Our skin naturally exfoliates itself, but sometimes, it’s critical to help the process along. Acne, excessively oily skin, discoloration like sun spots and hyperpigmentation, and even fine lines may cause us to pick up those exfoliators to reveal smooth, radiant skin underneath the damage.
For that, you’ll need the best exfoliators for men.
We know better than to use the St. Ives scrubs of days gone by. Typically, physical exfoliators are a big no-no for the delicate skin of our precious visages. These days, chemical exfoliators are all the rage, but they come with huge caveats. You need to make sure that you’re using the right one, and avoid overdoing it.
The best face exfoliators for men should be used no more than 2–3 times per week unless the percentage of the exfoliating ingredient is low enough that the product specifies it’s for daily use.
You’ll know if you overdo it: redness, burning sensation, peeling, and even acne are all indications that you’ve over-exfoliated. A good way to combat this is to look for exfoliators that contain hydrating ingredients and never skip moisturizing afterward.
Before we take a peek at the best face scrubs for men, let’s go over the different types of exfoliants and what skin conditions they’re best for.
Types of Exfoliants
Physical: Physical exfoliants use a physical abrasive in the form of beads or granules to slough away dead skin cells. Because this can be harsh on the skin, it’s recommended to use physical exfoliators below the neck.
Chemical: The best face exfoliator for men is typically found in chemical form. This includes AHAs, BHAs, and fruit enzymes that gently dissolve the glue that holds skin cells together. They can come in a variety of forms, including peels, powders, gels, toners, and cleansers. There are three different types of chemical exfoliants.
AHAs: AHAs (also known as alpha-hydroxy acids) gently work on the surface of the skin to eliminate dead skin cells and improve texture by smoothing and softening the skin. They’re naturally occurring and include lactic and glycolic acids, which are derived from milk and sugarcane.
AHAs are great for minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, and sun damage.
BHAs: Beta-hydroxy acids penetrate deeper than AHAs and provide exfoliation for acne, rough/bumpy texture, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Like AHAs, they can be naturally occurring but are most often created in a
Salicylic acid is the most common BHA. Because they promote natural shedding and loosen the glue that holds skin cells together, they are good for clogged pores, oily skin, and uneven skin texture.
Enzyme: The gentlest of the bunch, enzymes come from fruits like pumpkin, papaya, and pineapple. They exfoliate and cleanse the skin without penetrating the deeper layers like other chemical exfoliants. Enzyme exfoliants break down dead cells, but they don’t affect living cells.
Now that you have a basic understanding of various exfoliants, let’s take a look at the 10 best exfoliators for men below.
Key Takeaways
For this assignment, I pored over hundreds of customer reviews, online forums, and top retailer websites until I narrowed my list down to 10 exfoliators you see here.
Overall, the best exfoliator for men is CeraVe SA Cleanser because it’s highly effective, well-priced, and deeply exfoliates while supporting the skin’s barrier. It’s non-comedogenic and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
For an AHA-based serum that tones and brightens the skin, check out Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment.
Why it’s great: Effective and affordable, this cleanser pairs gentle exfoliation with skin barrier support without cluttering up your bathroom counter. Gentle enough for daily use, it uses salicylic acid to smooth and unclog pores while restoring and hydrating the skin with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides.
This is one of the best exfoliants for men, and those with sensitive skin will love that it’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
Who is this for? Ideal for those with oily and/or acne-prone skin or for dudes who sweat a lot, salicylic acid works deep within the pores to exfoliate skin and unclog pores.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Not the best for surface exfoliation if you want to repair sun spots or discoloration, for instance.
Active Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Item Form: Cleanser | Size: 8, 16 oz | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: Sunday Riley makes great gentle skincare products, and this serum is no exception. It acts like a treatment and toner in one, as it contains lemongrass that tones the complexion, in addition to lactic acid to exfoliate and diminish dark spots, arnica to soothe the skin, and licorice to make skin glowy and bright.
This is one of the best exfoliators for men. I appreciate that it’s packed with hydrating properties, including squalane and aloe. Just a few pumps each night (yes, it’s gentle enough for daily use) is all it takes to restore your skin’s clarity and smoothness.
Who is this for? Because it can be applied like a leave-on treatment or a 15-minute mask for sensitive skin, I recommend it for all skin types. It may not be the best for treating acne, however.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Product aside, a few reviewers had problems with the pump and deceptively small packaging.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, licorice, lemongrass, arnica | Item Form: Serum | Size: 0.5, 1, 1.7 oz | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: If you find yourself attracted to a scrub, then this cleanser is the way to go. Because it brightens and smoothes the skin, it’s essentially a fancier version of the CeraVe SA cleanser thanks to colloidal oatmeal and rice which soothe and restore the skin’s barrier while treating clogged pores, oil, and acne.
