10 Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin UK 2024 | The Ordinary, Paula's Choice and More
In this article, we'll help you distinguish your AHAs from your BHAs and explain how to consider dry skin as you choose your product. We've also searched through the most popular exfoliators on the market and ranked our favourites in order of function and value for money. Read on to discover our top buys from brands like Pixi, The Ordinary and Paula's Choice to get you glowing!
Quick List - Top Exfoliators for Dry Skin
The Ordinary
The Best Glycolic Acid Toner from Skincare Experts
Paula's Choice
Show Dead Skin the Door With a Gently Acidic Lotion
Neal’s Yard Remedies
An Organic Scrub That Exfoliates the Natural Way
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How to Choose an Exfoliator for Dry Skin in the UK – Buying Guide
All exfoliators function differently and can help to improve your dry skin in different ways depending on your skin type. When picking a product to exfoliate your skin, there are some key ingredients to opt for and ones you should avoid. It’s also good to consider your skin’s needs.
Choose the Type of Exfoliator Based On Your Routine and Desired Results
The main dry-skin exfoliant types are granular scrubs and acid-based toners, but nowadays, there are exfoliating cleansers and moisturisers too. Pick the product you think will fit best within your skincare routine, or consider trying something new!
Exfoliating Cleansers Reduce the Impact on Your Skin
A face wash with exfoliating properties lets you remove dry skin layers whilst you go about your usual cleansing duties, so they're very easy to slot into your routine.
The downside is that you’ll potentially be exfoliating your skin daily, which isn’t ideal for drier skin types. Certainly if you do choose an exfoliating cleanser, something with very tiny gentle grains will work best.
Exfoliating Toners Are a Quick and Easy Product to Add to Your Routine
Toners, which you run gently over your skin after cleansing using a cotton pad or facecloth, are often associated with oily skin, but the exfoliating versions – containing acids to work away dull surface layers – are very effective for dry skin, and penetrate deeply without causing tightness.
For a chilled-out beauty regime that allows you to apply your exfoliator to specific problem areas if you need to, choose an acid-based toner.
Moisturisers to Hydrate and Exfoliate in One
Physical Exfoliants Scrub Stubborn Flakes, But Proceed with Caution!
While it can be seriously tempting to scrub your skin raw in an attempt to reveal a glowing new you, the reality is that treating your dry skin roughly will often exacerbate things.
This is certainly a satisfying experience, and if done carefully it can be one of the best ways to exfoliate with instantly noticeable results. In addition, scrubs often contain natural oils which provide deep nourishment for dry skin as they work.
If you do want to include a facial scrub in your routine, make sure to limit your use to twice a week at most to avoid damaging skin cells.
Choose the Right Acids to Shift Dead Cells, Smooth Fine Lines and Perfect Pores
Many exfoliating products contain acids which gently dissolve the layer of dead cells that can lead to a dull, depressing complexion. Known as chemical exfoliants, they typically contain either AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs which can affect your skin in slightly different ways. Here's the lowdown on each.
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) Help Dry and Mature Skin Become Plump, Smooth and Moisturised
Though they perform similarly, glycolic acid has a smaller molecular structure so can penetrate deeper, and may even help with acne as it has antimicrobial properties. However, this can lead to irritation in sensitive skin types or those prone to redness, which is why a patch test is generally advised.
Both types of acid have moisture-boosting properties and will leave skin feeling smooth and looking plump without aggravating skin cells like a scrub might.
BHAs (Beta Hydroxy Acids) Are Better for Clogged Pores or Blackheads
However, BHAs are not to be overlooked completely for your dry skin, especially as there are many people with dry skin who still have congestion or blemishes to contend with! If you look out for an alcohol-free BHA-containing product, you’ll avoid the risk of drying out your skin that can be come from using these acids.
