6 Exfoliators and Scrubs That Won't Irritate Your Dry Skin

Does your skin begin to peel or flake as soon as the temperatures start to drop? You’re likely dealing with dry skin. If you experience similar symptoms regardless of the season, it’s possible that you have dry skin (the skin type) versus environmentally-induced dry skin symptoms, which are often temporary.

When your skin is feeling tight and dry, you might think exfoliating is a bad idea. The truth is, everyone needs to exfoliate their skin to remove dead skin cells and impurities that can clog pores and lead to a dull appearance and rough texture. The key for dry skin types though is to be a bit pickier with their product selections. Instead of reaching for any scrub you lay your eyes on at the drugstore, scan the label to ensure it’s suitable for dry skin. That way you can help prevent over-drying or irritation.

To start your search on the right foot, we went ahead and rounded up our picks of the best exfoliators and scrubs for dry skin from the L’Oréal portfolio of brands, below. Read on to learn more about why these exfoliators and scrubs are among our absolute favorites. 

LANCÔME ROSE SUGAR SCRUB

Lancôme’s Rose Sugar Scrub makes exfoliation a task you’ll actually want to complete. Formulated with sugar grains along with rose water (skin care’s latest obsession), this gel can help clear away dead skin cells. What’s more, the formula is so gentle it can be enjoyed by dry and sensitive skin types as well.    

To Use: Apply a small amount of the sugar scrub on wet, clean skin. Massage the product in gently for about one minute, then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Be sure to avoid your eyes and mouth.

Lancôme Rose Sugar Scrub, $25 MSRP

L’ORÉAL PARIS PURE-SUGAR SMOOTH & GLOW GRAPESEED SCRUB

For a scrub that can work double duty on your facial skin and lip skin, opt for the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub. Formulated with grapeseed oil and three pure sugars, this scrub can help clear dead skin cells off both your face and lips for softer skin after just one week. To learn more about L’Oréal Paris’ Pure-Sugar scrubs, check out our product reviews of them all here!   

To Use: Smooth this scrub onto clean skin with dry fingertips. Then, with wet fingertips, massage the scrub into your face and lips before rinsing it off. Repeat the process up to three times per week.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub, $12.99 MSRP

GARNIER SKINACTIVE CLEARLY BRIGHTER ARGAN NUT GENTLE EXFOLIATING CLEANSER

Dry skin can cause your complexion to appear duller than usual. This is where the Garnier SkinActive Argan Nut Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser can help. Formulated with vitamin C and a multi-fruit acid blend, this non-drying cleanser helps skin get cleaner, and look healthier and more radiant. 

To Use: You can use the Garnier SkinActive Argan Nut Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser twice daily. Gently massage it into your skin, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry.

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Argan Nut Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, $7.99 MSRP 

KIEHL’S GENTLY EXFOLIATING GRAPEFRUIT BODY SCRUB

Dry skin can plague your facial skin, yes, but it can also appear on your body skin. In addition to moisturizing regularly after taking a shower, use a gentle body exfoliator at least once per week. Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Grapefruit Body Scrub is formulated with apricot seed along with soothing aloe vera and chamomile. It can help skin feel soft, velvety smooth and primed for your subsequent moisturizing products.

To Use: Apply this scrub to wet skin and massage in circular motions. Rinse thoroughly or remove with a damp washcloth.  

Kiehl’s Gently Exfoliating Grapefruit Body Scrub, $36 MSRP

ACNEFREE BLACKHEAD REMOVING SCRUB

Dry skin can pop up along with a number of other skin concerns. If you’re dealing with dry skin AND blackheads, try the AcneFree Blackhead Removing Scrub formulated with salicylic acid and charcoal. The formula can help draw out impurities to keep the pores looking clean and clear. 

To Use: Gently massage the scrub into your wet face using your hands, avoiding your eyes. Rinse thoroughly. Keep in mind that salicylic acid can be drying, so follow with a heavy-duty moisturizer and a regular moisturizing routine. If you notice your skin becoming excessively dry when using salicylic acid skin care products, stop use and ask your dermatologist.

AcneFree Blackhead Removing Charcoal Scrub, $7 MSRP

CLARISONIC SONIC EXFOLIATOR

Clarisonic is a name that’s synonymous with powerful cleansing tools. But now they’re officially joining the exfoliation space with their launch of Sonic Exfoliator. Compatible with the brand’s Mia Prima, Mia 2, Alpha Fit, and Mia Smart devices, the brush head’s triangular-shaped elastomers help to relieve the skin of dead cells for a newfound radiance and smoother skin texture.  

To Use: Clarisonic Sonic Exfoliator can be used twice daily. Depending on your skin’s tolerance level, we recommend starting at a lower frequency, such as once per week, and working your way up as tolerated.

Clarisonic Sonic Exfoliator, $39 MSRP

Editor’s note: Regardless of your skin type, it’s important to follow up with moisturizer immediately after exfoliating, ideally while your skin is still slightly damp. This can help keep your skin feeling hydrated rather than flaky and uncomfortable.

Now that you’ve figured out the best scrubs and exfoliators for dry skin, check out our picks of the best cream-based cleansers for dry skin here!