css-sm2oir e5f9kgu2″>
Courtesy of retailers
DID YOU know that right now, as you read this, there are dead skin cells just hanging out on your face? It sounds gross (because it kind of is), but it’s also a fact of life. Your skin regenerates every 28 days, so its cells are constantly dying off and getting pushed to the surface. The bad news is that even though they’re supposed to fall off naturally, they can often stick around, which leads to dull, flaky skin, clogged pores,
blackheads and more. The good news is that you can help this process along with an exfoliator.
Best for Everyday Use
Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish
$68 at Amazon
$68 at Amazon
Read more
Best Face Scrub For All Skin Types
ATWATER Skin Armor Face Scrub
$25 at Nordstrom$25 at NordstromRead more
Best Anti-Aging Face Scrub
Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Renewing Age-Defying Face Exfoliator
$79 at Sephora$79 at SephoraRead more
Best Gentle Face Scrub
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub
$38 at goldfadenmd.com$38 at goldfadenmd.comRead more
Best for Oily Skin
Scotch Porter Exfoliating Face Scrub
$11 at Amazon$11 at AmazonRead more
Best Bang for Your Buck
Harry’s Face Cleanser (Pack of 3)
$21 at Amazon$21 at AmazonRead more
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Exfoliating Face Wash
$18 at Amazon$18 at AmazonRead more
Best High-End Scrub
Patricks Anti-Aging Face Scrub
$90 at Bloomingdale’s$90 at Bloomingdale’sRead more
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
$26 at Nordstrom$26 at NordstromRead more
Great for Everyday Use
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
$65 at Amazon$65 at AmazonRead more
Exfoliating removes the dead skin cells that get caught on the surface of your skin. The result is a clearer, smoother, and brighter complexion. And you don’t even have to do it every day! Most men only need to exfoliate about twice a week. There are a few different kinds of exfoliators, but the easiest to use is a scrub, which offers mechanical exfoliation by way of beads or granules to physically remove the dead cells from your skin’s surface. Use one of these 13 best face scrubs for men and you’re on your way to a smoother, clearer face.
Best Exfoliating Face Scrubs | Best Face Washes | Best Grooming Products for Men | Best Acne Face Washes |
Best for Everyday Use
Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish
Best for Everyday Use
Naturopathica Oat Cleansing Facial Polish
$68 at Amazon$47 at Walmart$64 at Skinstore
Pros
Gentle enough for daily useHydrates incredibly wellMade from natural ingredients
Cons
Best for dry skin
Yes, you can exfoliate every day if your skin can take it and you use a gentler scrub that’s specifically designed for daily use. This cleanser/scrub in one contains soothing oat, which helps calm the skin along with exfoliating jojoba beads that gently smooth away dead skin without irritation.
Read more: Best Face Wash
| Size | 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Oat beta glucan, oat protein, jojoba wax beads, aloe vera |
| Skin types | All, but especially dry |
ATWATER Skin Armor Face Scrub
Best Face Scrub For All Skin Types
ATWATER Skin Armor Face Scrub
$25 at Nordstrom$25 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Pros
Uses both physical and chemical exfoliationContains ingredients to help soothe irritationSuitable for all skin types
Cons
Cannot be used every day
In addition to the jojoba beads that gently smooth away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, this scrub also contains salicylic acid to help declog inside your pores for an even fresher complexion.
| Size | 3.4 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Jojoba beads, salicylic acid, chlorophyllin copper complex |
| Skin types | All |
Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Renewing Age-Defying Face Exfoliator
Best Anti-Aging Face Scrub
Dr. Brandt Skincare Microdermabrasion Renewing Age-Defying Face Exfoliator
$79 at Sephora$79 at Macy’s
Pros
Super small granulesPowerful yet gentle on the skinHelps target signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles
Cons
ExpensiveMay not be suitable for sensitive skin
This scrub mimics the professional microdermabrasion you’d get in a dermatologist’s office by using ultra-fine granules that feel like sand on your skin. They gently smooth your skin with the aid exfoliating lactic and glycolic acids for an especially bright complexion.