PHAs (Poly Hydroxy Acids) Suit Problematic Dry Skin Conditions
PHAs don’t penetrate as deeply as other types of acid, simply working on your skin’s top layer. This means they’re compatible with dry skin as well as more problematic conditions like rosacea and eczema. They can also improve the efficiency of other products in your routine such as your moisturiser, which is great news for thirsty skin!
Always Check for Moisturising, Hydrating Ingredients
Fruit extracts are also perfect to replenish your thirsty cells as they contain vitamin A – which accelerates the the reproduction of cells, meaning a fast turnover of brand new skin – and vitamin C, which boosts collagen product to add firmness and smooth fine lines.
Though almost all skincare products do contain hydrating ingredients, oils, and humectants, for dry skin it's worth remembering that the higher up on the ingredients list, the greater the percentage it contains!
Don’t Make it Worse: Steer Clear of Drying Ingredients
Just as certain ingredients are a dream for dusty, thirsty skin, there are other names you should watch out for when shopping for exfoliators. Here are the two main culprits that will take your skin from dry to disaster if overused.
Skip Simple Alcohols to Avoid Dryness and Irritation for Sensitive Skin
Alcohol is one of the most common skincare ingredients there is, but unfortunately (as you may well have experienced after several glasses of wine), alcohol can have a drying effect on the skin. Just as consuming it leaves us with a dull complexion, rubbing alcohol-rich products onto the skin can leave your face as thirsty and sad as a bad hangover.
Simple alcohols like ethanol and propanol are added to products for their antibacterial properties, while benzyl alcohol is a useful cosmetic preservative. However, these are the types to avoid if you have dry skin, particularly if it's easily irritated.
That being said, not all types of alcohol are necessarily the enemy. Fatty alcohols cetyl and cetearyl alcohol can actually be beneficial for dry skin as they have hydrating properties.
Watch Out for SLS: It Can Strip the Skin
Once again, if you have particularly sensitive skin, check the ingredients list to avoid exacerbating your dry skin troubles unnecessarily. When using products containing alcohol or SLS, opt for ones with a lower content and make sure you hydrate your skin extra-carefully after each use.
10 Best Exfoliators for Dry Skin in the UK
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The Ordinary 6. Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Toner | | The Best Glycolic Acid Toner from Skincare Experts | |
2 | Paula's Choice 2. Paula’s Choice Exfoliating Lotion | | Show Dead Skin the Door With a Gently Acidic Lotion | |
3 | Neal’s Yard Remedies 1. Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose Facial Polish | | An Organic Scrub That Exfoliates the Natural Way | |
4 | Dermalogica 3. Skinfood Korean Wash-Off Black Sugar Mask | | Excellent for Acne-Prone Dry Skin | |
5 | The Body Shop 5. The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Facial Polish | | A Zingy Polish Packed With Fruit Nutrients | |
6 | Origins 4. Radha Beauty Exfoliating Moisturiser with Retinol | | Overnight Exfoliation to Wake Up Hydrated and Radiant | |
7 | Pixi 8. First Aid Beauty Radiance Exfoliating Pads | | A Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliating Toner | |
8 | La Roche Posay 9. Derma E Anti-Wrinkle Toner | | Hypoallergenic and Soap-Free for Sensitive Dry Skin | |
9 | REN 10. Ren’s Clarimatte Clarifying Toner | | AHAs and BHAS for Dry and Combination Skin | |
10 | Clarins 7. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser | | A Fruit-Infused Cleanser to Gently Renew |
The Ordinary 6. Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Toner
The Best Glycolic Acid Toner from Skincare Experts
The Ordinary's incredibly popular toning solution contains a generous 7% dose of dry skin’s best friend; glycolic acid. It's pH formulated for maximum effectiveness, free from any unnecessary additives and chemicals, and really will improve the appearance and feel of your dry skin.
Easily incorporated into your routine, simply swoosh over your face with a soaked cotton pad to slough away tired old skin cells and fix an uneven skin tone and texture, all while soothing with aloe vera, Tasmanian pepperberry, and ginseng root. Affordable and effective, no wonder it's our winning exfoliator for dry skin!
