combination skin may be able to use, Shari Marchbein, M.D., assistant professor of clinical dermatology at NYU School of Medicine, tells SELF. Over-exfoliating can result in red, flaky, irritated skin, especially on the face.
It’s best to slowly work your way up in strength or frequency, to help your skin build up tolerance. “Consider once weekly to twice weekly at first, working up to daily within a couple of weeks, says Melanie Palm, M.D., assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Diego.
Dr. Marchbein also recommends always moisturizing immediately after exfoliating, which can help with tolerability and to combat dryness.
All products featured on SELF are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
The Type Of The Exfoliator

Dermatologists usually recommend chemical exfoliators for people with sensitive skin as they break the bonds between the cells and this leads to removing the dead skin layer easier.
Chemical exfoliators include Alpha-hydroxy acids or Beta-hydroxy acids .
AHAs like lactic, mandelic, or glycolic acids are the most gentle and the safest on sensitive skin if used at a low concentration.
You should start with using it once a week then increase it to 2-3 times a week when your skin can tolerate it.
Starting slowly is the key to avoiding irritation or burning. AHAs-based products help exfoliate the skin gently while moisturizing and smoothing it.
BHAs like salicylic acid can be a little stronger than AHAs as they can prevent breakouts and refine pores. So you may start with BHAs-based products at a very low concentration.
We have also another gentle one azelaic acid, which can shed dead skin cells, clear pores, and boost radiance. So it can be also effective to be used on sensitive skin.
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Skinmedica Aha/bha Exfoliating Cleanser $47 To $48
SkinMedicas AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser improves skin texture and tone and is gentle on the skin, Peredo highlights. Its formulated with salicylic acid, so those with acne can use it.
Its also formulated with lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid and malic acid, making it great for all skin types.
Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel
Reveal a smoother and brighter complexion with the Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel. … granule-free exfoliating mask uses fruit enzymes to hydrate , soften , and refresh skin whilst treating sensitive skin types gently.Key benefits of Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel:Ultra skin exfoliant to smooth …
$49.00
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Best For Dry Skin: Aveeno Positively Radiant Exfoliating Daily Scrub
Used by men and women alike, Aveenos Positively Radiant Scrub is designed to fight dry skin and improve skin texture.
This scrub features jojoba and castor oils which tones your skin and evens out its surface, as well as soy extract which provides hydration.
One of the benefits of a good toner is that it sets your skin up to more effectively drink up the moisturizer. This scrub tones and hydrates at the same time.
It smells delicious and works for sensitive skin types too. Its an overall mild cleanser and one of the best if you are new to exfoliation.
Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish
Polish away dead skin cells and improve the appearance of skin tone and texture with the KLAIRS Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish…. and benefits of the KLAIRS Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish?Exfoliates away dead skin cellsReduces blackheadsImproves the appearance of skin tone and textureGentle on sensitive skinHelps reduce oil productionContains …
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Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant Deep Pore Face Scrub $62
As an Amazons Choice product, Dermatologicas Daily Superfoliant has developed quite a following. You literally tap the powder into your hand, add water and exfoliate away, Mariwalla explains. Its really soft on the skin and leaves it quite glowy afterwards.
Specifically, she recommends it for normal and oily skin, using weekly as a great additive to any skincare routine.
Sodashi Gentle Repair White Clay Mask
A soothing blend of Chamomile, Damask Rose, Calendula and Neroli help to soothe and reduce redness and inflammation in skin, revealing a healthy, calm complexion. … healthy , calm complexion. Key benefits of the Sodashi Gentle Repair White Clay Mask:Reduces rednessCools and calms skinStrengthens and repairs sensitive skinHelps to draw out impurities , and minimise pores …
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What Are The Best Ingredients To Look For In A Facial Exfoliant
- Lactic acid is gentle so its great for dry or sensitive skin
- Citric and Malic acids can help thicken your skin so are good if you have sun damage
Whats more, facial exfoliants come in the form of cleansers or facial scrubs, so you can select the formula based on your prefernce. When you use an exfoliator for the face, the finer, granular ones are better because they are not as harsh and wont cause skin abrasions, Peredo recommends.
What To Avoid When You Buy An Exfoliator

- Harsh exfoliators
Keep away from harsher exfoliants as they may cause sensitive skin to sting or burn. In worse case scenarios, they may even cause you to break out. However, if you want to give harsh exfoliators a try for other skin benefits, make it a point to use them less frequently.
