What’s the perfect SkinCeuticals exfoliant? I imply, if you happen to’re gonna spend $80 for an exfoliant, you NEED to realize it’ll do the job – WITHOUT irritating your pores and skin. Simpler stated than finished when you need to select between 10 cleansers, toners, and serums all promising to get these pesky lifeless cells off your face, eliminate wrinkles and kick zits within the butt (though, for this value, I really feel like they need to make me espresso too 😉 ).

The place do you even start? Like, do acids work higher in a cleanser or a serum? Is a scrub higher than an acid? Are you assured higher outcomes if you happen to pay the next value? Argh, I really feel a headache approaching…. Fret not. I’ve put collectively this fast information to ALL Skinceuticals exfoliants that can assist you select the proper one to your pores and skin sort, wants and funds:

What To Look For In An Exfoliant

Earlier than I inform you what the perfect Skinceuticals exfoliant is, let’s discuss what to search for in exfoliant – and the standards I take advantage of to choose the winners:

• Depart-on VS Rinse off: Exfoliating acids work higher when left on the pores and skin for a interval of a number of hours. Including them to a cleanser you therapeutic massage in your pores and skin for less than a few minutes earlier than you rinse them off down the drain makes them much less efficient, but additionally gentler on the pores and skin. A trade-off that’s value it just for delicate pores and skin that may’t tolerate leave-on acid exfoliants.
• Chemical exfoliants VS Scrubs: Chemical exfoliants refers to exfoliating acids, like Glycolic and Salicylic. They exfoliate pores and skin by dissolving the glue that holds pores and skin cells collectively, to allow them to fall off on their very own. Plus, they go the additional mile. Glycolic Acid additionally hydrates pores and skin and fades away darkish spots whereas Salicylic Acid helps to unclog pores and deal with zits. Examine them to scrubs, which use bodily particles like silica beads and walnut shells. They exfoliate by manually eradicating lifeless cells, however don’t have another superpowers. The jarred edges of exfoliating particles can even irritate delicate pores and skin.
• Know your pores and skin sort: Glycolic Acid is nice for dry pores and skin and darkish spots. Salicylic Acid is the proper exfoliant for greasy pores and skin, zits, and blackheads. Lactic Acid works higher for delicate pores and skin that may’t tolerate different acids.

Exfoliating Cleansers & Scrubs

Skinceuticals Clarifying Exfoliating Cleanser ($38.00)

What it’s: An exfoliating cleanser with a 7% mixture of Salicylic, Glycolic, and Lactic acids + pumice beads.

What it does: A chemical and bodily exfoliator rolled into one, it removes the lifeless cells that accumulate on the floor of your pores and skin for a smoother and brighter complexion. Salicylic Acid additionally will get inside your pores and unclogs them from inside to assist each forestall and deal with zits.

Who ought to use it: I’m not an enormous fan of this exfoliant. Chemical exfoliators work higher when left on the pores and skin for hours. Bodily exfoliator could be harsh, if massaged on the pores and skin too lengthy/too strongly. In case your pores and skin can’t tolerate leave-on acids however is pleased with pumice, this can be choice. However this can be a very small class of individuals.

When to make use of it: In case you actually wish to give it a attempt, use it not more than as soon as a day. In case you have dry pores and skin, use it solely 3 occasions per week.

Uncomfortable side effects: Bodily exfoliation could be too harsh for some pores and skin sorts.

Out there at: Blue Mercury and Skinceuticals

Associated: Do Exfoliating Cleansers Actually Work?

Skinceuticals Merely Clear Gel ($39.00)

What it’s: A gel cleanser for greasy pores and skin with a fruit acid mix that’s alleged to exfoliate pores and skin (however it may’t).

What it does: Skinceuticals says it accommodates a fruit acid mix (citric acid and orange?) to exfoliate pores and skin. However there are all types of issues with this. First off, there’s barely a number of drops of them right here. Two: fruit acid blends don’t work that properly, particularly in comparison with scrubs or exfoliating acids. And at last, they are often irritating for some pores and skin sorts. This cleanser can cleanse, however not exfoliate.

Who ought to use it: It’s cleanser for greasy pores and skin. It’ll eliminate impurities, extra oil, and make-up. Simply don’t anticipate an excessive amount of exfoliation from it.

When to make use of it: Twice a day, morning and night time, as step one of your skincare routine.

Uncomfortable side effects: The citrusy fruit extracts can irritate delicate pores and skin.

Out there at: Blue Mercury and Skinceuticals

Associated: The Greatest Cleansers For Oily Pores and skin

Don’t know which skincare merchandise you’ll be able to combine and match collectively and which of them deactivate one another? Obtain your FREE “How To Layer Actives Like A Professional” cheat sheet to get probably the most out of your skincare merchandise:

Skinceuticals LHA Cleaning Gel ($45.00)

What it’s: An exfoliating cleanser with Glycolic acid, Salicylic acid, and LHA (caproloyl salicylic acid)

What it does: It cleanses and exfoliates pores and skin on the similar time, eradicating each impurities and lifeless cells out of your skim, for a smoother and brighter complexion freed from zits. It’s the perfect exfoliating cleanser Skinceuticals affords, however you’d nonetheless get higher exfoliation from a leave-on product.

