26 Best Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Celebrity Estheticians

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As we get older, our skin undergoes various changes that can affect its texture, type and overall health. For mature skin, exfoliation becomes an essential part of maintaining a vibrant complexion—both to shed dead layers and allow room for new skin cells to form—but with countless options available, finding the right facial exfoliator can be overwhelming, to say the least.

That's where the expertise of celebrity estheticians comes into play. These skincare professionals, who work with some of the most age-defying faces in Hollywood, have helped us curate a list of the 26 best face exfoliators for mature skin , specifically.

Whether you're looking to minimize fine lines, boost your skin's radiance or overhaul your texture to a softer, more supple state, their recommendations blend cutting-edge science with clinically proven ingredients to help ensure that your skin looks and feels its absolute best at any age.

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Top Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
• Best Mask: Versed Doctor's Visit Skin Resurfacing Face Mask
• Best Sheet Mask: Patchology Exfoliating Face Mask
• Best for Pores: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
• Best Multitasker: Paula's Choice RESIST Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum
• Best Pads: JECT AHA/BHA Pads
• Best Duo: Skinbetter Science AlphaRet A-Team Duo
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum
• Best Scrub: HoliFrog Como Popp-E Scrubby Wash
• Best Polish: Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic
• Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser
• Best for Combo Skin: Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub
• Best Detoxifying Mask: SkinBetter Detoxifying Scrub Mask
• Best Medical-Grade Cleanser: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
• Best for Daily Use: Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
• Best for Overnight: Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution
• Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid
• Best Peel (Tied): Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel , Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel
• Best Natural Formula: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Daily Exfoliating Treatment
• Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum with Kojic Acid and Vitamin B5
• Best for all Skin Types: Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub
• Best Splurge: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
• Best Gel Treatment: CO2LIFT Carboxy Gel Treatment
• Best for Hyperpigmentation: Jan Marini Skin Care Management System
• Best Quickie Facial: Olga Lorencing Red Carpet Facial

What Are the Different Types of Facial Exfoliators?

According to LaTonya "Tony" Leach, Attune Wellness Med Spa 's celebrity esthetician who has worked with everyone from supermodels and NBA players to Princess Marie-Chantal of Greece, two of the most common types of facial exfoliators are physical and mechanical.

"Physical exfoliators involve scrubs with small particles that manually slough off dead skin cells, while mechanical exfoliators use tools such as muslin cloths or brushes to physically remove dead skin cells," she explains.

Then there are chemical exfoliators, which some might say are the best type to help with mature skin since they're milder than physical exfoliators and don't manually remove skin. "Chemical exfoliants use a cocktail of acids like glycolic, malic and lactic to encourage cell turnover, address the signs of aging and improve redness and brown spots on the skin," says JECT med-spa founder and celebrity aesthetician Gabby Garritano . These also happen to be safe for darker skin tones and those with sensitive skin, which is an important thing to keep in mind, especially if you're trying facial exfoliators for the first time.

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More Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin

Before going down a Google rabbit hole or polling your pals on the ones they use, remember Garritano's #1 piece of advice: "Just because it works for your friend, doesn’t mean it will work for you!"

She recommends looking for products that address your main skincare concerns and slowly building a tolerance with facial exfoliators, starting with a more gentle acid and working your way up.

When it comes to how often to use these exfoliators, Jessica Alba and Shay Mitchell's esthetician, Shani Darden , says it depends on your skin type, the other products you’re using and the type of exfoliant you’re using. "Some people may only be able to exfoliate once a week with a piece of cotton gauze while others can tolerate regular use of acids and targeted chemical peels weekly as well," she adds.

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26 Best Face Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Estheticians

Celebrity estheticians and aestheticians share their all-time favorite facial exfoliators for mature skin.

Best Overall: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant , $35 at Paula's Choice

Paula's Choice is Leach's go-to pick to unclog and shrink pores, zap pesky pimples and even out skin tone.

"A reliable option that's widely available, it's a liquid exfoliant that moisturizes and brightens the skin with salicylic acid and green tea extracts," she says. "For optimal results, apply a nickel-sized amount onto a cotton pad and gently pat it onto the skin after cleansing." Even sensitive skin types will benefit from its myriad uses since it's fragrance-free and non-irritating.

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Best Mask: Versed Doctor's Visit Skin Resurfacing Face Mask , $19.99 at Versed Skin

"This is a great affordable drugstore option for mature skin because it has a combination of AHAs, BHAs and enzymes to gently dissolve dead skin on the surface and reveal brighter and smoother skin," shares Darden. Plus who doesn't love a face mask that smells like a tropical vacation? Pineapple enzymes for the win!

