7 Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin (Gentle Picks That Won’t Strip Your Face)
If you have dry skin, you know the struggle—your face feels rough and flaky, but the moment you try to exfoliate, it turns into a tight, irritated mess.
The key? Finding an exfoliator that removes dead skin without stripping away your moisture barrier.
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I’ve tried a ton of exfoliators, and these are the absolute best for dry skin. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly pick, a luxury splurge, or a quick 2-in-1 exfoliating cleanser, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get into it!
Why Dry Skin Needs Gentle Exfoliation
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk about why exfoliating dry skin is tricky. If you’re too aggressive, you’ll end up with irritation, redness, and even drier skin (been there, done that). But if you skip exfoliation altogether, your skin can look dull, flaky, and uneven—plus, your serums and moisturizers won’t absorb properly.
What to Look for in an Exfoliator for Dry Skin
✔ AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) – These gently dissolve dead skin without scrubbing. Look for lactic acid or mandelic acid, which are hydrating.
✔ PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids) – A gentler alternative to AHAs that exfoliates while boosting hydration.
✔ Enzymes – Found in fruit-based exfoliators (papaya, pineapple), these break down dead skin without irritation.
✔ Hydrating ingredients – Look for hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane to keep your skin plump and happy.
What you don’t want: Harsh scrubs with large, abrasive particles (like walnut shells—RIP St. Ives).
Now, let’s get into the best exfoliators for dry skin!
1. Best Overall Exfoliator for Dry Skin
✨ The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA (buy it here)
If you want gentle yet effective exfoliation, this is the one. Lactic acid is a hydrating AHA that removes dead skin without irritating it. Plus, it’s infused with hyaluronic acid to keep your skin plump and moisturized.
✔ Affordable (under $10!)
✔ Hydrating & gentle enough for sensitive skin
✔ Works overnight—no scrubbing required
💡 If you have extra-sensitive skin, try the 5% version instead!
2. Best Drugstore Exfoliator for Dry Skin (Budget-Friendly!)
✨ Pixi Glow Tonic (buy it here)
A true cult favorite, and for good reason. This 5% glycolic acid toner gently exfoliates while aloe vera and ginseng soothe and hydrate your skin. It’s strong enough to make a difference but won’t leave your skin feeling tight or dry.
✔ Affordable & easy to find
✔ Leaves skin glowing without irritation
✔ Great for beginners
If you’re new to exfoliating and don’t want to spend a fortune, this is a great place to start!
3. Best Luxury Exfoliator (Worth the Splurge!)
✨ Sunday Riley Good Genes (buy it here)
If you’re looking to splurge, this one is worth every penny. It’s packed with lactic acid, licorice root extract, and fermented botanicals that gently exfoliate and brighten your skin.
✔ Instantly makes skin smoother & brighter
✔ Hydrating lactic acid won’t dry you out
✔ Smells expensive (because it is)
💡 A little goes a long way—one bottle lasts months!
4. Best Exfoliating Cleanser for Dry Skin (2-in-1!)
✨ Tatcha The Rice Wash (buy it here)
If you like quick and easy skincare, this cleanser + exfoliator in one is perfect. It has rice powder and amino acids that gently buff away dead skin without stripping moisture.
✔ Super gentle (perfect for everyday use)
✔ Leaves skin soft and hydrated
✔ Smells like a spa (so relaxing!)
💡 If you prefer a liquid exfoliator, check out my guide on how to exfoliate your face the right way.
5. Best Chemical Exfoliant for Dry Skin (AHAs & PHAs)
✨ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner (buy it here)
If you love hydrating, gentle exfoliators, this one is a holy grail. It’s a mix of PHAs (super gentle exfoliators) and hyaluronic acid to keep skin dewy and fresh.
✔ Brightens dull, flaky skin without irritation
✔ Hydrates while exfoliating (no tightness!)
✔ Smells amazing (like fresh watermelon!)
💡 Perfect if your skin is too sensitive for glycolic acid!
6. Best Natural Exfoliator for Dry Skin (Clean Beauty Pick!)
✨ Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum (buy it here)
If you’re all about clean beauty, this is one of the best natural exfoliators for dry skin. It combines lactic acid (for gentle exfoliation) with squalane (for deep hydration).
✔ No harsh chemicals or fragrances
✔ Works overnight for smooth, glowing skin
✔ Perfect for dry & sensitive skin
💡 If you’re into natural exfoliants, you might also like my best face scrubs guide.
7. Best Exfoliating Mask for Dry Skin (Glow in 10 Minutes!)
✨ Farmacy Honeymoon Glow AHA Resurfacing Night Serum (buy it here)
This is a leave-on exfoliating mask that works overnight to remove dead skin, hydrate, and brighten—all at once.
✔ Packed with AHAs, BHAs, and honey for deep hydration
✔ Gives you baby-soft skin overnight
✔ Great for dull, flaky skin that needs a refresh
💡 Use it 1-2x per week for the best results!
Exfoliating dry skin is all about balance—you need something that removes dead skin but still keeps your moisture barrier happy. Here’s a quick recap of my top picks:
✔ Best overall: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10%
✔ Best drugstore pick: Pixi Glow Tonic
✔ Best splurge: Sunday Riley Good Genes
✔ Best 2-in-1 cleanser: Tatcha The Rice Wash
✔ Best gentle exfoliant: Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner
✔ Best natural pick: Biossance Squalane + Lactic Acid Serum
✔ Best exfoliating mask: Farmacy Honeymoon Glow
Want to learn more? Check out my full guide to exfoliating for all my best tips!
Now tell me—what’s your favorite exfoliator for dry skin? Drop your go-to in the comments!