Keep your skin healthy and smooth with our list of the best exfoliators for acne-prone skin. These exfoliators are gentle and help you battle acne and resulting scars and blemishes at ease. While ancient remedies advised against exfoliants in fear of compromising the skin barrier, modern science advises using exfoliators that target the pores and remove dead skin cells to reveal healthy and beautiful skin. Some exfoliants have potent ingredients that remove dirt and oil and are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. They keep the pores clean and prevent breakouts without drying out the skin. When using harsh physical exfoliants, people with sensitive skin may suffer from redness and irritation. If you have the same concern, you should stick to less abrasive ones that contain natural, soothing ingredients to help keep acne at bay. To find the right exfoliants for your skin, check out our list of various products for pimple-prone skin that will help you get even, clear skin without acne or pimple marks.

15 Best Exfoliators For Acne-Prone Skin

1. Best Charcoal-Based: M3 Naturals Collagen + Stem Cell Infused Charcoal Scrub

The power of active charcoal is infused with collagen and stem cells in the M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub to give your skin an extra deep cleansing effect. With this scrub, you can reduce skin impurities, increase cellular life, and get rid of toxins from your skin surface while you lock in essential moisture. The resultant glowing, youthful skin is supported by the natural ingredients in this product, like dead sea salt, aloe vera, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, and kukui nut oil. This exfoliating formula helps to naturally cleanse your skin while minimizing pores along the way. With these cruelty-free and natural ingredients, rest assured, the exfoliating scrub will work its magic on oily and acne-prone skin. Pros

Balances skin PH Anti-aging formula Removes blackheads Reduces stretch marks and scars Can be used as a body scrub

Cons

Smell may be unpleasant for some May not suit sensitive skin

2. Best Oil-Free: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Daily Scrub

The multi-action scrub from Neutrogena helps prevent acne spots even before they break out. You can use this daily scrub that contains 2% salicylic acid medication to help clean and exfoliate your pores to get rid of any excess oil, dirt, or bacteria. The acne-resistant formula includes a powerful micro clear technology that delivers the active ingredients right to the source of the acne breakouts. This exfoliator for acne-prone skin will help you dissolve excess oil, dirt, and impurities while keeping your skin clear and smooth. The dermatologist-recommended daily scrub is safe to use on sensitive skin. Here’s a brief video you can watch to make the most out of this product. Pros

Oil-free exfoliator Unclogs the pores Free of plastic microbeads Gentle formula Little goes a long way Does not make the skin dry

Cons

May not suit oily skin Might work slow on acne

3. Best Microdermabrasion Scrub: DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub

Let your skin indulge in the spa-like benefits of this natural and non-abrasive exfoliating scrub and facial mask from DRMTLGY. You can use this scrub to eliminate blackheads, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of pores and blemishes caused by scars. With each use, you will get visibly rejuvenated and brighter-looking skin. The paraben-free formula is not only ideal for its anti-aging benefits but also acts as a gentle exfoliator that improves skin tone, elasticity, and texture. Loaded with pumice granules that are safe for the skin, you can get rid of free radicals and prevent skin cell deterioration. Here’s a video that demonstrates exactly how easy it is to use this product every day. Pros

Made for sensitive skin Oil-free formula Free of sulfates, gluten, and formaldehyde Suitable for men and women Suitable for all skin types Cruelty-free formula

Cons

Smell could be overwhelming Skin may feel dry post exfoliation

4. Best For Gentle Skin: Asutra Scrub The Day Away Vitamin C Scrub

Take your exfoliation routine to the next level with the Asutra Scrub The Day Away Vitamin C Scrub, made from 100% pure and finely ground Himalayan Sea salt. This scrub will help you eliminate dead skin cells and leave you with soft and smooth skin for gentle and effective exfoliation. Infused with a blend of aloe vera and hydrating oils like jojoba, argan, and sweet almond, this scrub detoxifies and moisturizes sensitive skin. Its natural formula is free from parabens, making it safe to use for acne-prone skin and tackling blocked pores, blemishes, and blackheads. Pros

Non-toxic and eco-friendly Infused with essential oils Detoxifies the skin Invigorating formula 100% natural ingredients Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

Fragrance may be overpowering Some may find it too oily

5. Best Hydrating: Proactiv + 3 Step Advanced Skincare Acne Treatment – Skin Smoothing Exfoliator

Fight acne along with dry and dull skin with the Proactiv + 3 Step Advanced Skincare Acne Treatment that comes with a skin-smoothing exfoliator. This combination of acne skin care products helps clear acne blemishes, promotes clear and smooth skin, and prevents the chances of future breakouts. The skin smoothing exfoliator with benzoyl peroxide acne treatment penetrates deep into your pores to eliminate skin impurities and prevent flare-ups. Safe for all ages and skin types, this acne solution will bring you one step closer to getting bright, toned, healthy, and glowing skin. Incorporate this dermatologist-approved acne treatment in your skincare routine for clean, soft, and acne-free skin. Pros