Best Sheet Mask: Patchology Exfoliating Face Mask , $18 on Amazon

For a less messy mask that still provides tons of fantastic face benefits, our celeb estheticians recommended Patchology's Exfoliate Mate to remove dead skin cells for smoother, brighter skin. Packed with pineapple and papaya extracts, along with lactic acid, you'd never realize the power this thin sheet mask holds in terms of skin resurfacing abilities.

Bonus: It helps rev up collagen production at the same time.

Best for Pores: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel , $20 on Amazon

If you struggle with large or congested pores, Darden highly recommends Dr. Dennis Gross Peel Pads, which she calls a great option for refining pores and reducing wrinkles, saying: "They combine both AHAs along with oil-soluble BHAs which help to dissolve congestion inside pores."

For sensitive skin types, Darden also suggests Dr. Gross' Ultra Gentle Alpha Beta Peel Pads which combine chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid and malic acid to exfoliate with hyaluronic acid and colloidal oatmeal to soothe.

Best Multitasker: Paula's Choice RESIST Smoothing Treatment 10% AHA Serum , $39 at Paula's Choice

Garritano is a big proponent of this multitasking, smoothing treatment by Paula’s Choice, saying it's a "cocktail of glycolic, malic and lactic acids that perfectly addresses signs of aging and improves redness and brown spots on the skin at the same time."

Best Pads: JECT AHA/BHA Pads , $27 at JECT

For those who are dealing with hyperpigmented skin or melasma, Garritano's got your back. She designed these AHA/BHA Pads that specifically target hyperpigmentation, whether it's post-inflammatory after breakouts, dark spots or melasma. They're also the perfect travel-friendly, single-use pads infused with 5% glycolic acid and 2% salicylic acid.

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Best Duo: Skinbetter Science AlphaRet A-Team Duo , $175 at E Cosmetics

Treat uneven texture discoloration, fine lines and wrinkles while protecting your skin with a hefty dose of free radical-fighting antioxidants. Garritano loves AlphaRet by Skinbetter Science, saying their specific formula has a unique delivery system that works differently than your average exfoliant, allowing retinol and alpha hydroxy acids to be delivered in two steps without irritation.

Since AlphaRet Overnight Cream contains AHAs that may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing while limiting sun exposure using this product.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Sofie Pavitt Mandelic Clearing Serum , $54 at Soko Glam

For sensitive skin types, Garritano prefers acids like lactic and mandelic because they have anti-inflammatory properties and a bigger molecular size. "So they don’t penetrate the skin as deeply as other acids," she explains.

This daily exfoliating serum gently sweeps away dead skin cells, making way for fresh layers and a glowing visage to appear in its place.

Best Scrub: HoliFrog Como Popp-E Scrubby Wash , $39 at Dermstore

Leach knows a good facial exfoliator when she sees one. "This botanical exfoliating solution is suitable for all skin types," she says, referring to her favorite facial scrub by HoliFrog. "It enhances luminosity while preserving the skin's natural protective barrier and the blend of gentleness and effectiveness makes it a standout choice in my skincare regimen."

Best Polish: Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic , $68 on Amazon

"This foaming enzyme powder, activated by water, offers a gentle yet effective cleansing experience," shares Leach. "Enriched with vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, it nourishes while cleansing."

She advises dispensing a small amount of powder into your hand, adding water to activate it and then gently applying it to your skin. Bonus: It's safe for sensitive types.

Best Exfoliating Cleanser: Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser , $46 on Amazon

Need more from your face wash? Consider a cleanser that supports the skin’s microbiome while removing makeup at the same time.

"I have always been a double cleanse girl and I fell in love with the Colorescience Barrier Pro 1-Step Cleanser because it's super gentle and great for removing all your makeup, sunscreen and mascara," says Savanna Boda , LME, celebrity aesthetician and founder of Savanna Boda Aesthetics in Lewisville, Texas. "It's a double cleanse in one step so it also rebalances the skin microbiome, gently exfoliates and leaves the skin soft, supple and hydrated."

Another reason she loves it? It's fragrance-free, great for sensitive skin, acne and pregnancy safe.

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Best for Combo Skin: Face Reality Antioxidant Scrub , $32 at Face Reality

For Boda's clients with combo skin, she can't suggest Face Reality's 5% Mandelic Serum enough. "It is the best chemical exfoliant for combination skin as it's nonirritating and works efficiently to assist in increasing cell turnover to exfoliate and brighten," she says.