These properties make it sensitive enough for daily use. It starts out as a powder (a little goes a long way) and emulsifies in your hands into a paste that doesn’t feel gritty or grainy. I also appreciate that it’s been third-party-tested, so you can trust the results they claim.
Who is this for? If you want to treat problem skin like acne while also delivering spa-worthy brightening and smoothing effects on the skin, then this is a great cleanser, one of the best exfoliators for men. Though it can be used daily, some reviewers prefer to use it a few times a week.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It may be expensive, but it gives great results. This is just something you’ll have to splurge on.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, papaya, phytic acid, colloidal oatmeal | Item Form: Powder | Size: 0.45, 2.6 oz | Type: Physical, chemical, enzymatic
Why it’s great: This exfoliator gently polishes even the most sensitive skin. It just goes to show that you don’t have to use harsh products to achieve results, even if your skin is super oily. It uses finely ground rice bran and a trio of fermented Japanese superfoods to promote skin’s natural turnover and give you that luminosity you crave.
The formulation is pH neutral and promotes skin barrier health in addition to its exfoliating properties. Like a few others on this list of the best exfoliators for men, it starts out as a powder and turns into a luxurious cream when you add water.
Who is this for? This is great for oily skin types, but also those with normal skin that might want to tighten pores and restore brightness to their complexion.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although this product certainly does what it says, I wish it came with more hydrating properties.
Key Ingredients: Rice bran, fruit enzymes | Item Form: Powder | Size: 2.1 oz | Type: Enzymatic
Why it’s great: Another mainstay in the skincare world, Peter Thomas Roth, offers an excellent exfoliator that buffs away flaky, dry skin to reveal smooth, radiant skin underneath. As you massage it into your face, dead skin and impurities roll off into little balls, which can be very satisfying for some.
This is one of the best exfoliators for men. It’s gentle, thanks to the use of fruit enzymes to exfoliate and hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that boost and restore the skin barrier.
Who is this for? A great choice for those suffering from both dry skin and clogged pores. The fruit enzymes are gentle enough for sensitive, irritated skin.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although the peeling balls of the scrub are effective, they can sometimes be messy.
Key Ingredients: Enzymes, pomegranate, pineapple, cellulose | Item Form: Gel | Size: 3.4 oz | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: An award-winning cult favorite, this triple-action exfoliator uses physical silica beads, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and fruit enzymes to revitalize dull skin.
The gritty, paste-like texture is awesome for those who want that physically exfoliating feeling to achieve gentle, effective results without irritation. Improves skin texture and minimizes the appearance of pores while also tackling fine lines and wrinkles.
Who is this for? Because it contains both BHAs and AHAs, it’s great for tackling acne and the surface marks they leave behind. That way, you don’t have to use two different products to exfoliate deep within the skin and on the surface.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Works like a charm but comes with a somewhat hefty price tag.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid, papaya, pumpkin, pineapple | Item Form: Scrub | Size: 2 oz | Type: Physical, Chemical, Enzymatic
Why it’s great: Like a smoothie for your skin, this award-winning face wash brightens, gently exfoliates, and delivers a boost of antioxidants, all from the power of plants. Ideal for all skin types, it uses fruit enzymes to exfoliate, making it a good choice for those with delicate skin.
It’s a top pick for me because it hydrates with glycerin as it sloughs off dead skin cells for added skin barrier protection. It’s one of the best exfoliators for men, perfect for achieving a youthful glow.
Who is this for? If salicylic and glycolic acid are too strong for your skin, then you’ll likely do better with the gentle exfoliation of fruit enzymes. And because it’s in wash form, it’s also perfect for the guy who doesn’t want to add any new steps to his routine.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Because it’s recommended to use only 2–3 times per week, you’ll still need another everyday face wash on hand.
Key Ingredients: Papaya, licorice, tangerine | Item Form: Cleanser | Size: 3.04 oz | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: Considered the holy grail for many, these two-step pads pack a major skincare punch. The first pad contains 5 powerful acids, and the second pad contains antioxidants that stop the acids from over-exfoliating and keep skin hydrated and glowy.
They include retinol, resveratrol (an ingredient found in red wine that extends cell lifespan), and green tea extract to protect against free radicals. In two minutes, this exfoliator lifts away dead skin cells, evens out skin texture, and minimizes pores and fine lines.
Who is this for? If you already have a skincare kit that works for you, these pads are easy to add in, especially if you want to firm, treat fine lines and discoloration, and smooth the skin.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Although they definitely work as touted, they are expensive and generate a lot of waste.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, resveratrol, retinol, green tea extract | Item Form: Pad | Size: 5, 30, 60 count | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: Exfoliating toners provide an effective way to refresh and clarify the skin, and this one from Paula’s Choice takes the cake in terms of blemish control and smoothing properties. It is simply one of the best face scrubs for men.
