The two most popular methods of exfoliation are physical and chemical exfoliators. The former uses granular materials for exfoliation, whereas the latter relies on ingredients such as AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) and a BHA (beta hydroxy acid) to do the job. Your search ends here if you’re trying to find a cost-effective way to combat dull skin and blocked pores. Find the right exfoliator for your skin type by browsing our list of the 14 best drugstore exfoliators. Keep scrolling!
14 Best Drugstore Exfoliator For Glowing Skin In 2022
1. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Pros
Oil-free Alcohol-free Paraben-free Fragrance-free Suitable for daily use Works on all skin types
Cons
Some may find the texture of this product to be a bit watered-down.
2. Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub
Who wouldn’t love to have smooth and bright skin? Check out Aveeno’s positively radiant exfoliating face scrub, which dramatically reduces the appearance of pores and visibly brightens skin tone. The soy extract in this formula gently cleanses the skin and removes impurities. This drugstore physical exfoliant also contains jojoba oil and castor oil, which improve skin texture for skin that feels clean, soft, and healthy. Look at this video to learn more about the Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub.Pros
Soap-free Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Suitable for sensitive skin Dermatologist-recommended
Cons
May not be suitable for dry skin
3. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
Have you heard of a skin detox? If not, it is the process of removing impurities like dust, bacteria, excess oil, and grime from your skin. This product from Acure is the best drugstore exfoliating face scrub that detoxifies and softens your skin. Its gentle ingredients, walnut shell powder, aloe vera, and acai fruit will give you a refreshing effect after every use. The sea kelp, lemon peel, and French green clay exfoliates dead skin cells, draws out impurities, and purifies your skin, ensuring you are left with brighter, smoother skin. Watch this video for an honest personal review of the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub. Pros
Vegan Sulfate-free Silicone-free Paraben-free Free of mineral oils Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Some may find the scent unpleasant.
4. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Facial Scrub
Sensitive skin can be a huge problem when it comes to trying out new products. But no, you don’t have to feel left out anymore. This incredible product from Palmer is a heedfully made exfoliator for dry, sensitive skin. Infused with vitamin E, raw coconut oil, and chamomile extracts, this facial scrub naturally exfoliates the skin, attracts, and holds moisture while softening the skin. Free of harmful chemicals, it ensures skin is left feeling squeaky clean, without irritating or over-drying your skin. Pros
Dye-free Gluten-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Phthalates-free Super hydrating
Cons
Some may find that the product has a gritty texture that might cause micro-tears.
5. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
Too many cosmetic products damaging your skin? This product from Clean & Clear is part of the good drugstore exfoliators in the market, which deeply cleanses your pores, removes oil and makeup, and cleanses skin for clear skin. This oil-free formula is enriched with glycerin and hydrates the skin to generate a tingly cooling effect on your skin, making it a must-have addition to your daily skin care routine. Pros
Unclogs pores Ideal for daily use Pleasant fragrance Gentle exfoliating beads Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Contains sulfate
6. M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub
Here comes the ultimate cleansing charcoal scrub from M3 naturals. This natural drugstore exfoliator with dead sea salts, collagen, activated charcoal, kukui nut, and stem cells cleanses your pores and boosts natural collagen production. This scrub is also infused with aloe extract, coconut oil, stearic acid, and spinach extracts to combat signs of skin aging and reduce skin imperfections like acne, blackheads, and stretch marks. Pros
Fights aging Cruelty-free Detoxifies skin Suitable for all skin types Improves skin health dramatically
Cons
May contain petroleum
7. Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
This dermatologist-recommended exfoliator from Cetaphil is extra gentle on your skin, keeping it moisturized and hydrated. It gently removes dead and dry skin cells and smooths skin texture for bright, clear skin. This exfoliating facial cleanser and scrub contains citric acid, vitamin B5, and vitamin E to dissolve skin impurities and target dark spots, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone and texture. Within no time, it cleanses your skin without drying it. Pros
Hypoallergenic Non comedogenic Micro fines particles Dermatologically tested Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