She also cosigns their Antioxidant Scrub, calling it a "gentle yet effective exfoliant that brightens the skin with natural cellulose beads."

Best Detoxifying Mask: SkinBetter Detoxifying Scrub Mask , $60 at SkinBetter Science

Our face can benefit from a detox once in a while just as much as our body can.

"This Detoxifying Scrub Mask from SkinBetter Science has a dual function of being a clay-based mask, while also containing gentle spherical beads, to absorb unwanted oil, remove impurities and lightly resurface the outer layer of the skin," shares Boda.

To use, apply a thick layer to clean, damp skin, avoiding the eye area, up to three times per week.

Best AHA/BHA Combo: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser , $48 on Amazon

When it comes to facial cleansers, Leach says it's crucial to avoid products that could irritate or abrade the skin. "Instead of using scrubs that may cause micro-tears in the epidermis, opt for products containing AHA and BHA for gentler exfoliation," she urges.

Her top pick? SkinMedica's AHA/BHA cleanser that improves skin's texture, tone and smoothness through gentle exfoliation. Best of all, reviewers note that a little goes a long way, so this tube will last you a while.

Best for Daily Use: Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant , $66 on Amazon

Although Leach says how often you exfoliate depends on individual skin types, the typical range is from one to three times per week. "It’s important to adjust based on how your skin responds and to avoid over-exfoliating," she warns. Luckily, Dermalogica's charcoal-based powder exfoliant is gentle enough for everyday use. By adsorbing environmental pollutants it also helps detoxify congested pores without drying out your skin.

Best for Overnight: Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution , $58 at Kohl's

According to Leach, mature skin typically experiences a reduction in volume, elasticity and collagen levels, leading to thinning and the onset of crepey skin, which is where this overnight exfoliator comes in.

Powered by niacinamide, glycolic and lactic acid, it's designed to smooth and refine fine lines, minimize pores and resurface your skin's texture while you sleep. We also love that the whole line is formulated with good-for-you ingredients, 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Fragrance-Free Hydrating Gel Facial Cleanser with Hyaluronic Acid , $11 at Target

A drugstore go-to of Leach's, Neutrogena's lightweight gel-cream cleanser gently exfoliates to remove dirt, oil and dry surface skin while boosting your skin's hydration meter with hyaluronic acid. Clinically proven to keep your visage well moisturized and soft, it's gentle enough for daily use without any harshness. The best part? It doesn't contain any plastic microbeads which are not only bad for your face, but the planet.

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Best Peel (Tied): Renée Rouleau Triple Berry Smoothing Peel , $88.50 at Renée Rouleau

For anyone looking for baby-soft, super-smooth skin, Leach likes to recommend celebrity esthetician Renée Rouleau's eponymous Triple Berry Smoothing Peel.

An at-home treatment with medical-grade results, this blueberry, raspberry and strawberry extract-based formula is perfect for tackling brown spots on the face and hands, lifting discoloration on a sun-damaged chest and flattening Keratosis Pilaris bumps. It also exfoliates using a blend of six skin-smoothing AHAs, one hydrating PHA and an azelaic acid derivative to fade hyperpigmentation.

Best Peel (Tied): Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel , $125 on Amazon

Can't fly to Beverly Hills for a facial with Darden? Meet the next best thing: Her at-home peel to use in between facial appointments or ahead of a big event. "It’s a 2-step peel based on the custom peel I give all of my clients in my Signature Facial," she says, noting that it has a blend of three different acids (lactic, mandelic, and glycolic) to resurface and brighten the skin, along with a neutralizing mask to deep clean pores. with "Just gorgeous, glowing skin in 12 minutes!"

It’s also available in a travel size for only $39—great to take on trips for when your skin needs a little pick-me-up. Even her client Paris Jackson is a fan .

Best Natural Formula: Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser, Daily Exfoliating Treatment , $46 on Amazon

Tata Harper's 100% natural daily exfoliating treatment made Leach's list of top face products since it buffs and polishes a dull, lackluster complexion revealing radiant, healthy-looking skin underneath. A physical and chemical exfoliator with apricot microspheres and BHA from white willow bark, it also contains 16 high-performance botanicals to dissolve buildup, refine pores and plump.

We love that Tata's team makes all her products on their farm in Vermont so if natural, non-toxic, and synthetic-free is the name of your game, count this cleanser in.

Best for Dark Spots: La Roche-Posay Glycolic Acid Serum with Kojic Acid and Vitamin B5 , $45 on Amazon

Treating melasma and hyperpigmented skin can be challenging as you get older, which is why Leach says to look for products that contain hydroquinone and kojic acid.