Who ought to use it: Delicate pores and skin who can’t tolerate leave-on acid exfoliants, however nonetheless needs its repair.

When to make use of it: Skinceuticals recommends twice each day, however as soon as is greater than sufficient. In case you have delicate pores and skin, chances are you’ll wish to in the reduction of to three or 4 occasions per week.

Uncomfortable side effects: It doesn’t exfoliate in addition to leave-on cleansers. Just for delicate pores and skin, the trade-off is value it.

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: How To Select The Greatest Cleanser For Your Pores and skin Kind

Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub ($35.00)

What it’s: A bodily scrub with silica beads.

What it does: Silica particles manually take away lifeless cells out of your pores and skin, go away it softer, smoother and brighter.

Who ought to use it: I personally don’t advocate bodily exfoliation. One: it’s extra irritating than acid exfoliants. Two: all you get is exfoliation. Exfoliating acids go the additional mile. Additionally they unclog pores, hydrate pores and skin, scale back irritation. However if you happen to’re a die-hard fan of scrubs and refuse to make use of anything, you’ll like this.

When to make use of it: Skinceuticals recommends as soon as a day, I’d say 3 times per week. Bodily exfoliation isn’t a each day job!

Uncomfortable side effects: Like all bodily exfoliants, it may irritate pores and skin if you happen to overdo it.

Out there at: Dermstore and Skinceuticals

Associated: Why I Ditched Scrubs And Switched To Chemical Exfoliants

Depart-On Exfoliants

Skinceuticals LHA Toner ($40.00)

What it’s: A glycolic acid toner with a little bit Salicylic acid and LHA (Caproloyl salicylic acid) thrown in.

What it does: A leave-on model of the LHA Cleanser, it has glycolic acid exfoliates pores and skin and smooths away imperfections on the floor, whereas salicylic acid unclogs pores and eliminates zits. In the long term, it brightens the complexion, reduces pores and skin roughness, and prevents zits.

Who ought to use it: Greatest for getting older pores and skin vulnerable to breakouts.

When to make use of it: Skinceuticals says twice a day, however that’s an excessive amount of exfoliation for many pores and skin sorts. Begin utilizing it three nights per week and construct up frequency regularly (if wanted).

Uncomfortable side effects: Can dry out pores and skin if used too usually.

Out there at: Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: The Greatest Skincare Routine For Zits + Ageing Pores and skin

Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Protection ($106.00)

What it’s: A serum that treats each zits and the indicators of getting older. It has 0.3% LHA (Caprolyol Salicylic Acid), 1.5% Salicylic Acid, 3.5% Glycolic Acid and 0.5% Citric Acid.

What it does: All these exfoliants dissolve the glue that holds pores and skin cells collectively, revealing brighter and smoother pores and skin beneath. However they’ve completely different properties. Glycolic acid slowly reduces the looks of high-quality strains and darkish spots, whereas salicylic acid unclogs pores and treats breakouts.

Who ought to use it: Folks with oily and getting older pores and skin that wish to sort out zits, wrinkles, and darkish spots all on the similar time.

When to make use of it: In case you have oily pores and skin, you can use it as soon as a day. However I do advocate it each different day, particularly if you happen to’re utilizing a retinol serum in your routine. Use them on alternate nights.

Uncomfortable side effects: Can dry out pores and skin if used an excessive amount of/too usually.

Out there at: Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: Glycolic VS Salicylic Acid: Which One Is Proper For You?

Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator ($90.00)

What it’s: An oil-free serum that exfoliates, hydrates and strengthen pores and skin’s barrier.

What it does: it makes use of 25% Hydroxyethyl Urea/Aminosulfonic acid compound to stimulate enzymes that break down the “glue” that holds pores and skin cells collectively to allow them to slough off on their very own. In different phrases, it doesn’t exfoliate. It simply promotes pure exfoliation with out drying out pores and skin. Plus, it hydrates it too.

Who ought to use it: Delicate pores and skin that doesn’t react properly to exfoliating acids. It’s gentler than scrubs, too.

When to make use of it: SkinCeuticals recommends twice a day, however for most individuals as soon as a day will likely be greater than sufficient.

Uncomfortable side effects: It’s fairly protected and mild, however I suppose there’s all the time the distant probability your pores and skin might not react properly to one thing in it (delicate pores and skin is “humorous” like that).

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: Skinceuticals Retexturizing Activator Full Evaluation

Skinceuticals C + AHA ($145.00)

What it’s: A daytime antioxidant serum with exfoliating properties. It has 15% L-Ascorbic Acid (the pure type of Vitamin C) to battle wrinkles and a ten% mix of AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) to exfoliate.

What it does: Chemical exfoliants AHAs take away lifeless cells and enhance the feel of the pores and skin, make it softer and smoother, and fade away darkish spots. 15% vitamin C fights wrinkles, boosts collagen and brightens the complexion. I personally favor it when my Vitamin C serums include ferulic acid and Vitamin E. This combo has been confirmed to supercharge Vitamin C, so it really works higher and quicker. Sadly, they’re not right here.