Improves complexion Reduces the appearance of dark spots Shows quick and lasting results Reduces the redness and irritation

Cons

May contain bleaching agents Might feel dry on some skin types

6. Best Aromatherapeutic: Oleavine Theratree Exfoliating Tea Tree Scrub

Scrub away dead skin cells and make way for clear and smooth skin with this Tea Tree Scrub that will also help you tackle skin irritation, unpleasant body odor, and dull complexion. The soothing formula nourishes, cleanses, and deodorizes your skin with its natural ingredients. This one is infused with mint essential oils, menthol, and bamboo charcoal powder that helps clean clogged pores, grime, and even makeup from your skin’s surface. The multi-purpose exfoliator also contains botanicals like micro pumice and white willow bark, along with neem oil to remove rough skin and calluses. Pros

Aromatherapeutic scrub Gives glowing skin 100% farm-grade tree oil Made of natural ingredients Non-drying scrub

Cons

Consistency may be a bit runny Some may find the smell overpowering

7. Best Gluten-Free: The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub

If you are looking for a gentle foaming exfoliator, this one from The Body Shop has to make it to your list. Made from high-quality community-grade tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya, this formula is suitable for blemish-prone skin to help deliver smooth and clear skin. This scrub works to get rid of excess oil from your skin with ingredients like lemon tea tree and tamanu oil. You can get visibly improved skin with this exfoliator, as it is ideal for blemished skin. This formula will gently buff your skin’s surface and eliminate dead cells and impurities. Pros

Non-drying formula Free of parabens, silicones, and gluten Deep pore-cleansing Prevents future breakouts Biodegradable microbeads 100% vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

May not be suitable for sensitive skin

8. Best For Blackheads: Acne Free Blackhead Removing Scrub With Charcoal

Treat your skin with ingredients like 2% salicylic acid and nourish the surface with charcoal and jojoba to get a refined skin texture and tone. This anti-breakout scrub also contains hydrogenated castor oil. You can use this exfoliating scrub every day to combat oils and clogged pores as you deep clean your skin. The effective anti-acne formula is suitable for removing debris and tightening the appearance of pores. Pros

Fragrance-free Treats blackheads Offers gentle exfoliation Reduces inflammation Reduces the appearance of acne scars Suitable for men and women

Cons

May not suit all skin types Skin may feel dry after exfoliation

9. Best Non-Comedogenic: Touch Microdermabrasion Scrub Treatment

The unique formula of the Touch Microdermabrasion Scrub combines science with high-quality clean ingredients to help you get even skin results. It is a non-comedogenic hydrating cream and is ideal for tackling skin dullness, signs of aging, uneven skin tone and texture, acne scars, and blemishes. Ingredients like chamomile, green tea, jojoba oil, aloe vera, and allantoin make this scrub suitable for all skin types for a refreshing exfoliating experience and a youthful glow. The cruelty-free microdermabrasion composed of clear ingredients helps maintain your skin’s overall pH levels. Pros

Tackles blackheads Makes the skin soft and smooth Exfoliates without irritation Vegan formula Paraben- and sulfate-free Free of alcohol and phthalates

Cons

Exfoliating grains may feel big Might leave the skin dry

Get visibly clear skin with the dermatologist-recommended Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment that contains retinol to help naturally exfoliate your skin and reverse scars. This overnight treatment supports the skin’s natural exfoliation process to give you even-toned skin in just one week. This formula contains vitamin A and is suitable for daily use to deliver skin that is free from acne. Free from parabens, phthalates, oils, dyes, and fragrances, you can use this gentle treatment to say goodbye to pigmented skin. Pros

Non-drying formula Helps unclog pores Reduces skin inflammation Speeds up cell turnover Visibly reduces acne scars

Cons

May have a medicine-like smell

11. St. Ives Energizing Coconut And Coffee Scrub

If you are looking for a formula that will energize tired and dull skin, this one’s for you. This face scrub will give you clean and smooth skin with a hint of fresh coffee and deeply exfoliating natural walnut shell powder. Infused with coconut fruit extract, you can use this skin-loving formula to effectively treat acne-prone skin. Get your hands on this repairing scrub that will give you a smooth and soft barrier without drying out your gentle skin. The coffee in this scrub leaves you feeling refreshed and energized so that your skin is ready to take on the day. Pros

