14 Best Drugstore Exfoliators For Clean And Clear Skin
Rejuvenate and smoothen your skin this season to flaunt flawless looks.
Olunife OfomataLicensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist
Expertise: Holistic Beauty And Inner & Outer Beauty Systems
Experience: 14 years
Olunife Ofomata, founder and CEO of Sweeter Juice Skin, is an expert in the fields of esthetics, medical esthetics, and makeup artistry with over 14 years of experience. She is a licensed esthetician and certified makeup artist and obtained... more
Expertise: Skin & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Kirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and has 3 years of experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the... more
Image: Shutterstock
Exfoliation helps deal with dullness and dryness. Some of the best drugstore exfoliators can deliver impressive results, so you don’t need to break the bank. As skin issues worsen due to pollution and lifestyle factors, you must take proactive measures to maintain healthy skin. Keeping your skin moisturized requires exfoliating dead skin cells. This reduces dryness and flakiness. In addition, you can achieve a bright, bouncy finish with exfoliating since exfoliation encourages collagen and elastin production. They also delay the onset of wrinkles, fine lines, sagginess, and other signs of skin aging.
The two most popular methods of exfoliation are physical and chemical exfoliators. The former uses granular materials for exfoliation, whereas the latter relies on ingredients such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to do the job. Olunife Ofomata, licensed esthetician and makeup artist, says, “It is important to choose gentle physical exfoliators that do not have large or harsh granular materials in them in order to protect the skin from irritation, inflammation, and potential damage. Harsh granular materials, such as walnut shells or pumice, can be too abrasive on the skin, which can lead to micro-tears or fissures in the skin. This can increase inflammation and invite bacteria into the skin, leading to infection and other complications. Using gentler physical exfoliants that contain small beads or non-abrasive materials can help prevent these issues while still providing effective exfoliation of dead skin cells and cleansing the skin.”
Your search ends here if you’re trying to find a cost-effective way to combat dull skin and blocked pores. Find the right exfoliator for your skin type by browsing our list of the 14 best drugstore exfoliators. Keep scrolling!
In This Article
14 Best Drugstore Exfoliator For Glowing Skin In 2023
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Are you looking for a drugstore chemical exfoliant that is soft and gentle on your skin? This leave-on exfoliant from Paula’s choice infused with salicylic acid and skin conditioners might be the right choice. This salicylic acid drugstore exfoliant efficiently diminishes enlarged pores, smooths skin texture, unclogs pores, and exfoliates dead skin cells for clear and radiant skin. The glycol in this formula holds and attracts moisture, while the green tree extracts reduce inflammation. It contains no added chemicals to ensure that it is suitable for all skin types. Here is the video of a detailed review of the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant.
[3]Best Drugstore Facial Exfoliator And Scrub. Nailartgear. https://www.nailartgear.com/best-drugstore-facial-exfoliator-and-scrub/
Pros - Oil-free
- Alcohol-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for daily use
- Works on all skin types
Cons
- Some may find the texture of this product to be a bit watered-down.
Image: Aveeno
Who wouldn’t love to have smooth and bright skin? Check out Aveeno’s positively radiant exfoliating face scrub, which dramatically reduces the appearance of pores and visibly brightens skin tone. The soy extract in this formula gently cleanses the skin and removes impurities. This drugstore physical exfoliant also contains jojoba oil and castor oil, which improve skin texture for skin that feels clean, soft, and healthy. Look at this video to learn more about the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.Pros
- Soap-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- May not be suitable for dry skin
Quick Tip
Image: Acure
Have you heard of a skin detox? If not, it is the process of removing impurities like dust, bacteria, excess oil, and grime from your skin. This product from Acure is the best drugstore exfoliating face scrub that detoxifies and softens your skin. Its gentle ingredients, walnut shell powder, aloe vera, and acai fruit will give you a refreshing effect after every use. The sea kelp, lemon peel, and French green clay exfoliates dead skin cells, draws out impurities, and purifies your skin, ensuring you are left with brighter, smoother skin. Watch this video for an honest personal review of the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub.
Pros
- Vegan
- Sulfate-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
- Free of mineral oils
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Some may find the scent unpleasant.
Image: Palmer’s
Sensitive skin can be a huge problem when it comes to trying out new products. But no, you don’t have to feel left out anymore. This incredible product from Palmer is a heedfully made exfoliator for dry, sensitive skin. Infused with vitamin E, raw coconut oil, and chamomile extracts, this facial scrub naturally exfoliates the skin, attracts, and holds moisture while softening the skin. Free of harmful chemicals, it ensures skin is left feeling squeaky clean, without irritating or over-drying your skin.
Pros
- Dye-free
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalates-free
- Super hydrating
Cons
- Some may find that the product has a gritty texture that might cause micro-tears.
Image: Clean & Clear
Too many cosmetic products damaging your skin? This product from Clean & Clear is part of the good drugstore exfoliators in the market, which deeply cleanses your pores, removes oil and makeup, and cleanses skin for clear skin. This oil-free formula is enriched with glycerin and hydrates the skin to generate a tingly cooling effect on your skin, making it a must-have addition to your daily skin care routine.
Pros
- Unclogs pores
- Ideal for daily use
- Pleasant fragrance
- Gentle exfoliating beads
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Contains sulfate
Image: M3 Naturals
Here comes the ultimate cleansing charcoal scrub from M3 naturals. This natural drugstore exfoliator with dead sea salts, collagen, activated charcoal, kukui nut, and stem cells cleanses your pores and boosts natural collagen production. This scrub is also infused with aloe extract, coconut oil, stearic acid, and spinach extracts to combat signs of skin aging and reduce skin imperfections like acne, blackheads, and stretch marks.
