Facial scrubs have had their fair share of ups and downs in the skin-care spotlight. Once beloved during the St. Ives apricot scrub era, they later fell from grace for causing microtears in the skin and disrupting the barrier. Today, the best facial scrubs have evolved with gentler, more refined formulas that physically exfoliate without doing harm. Instead of harsh grit, they delicately remove dead skin cells, leaving a smoother, brighter complexion.
Vogue’s Favorite Facial Scrubs
Which is why we asked the experts whether or not they recommend facial scrubs for exfoliating skin (spoiler: they do), how often to use them, what to look for in a formula, and the ones they trust most. Below, a look at their recommendations for the best facial scrubs for a smoother, more even, and brighter complexion.
In This Story:
Best Overall: Tatcha The Rice Polish
- Why We Love It: According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Corey L. Hartman, Tatcha’s The Rice Polish uses finely milled Japanese rice bran as its physical exfoliant. Because the particles are small and uniform, it’s well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. “This is a good option for anyone looking to minimize the appearance of pores,” says Dr. Hartman. “The papaya enzymes offer gentle chemical exfoliation, while silk extracts help condition and soothe the skin.” The fine exfoliant also helps clear out debris, leaving pores looking smoother and less noticeable.
- Key Ingredients: Japanese rice bran, papaya enzymes, licorice root
- Best For: All skin types, smoothing
- Size: 2.1 oz, 0.5 oz
Best Dual Exfoliator: Lancer The Method: Polish Exfoliator
- Why We Love It: The first skincare product I ever splurged on, Lancer The Method Polish, still holds a soft spot in my heart. But beyond nostalgia, it truly delivers results. It’s a dual exfoliator, using both chemical and physical exfoliants to resurface the skin. Dr. Hartman explains that the formula combines uniform magnesium crystals with pumpkin and pomegranate enzymes to loosen the bonds holding dead skin cells in place, then physically sweep them away for a smoother, softer texture. “The formula helps improve the skin’s overall appearance with antioxidant-rich winged kelp, which hydrates and leaves the skin feeling refreshed,” he adds.
- Key Ingredients: Pumpkin enzymes, pomegranate enzymes, winged kelp, magnesium crystals
- Best For: Normal to combination skin
- Size: 4.2 oz
Best for Brightening: YSE Your Favorite Ex Exfoliating Gel
- Why We Love It: A double whammy, the YSE Gentle Enzymatic and Physical Exfoliating Gel uses both physical and chemical exfoliants to sweep away dead skin cells from the surface. Dr. Hartman explains that the physical exfoliant in the formula is cellulose acetate, a synthetic polymer derived from plant-based cellulose fibers. And if you’re worried about dryness, he reassures that the formula also includes squalane to boost hydration, along with hibiscus and passion fruit extracts to help brighten and even out the skin’s tone.
- Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, cellulose acetate, passion fruit and hibiscus extract, squalane
- Best For: Uneven texture, mature skin
- Size: 75 mL
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Natura Bissé C+C Vitamin Scrub
- Why We Love It: If you ever studied abroad in Bar-thay-lona, you might recognize Natura Bissé as one of the city’s premier skincare brands. This particular scrub is a standout for anyone dealing with hyperpigmentation, combining the brightening power of vitamin C with rosehip seeds, a natural physical exfoliant. “Vitamin C has been shown to reduce hyperpigmentation and dark spots on the skin for a more even-toned complexion,” says Dr. Hartman, referring to the formula’s potent antioxidant blend.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, rosehip seeds, bitter orange extract
- Best For: Dark spots
- Size: 100 mL
Best Splurge: La Prairie Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator
- Why We Love It: “This exfoliator is as luxurious as skincare gets,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ali Shahbaz of La Prairie’s mineral face exfoliator, which rings in at $170 and is infused with rich minerals and fine crystals to deeply polish the skin. “I recommend this for those with dry or mature skin who want a weekly reset,” he adds. Just be cautious if your skin is sensitive—its intensity means a little goes a long way.
