If there’s one product not to be looked over on the journey to radiant, glowing skin, it’s an exfoliator. Finding one that best suits your complexion can lead to unrivalled results, allowing your other products to do their job even better (basically, getting you more bang for your buck). Sounds great, right? Well, the real trick comes with knowing which one to pick, and how and when to use it.
It’s best to think of exfoliants in two differing categories; the chemical exfoliants and the physical exfoliants, which both work to slough off dead skins cells, only using different techniques to achieve the results. The chemical exfoliants contain active ingredients such as acids and enzymes to aid in the skin’s cell turnover, while physical exfoliants use particles or granules to buff away dead skin cells. Read on for our breakdown of the best face exfoliators to add to your beauty arsenal, and prepare to say hello to radiant, glowing skin!
Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub: A gentle formula with a soothing scent, this hard-working product rids the skin of excess build-up, dirt and debris, using finely ground Ecuadorian ivory palm seeds. Better yet, it’s finished off with aloe vera and coconut to help reduce inflammation and leave skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth.
Rawkanvas Polished Refining Exfoliant: Looking to rid yourself of dull, lifeless looking skin? Australian made Rawkanvas’ powder exfoliant formula is designed to polish away dead skin cells, while deeply cleaning pores to reveal radiant looking skin. It also works as a perfect base prior to makeup application, leaving skin seriously smooth for a flawless finish.
Olehenriksen Transforming Walnut Scrub: With a formula that’s described as a “cocktail of natural wonders'', this physical exfoliator uses walnut powder to offer up a deep clean. Its rich-base and foaming finish means it feels like a gentle buff, only working hard to diminish dullness and smooth texture for an all-rounded glow.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: One of the best-selling products in the Paula’s Choice Range, this leave-on exfoliant uses salicylic acid to unclog pores, smooth wrinkles and even reduce oils. As with most chemical exfoliants, make sure to start slowly and note skin’s response, and always follow up with SPF if being used in the daytime.
Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution: Working in three steps, to exfoliate, brighten and reduce pores, this overnight solution is formulated with AHAs including lactic acid and glycolic acid to help promote natural cell turnover, sloughing away dead skins cells for a complete skin reset.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment: A product that needs little introduction, Sunday Riley’s cult Good Genes serum is a great chemical exfoliator that’s formula includes lactic acid, a potent acid that not only buffs away dullness, but has moisturising properties to leave the skin feeling hydrated.
Tatcha's Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder: A product not to be overlooked is the famous Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder, which even counts Meghan Markle as one of its firm fans. Made with Japanese rice bran and papaya enzymes, the water-activated exfoliator buffs away dead skin cells without irritating it, leaving behind a smooth and youthful looking complexion.
Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys: If you’re not yet ready to dive head first into the chemical exfoliator game, look to Go-To’s Exfoliating Swipeys. Created by Zoë Foster Blake, each pad in the signature peachy pack is pre-soaked in a blend of AHAs and oils, exfoliating the skin without giving that tingling feeling.
Kora Organics Turmeric 2-in-1 Brightening & Exfoliating Mask: Miranda Kerr’s KORA Organics exfoliating mask has garnered a reputation for leaving beauty lovers with their best skin yet, with this mask working to clean pores, brighten skin and gently exfoliate—all while using the brand’s signature clean and organic ingredients like turmeric.
Main Image Credit: Karen Rosalie