Pros
- Fights aging
- Cruelty-free
- Detoxifies skin
- Suitable for all skin types
- Improves skin health dramatically
Cons
- May contain petroleum
Pro Tip
Image: Cetaphil
This dermatologist-recommended exfoliator from Cetaphil is extra gentle on your skin, keeping it moisturized and hydrated. It gently removes dead and dry skin cells and smooths skin texture for bright, clear skin. This exfoliating facial cleanser and scrub contains citric acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E to dissolve skin impurities and target dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture. Within no time, it cleanses your skin without drying it.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Non comedogenic
- Micro fines particles
- Dermatologically tested
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Might have a strong fragrance
Image: Loreal Paris
What can be more effective than a classic sugar scrub exfoliant? Loreal paris’ smooth sugar clearing scrub is one of the best drugstore exfoliators you’ll find. With cymbopogon schoenanthus, peppermint oil, and kiwi seed extracts this clearing scrub purifies and unclog pores gently. The combination of white, brown, and blonde sugars rich in minerals in this formula exfoliates skin efficiently.
Pros
- Tightens pores
- Rinses off easily
- Quick visible results
- Can be used for lips
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Might be a little greasy
Image: The Body Shop
Are you looking for a good drugstore exfoliator? The Body Shop’s squeaky clean exfoliating face scrub infused with green tea extracts is specially made for acne-prone skin is one of the best ones in the market. From the foothills of Mount Kenya, pure tea tree oil is extracted and added to this fine formula along with castor oil to give you smooth and glowing skin. The fair-traded ingredients in the formula battle acne and excess oil to ensure soft, clear, healthy skin.
Pros
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
- Silicone-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Contains synthetic fragrances and colors
Image: Bliss
Are you on the hunt for a gentle exfoliator that not only exfoliates but also keeps your skin hydrated? Give this one by Bliss a shot! Formulated with glycerine, coconut extracts, lavender oil, and niacinamide, it rejuvenates your skin and seals in moisture to avoid dehydration. The non-abrasive agents such as pineapple and papaya enzymes prevent dead skin cells without causing any rashes or irritation. Considered one of the best drugstore exfoliating face scrubs, it is free of harsh chemicals.
Pros
- SLS-free
- Cruelty-free
- Sulfate-free
- Paraben-free
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Might not yield immediate results
Image: La Roche-Posay
Do you have sensitive skin which is prone to rashes and allergies? Don’t miss out on this mild exfoliator by La Roche-Posay! With its fine pumice particles, this scrubbing cleanser enriched with glycerine removes dirt, grime, impurities, and dead skin cells from your skin, delivering a neat, even, and bright complexion. If you want to achieve purified, smooth, and healthy skin, this one’s for you!
Pros
- Mild formula
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Retains moisture
- Ideal for all skin types
Cons
- Contains added fragrances
Pamper your skin with this 2-in-1 cleanser and scrub that offers multiple skin benefits! Powered with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, blueberry, pomegranate, chamomile, peppermint, and vitamin E, it effectively washes away dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. It also attracts and locks in moisture to your moisture-deprived skin. If this wasn’t all, it also includes microdermabrasion crystals, which fights tough acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts.
Pros
- Vegan
- 100% natural
- Repairs skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Gentle formulation
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- May contain an overpowering scent
Image: Touch
Here is a good drugstore exfoliator by Touch that embraces all skin types! It is formulated with glycerine, jojoba oil, chamomile extract, aloe extract, and green tea to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. This microdermabrasion scrub contains micro-crystals to cleanse away the worn-out skin cells and delivers fresh, glowing, and younger-looking skin. Besides this, it also treats acne, fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and blemishes effectively.
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Alcohol-free
- Exfoliates gently
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologically tested
- Free of harmful chemicals
Cons
- Some may find that the consistency of this product is slightly greasy.
Check out this nourishing and revitalizing sugar scrub which leaves your skin soft and clean! With candelilla wax, papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, the mild formula washes away dirt and impurities from your skin. The best part about this gentle exfoliating cleanser is that it delivers softness, radiance, and evenness to your skin. The lactic acid helps in correcting age spots and uneven skin tone while effectively clearing hyperpigmentation.
Pros
- Oil-free
- Free of mineral oil
- No harsh chemicals
- Gentle on sensitive skin
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- The sugar might dissolve quickly.
Infographic: How To Choose The Best Drugstore Exfoliators
A good exfoliator is one of the best products to regain your skin’s natural glow. It penetrates deep into your skin and removes unwanted dirt, grime, and pollutants. So, include an exfoliator in your skin care routine and achieve healthy, clear skin. Check out the infographic to understand what to consider when selecting a formula for your skin type. Scroll down for more information. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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Removing dead skin cells and dirt from the skin’s surface is called exfoliation. Unlike traditional scrub exfoliators, the drugstore exfoliators contain granular material and acids like AHA, salicylic, and BHA that penetrate deep into the skin to remove impurities from the blocked pores. Adding them to your skin care routine will help improve collagen production and reduce the signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, they help in improving skin elasticity. Most of the drugstore exfoliators on our list are cruelty-free, vegan, and paraben-free. However, some exfoliators may have an overpowering fragrance. The product reviews will help you choose what AHAs and BHAs exfoliators suit your skin type.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast. She loves to explore various skin care products, and her extensive research helps her compile a list of products from which readers can easily choose. The best drugstore exfoliators are curated after thorough research and reading many online reviews. She says that exfoliation is a key step in a skin care routine, and one should invest in the best exfoliator to reap the benefits of a skin care regime.
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