- Key Ingredients: Gem powders, rosa centifolia
- Best For: Dry skin, oily skin
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Sensitive Skin: The Outset Exfoliating Revitalizing & Energizing Caffeine Micro Polish
- Why We Love It: Like all of The Outset’s products, this scrub is formulated to be gentle and non-irritating. It’s also vegan, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and made without parabens, silicones, or gluten. The mineral-based formula is designed to revive dull, tired skin using a combination of physical exfoliation and caffeine. Dr. Hartman explains, “Fine perlite helps exfoliate the skin, while caffeine helps boost blood flow to the surface, resulting in a brighter complexion.”
- Key Ingredients: Fine perlite, caffeine
- Best For: Sensitive skin
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Smoothing: Kiehl’s Epidermal Re-Texturizing Micro-Dermabrasion Face Exfoliator
- Why We Love It: With micro-particles designed to mimic in-office microdermabrasion, Dr. Shahbaz says this scrub can significantly smooth skin and reduce uneven tone. “It’s best suited for those with normal to oily skin, and definitely not something to use daily. Once a week is plenty,” he notes. What’s great is that it isn’t limited to just your face—you can also use it to target discoloration on your hands and décolletage. Just make sure your skin is damp, and apply it using upward and outward circular motions.
- Key Ingredients: Micronized shells, willow herb
- Best For: Dry skin
- Size: 2.5 oz
Best for Skin Barrier Support: Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel
- Why We Love It: If you’ve avoided exfoliation out of fear your skin can’t handle it, Dr. Shahbaz offers some reassurance. “This is a great option for sensitive skin,” he says of this gentle formula, which is lightweight, non-irritating, and enriched with Avène’s signature thermal spring water. “The biodegradable beads offer mild exfoliation, making it perfect for regular use one to two times a week.” Not sure what to follow with? He recommends Avène Cicalfate+, a post-biotic-rich cream that calms inflammation and helps reinforce the skin barrier after exfoliation.
- Key Ingredients: Thermal spring water, biodegradable beads
- Best For: Sensitive skin
- Size: 75 mL
Best for Softening: Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish
- Why We Love It: Ideal for those with dry or combination skin, this face polish from Jenni Kayne’s Oak Essentials smooths without stripping. It blends mineral-rich powders with nourishing oils for a creamy, gentle exfoliation—nothing like the harsh, sandpaper-like scrubs of the past. “I’d recommend it as a weekly indulgence, especially if your skin needs a glow-up without the grit,” says Dr. Shahbaz.
- Key Ingredients: Pineapple extract, red seaweed algae extract, potato extract
- Best For: Dry skin, combination skin
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Oily Skin: Clinique Exfoliating Face Scrub
- Why We Love It: You might have grown up with this BHA exfoliator, and it’s still standing the test of time. Safe for most skin types, the formula is free of fragrance, oil, mineral oil, alcohol, talc, silicone, and gluten. It also gets a dermatologist stamp of approval. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Toral Vaidya explains, “Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid that penetrates deep into the pores to dissolve excess oils, while silica beads provide gentle physical exfoliation by helping to remove dead skin cells from the surface.”
- Key Ingredients: Salycilic acid, silica beads
- Best For: Oily skin, uneven texture
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Dry Skin: Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant
- Why We Love It: A staple in my household growing up, this oat-based powder exfoliant gently improves skin smoothness and radiance while supporting the skin barrier. Designed for daily use, Dr. Hartman says people with normal, oily, or combination skin may benefit from using it every day to help exfoliate and brighten. For dry or sensitive skin, one to two times per week may be enough. “The formula’s main ingredient, rice powder, activates when mixed with water to deliver AHAs that help brighten the skin,” he explains. And since it’s a powder, you can control the texture—just be sure to use water sparingly so it doesn’t get too runny.
- Key Ingredients: Papaya enzymes, coconut milk, salicylic acid, phytic acid, colloidal oatmeal
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 2.6 oz, 0.45 oz
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Ranavat Smoothing Facial Polish
- Why We Love It: Inspired by Ayurvedic rituals, this botanical-rich polish feels like a spa treatment at home, especially if you slow down and take the time to breathe it all in. Dr. Shahbaz says it’s gentle enough for most skin types, with ingredients like rice powder and nourishing oils that help brighten and soften without irritation. “A lovely choice one to two times a week for those who favor clean, plant-based beauty,” he adds.
