Frequently Asked Questions
What type of exfoliator is best for sensitive skin?
According to Dr. Velez, everyone’s sensitivity level is different, so it depends. “The most gentle form of exfoliation is an alpha hydroxy acid–based cleanser because a serum or other leave-on treatments will provide the highest concentration, but can be irritating if too much is applied,” she says. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a dermatologist based in Pocatello, ID, adds that since cleansers get washed off, they don’t spend as much time in contact with the skin, which can help prevent irritation while still offering exfoliating Leave-on exfoliators, like serums, creams, or pads, can also work for some people with sensitive skin, but they should be used carefully, Dr. Tolpinrud says. “Blends that pair gentler acids, like lactic acid, with polyhydroxy acids (PHAs), such as gluconolactone, may be better tolerated by some individuals, as lactic acid is both hydrating and gentle, while PHAs exfoliate more slowly and evenly.” Since these products stay on the skin longer, Dr. Tolpinrud recommends introducing them gradually and paying close attention to how your skin responds. Another tip: “Look for barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide in the formula to counteract redness and sensitivity,” she says.
What ingredients should you look for in an exfoliator for sensitive skin?
According to Dr. Velez, the best ingredients to look out for in an exfoliator for sensitive skin are lactic and glycolic acid, as they have the smallest, most powerful particle size. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Angela Lamb, MD, and Pittsburgh-based board-certified dermatologist Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, explained. Lactic acid especially mimics a “naturally occurring group of molecules found in our skin that helps to hydrate and maintain the skin barrier,” adds Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California, so it’s less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
“These alpha hydroxy acids exfoliate without scrubbing (which is awful for sensitive skin),” says Dr. Velez. “Additionally, avoid physical exfoliants that are gritty or sand- or sugar-like. They can cause small abrasions on the skin’s surface, furthering sensitivity and potentially spreading bacteria.”
Meet the experts
- Carmen Castilla, MD, is a dermatologist based in New York City.
- Mara C. Weinstein Velez, MD, is a dermatologist based in Rochester, NY.
- Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, is a dermatologist based in Pocatello, ID.
- Angela Lamb, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
- Aegean Chan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, California.
- Lindsey Zubritsky, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Pitttsburgh.
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When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best exfoliators for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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