Chances are your skin-care routine already includes a cleanser and an exfoliator, but let us make the case for combining both steps into one. The benefits of the exfoliating face wash are plenty. When used correctly and matched to your skin type, the best exfoliating cleansers help remove dead skin cells, smooth texture, and brighten your complexion in one fell swoop. They also keep pores clear and enhance the absorption of everything that follows, so your serums, toners, and ampoules work even better.
Vogue’s Favorite Exfoliating Face Washes
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However, more isn’t always more, and there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for an exfoliating facial cleanser. Some formulas rely solely on chemical exfoliants, while others combine these physical agents (think: exfoliating scrubs and microbeads), which can be too harsh for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Others may be gentle enough for daily use but still need to be used sparingly to avoid over exfoliation.
To help you choose wisely, we asked board-certified dermatologists to weigh in on whether exfoliating cleansers are worth adding to your routine (spoiler: it depends), what to look for when shopping, and how often to use them. We also rounded up ten of the best exfoliating cleansers on the market right now, spanning different price points, ingredients, and skin types.
In This Story
- Are exfoliating face washes worth it?
- What are the benefits of exfoliating face washes?
- What to look for in an exfoliating face wash
- How often should you exfoliate your face?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Chemical Exfoliant: CeraVe Renewing Salicylic Acid Cleanser
- Why We Love It: On the more affordable side, this nonabrasive cleanser removes impurities without causing irritation and is formulated with ingredients like ceramides, salicylic acid, and hyaluronic acid. “This cleanser doesn’t contain any grains, so it’s gentle on the skin and helps improve texture, hydrate the skin, and remove debris and oil,” says Dr. Spearman. It’s also a good option for those with psoriasis, as it’s designed to provide relief for dry, rough skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 237 ml
Best Dual Exfoliant: Tata Harper Regenerating BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Combining both physical and chemical exfoliation, this cleanser uses a natural form of beta hydroxy acid from willow bark along with apricot microspheres for mild exfoliation, explains Dr. Moy. “For those with reactive skin, I recommend limiting use to three to four days a week,” she adds. The trick is to apply it to dry skin and massage gently to activate the formula before rinsing thoroughly. Like all of Tata Harper’s products, it’s made with natural ingredients and comes in multiple sizes, so you can test it out before committing to the full size.
- Key Ingredients: Apricot microspheres, white willow bark
- Best For: Dull skin
- Size: 1.7 fl. oz., 4.2 fl. oz.
Best for Acne: Clearstem Vitaminscrub Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Clearstem prides itself on being an acne-safe brand, and this cleanser lives up to that promise. It’s fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it a reliable choice for breakout-prone and sensitive skin. Dr. Spearman explains that it’s formulated with ingredients like vitamin C, chamomile, and bamboo stem extract. This combination helps cleanse away dead skin cells, soothe irritation and redness, brighten the skin, and promote collagen production.
- Key Ingredients: Bamboo stem powder, chamomile, vitamin C
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 180 ml
Best Deep Clean: Caudalie Deep Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: For those focused on improving texture and minimizing pore size, board-certified dermatologist Dara Spearman, M.D. says this is a great option. It works well for normal, combination, and even oily skin. However, she notes that it contains microbeads and fragrance, so those with sensitive skin might want to avoid it. For everyone else, it’s a solid physical exfoliant that effectively smooths the skin without feeling too harsh or abrasive.
- Key Ingredients: Volcanic sand microbeads, grape water, menthol
- Best For: Normal, combination, oily skin
- Size: 75 ml
Best for Dull Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: “This is a great option for patients looking for smoother texture and radiance,” says board-certified dermatologist Lauren Moy, MD. It combines glycolic and salicylic acids, two exfoliants that have exceptional resurfacing properties to clear pores without being overly abrasive. While it’s slightly pricier than other options on this list, it lasts a while since you only need to use it sparingly. “I recommend using it a few times a week rather than daily to avoid over-exfoliation,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, jojoba oil
- Best For: Textured skin
- Size: 6 fl. oz.
Best for Dry Skin: Victoria Beckham Beauty Lactic Acid Gel Cleanser
- Why We Love It: New to Victoria Beckham’s beauty lineup, this lactic acid cleanser is one of those products you’ll wonder how you ever lived without. “The lactic acid in this formula offers gentle exfoliation while still supporting hydration, which makes it a great balance for those with dry or mature skin,” says Dr. Moy. It also contains rice bran oil and avocado oil to help strengthen the skin barrier, along with fermented green tea seed oil to protect against oxidative stress, which is especially beneficial for city dwellers exposed to pollution and other environmental stressors.