- Large exfoliating particles
You should look out for large particles like nut shells or walnuts in the exfoliator that youre opting for. They can be too harsh to your sensitive skin and act as abrasives. They can also cause micro-tears which can ultimately lead to acne or skin irritation.
- High concentration acids
Though AHAs such as glycolic acid and lactic acid are good for your skin, they can irritate your skin, and it all depends on their concentration levels. AHAs, if used in higher concentration as peeling agents, can cause skin irritation and increase sun sensitivity. It is safe to use exfoliants with 8 to 10% AHAs.
Slough away the dull and dead skin with these 13 best exfoliators for sensitive skin that are formulated to be gentle and can yet be very effective in adding a natural and radiant glow to your face by fighting the aging signs. Though exfoliators can be super tempting as they provide multiple skin benefits, resist from overusing them as they can lead to skin irritation, microtears, redness, and breakouts in the long run. When you use the right exfoliator once or twice a week on your sensitive skin, you can have a good skin day every day.
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Pca Skin Creamy Cleanser 2065ml
Finally, a cleanser that is kind to sensitive skin but completely effective. Finally, a cleanser that is kind to sensitive skin but completely effective. PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser is an intensely nourishing cleanser that uses an A gentle yet effective cream cleanser for dry , mature , and sensitive skin types.Finally , a cleanser that is kind to sensitive skin that is completely effective. PCA Skin Creamy Cleanser is an intensely nourishing …
What Are The Types Of Exfoliants
There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and physical.
Physical Exfoliants work on buffing away dead skin cells from the skin physically.
They come in the form of scrubs with microbeads, walnut shells, or sand, Dermaplaning tools, or facial brushes.
Physical exfoliants are not recommended for sensitive skin as they contain large and sharp bites that can cause hyperpigmentation or micro-tears on the outer layer of the skin.
Dermatologists dont usually recommend this type of exfoliant due to those side effects.
Chemical Exfoliants are acid-based formulas that are used in skin-care products to remove away all dead skin cells and promote a new and fresh layer of skin.
They come in two types: alpha-hydroxy acids like lactic, malic, or glycolic acids and beta-hydroxy acids like salicylic acid.
Both of them improve skin texture and even skin tone. Salicylic acid skin-care products are super effective in reducing breakouts as salicylic acid minimizes swelling and reduces inflammation.
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Clear Skin Aha/bha Exfoliating Cleanser
This is a deep exfoliating cleanser. It has jojoba beads that buff away dirt, oil, and harmful bacteria and dead skin cells for a brighter look. It is formulated with salicylic acid, a strong BHA which absorbs excess oil, removes dirt, unclogs pores, and removes dead cells.
Blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts are not forgiven either. It also has glycolic acid that penetrates deep to the skin to ease fine lines, dark spots, signs of aging, and also aid in cell renewal. These active ingredients are enriched with orange and grapefruit peel oil that nourishes the skin.
Key Features:
Salt By Hendrix Stars Align Aha + Bha Exfoliating Mask 60g
The SALT BY HENDRIX Exfoliating Mask contains a combination of plant-based AHA’s and BHA’s that work to exfoliate away dead skin cells, reduce blemishes and improve the appearance of skin tone and texture…. ‘s that work to exfoliate away dead skin cells and improve the … exfoliant , after 1-2 minutes gently massage the mask into the skin and then gently wash with warm water.It’s recommended that if you have sensitive skin …
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Bioderma Hydrabio Starter Kit For Dehydrated Skin
All of your Bioderma Hydrabio favorites now available in this handy little kit. … respecting the natural balance of the skin. The ultra-gentle micelles help capture fatty molecules such … dehydrated and sensitive skin types. This deeply hydrating range is designed to restore the skin’s cellular activity …
$39.99
What Types Of Exfoliating Cleansers Are There
There are two main types of exfoliating cleansers available – physical exfoliating cleansers, and chemical exfoliating cleansers.
As you might have guessed, physical exfoliants use small particles to scrub away dead skin cells.
Chemical exfoliants, on the other hand, use acids, like glycolic, lactic and salicylic, to dissolve away dead skin cells, revealing healthy skin underneath.
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