7 Best Exfoliating Facial Scrubs for Men

Exfoliation is one of the most gratifying parts of a skincare routine, and also one of the most important. “Exfoliating is beneficial for all skin types as it removes dead skin cells from your skin’s outer layer and encourages new and fresh skin cells to form,” says board-certified dermatologist, and Skincare.com consultant, Dr. Elizabeth B. Houshmand (@houshmandmd). “Dead skin cells can clog pores and leave you with a dry and flaky finish to your complexion.” 

But there’s more than one way to exfoliate. “Exfoliators now come in all sorts of shapes and sizes,” says Dr. Houshand. “The main difference is chemical versus physical.” As a refresher, physical exfoliation involves sloughing your skin’s surface with a grainy particle, like a facial scrub formulated with salts or sugars. Chemical exfoliation is the act of exfoliating your skin with an acid, such as a glycolic acid peel pad or an overnight serum formulated with lactic acid.

If you prefer physical exfoliation, you’ll need to find a facial scrub for the job—one that’s effective and not too abrasive to cause irritation. To make things easier, we went ahead and compiled our picks of the best exfoliating facial scrubs for men—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—that can deliver softer, smoother skin.

Baxter of California Facial Scrub

This simple facial scrub for men is ideal for weekly use. It effectively tones and exfoliates skin while promoting cell renewal. After drying your face, you’ll noticed improved softness and a revitalized complexion. All you have to do is massage the formula onto your face and neck in a circular motion once or twice a week.

Baxter of California Facial Scrub, $20 MSRP

Biotherm Homme Facial Exfoliator

A buildup of impurities on your skin’s surface can lead to dull-looking skin. To help remove impurities gently, reach for this facial exfoliator formulated with tiny particles. It starts off as a fresh gel and slowly transforms into a creamy foam.

Biotherm Homme Facial Exfoliator, $30 MSRP

Kiehl’s Men’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash for Men

This deep cleansing exfoliating face wash removes excess oil, sweat and everyday pollution to help reduce the appearance of shine and pores. Feel free to use this daily, as it’s sulfate-free, and power washes the skin without leaving it feeling overly dry. It’s formulated with crushed apricot seeds and can brush away dead skin cells and debris, just as an exfoliator should.

Kiehl’s Men’s Oil Eliminator Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Face Wash For Men, $22 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub

If you have easily irritated and/or sensitive skin, then you’ll enjoy this ultra-fine scrub. It smooths and purifies without bothering the skin and is infused with soothing thermal spring water.

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub, $17 MSRP 

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

For those with combination or oily skin, this mild exfoliating gel formulated with biomedic microbead technology will effectively cleanse pores, while hydrating, and softening skin.

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $30 MSRP 

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub 

This efficient and energizing skin buffer scrub for men rids the skin of dead surface cells and other impurities, while alleviating roughness and giving skin a refreshed appearance.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Energizing Scrub, $20 MSRP 

Garnier SkinActive Clean + Invigorating Daily Scrub 

For an affordable exfoliating option, look no further. This daily invigorating scrub— with peppermint and jojoba bead—gently refines the look of pores and energizes skin.

Garnier SkinActive Clean + Invigorating Daily Scrub, $7 MSRP

Editor’s note: Some scrubs are gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, while others should be applied less frequently. Consult the packaging of your exfoliator for use instructions. Most dermatologists recommend exfoliating up to three times per week. If you have sensitive skin, consult your skin care provider before using a physical exfoliator. He or she may recommend a chemical exfoliator instead.