Paula's Choice2. Paula’s Choice Exfoliating Lotion
Show Dead Skin the Door With a Gently Acidic Lotion
Designed to be used as a chemical 'scrub' after cleansing and toning, it also contains salicylic acid which will not only leave your skin feeling softer and smoother, but will also act to reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as clogged or enlarged pores and acne. Overall, it's an excellent all-rounder that's well worth its price tag.
Neal’s Yard Remedies 1. Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose Facial Polish
An Organic Scrub That Exfoliates the Natural Way
Though made with quality, organic ingredients, this bottle will last for ages as just a small dab will suffice when lathered up with warm water. It's designed to be used once or twice weekly and is certainly gentle compared to other scrubs, plus, it's chock-full of hydrating plant oils too.
Dermalogica3. Skinfood Korean Wash-Off Black Sugar Mask
Excellent for Acne-Prone Dry Skin
We also love that the formula is gentle enough to be used every day and a great all-rounder for many skin concerns including anti-aging, but especially those with dry skin that's also prone to acne, breakouts and pore congestion. At over fifty pounds it's a luxury buy, but if you fancy the splurge we won't blame you!
The Body Shop5. The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Facial Polish
A Zingy Polish Packed With Fruit Nutrients
Its gorgeous scent and cruelty-free promise are just more reasons to opt for this scrub, along with the fact that it exfoliates effortlessly to boost radiance and improve dry skin texture. As it doesn’t contain any acids, this could be a good choice if your skin has a tendency to react to strong products.
Origins 4. Radha Beauty Exfoliating Moisturiser with Retinol
Overnight Exfoliation to Wake Up Hydrated and Radiant
As it contains many other hydrating and anti-aging ingredients including plant oils and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, this 2-in-1 peel and moisturiser is perfectly suited to anyone looking for youthful, bright skin without the time for a separate exfoliating product.
A Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliating Toner
With a slightly milder 5% glycolic acid concentration than some toners, it contains just the AHAs your dry skin needs to penetrate through its rough surface layers without irritation. It's also alcohol-free and the addition of hydrating and soothing aloe vera gets our approval, too.
Hypoallergenic and Soap-Free for Sensitive Dry Skin
Using physical exfoliants to gently purify pores and eliminate dead skin cells, it's also ideal if you're looking to clear up breakouts, and, being non-comedogenic, it won't cause future congestion either. Follow up with a rich moisturiser and your dry skin will thank you!
AHAs and BHAS for Dry and Combination Skin
We would recommend only using this toner if your skin is more combination/dry, as it does not contain a huge amount of moisturising ingredients. Ultimately, it'd be a good investment if you feel your dry skin is crying out for a little from column A and a little of column B.
Clarins 7. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
A Fruit-Infused Cleanser to Gently Renew
Unfortunately this product is neither SLS nor alcohol-free, so while its delicious scent and skin-friendly texture are appealing, if you are prone to sensitivities it may not be the best option.
More Ways to Care for Dry Skin
The right caring and nourishing ingredients can bring real relief to dry skin, and with winter on the way, it's probably a good time to get your skincare arsenal sorted! Check out our suggestions for the best products to add to your routine.
Summary
Overall you can see that taking care to select the perfect exfoliator for your skin will have countless benefits. Whether you opt for a chemical or physical exfoliant to get rid of gloomy dead cells, remember everyone’s skin is different, so it’s always best to experiment carefully with a new product.
Author: Annie Hopkins
Top 5 Exfoliators for Dry Skin
No. 1: The Ordinary ｜6. Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Acid Toner
No. 2: Paula's Choice｜2. Paula’s Choice Exfoliating Lotion
No. 3: Neal’s Yard Remedies ｜1. Neal’s Yard Remedies Rose Facial Polish
No. 4: Dermalogica｜3. Skinfood Korean Wash-Off Black Sugar Mask
No. 5: The Body Shop｜5. The Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion Facial Polish
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.