15 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists and Editor Testing
Treat acne, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and more with these oh-so-gentle exfoliators.
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If you want to smooth uneven skin texture, minimize the appearance of large pores, or give your skin a bright and dewy glow, a good exfoliator is an absolute must. But this becomes way trickier when you have sensitive skin. For those with reactive, irritated, or hypersensitive skin, using the wrong face exfoliator—or exfoliating too frequently—can lead to inflammation, itching, redness, and discoloration.
So, what exfoliators won't irritate your delicate bb skin? So glad you asked! We spoke with dermatologists Karan Lal, MD, and Ted Lain, MD, to learn all about the best exfoliators for sensitive skin. In general, both Dr. Lal and Dr. Lain recommend chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants (more on that later!), which come in all kinds of formulas from classic face washes and toners to serums and even face masks. Of course, choosing products with the right ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs for your reactive skin is more than a little confusing, which is why we put together these sensitive skin-approved recs.
Our top picks for the best exfoliators for sensitive skin of 2024:
Ahead, all the best exfoliators for sensitive skin, as well as expert tips for using an exfoliator—including how to choose the right formula, how often to use it, key ingredients to keep an eye out for, and more.
Pros
- Contains nourishing ingredients to protect your skin barrier
- Only contains one kind of exfoliant, making it a great pick for ultra-sensitive skin
Cons
- Won't remove excess oil or unclog pores
A great option for dry, sensitive skin types, this exfoliating cleanser uses a common polyhydroxy acid (or PHA for short) called gluconolactone to gently dissolve dead skin cells. Also in the formula? Water-loving glycerin and nourishing oat extract to provide a moisturizing effect and reinforce your skin's protective barrier. Since its short-contact formula contains just one mild exfoliant, it's Cosmo's top rec for ultra-sensitive skin.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Key ingredient: Gluconolactone
Glowing customer review: "This has been an amazing addition to my routine. My skin looks smoother and feels more plump and nourished even in the dead of winter. I'd give it a go, especially if you have dry, sensitive skin or allergies to fragrances."
Pros
- One-and-done product that can be used daily
- Features retinol-alternative bakuchiol for anti-aging benefits
Cons
- Milder formula is less effective at treating acne and dark spots
Simplify your skincare routine with these easy-to-use pre-soaked toner pads. This one-and-done product from Loops Beauty takes seconds to swipe on between your cleanser and moisturizer. As opposed to a peel, these pads are gentle enough for everyday use since they only contain one kind of exfoliating ingredient: gluconolactone. They also feature bakuchiol, a milder retinol alternative that provides similar anti-aging benefits—score!
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 60 pre-soaked pads
- Key ingredients: Gluconolactone, bakuchiol
Glowing editor review: "As a fan of lazy girl skincare, these exfoliating pads from Loops are quickly becoming one of my favorite new beauty launches," says Lauren Gruber, associate editor. "Its lightweight formula made my skin feel super refreshed and squeaky-clean without causing any redness or irritation. Plus, the packaging is super convenient since each wipe is pre-soaked in toner—it even comes with a little tweezer to help you remove a single dose!"
Pros
- Cleanses skin while gently decongesting pores
- Ceramides help strengthen skin barrier
Cons
- Isn't moisturizing enough for dry skin
Wanna clear up your acne without totally stripping your skin? This gentle cleanser contains salicylic acid, which is a great exfoliating ingredient for people with acne and clogged pores. It's also made with ceramides to strengthen your skin barrier and prevent dryness, making it a safe choice for sensitive skin.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 8 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, gluconolactone
Glowing customer review: "Wanted to try this cleanser for my sensitive, acne-prone skin. I’ve been using this every single day and night for about eight months now. The cleanser works perfectly—it’s non-drying and my skin is totally clear. So I have zero complaints—there’s literally nothing more I could ask for!"
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Pros
- Over 100,000 (!) Amazon reviews
- Lightweight formula is great for acne-prone skin
Cons
- Can be drying, so use it sparingly
"This was one of the first chemical exfoliants I discovered after learning that physical exfoliants are mostly a no-go," says Heath Owens, senior commerce editor, about this TikTok-famous (and Cosmo Reader's Choice Award-winning!) exfoliant. "I've been using it pretty consistently for about four years now and have perfected my routine for sensitive, combination skin." He recommends applying it twice weekly as opposed to the brand's suggested twice daily, since its salicylic acid-based formula can be pretty drying if you use it too often. On the plus side, that means that this 4-ounce bottle should last you a long time.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid
Glowing customer review: "Wow—this stuff is legit! My skin has never looked this smooth. I struggle with blackheads, enlarged pores, and the occasional fine lines, but this exfoliant handles it all. Plus, it’s gentle enough that I haven’t experienced any redness or irritation."