It contains 2% salicylic acid to clean deep within the pores but also green tea extract to soothe and hydrate inflamed skin while regulating sebum production. Within days, reviewers noted clearer, smoother skin and a reduction in blackheads. Good for all skin types, but especially oily, acne-prone skin.
Who is this for? For those dealing with texture issues or congested skin, this toner makes a perfect addition to your routine. Ideal for achieving clear, plump skin.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: Shouldn’t be used daily initially. Skin needs to build a tolerance to strong exfoliating ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid | Item Form: Toner | Size: 7 oz | Type: Chemical
Why it’s great: Our skin repairs at night, so it makes sense to apply an exfoliating serum at night. Designed for all skin types, this leave-on gel treatment uses lactic acid and glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, while licorice root extract treats signs of aging, discoloration, and dullness.
What makes this product great is its barrier-restoring properties, including hyaluronic acid and three essential ceramides that protect and hydrate as it treats.
Who is this for? Key for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and sun spots, this is the best face exfoliator for men who want to treat signs of aging and brighten dull skin.
Flaws but not deal-breakers: It may not be the best for sensitive skin, as some reviewers with delicate skin have noted irritation.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, licorice root, ceramides, hyaluronic acid | Item Form: Gel | Size: 1.7 oz | Type: Chemical
Buying Considerations for The Best Exfoliators For Men
Form
Because exfoliators are ingredients, they can be added into various skincare products. You can find the best face scrubs for men in the form of a gel, powder, face wash, serum, and toner.
Face washes are ideal for the guy who doesn’t want to spend time with a treatment or adding a serum into his routine, but the percentage of the chemical exfoliant is usually lower. This usually means that it will take longer to see results.
Treatments are nice because they need to be done only a few times a week and provide a bit of pampering time. Toners are ideal if you already have a skincare regime you like. Plus, they help all of your serums and moisturizers sink in better.
Type
The type of exfoliant you need depends on your skincare concerns. As previously mentioned, AHAs and fruit enzymes are good for gentler surface exfoliation. They’re the way to go if you have sensitive skin or you want to treat fine lines, discoloration, or uneven skin texture.
BHAs like salicylic acid penetrate deeper and are good for unclogging pores, treating acne, and regulating sebum production. However, some of the best exfoliators for men contain both types of chemical exfoliants, which are great for treating multiple skin issues.
Frequency of Usage
Even though some products claim to be good for daily use, it’s best to ease into usage when trying out a new active ingredient.
Typically, you don’t want to exfoliate every day, but if a product says it’s safe for frequent usage, check the percentage of the exfoliant. Anything over 2% should require an adjustment period before you use it daily. Most of the time, you don’t want to exfoliate your skin more than 2–3 times per week.
How We Chose
You can put just anything on your face—it takes a lot of time, consideration, and research to really know what goes into the best face exfoliators for men. Regardless of what an exfoliating product claims, I am careful to examine the full ingredient list of every product to spot any potential irritants.
I searched through hundreds of products, their reviews, and all of the top blogs before I meticulously chose the top 10 best exfoliators for men that you see here.
Company reputation: How a brand is perceived in the marketplace matters almost as much as how the product performs. That’s because perception is shaped by factors like customer service, transparency, and consistent product quality.
I make sure a company has stellar performance across the board before recommending one of its exfoliators to you.
Customer reviews: What do the people say about the product? Does it perform as it claims, or are people making returns? Whether customers love what it has to offer and if they’ll be buying it again plays heavily in my decision-making process.
Ingredients: Finally, what’s in the thing? Are there any irritating ingredients that dry out the skin or clog the pores that consumers should know about? I always check the type of exfoliant used and make sure I understand what every other ingredient does to the skin before I share it with you all.
Why Trust Us?
Rachel Cascella is not only a skincare and beauty writer, she is also passionate about all things that go on your face. For nearly a decade, she has written about some of the best skincare routines and methods out there, including the best face serums for men.
Her deep-seated passion and extensive knowledge in these domains make her uniquely qualified to guide you through the maze of exfoliating products. Rachel’s work consistently reflects her expertise and dedication to providing readers with accurate, thorough, and trustworthy advice.
Final Verdict
The best exfoliators for men should be of good value, gently exfoliate the skin for a majority of skin types, and hopefully restore some moisture to the skin barrier along the way. I love CeraVe SA Cleanser because it’s gentle enough for daily use, easy to incorporate into your routine, and is beneficial even for sensitive skin types.
FAQ
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It is recommended that men use a chemical exfoliant to remove skin cells. BHAs are good for oily, acne-prone skin, while AHAs and fruit enzymes are ideal for removing surface-level skin cells.
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Men should exfoliate 1-3 times per week, and daily only if a product specifies. Make sure to get under that beard.
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To prevent the razor from becoming overloaded with dead skin cells, men should exfoliate prior to shaving.
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