The 19 Best Organic Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin
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- Best clean exfoliator for improving skin tone: KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA
- Best brightening clean exfoliator: REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
- Best moisturizing clean exfoliator: True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask
- Best exfoliating serum: Farmacy Beauty Honeymoon Glow
- Best bar exfoliator/cleanser combo: Drunk Elephant Juju Bar
- Best clean exfoliator for dark spots: Moon Juice Acid Potion
- Best clean exfoliator for mature-looking skin: Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
- Best overnight exfoliating peel: Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
- Best mild exfoliating serum: Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum
- Best clean exfoliating pads: First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
- Best clean exfoliator for rough, crepey skin: Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub
- Best budget-friendly body exfoliator: The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Exfoliating Body Scrub
- Best clean exfoliator for keratosis pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
- Best sugar-based body exfoliator: Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
- Best moisturizing body exfoliator: OSEA Undaria Body Polish
- Best face and body exfoliator: Lush Cosmetics Angels On Bare Skin
- Best coconut oil-based exfoliator: SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Crème Sugar Scrub
- Best eco-friendly exfoliating scrub: Weleda Body Cleansing Scrub
- Best lip exfoliator: French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish
In recent years, the market for skin care products that include exfoliation has exploded, and social media has become more vocal about the benefits.
However, exfoliation can also damage the skin barrier and cause long-term irritation, redness, and sensitivity. For people who already have sensitive skin, exfoliating incorrectly can make sensitivity worse.
There are two main types of exfoliants.
The main chemical exfoliants used in beauty products are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) — like glycolic, lactic, and malic acids — and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid.
Physical exfoliants, on the other hand, physically peel away dead skin cells from the top layer of skin. These can be, for example, scrubs with beads, facial brushes, and dermaplaning tools.
People with sensitive skin often have problems. They experience stinging or burning after using certain beauty products.
While numerous factors can cause sensitivity, including genetics, sun exposure, product use, and the environment, one thing is clear: Skin sensitivity is the result of a damaged skin barrier.
People with sensitive skin need to be careful about how often they use exfoliants.
In fact, Dr. Matt Innes, a board certified dermatologist at the Tanner Clinic in Utah, says people with sensitive skin may rarely need to exfoliate at all.
“The main reasons to exfoliate are if you have hyperpigmentation, keratosis pilaris, acne-prone skin, or mature, photo-damaged skin,” he explains. “If you don’t need exfoliation for any of those things, then you may skip it altogether.”
Innes recommends starting with a gentle cleanser for people with sensitive skin. The shorter contact time with the skin of these cleansers leads to less irritation. It should be enough for people with sensitive skin.
retinoids, vitamins C and other AHAs are potentially irritating and should be removed. SPF is used after the exfoliant and before patch-testing products.
Many clean skin care brands have products for sensitive skin. We found the best natural skin care exfoliators for sensitive skin.
“We chose exfoliants based on their affordability and customer reviews. We looked at each company’s reputation in the market and their approach to transparency.”
We tried to choose products that were budget-friendly. The price is well worth it because of the long time that exfoliators last when used lightly.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $20
- $$ = $20–$40
- $$$ = over $40
Face
Best clean exfoliator for improving skin tone
KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: people hoping to even skin tone and texture
- Recommended uses per week: 2-3 times
- Pro: designed to be gentle, yet effective
- Con: some reviewers reported breakouts after using this product
KraveBeauty offers five basic products that give your face a reset and heal the skin barrier.
The exfoliant is made with a mixture of vitamins and acids to help soothe and hydration. The concentration of glycolic acid is ideal for gentle exfoliation.
“Reviewers say that many of Krave’s customers have sensitive skin and that they notice a visible difference from the product. Others said they would recommend the product to others.”
A few reviewers broke out after using this product.
Best brightening clean exfoliator
REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: people hoping to brighten their complexion
- Recommended uses per week: daily
- Pro: designed to deliver seven individual skin benefits
- Con: should be diluted if you have very sensitive skin
The Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic did not cause irritation in a consumer study. This beauty product is a good bet for people with sensitive skin.
The company recommends that people with sensitive skin start by taking a small amount of the tonic with water to see how it affects their skin. The company says that people with sensitive skin will do well using this tonic occasionally.
Reviewers say that the tonic leaves their skin feeling clean and clear, and that it has the acid Lactic acid in it.
Best moisturizing clean exfoliator
True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: people looking for a hydrating boost
- Recommended uses per week: 1
- Pro: designed to gently exfoliate and hydrate with lactic acid and avocado butter
- Con: high price point
The mask is made of lactic acid and can be used to help with both skin care and facial rejuvenation.
“Lactic acid and hyaluronic acid are included in the Resurfacing Moisture Mask to help heal the skin’s barrier and prevent hydration loss.”
Reviewers said the mask did not cause any irritation, and some said it helped reduce redness.
