The 13 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin, Tested & Reviewed

Best Overall

Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant

$20 at Amazon $69 at Dermstore $69 at Ulta

An exfoliant that doesn't aggravate InStyle tester Starr’s dry, eczema-prone skin is hard to find—but it exists in the form of this powder exfoliant, which is activated by adding water. She tried this product in the middle of an eczema flare-up, since it contains oat bran extract (which is known for its ability to soothe skin), and woke up to calmer skin in the morning and less burning and irritation.

It has the exfoliating action of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), and fruit enzymes, which makes skin look brighter and more even-toned. It did take a bit of trial and error to figure out how much powder and water were needed to make the exfoliating paste for the entire face. After rinsing, Starr’s skin also felt fresh and hydrated, and as she continued using it, her dry patches improved while her skin looked smoother overall.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Coconut milk, oat bran extract, papaya enzyme, hyaluronic acid, alpha hydroxy acid | Best For: Rosacea- or eczema-prone skin | Usage: Dispense a half-teaspoon between wet hands and rub them to create a lather, then massage onto skin in circular motions and rinse | Size: 0.45 oz

Starr, tester with sensitive, eczema, acne-prone skin: “My eczema and acne flare-ups minimized dramatically with this product.”

Best Budget

Neutrogena Deep Clean Gentle Daily Facial Scrub

$9

$7 at Amazon

$16

$8 at Walmart $11 at Walgreens

For a straightforward, frills-free exfoliation, it doesn't get much better than this product, which InStyle tester Laura used every evening before bed as her facial cleanser. The dual-exfoliant formula has just the right amount of grittiness, and it easily removes makeup, too. She could tell her skin was smoother immediately, and the results have only gotten better with time.

After several weeks, her skin looked more radiant compared to week one. Even with daily use, it hasn’t dried out her skin, either, which is a major plus. Some might not love the light, citrusy fragrance, though we found it pleasant and not too potent.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, cellulose, glycerin | Best For: All skin types, especially oily or acne-prone | Usage: Massage into damp skin, then rinse | Size: 4.2 oz 

Laura, tester with sensitive skin: “I think the main difference compared to my other face scrubs I've used in the past was that this was an inexpensive way to remove dirt and makeup from my skin at the end of the day in a non-abrasive way.”

Best Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin

Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

$85 at Amazon $85 at Nordstrom

$122

$85 at Ulta

Rather than a scrub, this lightweight cream feels smooth and silky—you can either leave it on as an overnight face mask or wash it off after 15 minutes (InStyle tester Janice opted for the former). Her skin slightly tingled the first few times she used it, although it never hurt, and she eventually stopped feeling any sensation when applying. And it’s worth sticking with it: After every application, skin felt smoother, softer, and more hydrated. In fact, the fine lines on her forehead looked less visible after a month, as did the bumpy, uneven texture on her cheeks.

While she’s still waiting to see a change in her hyperpigmentation, she’s convinced that it will come over time with consistent use. This treatment can be a little too harsh for very sensitive skin types, so make sure to patch test it first.

Formula: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, arnica, aloe | Best For: Signs of sun damage | Usage: Apply 1-2 pumps to skin | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7 oz

Janice, tester with sensitive skin (not pictured): “Immediately after applying this scrub, I noticed my face looked more dewy and radiant. I do think this product worked really well with my skin type. I didn't experience any dryness; in fact, my face felt hydrated and moisturized.”

Best Physical Exfoliator

Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub

$19 at Amazon $10 at Target $13 at Ulta

Micro-exfoliating beads might give some people some pause, especially if they used the harsh, gritty exfoliating scrubs of years past, but this is a redeeming formula for the category. InStyle tester Michelle found that the exfoliating beads are so fine, they're almost hard to detect—and the scrub was incredibly easy to massage into the skin. As soon as she rinsed, her skin felt more supple and soft with less of a bumpy texture.

While she usually prefers chemical exfoliants, she was impressed by just how well this physical option worked, as it didn't dry out or irritate her skin at all. Michelle’s only gripe is that it didn't seem to improve her acne (though it didn't exacerbate it, either).

Formula: Physical | Key Ingredients: Glycerin, vitamin B5, vitamin E | Best For: Uneven skin texture | Usage: Massage into damp skin, then rinse | Size: 6 oz

Michelle, tester with sensitive skin and acne: “It’s very gentle! Smooth and feels just like regular Cetaphil products, but with micro exfoliating beads that you can barely feel.”

Best Exfoliator for Acne-Prone Skin

SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

$96 at Dermstore $96 at Skinceuticals.com

Luxury skin care brand SkinCeuticals is known for its fan-favorite products (Exhibit A: C E Ferulic), but its more under-the-radar products deliver, too. For instance, InStyle tester Cara found this to be one of the best exfoliating masks she's tried. In an effort to smooth and soften her skin, she alternated her evening retinol product with this overnight cream, which uses glycolic acid to dissolve the glue (a.k.a. excess oil and gunk) that holds together dead skin cells, allowing them to easily slough off.