| Size | 2.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Biocellulose microgranules, lactic acid, glycolic acid, vegetable wax |
| Skin types | All except sensitive |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub
Best Gentle Face Scrub
Goldfaden MD Doctor’s Scrub
$38 at goldfadenmd.com
Pros
Contains moisturizing ingredientsGentle enough to use every dayNo added fragrance
Cons
Expensive
The teeny tiny ruby crystals in this super moisturizing formula are so fine you can barely feel them—and that’s the point. Combined with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, the crystals smooth away dead skin cells so gently you can use it every day if you want.
| Size | 1.7 oz, 3.5 oz, 6.7 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Ruby crystals, hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, seaweed extract |
| Skin types | All |
Scotch Porter Exfoliating Face Scrub
Best for Oily Skin
Scotch Porter Exfoliating Face Scrub
$11 at Amazon$23 at Walmart
Pros
Efficiently unclogs poresRich woodsy scentDesigned specifically for men of color
Cons
May be too harsh for sensitive skinContains added fragrance
This pomegranate enzyme-powered scrub is powerful and especially good if you have oily or combination skin. Use it in place of you cleanser on days you exfoliate to help unclog pores and reduce blackheads without leaving your skin feeling tight and dry.
Read more: Best Aftershaves
| Key Ingredients | Pomegranate enzymes, aloe, burdock root |
|---|---|
| Skin types | Oily |
| Size | 4 oz |
Harry’s Face Cleanser (Pack of 3)
Best Bang for Your Buck
Harry’s Face Cleanser (Pack of 3)
$21 at Amazon
Pros
Wallet-friendlyPleasant ScentGranules are made from natural volcanic rock
Cons
Cannot be used every dayMay be too harsh for especially sensitive skin
Harry’s exfoliating face wash is excellent at removing dead cells and keeping your skin feeling hydrated. It’s also got a fresh scent and (best of all) it’s super affordable. We’re talking three washes for under $22 here people.
Read more: Best Deodorants
| Size | 5.1 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Eucalyptus oil, volcanic rock granules, willow bark extract, licorice root extract |
| Skin types | All |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Cetaphil Exfoliating Face Wash
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Exfoliating Face Wash
$18 at Amazon$9 at Walmart$12 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
Gentle on sensitive and dry skinAffordableIncludes vitamins that hydrate the skin
Cons
Contains fragranceMay not be strong enough for especially dry or dull skin
If you have sensitive skin, the thought of using a scrub could be scary. The wrong scrub could leave sensitive skin irritated and inflamed. This ultra-gentle one, however, is perfect for sensitive faces. It’s gentle enough to use every day and contains a special vitamin complex to help keep skin soothed and hydrated.
Read More: Best Face Washes for Men
| Size | 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Glycerin, Vitamin B5, Vitamin E |
| Skin types | Sensitive |
Patricks Anti-Aging Face Scrub
Best High-End Scrub
Patricks Anti-Aging Face Scrub
$90 at Bloomingdale’s$90 at Nordstrom$90 at Skinstore
Pros
Strong exfoliationRich scentGreat at reducing ingrown hairs
Cons
Expensive
Made with volcanic sand and crushed diamonds (yes, really), Patrick’s face scrub is a strong exfoliator that’s gentle on the skin. It works exceptionally well at reducing ingrown hairs and eliminating dead skin cells. We also love the fact the particles stay full when applied to water, instead of disintegrating into a soapy mess.
| Size | 75 ml |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Crushed diamond, panthenol, omega 3 + 6, jojoba |
| Skin types | All |
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Face Scrub
$26 at Nordstrom$26 at Nordstrom Rack$26 at Bloomingdale’s
Pros
Has a pleasant cooling feelingDoubles as a cleanserGreat as a pre-shave
Cons
Contains added fragranceMay not be suitable for sensitive skin
Like your daily morning coffee, give dull skin a pick-me-up with this caffeine-infused face scrub. Citrus extracts and menthol revitalize and energize your skin, even on those off days.