Might have a strong fragrance
8. Loreal Paris Smooth Sugars Clearing Scrub
What can be more effective than a classic sugar scrub exfoliant? Loreal paris’ smooth sugar clearing scrub is one of the best drugstore exfoliators you’ll find. With cymbopogon schoenanthus, peppermint oil, and kiwi seed extracts this clearing scrub purifies and unclog pores gently. The combination of white, brown, and blonde sugars rich in minerals in this formula exfoliates skin efficiently. Pros
Tightens pores Rinses off easily Quick visible results Can be used for lips Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Might be a little greasy
9. The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub
Are you looking for a good drugstore exfoliator? The Body Shop’s squeaky clean exfoliating face scrub infused with green tea extracts is specially made for acne-prone skin is one of the best ones in the market. From the foothills of Mount Kenya, pure tea tree oil is extracted and added to this fine formula along with castor oil to give you smooth and glowing skin. The fair-traded ingredients in the formula battle acne and excess oil to ensure soft, clear, healthy skin. Pros
Vegan Gluten-free Silicone-free Paraben-free
Cons
Contains synthetic fragrances and colors
10. Bliss Jelly Glow Exfoliating Peel
Are you on the hunt for a gentle exfoliator that not only exfoliates but also keeps your skin hydrated? Give this one by Bliss a shot! Formulated with glycerine, coconut extracts, lavender oil, and niacinamide, it rejuvenates your skin and seals in moisture to avoid dehydration. The non-abrasive agents such as pineapple and papaya enzymes prevent dead skin cells without causing any rashes or irritation. Considered one of the best drugstore exfoliating face scrubs, it is free of harsh chemicals. Pros
SLS-free Cruelty-free Sulfate-free Paraben-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Might not yield immediate results
11. La Roche-Posay Physiological Ultra-Fine Scrub
Do you have sensitive skin which is prone to rashes and allergies? Don’t miss out on this mild exfoliator by La Roche-Posay! With its fine pumice particles, this scrubbing cleanser enriched with glycerine removes dirt, grime, impurities, and dead skin cells from your skin, delivering a neat, even, and bright complexion. If you want to achieve purified, smooth, and healthy skin, this one’s for you! Pros
Mild formula Paraben-free Alcohol-free Retains moisture Ideal for all skin types
Cons
Contains added fragrances
12. Beauty By Earth Facial Scrub
Pamper your skin with this 2-in-1 cleanser and scrub that offers multiple skin benefits! Powered with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, blueberry, pomegranate, chamomile, peppermint, and vitamin E, it effectively washes away dead skin cells, dirt, and oil. It also attracts and locks in moisture to your moisture-deprived skin. If this wasn’t all, it also includes microdermabrasion crystals, which fights tough acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Pros
Vegan 100% natural Repairs skin Ideal for daily use Gentle formulation Suitable for all skin types
Cons
May contain an overpowering scent
13. Touch Microdermabrasion Facial Exfoliator
Here is a good drugstore exfoliator by Touch that embraces all skin types! It is formulated with glycerine, jojoba oil, chamomile extract, aloe extract, and green tea to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. This microdermabrasion scrub contains micro-crystals to cleanse away the worn-out skin cells and delivers fresh, glowing, and younger-looking skin. Besides this, it also treats acne, fine lines, dullness, wrinkles, and blemishes effectively. Pros
Cruelty-free Alcohol-free Exfoliates gently Non-comedogenic Dermatologically tested Free of harmful chemicals
Cons
Some may find that the consistency of this product is slightly greasy.
14. TULA So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
Check out this nourishing and revitalizing sugar scrub which leaves your skin soft and clean! With candelilla wax, papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, the mild formula washes away dirt and impurities from your skin. The best part about this gentle exfoliating cleanser is that it delivers softness, radiance, and evenness to your skin. The lactic acid helps in correcting age spots and uneven skin tone while effectively clearing hyperpigmentation. Pros
Oil-free Free of mineral oil No harsh chemicals Gentle on sensitive skin Suitable for all skin types
Cons
The sugar might dissolve quickly.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast. She loves to explore various skin care products, and her extensive research helps her compile a list of products from which readers can easily choose. The best drugstore exfoliators are curated after thorough research and reading many online reviews. She says that exfoliation is a key step in a skin care routine, and one should invest in the best exfoliator to reap the benefits of a skin care regime.
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