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Byrdie / Marcus Millan
Exfoliation makes a massive difference in the look and feel of your skin, removing the dead, dry skin cells that leave your complexion looking dull and lackluster.1 "Exfoliation can also unclog pores, prevent acne, help with texture, and even out skin tone," says certified nurse practitioner and aesthetic nurse specialist, Christine Adams. Thankfully, you can combine two skincare steps into one with an exfoliating cleanser, which will wash off dirt, oil, and makeup, and gently exfoliate at the same time.
We tested more than 85 different face washes, using each twice daily (or according to instructions) for a month. During this time we evaluated everything from the product’s packaging to formula consistency to how easy it is to use to its overall effectiveness and results. We also considered recommendations from a board-certified dermatologist to help us narrow down our list. Here are the 12 exfoliating face washes that can make skin look like new.
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Gentle exfoliation
Removes makeup completely
Noticeable results
Fragrance-free
Nothing
Key Ingredients: Babassu, patented tri-enzyme technology, white truffle | Skin Type(s): All | Benefits: Cleansing, smoothing, resurfacing | Size: 6.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Elemis’ Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash is everything you want in an exfoliating cleanser. It’s great for all skin types and thoroughly cleanses while gently exfoliating. It lathers nicely and you only need about half a pump to cover the whole face When testing this product, it left our skin feeling smooth and hydrated—never stripped of natural oils.
We love how gentle this face wash felt on our skin without sacrificing effectiveness. One tester noticed that her pores looked smaller after using this face wash. It also did a great job of removing makeup without the need to double-cleanse. Not to mention, it smells great. Honestly, there’s nothing we don’t like about this product.
Michal, age 25-34 with combination skin
“I never felt the need to double-cleanse, even after using makeup or a long day of travel. My face did not feel overstripped from natural oils but it was clean and hydrated.”
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Leaves skin super-smooth
Easy to spread
Gentle exfoliant
Nothing
Key Ingredients: Rice powder, rice extract, papaya enzyme | Skin Type(s): All | Benefits: Cleansing, exfoliating, soothing, hydrating, brightening | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Not only is the price point excellent on this one from Tonymoly, but a little goes a long way, so a single purchase lasts a long time. We also just loved how well it performed. It has a slightly gritty consistency that lathers nicely, and always leaves the skin feeling clean, refreshed, smooth, and hydrated (but never greasy or oily). It also removed makeup so efficiently that we never had to double-cleanse.
It’s super easy to rinse off, too—we just used some water and our hands, no washcloth intervention required. This face wash truly delivered on all of its promises, and there’s nothing we’d change about it.
Heather, age 49 with dry skin
“I would say as an added benefit, it was easy to use, easy cleanup, and I only had to use a dime's worth of product each time, so the bottle is long-lasting.”
Best Physical Exfoliator
Beekman 1801 Milk Scrub Oat and Goat Milk Exfoliating Facial Cleanser
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Nordstrom
Has gentle scrubbing jojoba beads
Removes face makeup well
Left skin glowy
Doesn’t remove mascara well
Key Ingredients: Oat milk, jojoba beads, lactic acid | Skin Type(s): Sensitive, uneven, flakey | Benefits: Exfoliating, cleansing, pore minimizing | Size: 3 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Beekman 1801’s Milk Scrub Oat and Goat Milk Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is made with jojoba beads, which gently scrub and polish the skin, leaving you looking and feeling refreshed. We love how this face wash felt during use, and were seriously impressed by how well the little beads removed dirt and oil from our skin and pores. The glow it delivered was a lovely bonus.
This face wash doesn’t lather much but spreads on the face well and rinses off quickly. We appreciated how efficiently it removed face makeup, although one tester needed to use makeup remover wipes to dissolve the remaining mascara. Aside from that, it’s a high-quality product we’d use it again and again.
Sharon, age 45-54 with combination skin
“Honestly, there isn’t anything I would change with this facewash. The tube it came in dispensed just the right amount needed. The jojoba beads felt great on the skin and worked well to make my face feel clean and radiant.”
