We can all agree that using the right exfoliator makes all the difference if you have dry, flaky skin. The perfect product for your skin type will transform your skin to smooth and radiant! I’ve compiled a list of the 25 best exfoliators for dry skin in 2025.
From drugstore and affordable exfoliators to toning and moisturizing exfoliators, I’ve researched them all. Based on these five types of healthy skin: normal, dry, oily, combination (both oily and dry skin), and sensitive, I’ve included a top product for each.
The 25 Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin in 2025
Omorovicza Gold Sugar Scrub
The Omorovicza Gold Sugar Scrub is a luxurious skincare product.
It’s made with real gold particles, which give it a unique touch.
The scrub uses sugar granules to gently exfoliate the skin.
This leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
It also has a lovely scent that adds to the overall spa-like experience.
However, it’s quite pricey, so it’s more of a special treat than an everyday item.
Overall, it’s a high-quality product for those who want to indulge in a bit of luxury.
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanse
SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is a top-notch skincare product.
It combines alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids, which deeply cleanse and exfoliate the skin.
This cleanser is great for removing dead skin cells, leaving the skin smooth and refreshed.
It’s suitable for all skin types and doesn’t cause dryness or irritation.
Many users have reported a noticeable improvement in their skin’s texture and tone after regular use.
Overall, it’s a highly recommended product for anyone looking to enhance their skincare routine.
Murad Clarifying Cleanser
Murad Clarifying Cleanser is a powerful face wash designed for acne-prone skin.
It contains salicylic acid, which helps in reducing breakouts and clearing pores.
The cleanser also has a cooling effect, making it refreshing to use.
It’s gentle enough for daily use and doesn’t dry out the skin.
Many users have reported a noticeable improvement in their skin’s clarity after regular use.
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Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash
Botanic Tree Glycolic Acid Face Wash is a popular skincare product.
It’s known for its effectiveness in exfoliating and cleansing the skin.
Many users appreciate its ability to reduce acne and brighten the skin tone.
However, some people might find it a bit harsh, especially those with sensitive skin.
Overall, it’s a good choice for those looking for a strong face wash to improve skin texture and clarity.
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution is known for its effectiveness in exfoliating and brightening the skin.
Many users appreciate its affordable price and high-quality ingredients.
However, some people with sensitive skin might find it too strong.
Overall, it’s a great choice for those looking to improve skin texture and tone.
Sand & Sky Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment
Sand & Sky’s Flash Perfection Exfoliating Treatment Face Scrub is a standout product.
It effectively removes dead skin, leaving the face feeling smooth and refreshed.
The scrub’s natural ingredients, like Australian pink clay, are gentle yet powerful.
Users often notice brighter and clearer skin after use.
However, it might be a bit pricey for some.
Overall, it’s a great choice for those seeking a quality exfoliating scrub.
IMAGE Skincare Vital C Hydrating Facial Cleanser
This cleanser is a blessing for those with dry skin.
It’s packed with Vitamin C, which brightens the complexion, and antioxidants that protect skin health.
Ideal for people seeking a gentle yet effective cleanser that leaves skin feeling hydrated and refreshed.
Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator
his product combines the power of organic aloe vera and manuka honey.
It’s perfect for sensitive skin types looking for a gentle exfoliation.
It helps in removing dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
UpCircle Coffee Face Scrub
Made with repurposed coffee grounds, this scrub is a treat for eco-conscious consumers.
It’s great for anyone wanting to tackle dry, dull skin.
The caffeine boost helps to stimulate blood flow, reducing the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
Smoothing Body Lotion with 10% Lactic Acid (AHA)
This lotion is a game-changer for those struggling with rough, bumpy skin.
The lactic acid gently exfoliates, revealing softer, smoother skin.
It’s particularly beneficial for people with keratosis pilaris or dry skin conditions.
Neutrogena Skin Perfecting Daily Liquid Facial Exfoliant with 7% AHA/PHA Blend
This liquid exfoliant is a powerhouse for anyone looking to improve skin texture and tone.
The blend of AHA and PHA works effectively to unclog pores and diminish the appearance of fine lines.
Care Me Facial Peeling Gel
This peeling gel is a savior for dry, flaky skin.
It gently removes dead skin without harsh scrubbing, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin seeking a smooth, rejuvenated complexion.
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
This exfoliant is perfect for oily, acne-prone skin.
The BHA (salicylic acid) dives deep into pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells, helping to prevent breakouts and blackheads.
Aveeno Positively Radiant
This scrub is great for those who want a gentle daily exfoliator.