Best exfoliating serum
Farmacy Beauty Honeymoon Glow
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: people looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Recommended uses per week: 2-3 times
- Pro: serum goes on easily
- Con: high price point
“Farmacy Beauty’s products are popular with organic skin care users because of their chemistry and nature. Honeymoon Glow is a nighttime product that is meant to soothe and remove dead skin cells.”
The brand says fruit acids andlactic, glycolic, and citric acids can be used to address hyperpigmentation and promote cell renewal. Swelling and redness are alleviated by the use of honey and Hyaluronic acid.
A consumer panel that tested all skin types, including sensitive skin, concluded that people with sensitive skin found the serum to be gentle. People with dry, sensitive skin were more soft.
Best bar exfoliator/cleanser combo
Drunk Elephant Juju Bar
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: people looking for a multipurpose exfoliating cleanser
- Recommended uses per week: 2-3 times
- Pro: exfoliating plus cleansing in bar form
- Con: may be drying
The bar is formulated for people with sensitive skin.
The bar is free of all the harmful substances and has a good pH. It should cleanse the skin without stripping the barrier of the important oils.
“The bar has a combo of all-stars in it. The bamboo powder is so thin and gentle that it shouldn’t irritate skin like a scrub.”
“Reviewers like the Juju Bar because it doesn’t dry out or irritate their skin when used a couple times a week.”
If you have sensitive skin, you should only be using it occasionally.
Best clean exfoliator for dark spots
Moon Juice Acid Potion
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: people hoping to minimize the appearance of dark spots and sun damage
- Recommended uses per week: nightly, or 3 nights in a row
- Pro: designed to be smoothing, hydrating, and balancing
- Con: may cause redness
This exfoliator contains a mix of acids that have been known to have hydrating and calming properties.
The Acid Potion is a good option for people who have dark spots and are looking for a gentle way to clear their skin.
It averages a measly 4.9 out of 5 stars, but many reviewers say it is the best acid toners they have used. Reviewers with sensitive skin say they wake up with clear complexions and no irritation.
Some users recommended using the product at night, as they experienced redness after applying it during the day.
Best clean exfoliator for mature-looking skin
Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: people with mature-looking skin
- Recommended uses per week: 1
- Pro: made with mostly natural ingredients
- Con: high price point
The Glycolic Peel Mask is made up of mostly natural ingredients derived from grapes.
This mask is made for all skin types, and it is made with glycolic acid.
It is supposed to be on for 10 minutes, but those looking for a more gentle exfoliant might find less time works for them.
Reviewers have good things to say about this mask. It may be worth considering for people with mature-looking skin, because reviewers are older and this mask is meant to restore radiance.
Best overnight exfoliating peel
Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: those looking to brighten dull skin
- Recommended uses per week: 3-4 times
- Pro: easy overnight application
- Con: high price point
The Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel is made with irritation in mind.
The product is meant to be used at night while the skin heals. Arginine and fatty acids aim to replenish and replenish.
The product averages over 4,000 reviews. Many reviewers who have hypersensitive skin say that the peel leaves them without irritation and with skin that feels soft.
Best mild exfoliating serum
Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: those looking for a mild exfoliating serum
- Recommended uses per week: nightly
- Pro: designed as a mild exfoliant with ingredients that may plump and protect the skin’s barrier
- Con: some reviewers found that nightly use was too strong for their sensitive skin
Mad Hippie claims to combine chemistry with natural beauty.
The mild nighttime exfoliant in the Vitamins A and Ae is a good option for anyone looking for it. The form of vitamins A that is used in the serum is meant to help reduce the appearance of wrinkling over time.
The brand says that oats, hyaluronate, and aloe Vera all soothe and protect the skin.
“Reviewers refer to this product as their holy grail, as it has 5 stars on the company’s website.”
Best clean exfoliating pads
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: those looking for the convenience of presoaked exfoliating pads
- Recommended uses per week: daily
- Pro: easy application and safe to use daily, even with sensitive skin
- Con: disposable pads aren’t eco-friendly
First Aid Beauty claims to be committed to products that are safe for sensitive skin and do not cause irritation.
The company says that the Facial Radiance Pads are safe to use on all skin types. The pads are formulated with low concentrations of lactic and glycolic acids, along with lemon peel, Indian gooseberry, and anti-oxidants to protect the skin.
“Reviewers with sensitive skin recommend this product. Others say this is one of the few products that doesn’t cause reactivity.”
Body
Best clean exfoliator for rough, crepey skin
Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: those looking to smooth and tighten rough, crepey skin
- Recommended uses per week: 1-3 times
- Pro: clinically-proven results
- Con: high price point
The Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub uses acids that are gentle on the skin.
This scrub is designed to target rough, bumpy, and crepey skin. In a 2-week study, 100% of users said their skin felt softer and smoother, and 98% said the scrub helped remove dead skin.