- Key Ingredients: Olive fruit oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, green tea seed oil
- Best For: Textured skin
- Size: 100 ml
Best for Oily Skin: CosRx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser
- Why We Love It: You might know Cosrx for its viral snail serum, but the K-beauty brand has an extensive lineup of skin-care products that are just as deserving of the hype. Take this cleanser, for example, which Dr. Spearman says is “a great pick if you are acne-prone or have sensitive skin.” She explains that it helps control oil production, targets acne and blackheads, and gently cleanses the skin for a softer, more even texture—making it a leading Korean exfoliator. “The Centella AC-RX helps treat acne and promote skin renewal, while the salicylic acid helps remove dead skin cells,” she adds.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, tea tree leaf oil
- Best For: Acne-prone skin
- Size: 150 ml
Best for Uneven Texture: Murad Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: Formulated with both AHAs and BHAs, this exfoliating cleanser helps remove dry, dead skin cells without causing irritation. “If texture is a concern, this product is great,” says Dr. Spearman, adding that “the combination of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids helps improve uneven texture.” However, she notes that it does contain jojoba beads, so those with sensitive skin may want to skip this one.
- Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid
- Best For: Textured skin
- Size: 2 fl. oz., 5 fl. oz., 16.9 fl. oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: 111Skin Enzyme Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: If exfoliating cleansers intimidate you, Dr. Moy says this is a good choice for those with sensitive or dry skin. The formula uses enzymes from papaya and pineapple to gently dissolve dead skin cells without relying on strong acids or scrubs. You can use it daily without irritation, but if you prefer to ease into it, starting a few times a week works just as well.
- Key Ingredients: Shikimic acid, papain enzymes
- Best For: Sensitive skin
- Size: 40 g / 3.4 fl. oz.
Best Mild Exfoliant: Youth to the People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
- Why We Love It: New to the Youth to the People lineup, this cleanser is an upgraded exfoliating version of the brand’s beloved Kale Yeah Hydrating Cleanser. Dr. Moy explains that it’s formulated with antioxidant-rich superfoods like açaí and goji to provide mild exfoliation. It’s gentle enough for daily use and helps reduce dullness and uneven texture for brighter, more radiant skin.
- Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, phytic acid, ginger root, papaya
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 59 ml, 150 ml
Everything You Need to Know
Are exfoliating face washes worth it?
“Exfoliating face washes can be worth it if used correctly, but they’re not a must-have for everyone,” says Dr. Moy. It depends on your skin type, sensitivities, and the product’s formulation. “If you’re interested in using one, I recommend choosing a formula with mild chemical exfoliants rather than harsh scrubs and avoiding daily use unless it’s very gentle,” she says.
Dr. Spearman adds that they can be a particularly good addition for those with oily skin, as exfoliating cleansers help smooth texture, unclog pores, and brighten the complexion. Though she cautions against overusing them, since doing so can lead to irritation and dryness.
The benefits of exfoliating face washes
According to Dr. Spearman, exfoliating face washes offer several benefits. They help remove dead skin cells that can clog pores, stimulate cell renewal, and brighten the complexion by reducing the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. Dr. Moy adds that they can also smooth skin texture, even skin tone, and improve the absorption of other skin-care products. The key, both experts agree, is to choose a gentle formula and avoid overusing it to get the benefits without irritation.
What to look for in an exfoliating face wash
When choosing an exfoliating face wash, Dr. Moy recommends looking for ingredients that are gentle yet effective. “Chemical exfoliants like glycolic or salicylic acid are safer than harsh physical face scrubs,” she says. “It’s also important to look for added hydrators like ceramides or glycerin to help maintain the skin barrier. A good exfoliating cleanser should leave your skin clean and refreshed, not red or irritated.”
Dr. Spearman adds that it’s best to avoid products with large exfoliating particles, which can be rough on the skin and cause irritation. She also advises steering clear of alcohol-based formulas that can dry out the skin, and choosing fragrance-free options whenever possible.
How often should you exfoliate your face?
“Most people do well with exfoliating two to three times a week, but it depends on your skin type and the strength of the product,” says Dr. Moy, cautioning against daily exfoliating. Over-exfoliating or using strong actives too often can strip the skin barrier and cause redness, dryness, and sensitivity. For those with sensitive skin, Dr. Spearman recommends limiting use to once a week or every other week.
How we tested
When we test and review a product, we take a holistic approach to deliver well-rounded product recommendations. First, we lean on Vogue’s vast network of experts—from board-certified dermatologists to celebrity estheticians—to gain professional acumen on the industry’s standout products, ones these specialists would actually use on their clients. We pair their expertise with our editorial best practices to curate the thoughtful edits you read on our site.
As it relates to exfoliating face washes, we selected the best based on the following characteristics: ingredients, type of exfoliant, exfoliant strength, and the skin-care concerns they address. To do this, we paired our own personal tests of each formula with expert guidance and reviewer insights to determine which we would recommend to you.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Lauren Moy, MD is a double-board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in Beverly Hills.
- Dr. Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in Fort Wayne, Indiana, who specializes in melanoma and skin-cancer care.
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