It’s formulated with soy extract and naturally derived granules to brighten and even out skin tone, making it ideal for all skin types.
Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Exfoliating Scrub
This scrub is a sweet treat for the skin. Brown sugar acts as a natural exfoliant, suitable for sensitive skin.
It’s perfect for anyone looking for a luxurious, moisturizing scrub that smells delicious.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Scrub with 10% AHA
Specifically designed for those with keratosis pilaris, this scrub combines physical exfoliants with chemical ones.
It’s great for smoothing out rough, bumpy skin areas, leaving them soft and supple.
M3 Naturals Himalayan Exfoliating Salt Scrub
Infused with collagen and stem cells, this scrub not only exfoliates but also helps in skin regeneration.
It’s ideal for those looking to rejuvenate and refresh their skin while enjoying a luxurious spa-like experience.
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub
This scrub mimics professional microdermabrasion treatments.
It’s excellent for anyone seeking deep exfoliation to reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and sun damage.
InstaNatural Brightening Vitamin C Face Scrub
Packed with Vitamin C, this scrub brightens and revitalizes dull skin.
It’s perfect for those wanting to combat dark spots and uneven skin tone with a natural, refreshing exfoliator.
Beauty by Earth Exfoliating Face Scrub & Wash
This dual-action scrub and wash are great for all skin types.
It gently removes impurities while nourishing the skin with natural ingredients, making it ideal for daily use.
ELEMIS Papaya Enzyme Peel
This peel uses the natural exfoliating power of papaya enzymes.
It’s perfect for mature or sensitive skin types looking for a gentle yet effective peel to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin.
COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pad
These pre-soaked pads are a convenient way to hydrate and gently exfoliate the skin.
They’re great for busy individuals or travelers who want a quick, effective skincare solution.
Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser with Orange Extract
This cleanser combines gentle exfoliation with deep cleansing.
It’s ideal for those who want a refreshing, citrus-scented cleanser that leaves skin feeling soft and radiant.
Omorovicza Ultramoor Mud Mask
This luxurious mud mask detoxifies and lifts the skin.
It’s perfect for anyone looking to indulge in a spa-like treatment that rejuvenates and revitalizes the complexion.
RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream Nightly Retexturizer
This best-selling night cream gently exfoliates, renews, and hydrates the skin of the face.
This unique solution contains glycolic acid and Bio-Renewal Protein, which works overtime as you sleep to help eliminate flaws and significantly reduce fine wrinkles.
You’ll wake up with clearer, more attractive skin. Provides a radiant, young complexion by providing an overall glow.
What is a skin exfoliator?
Exfoliating is the process of removing dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. This removal process uses a chemical, granular rub, or exfoliation product or tool.
Dead skin removal should be performed gradually. Your skin naturally sheds dead skin cells to make room for new cells every 30 days or so.
Exfoliator
There are a few abrasive materials to pick from for manual exfoliation, including:
- Cleansing scrubs
- Exfoliating mitts
- Dry brushes
- Loofahs
- Pumice stones
- Microneedling or micro derma rollers
Best facial scrubs
Face scrubs can help improve the entire texture of your skin. It is important to select a product that is appropriate for your skin type. To achieve the greatest results, go easy on your face. Just a few exfoliation sessions per week can be enough to see and feel the effects.
Exfoliate products for face
An exfoliator is the best way to achieve glowing skin you can do from the convenience of your home. Exfoliation involves manually sloughing away dead skin cells to reveal the fresher, more luminous cells beneath. Resurfaced skin may also help your products to penetrate more deeply.
Best exfoliant for face
Despite the advantages, using the wrong exfoliator for your skin type can cause redness, irritation, and even breakouts. Using an exfoliant that is either too harsh or too delicate for your skin type will deprive you of the bright finish you seek.
Dead skin removal face
If someone wishes to exfoliate dead skin removal face, there are a number of steps you can take:
- Use gentle methods specifically for the face
- Avoid the delicate skin around your eyes and on the lips
- Make sure your is always clean before exfoliating
- Exfoliate the skin either manually or chemically
Scrub for dry skin on face
Exfoliation is very important if you have dry skin. Dry skin causes flakiness, which must be totally removed in order to repair the dryness. Dead cells clog pores, preventing moisturizers from penetrating deep into the skin layers. So, the first step in healing dry skin should be to use a decent dry-skin face scrub.
Exfoliating facial
Exfoliating facials are designed to remove dead skin cells from the skin’s outer layers and accelerate cell turnover, restoring a healthy radiance and even skin tone.