| Size | 3.4 oz, 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Caffeine, menthol, apricot kernel oil |
| Skin types | All except sensitive |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
Great for Everyday Use
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
$65 at Amazon$48 at Walmart$65 at Skinstore
Pros
Can be used every dayContains physical and chemical exfoliantsHelps fight environmental pollution
Cons
Best suited for combination or oily skinPowder formula can take some getting used to
The best thing about this scrub is that it’s gentle enough to use every day (if you want), but still super powerful thanks to the potent combination of charcoal particles, exfoliating enzymes, and alpha-hydroxy acids. It comes out of the tube as a powder and with a little water added, turns into a grainy paste that gently removes dead skin with ease.
| Size | 0.45 oz, 2 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Charcoal, niacinamide, red algae, lactic acid |
| Skin types | Normal, combination, oily |
Bioré Charcoal Pore Penetrating Bar
Best Face Scrub Bar
Bioré Charcoal Pore Penetrating Bar
$8 at Amazon$8 at Walmart
Pros
Bar form is easy to useCan be used dailyLess packaging than other scrubs
Cons
Best for oily skinHard to travel with
Free your pores from the dirt and gunk of the day with this peppermint and charcoal-infused bar of black soap from Biore. Even better, it’s suitable for scrubbing both the face and body, so it doesn’t have to be an extra step or process.
Read More: How to Get Rid of Blackheads
| Size | 3.77 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Charcoal, jojoba beads, peppermint oil |
| Skin types | Oily |
Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub
Best Pre-Shave Face Scrub
Jack Black Face Buff Energizing Scrub
$30 at Amazon$38 at Walmart$20 at Nordstrom
Pros
Feels invigoratingCan be used instead of cleanserHelps get a closer shave
Cons
Not suitable for sensitive skinContains added fragrance
The vitamin C and mint in this facial scrub from Jack Black will help wake you up while also clearing away any old, dead skin cells and making way for clearer, brighter skin.
| Size | 6 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Bamboo powder, peppermint, licorice extract, allantoin, Vitamin C |
| Skin types | All except sensitive |
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Treatment
Best Intensive Face Scrub
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Treatment
Shop at NordstromShop at WalmartShop at Dermstore
Pros
Highly effective for very dull skinContains both physical and chemical exfoliantsImmediate results
Cons
Expensive
What polishing and waxing does for your car, this does for your face. It’s an intense smoothing and polishing treatment that changes the surface of your skin so that it appears poreless.
| Size | 0.5 oz, 2 oz, 5 oz |
|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Lactic acid, salicylic acid, silica, fruit enzymes, aloe vera, Vitamin E |
| Skin types | All |
How Often Should I Use a Face Scrub?
How often you use a scrub depends on your skin type and how intense the scrub is. Most scrubs are designed to be used once or twice a week, but some contain a lower amount of granules as well moisturizing ingredients so they’re gentle enough to use every day (make sure to read to directions on the bottle). But even if they scrub can be used every day, doesn’t mean it should. If you have oily skin or are prone to dullness, you can use a scrub more frequently. Sensitive skin, however, may not be able to tolerate a scrub more than once a week. Try it once or twice a week for a while and gauge how your skin reacts and how it looks between scrubs to see if you can up the frequency.
Is There any Risk to Using a Face Scrub?
Face scrubs are pretty user friendly but do come with some caveats. Don’t rub or scrub too hard as too much pressure could damage your skin. If you see redness, irritation, or scratches after you exfoliate, that’s a sign you were too aggressive. And always follow your scrub with a moisturizer to help replenish moisture that may have been lost in the process and build your skin barrier back up.
Advertisement – Continue Reading Below
How We Selected
For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Grooming editors and writers on the top grooming products for men. Experts, including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce, put a number of face scrubs to the test and evaluated their effectiveness, scent, and value. We also considered top-reviewed face scrubs and exfoliators that had high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.