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The Best Exfoliators for Men

Last updated on February 13, 2023

We looked at the top 10 Exfoliators for Men and dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Exfoliators for Men.

Our Review Process

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An exfoliator is a product that helps shed skin cells from the surface of the skin. Exfoliation is designed to help people achieve and maintain clear, radiant skin. Dead skin cells can build up, leading to a dull, lifeless complexion. Exfoliating sloughs off these dead cells, revealing fresh, new skin beneath. Exfoliation also helps to unclog pores and prevent breakouts.

Exfoliation can be achieved through physical means, such as using a brush or scrub, or through chemical means, such as using an acid. Chemical exfoliants work by incorporating alpha hydroxy acids such as gylcolic, lactic, tartaric and citric acids. They may also include beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid and polyhydroxy acids, which are most suitable for sensitive skin since they don’t penetrate as deeply.

Most people can benefit from incorporating an exfoliator into their skincare routine. However, those with sensitive skin may want to avoid physical exfoliants, as they can be irritating. Those with active acne breakouts may also want to avoid exfoliators, as they can spread bacteria and worsen breakouts.

When using an exfoliator, be sure to follow the directions on the product packaging. Exfoliating too frequently may irritate your skin, so it is important to find a balance that works for you. For best results, use an exfoliator two to three times per week.

In addition to using an exfoliator, be sure to use other products that are designed for your skin type. Those with dry skin should look for products that contain hydrating ingredients, such as glycerin or aloe vera. Those with oily skin may benefit from using products that contain oil-absorbing ingredients, such as clay or charcoal. Everyone should use a moisturizer and a lotion with SPF to protect skin from harmful UV rays from the sun.

Our Picks For The Top Exfoliators for Men

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick
10.0

Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator For Men

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Paula's Choice

2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator For Men

This leave-on exfoliator contains green tea and 2% salicylic acid to remove dead cells and create hydrated, breakout-free skin. It contains no harmful parabens and is fragrance free, making it a solid choice for those with sensitive skin.

Overall Take

Smoother, Healthier SkinFor cleaner skin without a lot of effort, opt for this gentle natural exfoliator.

Pros
" We love this leave-on exfoliant by Paula's Choice for its impressive ingredients list and ease of use."
Cons
"Could be irritating for some skin types."
 Runner Up

Brickell Men’s Products Pumice Face Scrub Exfoliator For Men

Brickell Men's Products

Pumice Face Scrub Exfoliator For Men

Want something that's natural and contains 70% organic ingredients? This exfoliator contains aloe vera, avocado butter, vitamin E, pumice and jojoba beads to gently buff away old skin and leave fresh, healthy cells behind.

Overall Take

All-Natural CleanBe good to your face with this travel-size exfoliator featuring organic ingredients.

Pros
" If you want to scrub your beard with only the most natural and organic ingredients (that still pack a powerdul exfoliating punch) then consider getting yourself the Brickell scrub."
Cons
"Expensive, But Worth It For The Organic Formula."
 We Also Like

RUGGED & DAPPER Foaming Face Cleanser Exfoliator For Men

RUGGED & DAPPER

Foaming Face Cleanser Exfoliator For Men

Banish filth from your skin with this energizing face scrub and exfoliating cleanser. The soap is made of plant-based ingredients, like aloe vera, vitamin C, willow bark and burdock root, for a daily clean you can feel good about.

Overall Take

Attack Dirt with VigorElevate your skincare routine with this plant-based cleanser that packs a punch.

Pros
" Special Formula Includes Natural Ingredients Like Aloe Vera. Best For Sensitive Skin. Can Be Used Daily."
 Strong Contender

Thrive Energy Scrub Plant-Based Exfoliator For Men

Thrive

Energy Scrub Plant-Based Exfoliator For Men

This natural, environmentally friendly exfoliator is filled with antioxidants and uses powerful plant-based ingredients like juanilama and fierillo to refresh your skin. It is anti-microbial and helps to combat ingrown hairs and breakouts.