Who ought to use it: It’s best suited for individuals with dry pores and skin who wish to simplify their routine. As a substitute of Vitamin C serum and an exfoliant, you could have 2 in 1 right here.

When to make use of it: That is tough. Skinceuticals advocate you utilize it each morning. L-Ascorbic Acid helps enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen, so it is sensible. However AHAs make pores and skin extra vulnerable to solar injury (all exfoliants do). In case you’re non secular with sunscreen, apply it generously daily, use it each different morning. If you realize you solely apply a skinny layer or don’t reapply throughout the day, use it each different night time.

Uncomfortable side effects: Utilizing AHAs and vitamin C collectively could also be an excessive amount of for delicate pores and skin.

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Look Incredible, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: Why You Ought to Add Vitamin C To Your Skincare Routine

Skinceuticals Discoloration Protection ($108.00)

What it’s: A skin-lightning serum with very gentle exfoliating properties. As a substitute of an exfoliating acid, it makes use of 5% Sulfonic Acid (HEPES) to activate pure enzymes in your pores and skin that break the bonds that bind lifeless pores and skin cells to the floor. It promotes pure exfoliation as an alternative of exfoliating.

What it does: It combines 3% Tranexemic acid, 1% Kojic acid, and 5% niacinamide to fade away darkish spots and brighten the pores and skin tone. Hydroxyethyl urea performs a gentle exfoliating motion, however there’s too little of it to make a distinction. This serum’ll assist you to fade away darkish spots, however you continue to want to make use of a separate exfoliant with it.

Who ought to use it: Anybody who needs to fade away darkish spots and discolourations.

When to make use of it: You need to use morning and/or night time, after cleaning. I like to recommend as soon as a day, so you’ll be able to alternate it with a separate exfoliant and sort out darkish spots on two fronts.

Uncomfortable side effects: Could trigger irritation when used an excessive amount of too usually.

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Associated: Battle Of The Pores and skin-Lighteners: Which Is The Greatest Various To Hydroquinone?

Skinceuticals Glycolic 10 Renew In a single day ($90.00)

What it’s: A Glycolic acid exfoliant in cream type.

What it does: Glycolic Acid is my fave exfoliant for dry pores and skin. It removes lifeless cells, hydrates pores and skin, smooths out wrinkles, and helps to fade away darkish spots. See now why I really like chemical exfoliants? They achieve this rather more than simply exfoliate pores and skin.

Who ought to use it: Dry and sun-damaged pores and skin.

When to make use of it: Skinceuticals says to make use of it each night time, however that’s approach an excessive amount of for most individuals, particularly if you happen to’re additionally utilizing retinol in your skincare routine. Use it each different night time, after cleaning.

Uncomfortable side effects: Dryness, redness, flaking, and irritation when used an excessive amount of/too usually.

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Look Incredible, Skinceuticals, and Pores and skin Retailer

Skinceuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Remedy ($110.00)

What it’s: A light-weight moisturiser with highly effective skin-brightening properties and a gentle exfoliating energy to fade away darkish spots.

What it does: Alpha Arbutin and Azelaic Acid are two highly effective skin-lighteners that assist inhibit the manufacturing of melanin to scale back darkish spots. I normally advocate you choose one or the opposite to minimise the danger of irritation, however Skinceuticals has formulated them, so you need to use each with out expertise extreme uncomfortable side effects. Azelaic Acid additionally has gentle exfoliating properties that additionally brighten the complexion.

Who ought to use it: Individuals who wish to fade away darkish spots.

When to make use of it: Skinceuticals says to make use of it twice a day. If that’s an excessive amount of for you, as soon as a day, both within the morning or at night time, is greater than sufficient.

Uncomfortable side effects: It may well irritate pores and skin if you happen to overuse it.

Out there at: Blue Mercury, Dermstore, Look Incredible, and Skinceuticals

Skinceuticals Cell Cycle Catalyst ($115.00)

What it’s: An anti-aging exfoliant with a 7.7% multi-acid advanced: 2% Phytic Acid, 1% Mandelic Acid, 0.2% Salicylic Acid, 2% Lactic Acid, and 2.5% Glycolic Acid.

What it does: Skinceuticals calls it anti-aging, however there’s nothing anti-aging right here. It’s simply an exfoliant that makes your pores and skin look youthful by brightening the complexion and smoothing out wrinkles – similar as each different exfoliant does. There’s not sufficient salicylic acid right here to battle zits.

Who ought to use it: Folks with dry pores and skin and hyperpigmentation.

When to make use of it: Each different night time, after cleaning.

Uncomfortable side effects: It may well irritate pores and skin if you happen to overuse it.

Out there at: Skinceuticals

Associated: The Full Information To Glycolic Acid: What It Is, What It Does, And How To Use It

The Verdict

There you could have it, the perfect Skinceuticals exfoliants. To recap:

About Gio

Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – daily. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that can assist you determine what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the perfect skincare routine to your distinctive wants.