Skinfix products are free from a long list of irritating ingredients.
Best budget-friendly body exfoliator
The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Exfoliating Body Scrub
- Price: $
- Who it’s best for: those looking for a gentle exfoliator on a budget
- Recommended uses per week: 2-3 times
- Pro: great price point
- Con: made with essential oils, which could be irritating to very sensitive skin
“The Seaweed Bath Co. was founded with the goal of creating products for the founders with sensitive skin, and they discovered the healing benefits of bladderwrack seaweed from Maine. This is the basis for all the company’s products.”
The hydrating exfoliating body scrub is a physical exfoliant, but it is so finely ground that it should be safe for compromised skin.
The scrub contains organic, sustainable seaweed, Hawaiian kukui oil, coconut oil, and aloe Vera to nourish and hydrate.
Reviewers say that this scrub leaves their skin feeling soft without the harsh effects of a physical exfoliant.
Best clean exfoliator for keratosis pilaris
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: those looking to treat keratosis pilaris
- Recommended uses per week: 1-2 times
- Pro: designed to be gentle with ingredients to smooth rough, bumpy skin
- Con: may increase sensitivity to the sun
“The First Aid Beauty’s most popular product is the KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, which can reduce bumps on the body.”
The scrub is made with 10% combined glycolic and lactic acids for people with sensitive skin. The acids should remove dead skin cells, while the beads aim to de-clog the skin.
The scrub is made with sensitive skin in mind and it contains vitamins E and bisabolol.
Reviewers say the scrub is gentle for sensitive skin and helps remove bumps.
Best sugar-based body exfoliator
Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
- Price: $$
- Who it’s best for: those looking for a fragrant sugar-based exfoliant
- Recommended uses per week: as needed
- Pro: beautiful rose fragrance
- Con: coconut oil can be slippery in the shower
The cult favorite is theHerbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish.
The scrub is made from coconut oil, shea butter, and pink clay. The coconut oil and shea butter are meant to provide hydration, while the rose and clay give the scrub its pink color and floral scent.
“The pink clay is a gentle cleanser that aims to provide a gentle detoxification. Many reviewers say that the scrub isn’t too abrasive for sensitive skin, and that sugar can be a gentle exfoliant for skin on the body.”
Best moisturizing body exfoliator
OSEA Undaria Body Polish
- Price: $$$
- Who it’s best for: those looking for a moisturizing body exfoliator
- Recommended uses per week: as needed
- Pro: eco-friendly
- Con: high price point
OSEA is known for its commitment to the environment. This body polish is worth considering for those who want a gentle exfoliation.
The brand says that undaria seaweed, kukui seed oil, and hemp seed oil can help improve the appearance of skin and moisturize.
Reviewers rate this product very highly.
Best face and body exfoliator
Lush Cosmetics Angels On Bare Skin
- Price: $-$$
- Who it’s best for: those looking for an exfoliator that can be used on the body and the face
- Recommended uses per week: as needed
- Pro: great fragrance
- Con: may be too harsh for use on the face
This cleanser can be used on the face and body. We recommend only using it on the body.
Angels On Bare Skin uses almonds and clay to gently remove dead skin and soothe redness.
Reviewers with sensitive skin rave about this cleanser, saying it helped relieve their irritation and helped them smell pleasant.
Best coconut oil-based exfoliator
SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Crème Sugar Scrub
- Price: $
- Who it’s best for: those looking for a smoothing product that leaves the skin feeling hydrated
- Recommended uses per week: as needed
- Pro: great price point
- Con: includes essential oils, which may be irritating to some people
The hydration crme sugar scrub is designed to help people with sensitive skin.
The scrub has a smooth texture due to the coconut oil, coconut milk, shea butter, and raw sugar. This should allow for a gentle removal of dead skin.
Reviewers say the scrub is very gentle on their skin, and many say it leaves them feeling hydrated.
Best eco-friendly exfoliating scrub
Weleda Body Cleansing Scrub
- Price: $
- Who it’s best for: those looking for an eco-friendly exfoliating scrub
- Recommended uses per week: 1
- Pro: eco-friendly, great scent
- Con: ingredients include fragrance
Weleda is a natural skin care brand that has remained popular with their consistently high-quality ingredients and formulas.
The Body Cleansing Scrub is designed to remove dead skin cells and give it a new look. The scrub is made from wax that is gentle on the skin and is also eco-friendly. The fresh scent is the result of three things.
It is a good bet for people with sensitivity to use the scrub once per week.
Best lip exfoliator
French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish
- Price: $
- Who it’s best for: those in need of a gentle lip exfoliator for a more hydrated pucker
- Recommended uses per week: daily or as needed
- Pro: gentle enough for delicate lip skin
- Con: contains essential oils, which could be irritating to some people
Our lips are often not noticed when it comes to removing dead skin.