100% natural extracts Oil-free formula Paraben-free Dermatologist-tested Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Smell could be unpleasant Some may find it too gritty

12. Besito Microdermabrasion Exfoliation Gentle Face Scrub

Renew your skin’s natural glow with this gentle face scrub from Besito. Wipe your skin clean of blemishes, texture, blackheads, fine lines, acne scars, and enlarged pores, all with this skin-friendly formula. With no added GMOs, this scrub is also enriched with the benefits of natural ingredients like green tea leaf extract, sugarcane extract, apple fruit extract, and lemon fruit extract to make it suitable for acne-prone sensitive skin. The formula offers you a microdermabrasion treatment that you can let your skin indulge in from the comfort of your home. If your skin is prone to acne and redness, you will want to use a product like this one to ensure maximum safety for your gentle skin. Pros

Non-comedogenic formula Suitable for all skin types Offers deep pore cleansing Reduces signs of aging Promotes even skin tone Free of parabens, sulfates, and gluten

Cons

May not be free of alcohol Beads may cause eye irritation

13. Naeli Exfoliator AHA/BHA Face Cleanser Gel

Purify, minimize pores, and brighten your skin with this Naeli Exfoliator, which comes in the form of a cleanser gel. If you are looking to remove dead skin and stimulate the renewal of new cells, then this formula is just right for you. This exfoliator contains 10% glycolic acid, 1.2% salicylic acid, and lactic acid that will help to give you soft and smooth skin. The nourishing natural ingredients like vitamin C, avocado oil, acai, raspberry, bearberry, maqui berry, goji, passion fruit seeds, and peptides combine to ensure that you get the best of these botanical wonders. Not only is this product free from alcohol, parabens, phthalates, silicone, sulfates, dyes, and fragrances, but it is also vegan and skin-friendly. Pros

Reduces acne and inflammation Brightens skin Improves fine lines Non-comedogenic formula Balances skin PH Cruelty-free

Cons

Fragrance may be strong May feel oily

14. Okay Oil Control Facial Scrub

The Okay Oil Control Face Scrub will bring you one step closer to achieving balanced and refreshed skin. It contains natural emollients like finely ground walnut shell granules to scrub away debris and prevent oil buildup. You can use this deep exfoliating formula to remove dirt and oil, as well as to keep your skin looking anything but dull. If you are worried about how safe it is on sensitive skin, you needn’t worry about it, as this product is free from alcohol and sulfates. Let your skin feel rejuvenated and energized with this soothing scrub that will help keep skin irritation at bay. Pros

Prevents clogging of the pores Oil-free formula Made with 100% natural orange extract Paraben-free

Cons

Some may find the grains rough May not be suitable for extremely dry skin

15. Yon-Ka Paris Essentials Guarana Scrub

The purifying and exfoliating formula of this scrub will help anyone who is looking for refined skin texture. With double-bead exfoliants to help polish and cleanse your skin, this drugstore exfoliator contains 11 plant-based extracts to give you clear and bright skin. Sweep away congested pores, tackle breakouts, and get rid of blemishes with ingredients like guarana, organic brown rice micro-beads, vegetable glycerin, cornflower, calendula, chamomile, and linden. The exfoliating and detoxifying ingredients are combined with soothing and toning essential oils like geranium, lavender, and rosemary. Get skin that feels alive with this scrub that has a natural scent and will come together as you unravel a radiant complexion. Pros

Made of organic ingredients Paraben-free Suitable for all skin types Balances skin pH Vegan and cruelty-free

Cons

May not provide deep exfoliation

How To Choose The Right Exfoliator For Acne-Prone Skin?

Keep the following factors in mind when choosing an exfoliator for acne-prone skin. Dr. Dimitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetic, says, “When trying a new product, always check the ingredients to make sure that you aren’t allergic to any. The best products are those with the least ingredients. Alcohol-free products are great if you have dry skin, as alcohol has the tendency to dehydrate the skin and irritate it. And if you have sensitive skin, you should always confirm with your dermatologist that the product you’ve selected is right for you.” Dr Schwarzburg, adds, “Although tea tree oil is great for acne-prone skin, it can be very powerful. If you have acne-prone skin and plan to use a product containing tea tree oil, start with a patch test before using.”

Why Trust MomJunction?

Poulami Nag loves trying out different skincare and haircare products. As a result, she has rich knowledge about products and brands for different skin types. While picking the best exfoliators for acne-prone skin available on the market currently, she has undertaken in-depth research and browsed several reliable sources to deliver correct information to her readers. This article lists some of the best exfoliators with pros and cons and a comprehensive buying guide.

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