- Key Ingredients: Rice powder, ashwagandha, lotus seed
- Best For: All skin types
- Size: 100 mL
Best for Clarifying: Furtuna Skin Triple Active Exfoliator
- Why We Love It: While this exfoliator errs on the pricier side, Dr. Vaidya explains that it’s formulated with both PHAs and AHAs to gently accelerate cell turnover, resulting in a more even, refined texture. The payoff? When you look in the mirror, you’ll notice brighter, smoother skin and a radiant glow, without the irritation or sensitivity often associated with harsher exfoliants.
- Key Ingredients: Olive pit powder, fruit enzymes, volcanic perlite
- Best For: All skin types, dullness
- Size: 80 mL
Best for Radiance: Typology P71 Radiance Face Scrub with Rosehip Oil
- Why We Love It: Interestingly enough, this scrub offers a unique three-phase texture. It starts as a gel, transforms into an exfoliating oil as you massage it in, and finishes as a milk when rinsed with water. Made in France, Dr. Vaidya says that it’s nourishing and safe for most skin types, though it does contain essential oils, so those with sensitivities may want to proceed with caution. Despite its gel base, the texture isn’t sticky or tacky. Instead, it feels luxurious on the skin and leaves dull complexions noticeably more radiant after rinsing.
- Key Ingredients: Organic rosehip oil, organic macerated carrot oil, apricot kernel powder
- Best For: Textured skin
- Size: 1.7 oz
Do dermatologists recommend facial scrubs?
Yes, but with a few important caveats. “Exfoliation is an important part of a skincare routine, and a facial scrub can help remove dead skin to reveal newer, healthier skin underneath,” explains Dr. Hartman. It can also improve the absorption of skincare products, making them more effective. That said, he notes, “I tend to recommend chemical exfoliants over physical ones. Scrubs can be too harsh, especially if the particles are jagged or used too aggressively, which can cause microtears in the skin.”
Dr. Ali Shahbaz echoes this sentiment. “I recommend facial scrubs when they’re formulated gently and used thoughtfully,” he says. “They can help buff away dead skin cells, enhance radiance, and smooth texture, but only if they’re not too abrasive or overused.”
Facial scrubs can be safe when formulated with fine, smooth, non-abrasive particles—and used in moderation. Dr. Vaidya advises avoiding harsh scrubs, especially those with coarse textures, as they can create microscopic tears in the skin. “This kind of mechanical damage can compromise the skin barrier and lead to irritation and inflammation,” she explains. When used correctly, though, a gentle scrub can be a beneficial part of a skincare routine, particularly for certain skin types that tolerate physical exfoliation well.
Can you use a facial scrub every day?
In most cases, no, warns Dr. Shahbaz. Even the gentlest scrubs should only be used one to three times per week. Daily exfoliation, especially with physical scrubs, can lead to inflammation and compromise the skin’s natural protective barrier. “Over-exfoliating, whether with a scrub or any other type of exfoliant, can lead to skin barrier damage and increased skin sensitivity,” adds Dr. Vaidya. For those with active conditions such as acne, rosacea, or eczema, it’s especially important to listen to your skin and adjust accordingly. When it comes to exfoliation, less is often more, particularly for sensitive skin.
What should you look for in a facial scrub?
Dr. Hartman recommends choosing a creamy formula with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin. As for the exfoliating granules, steer clear of harsh particles like crushed nuts or shells, which can cause microtears. Instead, look for fine, uniform ingredients such as ground sugar, salt, pumice, or jojoba beads.
“If you have sensitive skin, avoid scrubs with alcohol or synthetic fragrance,” adds Dr. Shahbaz.
Dr. Vaidya also emphasizes technique. “Always apply a scrub using light pressure and gentle, circular motions,” she says. “Though it may be tempting, scrubbing aggressively does more harm than good.” She also advises against layering too many actives in the same routine. Avoid combining scrubs with retinoids, vitamin C, or other exfoliants on the same day. “The goal is to support your skin’s natural turnover process, not overwhelm it.”