The face exfoliators the Glamour team swear by
Skin in need of a polish? From physical scrubs to active-packed treatments and enzymatic formulas, these are all the Glamour team’s go-to face exfoliators.
Sometimes, when your skin is feeling rough or flaky, congested or dull, what it really needs is a good, deep, proper cleanse that goes beyond what a typical cleanser can do—and it’s here that a face exfoliator comes in. An important step in any skincare routine, exfoliating is something akin to wiping the slate clean. Whether you’re wanting to clear away the grit and grime that accumulates over time and clogs the pores, or prep your skin for a fresh, clean glow or seamless make-up base, a face exfoliant is the product you need to hit the ultimate reset button.
But choosing the right exfoliator is a delicate matter, since there’s more than one type. There are physical or mechanical exfoliants, otherwise known as scrubs, which use fine particles or beads to slough away dead skin cells and manually polish the skin; then there’s chemical exfoliants (think AHAs and BHAs) that go on smooth but work beneath the skin’s surface to dissolve the bonds holding the dead cells together. Then there’s enzymatic exfoliants, which harness natural fruit enzymes to digest surface buildup sans any actives or friction.
So, how do you decide which one is right for you? Factoring in your skin type and what its unique needs are is the most important thing above all else—second to that, you’ll probably want some verified, first-hand recommendations. Enter the GLAMOUR team, and our own tried-and-tested face exfoliators that we can guarantee get the job done.
From our favourite exfoliating treatments to our go-to scrubs, ahead, discover all the face exfoliators that the GLAMOUR team swear by.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliating Treatment with 5% Glycolic Acid
“As someone who is overly conscious about overdoing it with my skincare, I’m also fully aware that having a good exfoliator that’s actually going to help reset the skin is also a must. This is a cult favourite for a reason. I feel like I'm sloughing off dead cells and smoothing with just a few swipes, and without tipping my skin over the edge.” —Ana Eksouzian-Cavadas, beauty editor
Grown Alchemist Polishing Exfoliator
“I have sensitive skin, so I need a gentle exfoliator. I have tried a few over the years, but always go back to this one from Grown Alchemist. It never breaks me out or strips my skin barrier. I love that you have an instant feeling of smooth, refreshed skin after use.” —Carla Traplin, multimedia content editor
Chanel Sublimage La Lotion Lumiè Re Exfoliante
“I have pretty oily skin and am already using a cocktail of gorgeous prescription actives on my face, so I like to keep my exfoliant really gentle. Chanel’s Sublimage range is pricey, but it’s worth the splurge — especially for an exfoliator that you only need to use a few times a week, a little goes a long way. I love how silky smooth this formula is and how it won’t upset any of my chemical actives.” —Francesca Wallace, digital director
The Ordinary Saccharomyces Ferment 30% Milky Toner for Gentle Exfoliation and Hydration
“I have been a day-one supporter of The Ordinary and continue to swear by the brand. I use the Milky Toner every night after my shower as my base to my nightly routine. It leaves my skin feeling soft and dewy.” —Isabella Mamas, creative director
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
“Texture is a big factor in how I choose the products that go on my face, and I love the way this cleanser feels on my skin. It’s neither too gooey nor too thin and doesn’t have that harsh ‘stripping’ feeling that you get from some of the more powerful cleansers. I’ve gone through plenty of these, and it’s one of the products I’ll continue to top up, time after time!” —Will Lennox, contributing editor
Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser
“Jurlique really comes to my aid every time the weather starts dipping, and my skin barrier is the first to need resuscitation. I reach for this foaming cleanser every time I want to slough off my makeup gently but efficiently, and it has never failed me.” —Karen Leong, contributing editor
Alpha-H Illuminating Enzyme Polish with Native Rosella Flower
“While I do love a gritty exfoliator, I also find my skin responds well to alternating it with a powder polish, which I find a bit less harsh. This illuminating enzyme polish is gentle enough to use often, buffing away dead skin and cleansing while leaving my skin looking refreshed and revitalised—but without any of the redness often associated with exfoliants.” —Saskia Tillers, contributing editor
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating + Mask
“This has been a staple in my extended shower routine for years now. I love how the gentle beads help to lift any dead skin and then you can leave it on as a masque while you finish showering, for an extra boost of brightening. It also works a treat on any body areas that get neglected, such as the back, neck and chest.” —Yeong Sassall, contributing editor
Key Takeaways / Quick Facts
- Tailored Frequency: Optimal use of a face exfoliator depends on your skin type and the specific product, but above all, moderation is key—avoiding daily exfoliation is key to prevent damaging your skin barrier.
- Targeted Methods: Match the formula to your goal—physical and enzymatic exfoliators offer polish and smoothing for the skin’s surface, while chemical exfoliants work underneath the skin to address tone and texture over time.
- Barrier Defence: Always follow up with a hydrating moisturiser and daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, as newly exposed skin is much more sensitive to UV damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is exfoliating good for the face?
Yes! Exfoliating the face is essential for removing dead skin cells, smoothing rough or flaky skin, unclogging pores, and brightening tone. While your skin naturally sheds millions of dead skin cells every day to make way for new ones, regular exfoliation offers the process a helping hand, ensuring that your skin stays smoother, brighter and clearer.
With that layer of debris out of the way, exfoliating can also assist in helping other skincare products absorb into the skin better, which is why it’s often recommended you exfoliate as the first step in your skincare routine.
But not everyone will find they need to or even can safely exfoliate—sensitive skin and skin prone to irritation can often find the process too harsh, so before you pick up an exfoliant, it’s best to consult a doctor or dermatologist on the very best product and routine for your skin.
How often should I exfoliate my face?
Like many of our favourite skincare products, face exfoliators are best enjoyed in moderation. Too much exfoliation can disrupt the skin barrier, potentially leading to irritation, redness, micro tears, dry skin, and breakouts—some of the very things an exfoliator used correctly can help treat. The exact frequency will come down to the exact product you’re using, as well as your skin type.
For those with normal to combination skin, exfoliating once or twice a week is recommended to keep your skin smooth and your other skincare products working more effectively. For those with an oily complexion, your skin can probably stand to be exfoliated more regularly to help manage sebum flow. Try exfoliating twice a week—ideally once with a physical exfoliator, then once with a chemical formula—and if your skin is coping, increase to three times a week.
For dry skin, twice a week is often the sweet spot to help remove flaky skin and aid in the moisture absorption of your other hydrating products. For sensitive skin, it’s recommended to use an exfoliator once a week—ideally one with an extra gentle formula, or an enzymatic exfoliator—before working your way up in frequency only if needed, and depending on the product.