My Top Choices For Exfoliation (skincare edition)

I use exfoliants for various reasons, but overall, it’s to make my skin healthy and look good! Having just one won’t do the trick though, you need different ones for different reasons. Some are better for acne, while others are better for addressing signs of aging,  No need to keep any secrets as to what works for my skin, so I’m going to share the best exfoliators I use on a regular basis.

Just keep in mind that I use ALL of these — just not at the same time! You do need to assess your own tolerance when it comes to exfoliating products so if you plan to use any of these, I suggest starting off slow and seeing how your skin reacts first.

Fresh Sugar Wonder Lip Drops – purchase at Sephora

I previously wrote about these amazing drops on a blog post about lip treatments that transformed my lips in one week’s time. I still stand by that, and use these exfoliating lip drops maybe 3-4 times a week and no longer feel I need to use them daily. Sugar Wonder Lip Drops is considered a lip primer and uses a blend of AHAs to produce soft, smooth lips. Sugar and fruit extracts, along with hibiscus extract gently resurface the lips without irritation. 

The drops are sweet to the taste and while the bottle looks small, you only need one drop per day so it should last you quite a while! If you want to read my longer review you can find it here. 

Versed Dermaplaning Tool – purchase at Versed Skincare

Not all exfoliants come out of a tube or bottle, some are just a tool! I’ve been dermaplaning for years but only recently did I switch over to Versed’s dermaplaning tool. The one I was using before was very pricey and had the same exact design but at a fraction of the cost. It was a no-brainer to switch. Dermaplaning is good for removing vellum (peach fuzz) as well as the top layer of dead skin to reveal fresher skin underneath. It’s very similar to shaving but does more than a regular razor because it removes dead skin as well. 

It’s one of the more satisfying ways to exfoliate because you see the “stuff” collect on the blade, and I know my serums are going to absorb into the skin better, and my foundations are going to lay better on the skin. I made a video earlier this year using the tool and will show it below. 

Farmacy Beauty Deep Sweep 2% BHA Pore Cleaning Toner

Purchase at Sephora or Farmacy.com (save 20% on the farmacy site with CLAUDIA20)

When I feel a breakout progressing more than I’m comfortable with, I reach for this toner. I generally do not use acne products regularly — this is more for my husband. But when I get a breakout that doesn’t seem to be calming down on it’s own I use this 1-2/week to help clear things up quickly. 

Deep Sweep is alcohol-free and uses 2% salicylic acid and papaya enzymes to remove excess oil and deep clean the pores. It’s as satisfying as using those old OXY pads when I was a teen but without any irritation. I do use it sparingly, and try to avoid my nose unless there is an actual pimple. Overusing this product will cause your skin to produce too much oil so learn your minimum and maximum amount of uses per week for the best results!

Beautycounter Reflect Effect AHA Mask – purchase at Beautycounter

This has got to be the ULTIMATE treatment for exfoliation in my book. It’s like a spa-grade mask but in your own home! Reflect Effect is a 10% AHA (glycolic acid)/ 10% Phytic acid gel mask with bamboo particles for powerhouse exfoliation. I’ll never forget the first time I used this — my jaw literally dropped at how soft my skin felt afterward. Just 10 minutes once a week is all my skin needs to feel the transformation. 

If your skin is feeling tired, dull, congested, or plain blah, this is a mask to consider. Not only does it dramatically work on the texture of your skin, but it also leaves it feeling soothed and smooth due in part to the sugar-based moisturizers in the mask. 

I like that this brand takes a serious effort to only use safe ingredients and constantly works on ways to utilize more sustainable packaging. You can read more about the mask here. 

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant – purchase at Sephora or ULTA Beauty

Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant has been a longtime staple in my skincare routine. This rice-based powdered formula every so slightly foams up with the addition of water to create a thin paste you massage on the skin. When I want to, I can use this almost every day. It makes my skin feel very smooth and I’ve even used it on other body parts when I’m in the shower!

Daily Microfoliant uses salicylic acid and papain to brighten, smooth out rough texture, clean out pores, and reduce hyperpigmentation. Blackheads will have nowhere to hide when using this regularly!

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads – purchase at Sephora or ULTA Beauty

Just remember, when it comes to exfoliants, you don’t need to FEEL it, for it to work. FAB’s Facial Radiance Pads feel extremely gentle on the skin but produce great results over time. Lactic and Glycolic acid are the star ingredients in this product that work to brighten the complexion and even out the skin. This is another product I can use daily if I choose. It really just depends on what else I am using on my skin the same week. 

I love that these are vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free — and they have NEVER dried out my face. EVER! They also have it in a smaller travel size so you can give them a test run before buying a big jar. 

All of these options have worked well for my 40-year-old, normal to dry skin that shows some signs if aging and occasional acne. Again, I do not use all these at the same time. I assess my skin daily and decide if it’s a day to skip exfoliation, or if I need to keep using something.

Have you tried any of these? Would love to hear if you’ve had the same experience!