A good way to achieve healthy, glowing skin is by using a gentle exfoliating cleanser. These cleansers do more than just lift surface dirt and oil. They help remove dead skin cells that can make your complexion look dull. When you exfoliate regularly, you may notice a brighter and smoother skin tone. Finding an effective exfoliating cleanser that doesn’t completely strip the skin or cause irritation is challenging so we created the ultimate shortlist to help you decide.
Click on the links below to jump to that section:
- Understanding the types of exfoliation: chemical vs physical
Learn why chemical exfoliation isn’t as scary as it sounds and why you should use it
- Undisputed skincare heroes: the best exfoliating cleansers
Ireland’s favourite exfoliating cleansers that leave your skin feeling balanced
- Using an exfoliating cleanser
Don’t make the mistake of over-cleansing – bear our tips in mind
Understanding The Types of Exfoliation: Chemical vs Physical
At the end of their life cycle, dead skin cells should fall off revealing younger skin underneath. However, they can often linger, which can lead to a dull complexion, textural irregularities, uneven skin tone and fine lines.
Exfoliating agents speed up the process of removing dead skin cells either by physically lifting them with micro beads, or grains. Alternatively, chemical exfoliants like lactic acid and other AHAs break the bonds holding these cells to the surface. While more traditional, physical exfoliation if often too abrasive to the skin barrier, causing irritation and dryness.
Using acids on your face can initially sound alarming. However, your skin naturally has an acidic pH allowing it to tolerate low-pH cleansers. The following exfoliating cleansers are gentle enough to avoid irritation and dryness.
Undisputed Skincare Heroes: The Best Exfoliating Cleansers
Exfoliating cleansers are a great addition to any skincare routine, but choosing the right one that doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry or tight is essential to achieving clear skin. Explore our favourite cleansers that clean skin without removing your natural hydration.
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser is great for anyone who wants to fix rough skin, uneven skin tone, and clogged pores. Its hero ingredient, salicylic acid, penetrates and clears clogged pores. This gentle foaming cleanser effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities without taking away the skin's natural moisture. The gentle formula is even kind to acne-prone and sensitive skin.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Oily, combination, sensitive and acne-prone skin
Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2% Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser
Skingredients Sally Cleanse is amazing for people dealing with too much oil and breakouts. It has 2% salicylic acid, which helps fight blemishes and stops new ones from forming by keeping your pores clear.
This potent cleansing gel with BHA and PHA is suitable to use as an exfoliating micromask once per week to fight emerging blemishes or tackle clogged pores.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Oily, acne-prone and clog-prone skin
Skingredients AHA Cleanse Exfoliating and Brightening Cleanser
Skingredients AHA Cleanse is a gentle cream cleanser that helps remove dead skin. It uses alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) including lactic acid and glycolic acid, which are very gentle, even for sensitive skin. Unlike the other options, this creamy cleanser melts away makeup residue and buffs away dead skin cells and clogged pores for a fresh and balanced complexion.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: All skin types, especially oily, combination, acne and clog-prone complexions
Ella & Jo Brighten & Glow Hydrating Exfoliating Cleanser
Ella & Jo Brighten & Glow Hydrating Exfoliating Cleanser is a skincare product that does three things in one step. It cleanses, exfoliates with salicylic acid, and hydrates your skin. This mild gel cleanser has pumpkin enzymes which help to smooth and brighten by lifting dead skin cells and impurities without taking away the skin's natural oils. Its gel consistency contains natural oils such as grapeseed oil and avocado oil. These keep your skin feeling soft and nourished rather than stripped and dry. Read about the best cleansing oil.
| Benefits |
|---|
|
| Possible downsides |
|
Perfect For: Oily to combination skin that suffers from textural irregularities as well as dehydration.
Using an Exfoliating Cleanser
You may not need to use an exfoliating cleanser daily, so understanding when your complexion needs polishing is essential for achieving clear skin.
Are Exfoliating Cleansers Suitable for Your Skin Type?
Most people experience buildup and clogged skin at some point, especially if you wear make-up or sunscreen on a regular basis. However, oily, clog-prone and acne-prone complexions may need more frequent exfoliation.
- Sensitive skin: Look for hydrating cleansers with exfoliating acids and soothing ingredients like aloe vera or panthenol. Choose sulphate-free surfactants like the CerVe SA Smoothing Cleanser.
- Dry skin: Opt for creamy cleansers like the Skingredients AHA Cleanse, these reduce moisture loss while buffing away texture. Ella & Jo Brighten and Glow Cleanser also offers a hydration boost.
- Oily skin: Foaming cleansers with salicylic acid are ideal for lifting impurities and reducing shine. Try the Skingredients Sally Cleanse.
When should you use an exfoliating cleanser?
Most people don’t need to use an exfoliating cleanser every day and some only use it as an as-needed treatment. Here are some signs your skin needs resurfacing.
- It’s started to look duller than usual despite a consistent hydration routine
- You’ve noticed more frequent breakouts, particularly small pimples closer to the surface.
- You have small bumps on your skin, particularly in oilier areas
- Fine lines may appear suddenly (this could be a combination of a lack of hydration or dead skin cells).
- You feel like your regular cleanser isn’t leaving your skin as clean and fresh as usual
- You have irregular texture and skin tone on your which isn’t caused by irritation or rosacea.
If you think any of these scenarios apply to you, consider including an exfoliating cleanser into your routine once to three times per week, followed by a hydrating serum or hyaluronic acid moisturiser to avoid dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How often should I use a gentle exfoliating cleanser?
It depends on the intensity of the cleanser, 2% salicylic acid cleansers are strong, so it’s recommended to use these once to three times weekly. Gentle formulations, including those with AHA (glycolic or lactic acid) are usually suitable for daily use, especially if you have oily, clog-prone skin. Dry or sensitive complexions should consider using an exfoliating cleanser sparingly.
Can sensitive skin benefit from exfoliating cleansers?
Sensitive skin isn’t immune to becoming clogged and dull. The CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser contains barrier-supporting ingredients and Ella & Jo’s Brighten & Glow cleanser contains skin-loving oils for a soft glow.
What should I look for in a gentle exfoliating cleanser for dry skin?
Dry skin should prioritise cream cleansers such as the Skingredients AHA Cleanse. However, the Ella & Jo Hydrating Exfoliating Cleanser contains skin balancing ingredients, and the CeraVe Smoothing Cleanser contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides – heroes for dry skin.
Are there any risks associated with over-exfoliating?
Over-exfoliation can lead to a damaged skin barrier, dryness, irritation and increased sun sensitivity. If you use an exfoliating cleanser regularly, you should also wear sunscreen daily. A moisturiser with SPF is a smart choice. Also, retinol serums can lead to over-exfoliation if used with exfoliating cleansers. Stop using an exfoliating cleanser if you notice unusual irritation.