Overall Take

Vegan and RefreshingPut your best face forward with this natural, environmentally friendly scrub.

Pros
" 100% natural ingredients. Ideal and safe to use post-shaving. Improves uneven texture and skin tone. Energizes and exfoliates at the same time. Eliminates oil buildups, sweat, and SPF. Shields skin from damages, irritation, and stress. Gluten-free, non-GMO, and cruelty-free. Free..."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
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Products Considered

We identified the majority of the exfoliators for men available to purchase.
10

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

View All Product Rankings

26

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Byrdie, Beard Resource, The Salt Lake Tribune, The Coolist, Bald & Beards.

414,681

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 10 Exfoliators for Men and also dug through the reviews from 26 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Exfoliators for Men.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Thrive Energy Scrub Plant-Based Exfoliator For Men

Our Expert Score

0.0
1 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

9.1
1,747 user reviews

Our Take

This natural, environmentally friendly exfoliator is filled with antioxidants and uses powerful plant-based ingredients like juanilama and fierillo to refresh your skin. It is anti-microbial and helps to combat ingrown hairs and breakouts.

What other experts liked

100% natural ingredients. Ideal and safe to use post-shaving. Improves uneven texture and skin tone. Energizes and exfoliates at the same time. Eliminates oil buildups, sweat, and SPF. Shields skin from damages, irritation, and stress. Gluten-free, non-GMO, and cruelty-free. Free from microbeads, synthetics, color, fragrances, and artificial ingredients.
- Style Craze

What other experts didn't like

Strong scent.
- Style Craze

What to Look For

  • When choosing an exfoliator, read the ingredient list to verify you aren’t allergic or sensitive to anything used in the product.
  • Be sure to rinse your skin thoroughly after using an exfoliator. Lingering film from such products can dry out your skin or cause breakouts.
  • Some exfoliators may make your skin feel tingly. Ingredients like peppermint, grapefruit or coffee can have that effect. If this sensation isn’t your cup of tea, avoid exfoliators that have these oils included.
  • Use your exfoliator in the shower for easy cleanup.
  • Exfoliator can be applied to your favorite loofah or scrub brush, or rubbed on by hand.

Exfoliator for Men Rankings

1. Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 10.0
Reviews Included: 6

3. RUGGED & DAPPER Foaming Face Cleanser Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 9.8
Reviews Included: 6

4. Thrive Energy Scrub Plant-Based Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 9.7
Reviews Included: 5

5. M3 Naturals Charcoal & Collagen Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 6

6. Barrel And Oak All-In-One Vegan Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 2

7. MARLOWE. Water-Based Facial Scrub Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 8.5
Reviews Included: 6

8. Lumin Licorice Root & Charcoal Rub Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 5

9. Body Prescriptions Tea Tree Infused Exfoliator For Men

Overall Score: 8.4
Reviews Included: 2

More to Explore

Exfoliators have been used for centuries in various cultures as a way to achieve beautiful, radiant skin. Egypt is credited with discovering not just physical exfoliants with dry brushing and pumice stones, but also chemical ones — they used lactic acids in sour milk and wine to renew skin.

In cultures like ancient Greece and Rome, people exfoliated before bathing with a curved blade that was called a strigil. They also used limestone for manual exfoliating. Iranian households used similar tools: a “kiseh” exfoliating mitt was rubbed with “sedifab,” a ball of animal fats and natural minerals, and then used on skin. Indigenous tribes in the U.S. used corncobs or sand to care for their skin in this way, while Eastern European cultures incorporated body brushing into their routines.

Modern-day exfoliators grew in popularity starting in the 1970s. In the time since, they have become a standard part of many skincare routines. Many are rough enough to remove dead skin cells yet moisturizing and soothing at the same time. However, you should know that many dermatologists say exfoliating isn’t necessary because it’s something your skin does naturally. If you do exfoliate, make sure you don’t overdo it.

More to explore