We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
WiseGEEK

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

How do I Choose the Best Exfoliating Facial Scrub?

By D. Jeffress
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Exfoliating facial scrubs help to remove dirt and dead skin cells from the surface of the face and promote the appearance of healthy, soft skin. There are dozens of different types of exfoliating facial scrub products available at bath and beauty shops, specialty stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. When choosing the best exfoliating facial scrub, a person should consider the results he or she wants to achieve. Some scrubs are formulated to treat either oily or excessively dry skin, some tackle acne or wrinkle problems, and many others feature aromatherapy benefits. By identifying the ingredients and reported purposes of different scrubs, an individual can make an educated decision about which is the best choice.

Since most exfoliating facial scrub products are specially designed to treat certain conditions, it is important for a person to take his or her skin type into account. An individual with very dry skin would likely be better off choosing a moisturizing and protective scrub, such as one that contains olive oil or almond oil. Skin that is oily tends to respond best to scrubs that contain more acidic solutions, like apricot, pineapple, or papaya extract.

Anyone afflicted with acne may find that a chemical scrub works best at cleansing the skin and preventing outbreaks. Such products usually contain solutions of salicylic acid or glycolic acid, which help to open pores and dry out existing pimples. An exfoliating facial scrub with large, rough particles can also be effective at opening pores. Many people use products that contain coarse salt, baking soda, or synthetic crystals to help rub away dead skin and oils.

If a person has sensitive skin or finds that other types of scrubs leave his or her face dry and irritated, a soothing scrub is usually the best choice. Facial scrub products that are formulated for sensitive skin can effectively remove dead cells without leaving the underlying skin feeling dry and sore. Gentle scrubs usually contain a mixture of oatmeal, sugar, honey, or herbal extracts that are known for their soothing properties.

Finally, a person may want to invest in an exfoliating facial scrub that has anti-aging benefits. Products that are rich in antioxidants are commonly thought to rejuvenate skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. An exfoliating facial scrub that contains solutions of vitamins A, C, and E can be very beneficial in tightening skin. Emollient scrubs with butters and plant oils are also popular anti-aging choices.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
See our Editorial Process Share Feedback

Related Articles

Discussion Comments

By turquoise — On Jul 20, 2011

@ysmina-- Why don't you make your own scrub? It's not hard, you just need a face cleanser, sugar and a moisturizer.

I like cocoa butter, aloe vera and shea butter a lot. You can get all natural forms of these at the pharmacy or organic stores. Just mix a tiny amount of one of these into your cleanser and some fine granulated sugar.

I bet this won't dry your skin out at all. Try it!

By ysmina — On Jul 20, 2011

@simrin-- I have the same exact problem you mentioned, except that I have very dry and sensitive skin. I still get clogged pores because of pollution and makeup though and that's why I need a good exfoliating scrub.

But every product I've tried, even ones for sensitive skin have dried my face out. I have new dry patches on my face now.

I really don't know what to do anymore. Maybe I shouldn't use a scrub at all.

By SteamLouis — On Jul 19, 2011

I think that finding the best exfoliating scrub happens by trial and error. I have tried many different types of scrubs and have been dissatisfied with most because it was just not right for my skin.

I have oily, sensitive and acne prone skin which is probably the worst combination ever. I tried using scrubs with salicylic acid but it would dry out and irritate my skin. If I used ones with moisturizing oils in it, it would make my face even oilier and more prone to breakouts.

I realized that I had to find a midway and finally discovered a papaya scrub which is working wonderfully for me. I use it once a week right after a clove mask. The mask cleans the oil and the scrub exfoliates and moisturizes.

I would recommend trying different products and paying attention to how your skin reacts to each. It will help you find the perfect scrub.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.