The cells in lips get regenerated like all the other parts of the body. The lips can be left feeling supple and hydrated by occasionally removing them.
The French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish is a hydrating scrub that combines sugar, coconut oil, cocoa butter, shea butter, and more. The lip skin is delicate and this hydrating sugar mix is said to remove it without irritation.
| Exfoliator | Pro/con | Who it’s best for | Number of recommended uses per week |
| KraveBeauty Kale-Lalu-yAHA | gentle yet effective/some reviewers reported breakouts after using this product | people hoping to even skin tone and texture | 2-3 times |
| REN Clean Skincare Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic | designed to deliver seven individual skin benefits/should be diluted if you have very sensitive skin | people hoping to brighten their complexion | daily |
| True Botanicals Resurfacing Moisture Mask | made with lactic acid and avocado butter to gently exfoliate and hydrate/high price point | people looking for a hydrating boost | 1 time |
| Farmacy Beauty Honeymoon Glow | serum form makes for easy application/high price point | people looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles | 2-3 times |
| Drunk Elephant Juju Bar | exfoliating plus cleansing in bar form/may be drying | people looking for a multipurpose exfoliating cleanser | 2-3 times |
| Moon Juice Acid Potion | smoothing, hydrating, and balancing/may cause redness | people hoping to minimize the appearance of dark spots and sun damage | nightly, or 3 nights in a row |
| Caudalie Glycolic Peel Mask | made with mostly natural ingredients/high price point | people with mature-looking skin | 1 time |
| Beautycounter Counter+ Overnight Resurfacing Peel | easy overnight application/high price point | those looking to brighten dull skin with an overnight treatment | 3-4 times |
| Mad Hippie Vitamin A Serum | very mild exfoliant with ingredients that may plump and protect the skin’s barrier/some reviewers found that nightly use was too strong for their sensitive skin | those looking for a mild exfoliating serum | nightly |
| First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads | easy application and safe to use daily, even with sensitive skin/disposable pads aren’t eco-friendly | those looking for the convenience of presoaked exfoliating pads | daily |
| Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Scrub | clinically-proven results/high price point | those looking to smooth and tighten rough, crepey skin | 1-3 times |
| The Seaweed Bath Co. Hydrating Exfoliating Body Scrub | great price point/made with essential oils, which could be irritating to very sensitive skin | those looking for a gentle exfoliator on a budget | 2-3 times |
| First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub | gentle, effective ingredients to smooth rough, bumpy skin/ may increase sensitivity to the sun | those looking to treat keratosis pilaris | 1-2 times |
| Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish | beautiful rose fragrance/coconut oil can be slippery in the shower | those looking for a fragrant sugar-based exfoliant | as needed |
| OSEA Undaria Body Polish | eco-friendly/high price point | those looking for a moisturizing body exfoliator | as needed |
| Lush Cosmetics Angels On Bare Skin | great fragrance/may be too harsh for use on the face | those looking for an exfoliator that can be used on the body and the face | as needed |
| SheaMoisture 100% Virgin Coconut Oil Daily Hydration Crème Sugar Scrub | great price point/includes essential oils, which may be irritating to some people | those looking for a smoothing product that leaves the skin feeling hydrated | as needed |
| Weleda Body Cleansing Scrub | eco-friendly, great scent/ingredients include fragrance | those looking for an eco-friendly exfoliating scrub | 1 time |
| French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish | gentle enough for delicate lip skin/contains essential oils, which could be irritating to some people | those in need of a gentle lip exfoliator for a more hydrated pucker | daily or as needed |
It is important to choose an exfoliator that is gentle on your skin. Over-exfoliating can make sensitive skin even more sensitive.
Chemical exfoliants with AHAs are specifically formulated for sensitive skin. If possible, avoid using physical exfoliants on the face. Once weekly should be enough to remove too much skin.
What is the gentlest chemical exfoliant?
Mandelic acid is largely considered one of the milder AHAs. That’s largely due to the fact that it’s structurally bigger than other AHAs, which means it penetrates the skin more slowly. That makes it less irritating.
How often should you exfoliate your face if you have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, experts recommend you only have one facial scrub per week.
How do you exfoliate your body?
Follow the directions on the label if you want to use an exfoliator that is designed for use on the body. Body exfoliators should be applied with gentle pressure in a circular motion.
People with sensitive skin should be careful. Under-exfoliating is better for skin that is prone to irritation.
People with sensitivity can use gentle chemical exfoliants in small concentrations. It is best to avoid face products that have physical exfoliants.
Less is more when it comes to removing skin cells. Wear SPF and keep your skin hydrated.
Lucia Whalen is a writer and multimedia journalist who is also a co-owner of Trashy Magazine. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Atlas Obscura. She is a graduate of the Medill School of Journalism.