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A little goes a long way
Cools on contact
Physical exfoliation with microbeads
Not a good option for dry skin
Key Ingredients: Sand microbeads, grape water, menthol | Skin Type(s): Normal, combination, oily | Benefits: Unclogs pores, soothes skin, evens out skin texture, hydrates | Size: 2.5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Our tester with oily, sensitive skin, found this face wash helped remove excess oil from his skin without making it feel stripped. He said his complexion immediately began looking and feeling fresher as soon as he added it to his skincare routine.
This face wash has a cooling effect (thanks to the menthol in the formula), which feels amazing on the skin. And, of course, we appreciate the gentle but effective exfoliators in the form of sand microbeads. It’s worth noting that this isn’t meant for daily use (it can be a bit harsh, especially on reactive skin); we recommend switching off with a gentler cleanser for non-exfoliating days.
Adam, age 35-44 with oily/sensitive skin
“Because of the scrub-like consistency, my face felt envigorated and fresh after using. With a more oily skin type than dry, it felt like the right kind of face wash and my skin feels great after using.”
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Skin feels tighter after use (in a good way)
Leaves face looking glowy
Great scrubbing effects
Can leave behind a bit of a residue
Key Ingredients: Organic Alpine herbs, organic golden gentian, organic lemon balm extract | Skin Type(s): Combination, dry, oily, normal | Benefits: Cleanses, exfoliates skin and pores, smooths skin | Size: 1.5, 3.9 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This gentle exfoliating cleanser from Clarins is strong enough to scrub away dry skin but gentle enough for daily use (aka, the best of both worlds). Our tester with dry skin used this face wash twice daily and found that her skin felt clean without feeling stripped or too tight (just tight enough, in a 'clean and fresh' way). It also had a glowing effect.
Packaged in a standard tube, this face wash is easy to dispense, plus it lathers into a nice foam, spreads across the face easily, and rinses off well. We also love that it removes makeup without needing to double cleanse and how well it cleans out pores without feeling too harsh. We genuinely have no complaints.
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Byrdie / Gail Randall
Duangkaew, tester in her 40s with dry skin
“This product has become my favorite cleanser. I have been looking for the right one for a long time. I would recommend it to anyone and especially for those who have dry skin.”
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Removes makeup well (no additional removers needed)
Lightweight
Skin doesn’t feel stripped after use
Easy to use too much product
Key Ingredients: Salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids, jojoba beads, sodium PCA | Skin Type(s): Oily, dry, combination, balanced | Benefits: Exfoliates, cleanses, hydrates | Size: 2, 6.75 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Chemical exfoliators are typically gentler than physical ones (like scrubs), but still get the job done. It’s formulated with salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids which work together to exfoliate the skin, encourage cell turnover, and remove dull, dry skin. The formula also includes sodium PCA for added moisture. We loved how well this face wash scrubbed into our skin, how lightweight it is, and that it didn’t feel harsh on the face at all.
It removes makeup well and we felt like our skin was thoroughly cleaned after each use. Additionally, because it’s so gentle, it can be used more frequently than other, more powerful products (however, results don’t seem quite as dramatic when you’re exfoliating regularly versus once a week). We just don’t love the packaging—it’s easy to accidentally dispense too much product at once, resulting in waste.
Danielle, age 25-34 with dry skin
“This face wash was very nice to use, it lathers nicely and I feel super clean after using it. It definitely did the trick for getting makeup off without any other removers necessary.”
Read Full Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Review
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Creamy texture
Leaves skin feeling hydrated
Removes oil buildup from pores
Small amount for the price
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Skin Type(s): Oily, Combo, Normal | Benefits: Exfoliating, cleansing, smoothing uneven texture, minimizing pores | Size: 4 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Peace Out’s Creamy Gentle Exfoliating Pore Perfecting Cleanser with Salicylic Acid is perfect for someone who loves instant gratification. We noticed a positive change in our skin right after using this face wash for the first time—it felt cleaner, our pores had less buildup, and the skin felt more hydrated.
