The 13 Best Exfoliators That Leave You Glowing

Garnier SkinActive Deep Pore Green Tea Exfoliating Scrub ($7)

Garnier enters the vegan beauty scene with this matcha green tea–powered scrub (99 percent of the entire formula is derived from natural ingredients, meaning it’s free of things like microbeads and dyes) to decongest all skin types without harsh abrasives or chemicals. 

Tula Dual-Phase Skin Reviving Treatment Pads ($59 for 16 pads)

These finger-size treatment pads feature two different sides to deliver a travel-friendly skin treatment in a matter of minutes. One side is infused with a serum that’s packed with a probiotic and lactic acid cocktail, papaya fruit extract and witch hazel; the other side is textured to exfoliate and massage the formula into the skin.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($85)

A cult-classic in every sense of the word—if you ask 10 skin care gurus what their go-to exfoliator is, at least two are bound to rattle this name off—this spa-inspired scrub (the scent is to die for) utilizes lactic acid and fruit enzymes to work double time and reveal softer, brighter-looking skin in two minutes flat. 

Starskin 7-Second Morning Mask ($30)($30)

Consider these pads the gold standard of multitasking products: One side features exfoliating beads and a balancing toner to promote circulation, remove dead skin and refine pores in one swipe; the other is drenched with a serum, plumping moisturizer and leave-on mask cocktail for smooth, glowing skin before you’ve even had time for your first cup of coffee.  

ZO Skin Health Exfoliating Polish ($67)

As the rich, balm-like formula glides onto the skin without feeling too abrasive, thousands of ultra-fine magnesium crystals and vitamins A, C and E penetrate just enough to reveal a brighter, smoother surface without any redness.

PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment ($58)

Crafted with clay to battle a stubborn T-zone, as well as mandelic acid and natural enzymes for an advanced exfoliation, this all-inclusive treatment checks all of the required boxes for better-looking skin.

Planted in Beauty by Well Within Polish + Resurface Detox Exfoliant ($75)

The brainchild of two former La Prairie execs, this edited lineup of natural products is just as effective as it is pretty. Case in point: the exfoliator, which harnesses the power of pineapple and raspberry extracts to purge dead skin cells without irritating your complexion. 

Aim HI Every Day Your Sweet Face…Scrub ($35)

This sweet-smelling scrub is 99.8-percent organic and handcrafted in Hawaii with coconut, sweet almond, jojoba, rosehip seed, and argan oils—plus tiny granules of organic sugar—to gently exfoliate dead skin cells and nourish the skin beneath.

Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 8% AHA Lotion ($29)

Second only to water, glycolic acid is the top ingredient in this lightweight, gel lotion (translation: it’s powerful, but a great choice for skin that’s easily irritated) that’s safe for a.m. and p.m. use to remove dull, dead skin and replace it with radiance.

RéVive Le Polish Micro-Resurfacing Treatment ($125)

For a straight-up polish that shows no mercy but carries a promise of all-around better skin, look no further than this luxe option that’s chock-full of aluminum oxide crystals for baby-soft skin that gleams.

Lancôme Énergie de Vie Exfoliating Mask ($55)

When time is of the essence, reach for this five-minute mask packed with jojoba pearls to slough away flaky skin and lemon peel to brighten any dullness.

Farmacy New Day Gentle Exfoliating Grains ($30)

A drop of water transforms these powder-like grains into a lightweight exfoliating cream where cranberry seeds act as an exfoliating agent and white willow bark, carrot, green tea and marshmallow soothe, protect and calm.

Tammy Fender Epi-Peel ($80)

Peppered with oats and lemon peel, this thick white paste feels like a scrub, but dries down to a mask in five minutes. Once you wash it off, you’ll notice instant softness and radiance without any redness or stinging.