6 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin (Safe & Soothing Options to Try)
If you have sensitive skin, exfoliation can feel like a minefield. One wrong move—too harsh of a scrub, too strong of an acid—and suddenly, your skin is red, irritated, and angry.
But here’s the thing: sensitive skin still needs exfoliation! Without it, dead skin cells build up, making your complexion look dull and making it harder for your serums and moisturizers to absorb properly.
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The key? Finding a gentle exfoliator that smooths and brightens your skin without causing irritation. The best exfoliators for sensitive skin use soothing ingredients like lactic acid, PHAs, or fruit enzymes to gently remove dead skin without damaging your moisture barrier.
And don’t worry—I’ve done the hard work for you! After testing tons of options, I’ve rounded up the best exfoliators for sensitive skin that actually work. Let’s dive in!
How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin Without Irritation
Before we get into the top exfoliators, let’s talk about how to exfoliate sensitive skin the right way:
✔ Stick to gentle chemical exfoliants – Avoid harsh scrubs and go for lactic acid, mandelic acid, or PHAs. These are much gentler than glycolic acid or salicylic acid.
✔ Don’t overdo it – For sensitive skin, 1-2 times a week is plenty. More than that, and you risk irritation.
✔ Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – Always follow exfoliation with a soothing moisturizer to protect your skin barrier.
✔ Patch test first – If your skin is extra reactive, test a small amount on your jawline before using it all over your face.
Now, let’s get into the best exfoliators that are safe for sensitive skin!
1. Best Overall Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin
✨ Paula’s Choice Calm 1% BHA Lotion Exfoliant (buy it here)
If you’re looking for a gentle, no-fuss exfoliator, this one is perfect. Unlike most BHAs that can be too harsh for sensitive skin, this one is designed specifically for easily irritated skin. It contains 1% salicylic acid, which gently unclogs pores and smooths texture without causing dryness or redness.
✔ Super lightweight lotion formula—feels hydrating, not stripping
✔ Calms redness with green tea and allantoin
✔ Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin
💡 If you have oily skin and need something stronger, check out my guide to the best exfoliators for oily skin
2. Best Drugstore Exfoliator (Affordable & Gentle!)
✨ CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser (buy it here)
A budget-friendly, dermatologist-approved option that exfoliates without irritation. It has salicylic acid, but in a super mild, non-drying formula with ceramides and niacinamide to keep your skin barrier happy.
✔ Non-foaming formula won’t strip sensitive skin
✔ Contains hydrating ceramides to protect your skin barrier
✔ Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (aka, won’t clog pores!)
💡 If your skin leans dry, you might prefer an ultra-gentle option like the lactic acid exfoliators below!
3. Best Luxury Exfoliator (For the Ultimate Glow!)
✨ Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum (buy it here)
If you want a high-end exfoliator that delivers results, this serum is amazing. It has a mix of AHAs and BHAs, but it’s formulated with soothing ingredients like marula oil and raspberry extract to prevent irritation.
✔ Brightens and smooths skin overnight
✔ Lightweight gel texture absorbs quickly
✔ Works without leaving skin red or flaky
💡 Because it contains glycolic acid, use this only once or twice a week if you’re sensitive!
4. Best Enzyme-Based Exfoliator (No Acids, Just Natural Exfoliation!)
✨ Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser (buy it here)
If even mild acids feel too harsh on your skin, try an enzyme-based exfoliator instead! This one uses natural fruit enzymes (papaya and pomegranate) to dissolve dead skin without irritation.
✔ 100% natural and non-toxic
✔ Super gentle—perfect for reactive skin
✔ Adds a boost of hydration with aloe vera
💡 This is a great option if you’ve struggled with irritation from AHAs in the past!
5. Best Exfoliating Toner for Sensitive Skin (Daily Gentle Exfoliation!)
✨ Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Toner (buy it here)
Most exfoliating toners are too strong for sensitive skin, but this one is super gentle. It contains PHAs (Polyhydroxy Acids), which are even milder than AHAs. PHAs exfoliate while also hydrating, making them perfect for dry or reactive skin.
✔ Hydrates while it exfoliates (thanks to cactus water and watermelon extract!)
✔ PHAs are the gentlest type of chemical exfoliant
✔ Leaves skin soft and glowy without redness
💡 Want to know the difference between AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs? Check out my guide on how to exfoliate your face the right way!
6. Best Physical Exfoliator for Sensitive Skin (If You Prefer a Scrub!)
✨ Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder (buy it here)
If you love the feeling of a physical exfoliator but don’t want anything too rough, this one is perfect. It uses finely milled rice powder to gently buff away dead skin, while silk protein and green tea soothe and protect.
✔ Ultra-fine, gentle exfoliating grains
✔ Foams up into a luxurious, creamy lather
✔ Won’t cause micro-tears or irritation
💡 Physical exfoliators should only be used 1-2 times per week for sensitive skin!
How to Exfoliate Sensitive Skin Without Redness
Exfoliating sensitive skin can feel tricky, but with the right products, it’s totally doable. The key is choosing gentle, non-irritating formulas that smooth and brighten your skin without stripping it.
If you want a mild everyday exfoliant, go for something with PHAs, like the Glow Recipe Watermelon Toner. If you’re looking for an enzyme-based exfoliator, Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser is a great option. And if you love a physical exfoliator, Tatcha’s Rice Polish is ultra-gentle and safe for sensitive skin.
No matter which one you choose, remember: less is more when it comes to exfoliating sensitive skin. Start slow, always moisturize after, and listen to your skin! Have you found an exfoliator that works for your sensitive skin? Let me know in the comments!