For a chemical peel-type product, it was surprisingly gentle and moisturizing—in fact, she could even skip her everyday moisturizer after applying a pea-size amount. Since using this, her clogged pores have disappeared, and she no longer gets errant whiteheads. While her skin didn't feel overly dry with this product, it did feel a little more sensitive than usual in the mornings, even though she regularly uses retinol and AHAs. Even though it is more expensive than others on our list, this product delivers excellent results.

Formula: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, phytic acid, jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil | Best For: Dullness or discoloration | Usage: Smooth a pea-sized amount over face and neck | Size: 1.7 oz

Cara, tester with sensitive skin and whiteheads: “I haven't had any small breakouts while using this. I'm not particularly acne-prone, but I usually get a few little whiteheads here and there. While using this, I didn't have a single one.”

Best Exfoliator for Blackheads

Tula Skincare Exfoliating Sugar Scrub

$34

$24 at Amazon $34 at Target $34 at Ulta

InStyle tester Teresa used this right after a shower and saw an immediate difference in how her skin looked and felt, a.k.a. a more radiant glow and smaller-looking pores. In fact, she even felt comfortable going without foundation, and a friend told her she was "glowing." On top of that, this nourishing probiotic extract-infused formula helped her achieve "glass skin," leaving it even smoother and softer instead of dry and tight. It also has a distinctly tropical scent she found mild and refreshing. Flecks of the sugar scrub can linger around the hairline if you don’t rinse well enough.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Probiotic extracts, sugar, papaya enzymes, pineapple enzymes | Best For: Those with large or clogged pores | Usage: Apply a dime-sized amount and massage, then rinse | Size: 2.9 oz

Teresa, tester with sensitive skin: “I noticed an immediate difference in how my skin looked and felt after applying it. Looking back on photos from the beginning of the month compared to the end, my pores are noticeably smaller and my skin appears and feels taut.”

Best Korean Exfoliator

Peach & Lily Glass Skin Face Polisher

$48 at Target $48 at Ulta $48 at Peachandlily.com

Thanks to InStyle tester Elizabeth's combination skin (which leans oily), she can usually see her pores from a mile away. Or she used to, at least, since it's no longer the case thanks to this scrub. Similar to some others on this list, it comes as a powder that you mix with water, which she liked since she could control the consistency. And it worked incredibly well for her pores: After a single use, it unclogged pores like some kind of "skin vacuum."

Now that she has used it regularly, she found that it does an equally good job at keeping her pores clean, too, and leaves skin looking healthy and bright. This powder didn't do much else besides seriously clearing out pores, so it might not be your go-to pick if you're looking to, say, fade dark spots or achieve "glass skin."

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, ginseng, allantoin, rice bran, corn starch | Best For: Large pores | Usage: Dispense a dime-sized amount into wet hands and rub together to create a creamy texture, then massage in circular motions and rinse | Size: 2.64 oz

Elizabeth, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “This is definitely gentle enough for daily use, especially since you control how strong the exfoliation is. It feels like a grainy powder, but not as rough or sharp as some other exfoliants can be.”

Best Chemical Peel

Caudalie Vinoperfect Micropeel Foam Cleanser

$30 at Amazon $30 at Sephora $30 at Caudalie.com

Some believe sensitive, oily-prone skin shouldn’t use chemical exfoliants, but let’s go ahead and debunk that myth. An exfoliator formulated with AHAs can actually help strengthen the skin barrier and reduce the likelihood of breakouts. InStyle tester Julia found that this Caudalie foam delivered exactly what her oily, acne-prone, sensitive skin needed: hydration, brightness, and targeted treatment. Thanks to mandelic acid and fruit acids, it effectively broke down congestion and left her skin noticeably smoother and more radiant than before.

One full pump dispenses a golf ball size amount of foam, which may feel like too much at once. We recommend pressing the pump slowly to control the output and get the amount that works best for you.

Formula: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, AHA fruit acids, grape water | Best For: those with uneven texture, dullness, and dark spots | Usage: For sensitive skin, use twice a week | Size: 3.3 oz

Julia, tester with oily, sensitive skin: “My skin is notorious for forming acne, burning sensations, and getting red when trying new skin care products, so I was very impressed when this one did none of the above.”

Best Exfoliator for Rosacea

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

$69 at Amazon $69 at Ulta $69 at Sephora

Managing redness while using an exfoliator can be tricky, but this Dermalogica powder handled it with ease. Its blend of enzymes and colloidal oatmeal creates a formula that soothes while gently lifting away dead skin, helping to support a smoother, healthier barrier. InStyle tester Katherine noticed her redness visibly diminishing, and even considered replacing her current exfoliant with this standout option.

We recommend starting slowly with this product. Although the directions indicate it’s suitable for daily use, begin with one to two applications per week and see how your skin responds.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Papain enzymes, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal, rice bran-derived phytic acid | Best For: Oily, combination, and normal skin types | Usage: Daily for one minute | Size: 2.6 oz

Katherine, tester with sensitive skin, rosacea, and eczema: “I have noticed (and I think you can see it in the photos) that my skin doesn't look as red as it did at the start of the test, and the texture is better and softer. I don't really struggle with clogged pores, but I can say that my skin looks better and less patchy.”