Pros
- Helps minimize fine lines and the appearance of large pores
- Single-use packets are great for travel
Cons
- May cause irritation if used too frequently
Dr. Dennis Gross's original Alpha Beta at-home peel pads are iconic but likely too irritating for sensitive skin types. Luckily, this milder version for irritation-prone skin exists. The pads are pre-soaked with a blend of gentle acids (like lactic acid and willow bark extract) to resurface the skin, plus soothing botanicals to minimize inflammation.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 5 treatments
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, mandelic acid, willow bark extract
Glowing customer review: "I was hesitant because the idea of these sound super scary to sensitive skin. I have rosacea, and my skin is very fussy with what is put on it. I use this once a week so my skin doesn’t freak out (and to save money), and so far so good! My skin is super soft and glowy!"
Cetaphil Healthy Radiance Gentle PHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Pros
- Helps brighten dull skin without causing irritation
- The most affordable product on this list
Cons
- Some testers said it made their skin feel a bit dry
NGL, my incredibly sensitive skin has never looked better since using this affordable face wash. It uses PHAs to provide a gentle exfoliating effect, plus brightening niacinamide to even out your skin tone. I use it a few times a week to help reduce the appearance of dark marks and spots, and it really makes my skin look brighter and smoother.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 4.2 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Gluconolactone, niacinamide
Glowing customer review: "The gentle exfoliation is a perfect balance, revealing smoother and brighter skin without irritation. I appreciate the innovative use of PHA, making it suitable for daily use. A must-have for anyone seeking an effective and gentle exfoliator."
Cool as a Cucumber Balancing Act Gentle Exfoliating Serum
Pros
- Great for reducing sebum production, a common cause of acne
- Noncomedogenic formula won't clog pores
Cons
- Combination of AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs might be a bit much for ultra-sensitive skin
Acne-prone sensitive skin can be especially difficult to treat, since you need a product that's strong enough to reduce breakout-causing sebum production without causing further irritation. Olivia Truffaut-Wong, editor, loves this serum for its gentle yet effective salicylic acid-infused formula. "It's so enjoyable to use," she says. "It doesn't sting or dry out my skin at all." Bonus points for being noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, mandelic acid, lactic acid
Glowing customer review: "I am shocked by the near instant results I saw by the first day! My skin looked less congested, the texture was better, some cheek redness I had been experiencing was toned down, and my face just feels soooo smooth now! The fine lines on my forehead are less pronounced too, which is a nice bonus."
Pros
- Provides a satisfying scrubbing without redness or irritation
- Salicylic acid helps keep acne at bay
Cons
- As part physical exfoliant, it may still irritate ultra-sensitive skin
As someone who's wary of physical exfoliants, I was shocked that Dermalogica's unique microfoliant left my skin with zero redness or irritation. Part grainy scrub, part chemical exfoliator, this internet-famous product comes in the form of a rice-based powder that—once mixed with water—transforms into a creamy paste packed with natural sources of AHAs and BHAs, as well as resurfacing papaya enzymes. The result: a truly satisfying scrub that won't leave your face red and raw.
- Type: Physical and chemical
- Size: 2.6 fl oz
- Key ingredient: Salicylic acid, papaya enzyme, rice powder
Glowing customer review: "This is a staple in my routine. I use this product every morning. My skin is sensitive, so it’s difficult to find a daily exfoliant that isn’t irritating. This product is awesome and worth the money!"
Hero Cosmetics Pore Release Blackhead Clearing Solution
Pros
- Helps minimize blackheads and clogged pores
- Features aloe to soothe sensitive skin
Cons
- May not be suitable for those with dry skin
Found: a gentle exfoliating toner to help resurface, reset, and rebalance your skin post-cleanse. The 2 percent salicylic acid in this one is backed by gluconolactone and glycolic acid to clear blackheads from the inside out—and without leaving your skin feeling stripped or dried. I use this bb twice a week, and it's the only product that's helped clear up my stubborn AF blackheads.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 3.4 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, gluconolactone, glycolic acid
Glowing customer review: "This toner is so nice. It's definitely not like other salicylic acid treatments that dry out your skin. This actually feels moisturizing. Not oily or anything—just soothing and smooth. My skin is also sensitive to products, but this doesn't burn at all."
