The Single Best Exfoliator for Every Skin Type

Everyone needs an exfoliator in her life, but not everyone should use the same kind. Depending on your skin, you might respond better to a physical formula (so, a grainy scrub) or a chemical one (think: peel pads). A tad confusing, we know, so here we break it down for you.

Confused About Sheet Masks? Here are the Best for Every Skin Type


suzanne kaufman
信条的美丽

Best For Sensitive Skin: Susanne Kaufmann Enzyme Peel

If your skin turns red at the slightest touch, try this natural peel. It uses mild fruit acids from kiwis, apples and papayas to remove dead skin without being too abrasive. (Plus, it smells delicious.) Once a week, smooth on a thin layer and remove it with a damp towel after ten minutes. You’ll have that sort ofI-slept-for-ten-hoursglow that’s hard to come by as an adult.

Suzanne Kaufmann($68)

mizon toner
Peach & Lily

Best For Oily Skin: Mizon Aha & Bha Daily Clean Toner

Some quick skin-care science for you: AHAs (like glycolic or lactic acid) work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, while BHAs (like salicylic acid) help to unclog pores. This toner has both magical ingredients, which makes it a godsend for the oily (and typically acne-prone). Use it after cleansing every morning and night to keep shine and bumps at bay.

Mizon(2美元5)


caudalie list
Sephora

Best For Dry Skin: Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliator

On the opposite end of the spectrum, if your skin is perpetually parched and flaky, try using this whipped scrub twice a week. It’s packed with corn beads (which are soft and rounded—not sharp or jagged like older formulas) to lift dry patches and grape-pulp extracts to moisturize.

Caudalie($35)

dr oracle list
Glow Recipe

Best For Normal Skin: Dr. Oracle Radical Clear Enzyme Powder Wash

If you’re one of the lucky few who don't have any specific concerns when it comes to complexion, this powder wash is a good staple. Formulated with fruit enzymes, it can be used as a daily cleanser as well as a weekly scrub, depending on how much water is added.

甲骨文博士(2美元5)

 Powder Cleanser Is Our New Skin-Care Obsession


ddg peel list
Sephora

Best For Mature Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Peel

OK, guys, here’s the bad news: Our natural skin-cell turnover slows down as we age. The good news is that certain ingredients (like retinol and ferulic acid) can help bring things back up to speed. These potent peel pads have both—which is why we’ve taken to using them two (sometimes three) times a week to keep things smooth and bright.

Dr. Dennis Gross($88)



Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023
Jenny Jin

Beauty Director

Jenny Jin is PureWow’s Beauty Director and is currently based in Los Angeles. Since beginning her journalism career at Real Simple magazine, she has become a human encyclopedia of...
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