Facial exfoliation can be done manually or chemically, with exfoliating products ranging from gentle jojoba grains, coffee grinds, and sugar scrubs to more harsh procedures like chemical peels and microdermabrasion.
Chemical exfoliation
Chemical exfoliants are acids that remove dead skin cells from the skin. They are available in a variety of concentrations. Milder formulas are available over the counter, however, stronger formulations are often applied by a dermatologist in the form of a chemical peel.
Liquid exfoliants
A liquid exfoliant, also known as an exfoliating toner, employs chemicals such as Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to sweep away dulling dead skin cells, leaving skin smoother and more vibrant. They are more effective than ordinary scrubs due to their active components.
Exfoliators for sensitive skin
Gentle chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic and lactic acid, in low concentrations are appropriate for sensitive skin. Physical exfoliation that involves physically and manually removing dead skin cells using a product like a face scrub that contains some type of small, rough particles, should be avoided. When it comes to delicate skin exfoliating, less is more.
Sensitive skin face scrub
Face scrubs and gritty exfoliators can be a nightmare for anybody with sensitive skin, resulting in redness or even breakouts. There are non-irritating scrubs available that contain no sulfates or just less-abrasive beads, that will leave you with smooth, luminous skin without irritation.
Face scrub sensitive skin
Whatever scrub you choose for sensitive skin, make sure to test it on a tiny spot first to see if your skin reacts in any way.
Face scrubs with oats, such as Queen Helene Gentle Facial Scrub, Oatmeal & Honey, are excellent for sensitive skin. They assist in deeply cleansing your skin without causing any harm to it.
So, before you pick a face scrub for your face, make sure you know what type of skin you have. The same is true when making a DIY face scrub for beautiful skin. They are affordable, and the majority of the ingredients can be found in your kitchen.
Best drugstore exfoliator
Finding the best exfoliator from the drugstore for your skin type will help your skin better absorb other products without breaking the bank. Exfoliation is a key step in any balanced skincare routine when done correctly. Benefits include clear pores, better circulation, and an even skin tone.
Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Exfoliating Daily Facial Scrub is a quality drugstore exfoliator worth checking out.
Many of the best exfoliators for dry skin listed above fall in the drugstore exfoliator category. These top products can be recommended by top dermatologists and skincare experts – all available at your local drugstore.
See also…
Best anti aging skin care products
Can dark circles under eyes be removed
Exfoliating gloves pros and cons
What are exfoliating gloves?
The feel of exfoliating gloves is similar to that of a loofah or a dry brush, but they fit over your hands like a pair of warm winter mittens. They exfoliate your skin by eliminating dead skin cells; just slough away old, dead skin by rubbing the dual-sided rough glove over your body.
Two exfoliating gloves I recommend are the Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts and Zakia's Morocco Original Kessa Exfoliating Glove .
Pros
Exfoliating gloves, when used a couple of times each week, can assist in free skin of cell build-up, which is a primary cause of skin dullness and breakouts. It helps with the removal of dull, dead skin, allowing the new, healthy skin beneath to emerge. As a result, the skin may seem healthier and more radiant. They can also aid in the prevention of ingrown hairs, which can result in unattractive patches.
- Great for the removal of dead skin
- Allows new, healthy skin to emerge quicker
- Helps prevents ingrown hairs
Cons
Despite the numerous advantages of exfoliating gloves, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of when using exfoliating gloves.
These drawbacks are preventable and do not mean that exfoliating gloves are harmful to wear. Care should be taken to use in moderation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
- Exfoliating gloves could result in skin irritation
- Can introduce bacteria to your skin, if not properly cleaned after each use
Best exfoliator for older skin
Exfoliating your skin at every age has its advantages. Young women exfoliate their skin to give it a nice scrub, which helps to avoid blemishes and creates a healthy-looking glow.
As we get older, acne is not normally much of an issue, but we do have to deal with other difficulties like dull skin and blocked pores. In addition, your skin tends to be more sensitive.
My pick for the best drugstore exfoliator for mature skin is Era Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub & Face Exfoliator.
Summary
The use of exfoliators for dry skin can make your skin radiant and glowing. By removing dead skin cells, exfoliators allow for accelerated skin renewal and prevent clogged pores.
If you are just starting an exfoliation regime, start with a milder exfoliant to determine your skin sensitivity. Also, it is recommended to limit exfoliation to 2-3 times a week to prevent redness and irritation.
Skin exfoliation is an important part of any beauty regime. Choose the best products for your specific skin type for the best results!
If you enjoyed, Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin, be sure to check out my other posts below…
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
Last update on 2025-05-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API