We also really loved the texture of this one; it’s super creamy and gentle enough to use multiple times daily. The formula includes salicylic acid for exfoliating, hyaluronic acid for hydration and cell regeneration, and niacinamide for brightening. Our only complaint—if you can even call this a complaint—is that the delicious, spa-like scent was too subtle.
Cathie, age 58 with dry skin
“My face felt smooth, clean, and slightly hydrated after using this product every single time … I was happy with the results from Day 1 and will continue with this [face wash] because of the great results and how good my skin felt [using it].”
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Pump dispenser
Leaves skin looking and feeling fresh
Skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after use
Can be tricky to get out of the bottle
Key Ingredients: Gentle exfoliants, vitamin C | Skin Type(s): All | Benefits: Cleansing, exfoliating, smoothing | Size: 8, 16 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
After a full day of makeup, heavier face products, and sweat, Philosophy’s Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash is a cleansing relief. It has a gentle formula, so you can use the cleanser every day (multiple times a day, if you’d like), but it’s still tough enough to thoroughly scrub away dirt, makeup, and any other pollutants that have settled on your skin throughout the day. It even removed our daily sunscreen, which is notorious for sticking around after cleansing.
This face wash comes packaged in a pump bottle, so it’s easy to dispense just the right amount of product using only one hand. It has a gel-like consistency that doesn’t lather much, but spreads really well and rinses off without much effort. During our testing, we couldn’t find a single thing we didn’t like about this face wash—it left our skin smoother than any other exfoliating gel we’ve tried.
Ashley, age 40 with combination skin
“I've used exfoliating products before but have never felt a true smooth clean feeling after. This one, I did!”
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Spreads easily
Took care of makeup without stripping
Lightweight and gentle
Exfoliating effects could be better
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, horse chestnut extract, aloe vera, ginseng | Skin Type(s): All | Benefits: Cleansing, smoothing, brightening, exfoliating, soothing, hydrating | Size: 4.57 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
It can be challenging to find an exfoliating face wash that’s gentle enough for everyday use, but this one from pixi takes the cake. It’s formulated with glycolic acid, so the face wash doesn’t have a gritty texture that can be too harsh for some skin types. Instead, it has a gel-like consistency that spreads well while cleansing.
We were so impressed by how well this cleanser removed makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving the skin feeling uncomfortably tight or dry. It does have a scent but it’s very subtle and didn’t linger. Overall, this is an excellent product for daily use, but if you’re looking for an exfoliating wash that really gets into your pores this one probably isn’t for you.
Jenae, age 40 with combination skin
“I did not have any leftover makeup after washing my face with this cleanser. While it did a great job of removing my makeup, it didn't over-cleanse as my face didn't feel stripped or tight after washing. I did not feel the need to double cleanse, once with a small dime-sized portion of the cleanser was plenty for the wash.”
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Lightweight
Skin feels hydrated after use
Unscented
Doesn’t lather much
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, salicylic, azelaic, and glycolic acids | Skin Type(s): Oily, combination, balanced | Benefits: Exfoliates, cleanses | Size: 5 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Clogged pores are a common side effect of occasionally oily skin, and chemical exfoliators, like this one from Skinfix, are experts at clearing them out. Its ingredients include azelaic acid, which can wash away dead, dry skin, fight acne, lighten dark spots on the skin, and even treat rosacea. After testing this product, we noticed several of these benefits including smaller-looking pores, lighter dark spots, and improved hydration.
This cleanser is super lightweight and not at all irritating to the skin. We were really impressed with its performance overall, but wish it lathered a bit more (especially since there are no exfoliating beads to give us that super-deep-clean feeling).
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Jenea, tester age 23 with combination to oily skin
“This face wash greatly helped improve the texture of my skin. I've noticed that it's so much softer and my pores aren't as visible since I started using this product.”
