17 Best Gentle Exfoliating Products For Sensitive Skin

November 20, 2023

By: Alanna Martine Kilkeary | skincare.com by L'Oréal

We know that regular exfoliation can be helpful in maintaining a smooth, radiant complexion. But if you have sensitive skin, the process of removing dead skin cells can be tricky. Use a scrub that’s too abrasive or a chemical exfoliant that’s too strong, and you could be left with redness and discomfort.

But just because you have sensitive skin doesn’t mean that you need to forgo exfoliation all together — you just have to use the right products and figure out the best exfoliation frequency for you. Ahead, we’re sharing what exactly an exfoliator is, dermatologist tips for how to use one, and the very best exfoliating products to try.

What Is An Exfoliator?

According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman, exfoliation is the process of removing dead skin cells, and can either be mechanical or chemical. She previously told Skincare.com that “mechanical exfoliation involves scrubbing skin with an abrasive product like microfiber cloths, beads, a brush, sugar or salt — while chemical uses salicylic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, alpha-hydroxy-acids, beta-hydroxy-acids or enzymes.”

What Does An Exfoliator Do?

Depending on the format, both types of exfoliators work to slough off dead and dull skin cells to help reveal brighter, softer skin. Because of this, exfoliating also helps clarify skin and keep acne at bay.

When To Use An Exfoliator

Dr. Engelman previously told Skincare.com that how often you exfoliate should be based on your skin type. “Some people can only handle exfoliating once a week, while others need to every day,” she says.

How To Use An Exfoliator For Sensitive Skin

For all skin types, Dr. Engelman recommends starting an exfoliation routine once or twice a week and increasing in frequency, as tolerated. If you have sensitive skin, once a week is a great starting point. Of course, choosing the right exfoliator is key when you have sensitive skin — you’ll want to look for products that have other soothing ingredients in them, too. Here, we’re sharing the very best exfoliators for sensitive skin to try, ASAP!

Best 17 Exfoliators For Sensitive Skin

CeraVe Renewing SA Face Cleanser

If you’re new to exfoliation or your skin doesn’t tolerate high concentrations of dermatological actives, opting for an exfoliator in the form of a wash-off product could be a great solution. This gentle exfoliating cleanser is powered by salicylic acid to help resurface the skin and address clogged pores. It also contains ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to soften and hydrate the skin while supporting a healthy skin barrier.

La Roche-Posay Ultra Fine Scrub

Prefer physical exfoliation? Go for a gentle scrub with fine particles that won’t be overly abrasive on the skin. We love this one because it’s specifically formulated for sensitive skin. It contains ultra-fine pumice particles suspended in a gel-like formula to gently buff away dead skin cells and leave your complexion looking and feeling smooth.

Youth to the People Kombucha + 10% AHA Power Exfoliant

This lightweight toner helps zap dark marks and discoloration over time with 7% lactic and 3% glycolic acid. It has hydrating ingredients plus antioxidants to help give you brighter, softer and smooth skin.

L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 5% Glycolic Acid Peeling Toner Liquid

If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliating toner from the drugstore, this is the one for you. Powered by glycolic acid, it works to smooth skin texture and increase the skin’s radiance. We love that this one is also alcohol and fragrance-free, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Thayer Milky Hydrating Face Toner With Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid

This non-comedogenic pick is made with sensitive and dry skin types in mind thanks to its hydrating hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom ingredients. It works to gently exfoliate and won’t leave your skin feeling stripped.

Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder Cleanser

Oily skin types will love this powder cleanser that helps detox and refine the skin. It combines AHAs and white clay to help absorb excess oil and clarify pores.

Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

Gently slough off dead and dull skin cells with this exfoliating scrub that won’t leave your skin feeling stripped. It has a 2% concentration of hydrated silica, glycerin and aloe extract to help your skin’s barrier retain moisture all while removing impurities.

Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Exfoliating Peel Pads

AHAs and BHAs come together in these exfoliating peel pads that will help refine and refresh the skin. They work to remove excess oil, dark spots and even fine lines.

Vichy Normaderm BHA Exfoliating Serum

If you have acne and sensitive skin, we recommend incorporating a pimple-targeting exfoliating serum into your routine. This formula contains 1% salicylic acid and 4% glycolic acid to help minimize the look of redness and congestion.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Glow Recipe claims that its watermelon-scented formula with AHAs and hyaluronic acid works to resurface the skin and help refine the appearance of pores, while also providing a boost of moisture.

E.l.f Cosmetics Gentle Peeling Exfoliant

This creamy exfoliant works to remove dead skin and impurities all while giving you a hydrating, refreshing wash. It has licorice root extracts, papaya extracts and tangerine extracts to gently exfoliate and give the skin a boost of antioxidants and exfoliation.