Pros
- Anti-aging ingredients can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydrating yet lightweight serum/toner hybrid formula
Cons
- The priciest product on this list
Augustinus Bader's bougie af skincare line is a favorite among celebs for its rejuvenating TFC8 complex: a blend of amino acids, peptides, and vitamins that claims to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The Essence combines TFC8 with a triple threat of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs to gently exfoliate while encouraging cell turnover. I loved how this serum/toner hybrid absorbed quickly into my skin, and left it feeling smoother without causing any redness. It also adds a boost of lightweight hydration thanks to the addition of hyaluronic acid.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 3.38 fl oz
- Key ingredient: Phytic acid, salycilic acid, gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid
Glowing customer review: "I have tried all the luxury products on the market and this is by far my favorite, hands down! After just a few uses I noticed a visible change in my overall complexion and an improvement with my large pores. I will definitely buy again and again."
Pros
- Turmeric-infused formula helps brighten complexion
- Helps fade hyperpigmentation, like dark spots and melasma
Cons
- Can be a bit strong for ultra-sensitive skin
The star ingredient in this liquid exfoliator: turmeric, which is beloved for its antioxidant benefits and ability to brighten skin. Combine that with soothing oat extract and a powerful (but still gentle) trio of acids—including PHAs, glycolic acid, and mandelic acid—and you get this illuminating solution, which you can use a few times a week to fade dark spots and improve your skin texture.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 4 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Turmeric root extract, glycolic acid, gluconolactone, mandelic acid
Glowing customer review: "I've tried a fair amount of toners before and this is definitely one of my top picks!! I've only been using it for about a week now and have already noticed that my skin is glowier and my skin tone is more even. I love that this is gentle enough to use daily without any irritation!"
Pros
- Made with all-natural and organic ingredients
- Soothes skin with calendula and chamomile extracts
Cons
- Expensive per ounce
This exfoliating face mask from all-natural skincare brand Tata Harper contains a blend of AHAs to gently lift dead skin cells and boost your skin's radiance without causing irritation. It's free of common skin allergens like essential oils, alcohols, and synthetic fragrance and is infused with soothing botanicals like calendula extract, making it solid choice for sensitive skin.
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 1 fl oz
- Key ingredient: Lactic acid
Glowing customer review: "The thing I love most about Tata products is that they are all-natural but give incredible results. This mask does not irritate my sensitive skin and gives me a subtle glow after I use it."
Pros
- AHA-based formula is great for hyperpigmentation and dark spots, according to testers
- Convenient and travel-friendly single-use packaging
Cons
- A few reviewers with ultra-sensitive skin said it gave them a rash
For a more even complexion, check out these editor-loved lactic and glycolic acid peel pads from m-61. "These are life-changing!" says Mackenzie Dunn, senior commerce manager. "I love that they come in easy-to-use towelettes and are powerful without being irritating (thank you chamomile!). They're particularly great for hyperpigmentation and pore size and seriously do give you a nice radiant glow"
- Type: Chemical
- Size: 10 treatments
- Key ingredient: Glycolic acid, lactic acid
Glowing customer review: "These have changed my face. I have hyperpigmentation from adult acne breakouts. Within the first 48 hours, my husband noticed a difference in the texture of my skin and remarked that it felt 'smooth like a baby’s bottom.' Within a month, I saw a marked improvement in the size of my pores as well as the visibility of my acne scars."
Pros
- Contains enzymes to gently remove dead skin cells
- Fragrance-free and cruelty-free formula
- Gives skin an immediate glow
Cons
- Can be a lil too drying for daily use
Another exfoliating ingredient that's suitable for sensitive skin? Enzymes. They gently remove dead skin cells, debris, and buildup to reveal fresh, glowing skin. And you can get your enzyme fix in this exfoliating cleanser, since the powder-to-foam formula is designed specifically for sensitive skin.
- Type: Physical and chemical
- Size: 2.6 oz
- Key ingredients: Enzymes, ascorbic acid
Glowing customer review: "This is one of the rare products that makes a difference in my skin after one use. It exfoliates really gently—once you rinse it off you can immediately see that your skin is brightener and more even-toned."
Pros
- Gently polishes away dead skin without using microbeads
- Contains soothing ingredients like oat milk
Cons
- More effective as a chemical than physical exfoliator, per some testers
Listen, I don't like to just throw the term "holy grail" around, but... this oat and goat milk scrub is truly a holy grail product for me. It uses jojoba beads to oh-so-gently slough away dry, dead skin (instead of the super-harsh microplastic beads found in many scrubs) and leaves you soft to the touch, thanks to lactic acid-packed goat milk.
