10 Best Face Scrubs for Baby-Smooth Skin (Without Over-Exfoliating!)
We all want soft, glowing skin, but let’s be real—finding the right face scrub is tricky. Some are too harsh, some do nothing, and some leave your skin feeling like it just went through a sandstorm.
Over-exfoliation is real, and it can make your skin dry, irritated, or even oilier (been there, done that!).
So, how do you get that baby-smooth glow without messing up your skin barrier? The key is finding a scrub that exfoliates effectively but gently.
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Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, I’ve got you covered with the best face scrubs that actually work!
How Often Should You Use a Face Scrub?
The biggest mistake people make with exfoliation? Doing it too often! Even the best face scrubs can backfire if you overdo it.
Here’s a quick guide based on skin type:
✔ Oily skin: 3-4 times a week
✔ Combination skin: 2-3 times a week
✔ Dry or sensitive skin: 1-2 times a week
💡 Not sure if a scrub is right for you? Check out my guide on how to exfoliate your face the right way.
1. Best Overall Face Scrub
✨ Paula’s Choice The UnScrub (buy it here)
This is my holy grail because it’s gentle but effective. It uses superfine jojoba beads that melt into your skin instead of being harsh like traditional scrubs. It’s great for all skin types, even if you’re sensitive.
✔ Ultra-gentle but still exfoliates
✔ Non-abrasive formula (no micro-tears!)
✔ Rinses off easily without residue
2. Best Drugstore Face Scrub (Affordable & Effective!)
✨ CeraVe Renewing SA Cleanser (buy it here)
If you want a budget-friendly option that works, this cleanser-scrub combo is a winner. It contains salicylic acid (BHA) to gently exfoliate without rough particles.
✔ Great for acne-prone & oily skin
✔ Hydrating & non-stripping
✔ Dermatologist-recommended
💡 Looking for more budget-friendly exfoliators? Check out my picks for the best drugstore exfoliators for face.
3. Best Gentle Face Scrub (For Sensitive Skin)
✨ Tatcha The Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder (buy it here)
If your skin gets red, irritated, or flaky with traditional scrubs, this is a game-changer. It’s a water-activated powder that turns into a soft, foamy exfoliant.
✔ No harsh scrubbing needed
✔ Uses natural rice enzymes for gentle exfoliation
✔ Leaves skin super soft & glowy
💡 If you have sensitive skin, check out my list of the best exfoliators for sensitive skin.
4. Best Face Scrub for Oily Skin
✨ St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub (buy it here)
I know, St. Ives scrubs have a bad rep, but this one is actually super gentle compared to the original apricot version. It uses green tea & salicylic acid to control oil and unclog pores without being too abrasive.
✔ Clears breakouts & blackheads
✔ Controls oil without drying out skin
✔ Affordable & easy to find!
💡 If you’re dealing with oily skin, you’ll love my picks for the best exfoliators for oily skin.
5. Best Face Scrub for Dry Skin
✨ Fresh Sugar Face Polish (buy it here)
For dry skin, you need a scrub that exfoliates + hydrates at the same time. This one uses real brown sugar and strawberry extract to buff away flakes while moisturizing.
✔ Leaves skin soft, not tight
✔ Packed with nourishing oils
✔ Smells incredible
💡 If dry skin is a struggle, check out my guide on the best exfoliators for dry skin.
6. Best Face Scrub for Combination Skin
✨ Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
As someone with combination skin, I love this scrub because it’s strong enough to clear my T-zone but gentle enough for my dry areas. It uses enzymes + micro-exfoliants for a dual-action exfoliation.
✔ Balances oily & dry areas
✔ Doesn’t feel too rough or too weak
✔ Brightens skin & smooths texture
💡 Need more recs for combo skin? Check out my list of the best exfoliators for combination skin.
7. Best 2-in-1 Exfoliating Cleanser
✨ Tula So Poreless Deep Exfoliating Blackhead Scrub (buy it here)
If you like a quick, easy routine, this is a cleanser + scrub in one. It has probiotics + pink salt + lactic acid to cleanse, exfoliate, and brighten skin without stripping it.
✔ Great for unclogging pores
✔ Foams up like a regular face wash
✔ Perfect for busy mornings!
8. Best Natural Face Scrub
✨ Acure Brightening Facial Scrub (buy it here)
If you want a clean, natural option, this one is 100% vegan and sulfate-free. It uses walnut shell powder + green clay for gentle exfoliation.
✔ Eco-friendly & cruelty-free
✔ No artificial fragrances or chemicals
✔ Leaves skin bright & refreshed
9. Best Luxury Face Scrub
✨ Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial (buy it here)
This one is a splurge, but it’s worth it! It’s a chemical + physical exfoliant in one, and it literally leaves your skin looking like you just got a facial.
✔ Brightens & smooths skin instantly
✔ Helps with hyperpigmentation
✔ A little goes a long way!
10. Best DIY Face Scrub (Super Easy to Make!)
If you prefer a homemade option, here’s a quick DIY face scrub recipe:
🔹 1 tbsp brown sugar (gentle exfoliant)
🔹 1 tbsp honey (soothing & antibacterial)
🔹 ½ tsp coconut oil (adds hydration)
Mix together & apply in gentle circular motions, then rinse!
A good face scrub can do wonders for your skin, but less is more when it comes to exfoliation. The key is choosing the right formula for your skin type and using it the right way.
Do you have a favorite face scrub? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new ones to try!