"These are used to effectively inhibit melanocyte activity," she explains. La Roche-Posay's supercharged serum contains both kojic acid and tranexamic—a less aggressive amino acid that helps with dark spots and discoloration—but it also employs glycolic acid to shed scaly skin of rough patches and vitamin B5 to infuse the face with moisture. Additionally, Leach says it's crucial to use SPF daily to protect and prevent further pigmentation issues.

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Best for All Skin Types: Mario Badescu Botanical Exfoliating Scrub , $26 on Amazon

Our experts were also big proponents of this universal scrub that's safe for all skin types and contains active botanicals, such as finely ground seeds of the Ecuadorian ivory palm, aloe vera and coconut to polish and refresh your complexion while hydrating the skin. The microfine exfoliant also contains green tea to unclog pores and reduce dullness, plus ginger and ginkgo to nourish. No wonder it has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.

Best Splurge: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 , $164 on Amazon

Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50 has been an esthetician's secret weapon for years. A multifunctional toner that balances PH, restores the skin barrier and exfoliates dead cells, it's a splurge-worthy investment for anyone looking for a natural Botox replacement.

"It's designed to accelerate your skin's natural cell turnover cycle, typically lasting around 25-30 days, in about two weeks," explains celebrity esthetician Jillian Cherry . "This process helps reveal a brighter, more purified epidermis, thanks to a potent blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), beta hydroxy acids (BHA) and polyhydroxy acids (PHA)."

Best Gel Treatment: CO2LIFT Carboxy Gel Treatment , $100 at Shani Darden Skincare

CO2 Lift Pro is not only a celeb fave, but a celeb esthetician fave. Just ask Sharlena Hassani , who helps Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kylie Jenner all get their signature glow. "This face mask is proven to increase the skin's hydration by more than 117% after just ONE application—maintaining the results over 50% after two weeks," she says, adding that it's an in-office and at-home treatment that acts as an ‘’IV for the skin" delivering a rush of carbon dioxide into the skin, which leads to an induction of new collagen.

Best for Hyperpigmentation: Jan Marini Skin Care Management System , $330 at Dermstore

After posting her jaw-dropping transformation from sun-damaged and hyperpigmented to clear, bright and glowing, we had to know the deets behind celebrity facialist Candice Marino 's healthy skin makeover. The skin guru who's responsible for keeping Kourtney Kardashian, Miranda Kerr and Chloe Grace Moretz glowing 24/7 confessed she hadn't been doing any chemical peels or lasers, only Jan Marini's Skincare Management System—which comes in Dry to Very Dry and Normal to Combination.

Marino also swears by Marini Luminate Lotion MD for people who suffer from uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation and uses Skin Zyme every other night to keep her skin exfoliated.

Best Quickie Facial: Olga Lorencing Red Carpet Facial , $120 at Dermstore

"I'm a big advocate of giving the skin what it needs at that moment, so when it comes to masks I like to mix it up," says Marino.

Her favorites are iS Clinical Tri-Active Exfoliating Masque for when she's dull or dry looking; iS Clinical Hydra Intensive Cooling Masque when her skin is dehydrated, inflamed or hormonal; Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant when she's feeling congested and needs a deep clean and Olga Lorencing Red Carpet Facial in a box when she wants a full-blown facial in 10 minutes. "It consists of a gentle lactic acid peel that deep cleans the pores and exfoliates, followed by a nourishing mask," she explains.

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Sources:

• Gabby Garritano is a board-certified physician assistant, celebrity aesthetician and the founder of JECT med-spas in New York and California. She's also an Allergan Medical Institute Trainer and a Medical Affairs Clinician for Evolus.
• Shani Darden is one of the most in-demand facialists and celebrity estheticians in Los Angeles, whose clients include Rita Ora, Irina Shayk, Jessica Alba, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Shay Mitchell.
• LaTonya "Tony" Leach is a celebrity esthetician with over 5+ years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry. She's currently the lead facialist at Attune Wellness Med Spa in Stamford, Connecticut.
• Savanna Boda is a licensed medical celebrity aesthetician and founder of Savanna Boda Aesthetics in Lewisville, Texas.
• Jillian Cherry is a celebrity esthetician at Biologique Recherche Ambassade in Los Angeles, California.
• Sharlena Hassani is a licensed esthetician in Beverly Hills, California who is passionate about helping her clients achieve and maintain healthy, clear, youthful skin.
• Candice Marino , AKA “The LA Facialist,” has been a trusted and sought-after medical aesthetician in the heart of Hollywood for over two decades.