- Type: Physical and chemical
- Size: 3 fl oz
- Key ingredients: Lactic acid, jojoba seed wax
Glowing customer review: "Great for sensitive skin is an understatement. This feels very nourishing and leaves your skin feeling well hydrated and silky smooth. The exfoliating bits in the cream is a nice touch that helps remove dead skin. It’s very gentle on your skin and does not dry it out, like most facial washes."
So, should you exfoliate if you have sensitive skin?
Yes, you can (and should!) exfoliate even if you have sensitive skin, though how often you exfoliate will depend on the type of exfoliator you're using. All of our picks are designed to be gentle, but they're still exfoliators, and anything that strips away your dead skin cells is gonna be a bit drying. According to dermatologist Karan Lal, MS, you should aim to exfoliate at least once a week if your skin can tolerate it, and always do a patch test before applying a product to your face.
The exception is for those with sensitive skin conditions, which can be exacerbated by exfoliating. If you have a chronic skin condition like rosacea, eczema, or psoriasis, exfoliation is actually not recommended (especially during a flare-up). As dermatologist Ted Lain, MD, explains, "Since the scale or dryness of these conditions is a result of the inflammatory process (and not a cause of the process like it is in acne), exfoliation will not achieve any results besides worsening symptoms."
Is physical or chemical exfoliation better for sensitive skin?
Most exfoliators fall into one of two categories: chemical or physical. As dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, tells Cosmo, "Chemical exfoliators and physical exfoliators, aka face scrubs, both remove dead skin cells, but in different ways." Generally speaking, chemical exfoliants offer a deeper, more intense exfoliation without the risk of tearing or scratching the skin. They also tend to be a better choice for sensitive skin, since they're less abrasive than physical scrubs.
Dr. Lain agrees that gentle chemical exfoliators are generally the better choice for sensitive skin. The reason: Chemical exfoliators use acids to loosen the "glue" that holds together dead cells on the surface of the skin without being abrasive or creating micro-tears in the skin like a scrub. "It's easy to overdo it with a physical exfoliator," he says.
What type of exfoliator is best for sensitive skin?
The best exfoliator for sensitive skin is one that delivers all the benefits of exfoliation but still leaves skin calm and comfortable because, yes, gentle exfoliators do exist... as long as you choose the right formula.
When it comes to the best exfoliating ingredients for sensitive skin, polyhydroxy acids (PHAs) come out on top, since they don't penetrate the skin as deeply as other exfoliants. "I recommend patients start with [polyhydroxy acids] and then work their way up," says Dr. Lal. Of these, gluconolactate tends to be the most popular.
Those with dry, sensitive skin can try gentle alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like mandelic, tartaric, or lactic acid in low strengths, while those with combination, oily, or acne-prone skin can benefit from glycolic acid. And while beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid, are great for tackling pimples, they tend to be a bit drying. If your skin is on the drier side, it's best to stick to salicylic acid alternatives, like willow bark extract or lipohydroxy acid.
How to choose an exfoliator for sensitive skin
Look at the ingredients list.
If you're new to acids, you might wanna stick with a PHA exfoliator, like the Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator. And if you're not getting the results you need from gluconolactone, you can branch into low doses of AHAs (which are better for dry skin and those looking to address pigmentation) or BHAs (which are better for oily skin and acne).
Keep in mind that you should only use a product that combines both AHAs and BHAs (like Hero Cosmetics Pore Release Blackhead Clearing Solution) once you've determined that your skin can tolerate exfoliants pretty well. And unless you have oily, acne-prone skin, you probs want to avoid salicylic acid.
Start with a short-contact formula.
If you have *extremely* sensitive skin or are new to exfoliating, go with a short-contact exfoliator—like a cleanser or rinse-off mask—instead of a leave-on face toner or serum. The less time a product spends on your skin, the more mild (and less potentially irritating) the exfoliating effect will be.
Avoid exfoliators with fragrance.
Fragrance (you'll often see it as "parfum" on an ingredients list) is a common skin irritant—especially if you have sensitive skin. Avoiding it in your exfoliator (and all of your skincare, tbh) is an easy way to prevent unwanted redness and inflammation.
Meet the experts
- Ted Lain, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director at Sanova Dermatology in Austin, TX.
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Lauren Gruber is an commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she writes for publications like Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, Prevention, Country Living, House Beautiful, and more. She has over four years of professional experience covering a variety of lifestyle topics from home to fashion, with an advanced background in beauty and fragrance. When she’s not researching the most worthy Prime Day deals or hands-on testing all the latest perfume launches, Lauren is probably hanging out with her cat Serafina or flexing her AMC A-List membership at the movie theater. You can find her previous work at Entertainment Tonight, Shop TODAY, USA Today, Self Magazine, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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