Best Exfoliator for Dry Skin

Peter Thomas Roth Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Treatment

$49 at Amazon $49 at Ulta $49 at Sephora

Keeping up with your skin shouldn’t feel like a chore—and that’s exactly why we love this pore-purifying exfoliator. Designed for all skin types including dry skin, the creamy formula contains tiny, soothing crystals that gently buff the skin without causing irritation (a major win in our book). Even InStyle tester Maggie, who typically avoids exfoliators due to their harshness on dry skin, found it gentle yet effective as it removed dead skin, leaving her complexion with a healthy, radiant glow. The lack of dryness she experienced is likely due to hydrating ingredients like glycerin, propanediol, aloe vera, and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid).

According to Maggie, a little goes a long way, since it spreads easily across the skin and delivers noticeably smoother, healthier-looking results almost instantly.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, microencapsulated enzymatic complex, soothing crystals | Best For: All skin types with acne, blemishes, clogged pores, and uneven skin texture | Usage: 1-2 times a week | Size: 1.7 oz

Maggie, tester with dry, sensitive skin and eczema flare-ups: “I struggle with exfoliators because I often find them too drying for my skin—I did not have this experience with this.”

Best Exfoliator for Oily Skin

PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment

$72 at Amazon $72 at Dermstore $72 at Pcaskin.com

There's no rule saying you have to stick with just one type of exfoliation. In fact, doubling up—as with this scrub, which pairs chemical and physical exfoliants—can actually be great for some skin types. InStyle tester Emma set out hoping that the combination of AHA, fruit enzymes, rice powder, and oil-absorbing clay would smooth our overall skin texture and shrink the look of our large pores, and did it ever deliver. Rather than feeling like overkill, the texture of the scrub was creamy with just the right amount of grit. She soon saw less congestion on her cheeks, where she is especially prone to breakouts.

Another perk is that her T-zone seemed to be less oily after using this scrub, but her skin never felt dried out or stripped. Our tester's skin didn’t exactly feel hydrated when using this product, though using a light moisturizer afterwards would provide an easy fix.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Mandelic acid, papain, rice powder, kaolin clay | Best For: Oily or breakout-prone skin types | Usage: After cleansing, apply and massage it in gentle circular motions | Size: 2.1 oz

Emma, tester with sensitive skin: “I do think my skin became more radiant with consistent use of this scrub. My pores and overall skin felt a lot cleaner after using it consistently.”

Best Gentle Exfoliator

Tatcha The Rice Polish

$69 at Amazon $69 at Sephora $68 at Tatcha.com

Say goodbye to rough texture, redness, and everything in between. Tatcha’s rice polish helped InStyle tester Mariza achieve healthy, radiant skin after just a few uses. With ingredients like green tea and Japanese rice bran, the formula transforms into a soft, luxurious foam that gently buffs away dead skin—while Japanese indigo soothes sensitive, irritated skin. Our tester also noted that it worked seamlessly with the rest of her routine. Paired with a rich moisturizer to combat her sensitive, slightly dry skin, this combination felt like a match made in heaven.

The product dispenses by tilting and shaking the container. Because this can release more than you need, we recommend pouring slowly and taking your time to control the amount.

Formula: Hybrid | Key Ingredients: Japanese rice bran, green tea, amino acids, lactic acid | Best For: All skin types with uneven texture and dullness | Usage: 1-2 times a week | Size: 2.1 oz

Mariza, tester with dry to normal sensitive skin: “My skin feels baby soft after using it! I did feel a tiny bit dry after using the product, but after pairing this exfoliator with my moisturizer—wow, my skin was incredibly soft and smooth immediately after and with continued use.”

Best At-Home Facial Exfoliator

Shani Darden Triple Acid Exfoliating Signature Peel

$125 at Amazon $125 at Sephora $125 at Revolve

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your skin care routine? This signature peel delivers spa-quality results from the comfort of home. Combining a blend of exfoliating acids with a soothing clay mask, it’s a true treat for your skin. Our tester Chantia noticed gentle shedding—not so intense that she felt the need to hide away—and also saw a noticeable fade in dark spots and reduced congestion. Thoughtfully formulated, this treatment helps renew skin for a smoother, brighter, and revitalized complexion.

Within the first application, Chantia experienced a burning sensation for about a minute. While it doesn’t last during the entire treatment, this may be uncomfortable for the super-sensitive skin types.

Formula: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acid, kaolin, and bentonite clay | Best For: Oily, combination, and normal skin types with dullness and uneven texture | Size: 0.17 oz pads, 1.7 oz mask

Chantia, tester with sensitive, combination skin: “A chemical peel that doesn't actually give you the uglies for a few days as your skin recovers? Absolute genius. I have also never used a two-step mask like this ever before.”