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Gentle formula
Improves skin texture
Glowy and radiant results
Small amount for the price
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, jojoba oil, salicylic acid | Skin Type(s): All | Benefits: Exfoliating, smoothing, cleansing | Size: 6 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: No
For a face wash that leaves skin looking bright, healthy, and radiant, we recommend SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. After a single use, our tester’s face had a new glow, her pores looked smaller, and her skin looked smoother and plumper. The gel-like face wash has exfoliating beads in it that don’t feel harsh at all, but still rid the skin of dry, dull skin.
After continued use of this cleanser, she found her skin texture overall improved. She was also impressed by how gentle the formula is given all the exfoliating ingredients (it’s safe to use twice a day). There’s nothing we’d want to change about this one, except the price is a little steep for how much product you get.
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Byrdie / Katy Glovinsky
Katy, age 25-34 with combination skin
“The product promotes improving the appearance of skin tone and texture and it successfully does that--in a gentle way! My skin looked visibly smooth and plumper and had a fresh glow after each use.”
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Improves skin texture
Luxurious feeling
Gentle exfoliating
You have to mix the powder with water so there's an extra step
Key Ingredients: Japanese rice bran (komenuka), silk, papaya enzymes | Skin Type(s): Combination, dry | Benefits: Cleansing, exfoliating, smoothing, nourishing | Size: 0.5, 2.1 fl oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Tatcha’s The Rice Polish feels truly luxurious on our skin, with a velvety texture that's gentle and leaves skin looking and feeling great. So if you have some wiggle room in your budget, we highly recommend checking it out.
It’s easy to work into the skin and rinse off after, and we were amazed by how smooth our skin felt after using it and how much it improved texture. It’s also super gentle—not abrasive at all. The one thing we didn’t love is the texture—since it starts as a powder (that you add water to), it’s easy to spill too much into your hand by mistake.
Jamie, age 25-34 with combination skin
“The texture is light and velvety. The particles dissolve for the most part. This is not an abrasive face wash even though it says polish in the name. It's lightweight and gentle.”
What to Look for When Buying an Exfoliating Face Wash
- Exfoliating Acids: The key to successful (and non-irritating) exfoliation is choosing the right 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 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 it’s best to use ingredients that will be less irritating to the skin,” she says. “Lactic acid and mandelic acid [both AHAs] are larger molecules when compared to glycolic acid, so they can't penetrate as deeply. As a result, they can be less irritating, making them a good option for sensitive skin."
- Scrubs: If you don’t want to go the chemical route you can try physical exfoliants. However, according to Dr. Garshick, you should avoid anything too abrasive or rough on the skin. “While it may be nice to feel the dead skin coming off with a physical exfoliant, be sure to avoid abrasive scrubs containing particles with jagged borders, as these can lead to irritation and skin sensitivity,” she says.
- Hydrating Ingredients: Exfoliating can be rough on the skin so Dr. Garshick suggests choosing gentle and hydrating products. “No matter your skin type, it’s important to use a product that’s gentle to minimize irritation or disruption of the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, flaking, or burning,” she says. “Even though the primary goal of the product may be to exfoliate and eliminate dead skin cells, it still should be gentle on the skin barrier and replenish the moisture lost during the cleansing process.”
Why Trust Byrdie
Ashley Ziegler is a lifestyle commerce writer specializing in beauty and fashion. She also tests products and services so she can stand behind her recommendations. For example, she regularly uses the Philosophy cleanser on this list so she can attest to its efficacy. Ashley has written for several Dotdash Meredith brands over the years including Byrdie, InStyle, Verywell Health, and HEALTH.com. She's also a mom of two and occasionally covers family-related content.
Experts who contributed to this article:
- Marisa K. Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS Dermatology in New York; she is also an assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell—New York Presbyterian Medical Center.
- Christine Adams, MBA, MSN, NP-BC, CANS, is a New York-based nurse practitioner and a certified aesthetic nurse specialist.
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