16 Best Face Exfoliators for Mature Skin for Glowing Complexion
Updated on Feb 14, 2024
The skincare equivalent of the fountain of youth is retinol, sunscreen, and (the often ignored and forgotten) exfoliation. Exfoliating is an essential step in any mature skincare routine since the best face exfoliators for mature skin will gently slough away dead skin cells and enhance the skin's natural glow.
Here's a little lesson on how our skin works. The skin comprises several layers. The topmost layer is called the epidermis, and its outermost layer is called the stratum corneum, which is made of tightly packed skin cells. Over time, these cells become worn out, detach, and shed from the skin's surface. Subsequently, they are replaced by new epidermal cells. It is the normal process of exfoliation and skin renewal, taking place over four weeks (1).
However, as we age, this process gets disrupted. Sloughing away dead skin cells becomes difficult, and the regeneration of cells becomes prolonged. It is where cosmetic skin exfoliators come to the rescue by normalizing the exfoliation process, using physical or chemical methods (2). So, get ready to unveil a smoother, luminous, and youthful complexion with our expert-curated selection of some very good face exfoliators for mature skin. Our recommendations are based on a thorough analysis of their ingredients, formulation, performance, packaging, and anti-aging benefits.
Our top picks
Benefits of Using an Exfoliator
Exfoliation has gained popularity over the last two decades, and why won't it? It yields visible results almost immediately and with the variety of facial skin exfoliators available in the market today, exfoliation has become easier than ever. According to Kate Somerville, one of Hollywood's favorite estheticians and the founder of Kate Somerville Skin Care, "Exfoliation is one way to improve your skin and achieve the “Hollywood glow” you’ve always craved" (3).
Exfoliating offers a multitude of benefits for the skin, catering to various skin types. Some common benefits include reduced hyperpigmentation, even skin tone, unclogged pores, minimized appearance of pores, reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, enhanced cell turnover, and better product absorption. Some skin exfoliators are also known to help with sun damage and improve the overall health of the skin by promoting elasticity and hydration (4). You must ensure to pick the ones that are suitable for your skin type and requirements for optimal results. Keep reading for our comprehensive guide that details everything about face exfoliators for mature skin—which to buy, how to buy, how to use, and when to use.
16 Best Face Exfoliators for Mature Skin
Elevate your skincare routine with TATCHA The Deep Cleanse Exfoliating Cleanser, thoughtfully crafted for aging skin. This gentle exfoliating cleanser offers a deep, yet nurturing cleanse, lifting impurities, excess oil, and unclogging pores. Perfect for mature skin, it rejuvenates without harsh abrasion, promoting a smooth, youthful complexion. Enriched with natural extracts, it provides a spa-like experience, leaving skin refreshed and pores tightened. With TATCHA immerse in the art of gentle exfoliation, revealing radiant, refined skin effortlessly. Your secret to a rejuvenated, ageless glow starts here.
Pros
- Gentle exfoliation
- Deep cleansing
- Pore minimization
- Natural ingredients
- Balanced hydration
Cons
- Fragrance sensitivity
2
Acure Brightening Facial Scrub
The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is the best exfoliator for face for mature skin if you are looking for physical exfoliation. Its formulation is enriched with sea kelp, lemon peel, and Madonna lily which work together to give you nicely cleansed and smooth skin. The star ingredient here is French green clay, which gives the scrub its green color and draws out impurities from your pores. Drawing from our experience, it is best to use this scrub on damp skin.
Pros
- Cleanses face well
- Makes skin soft
- Adds glow
- Lasts a long time
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Some may find the smell unpleasant
- Not for sensitive skin or those with active acne
3
Best in User Experience
Era Organics Revive+ Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub
Not all scrubs are made the same. And this Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub from Era Organics proves it with its efficient performance. With aloe vera, manuka honey, orange peel oil, rapeseed oil, and walnut, it is the best facial exfoliator for aging skin that is dull and dry. It removes the dead skin cells and the daily build-up from your pores to unveil a moisturized and glowing skin tone. As indicated by our tests, with consistent use, it can also help with the removal of blackheads.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Mild scent
- Easy to apply
- Gentle on skin
- Makes skin soft and smooth
Cons
- Pricey
- May cause irritation for sensitive skin type
4
Best for Blackheads
DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub
Experience a spa-like glow at home with the DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Scrub. It is the best face scrub to help you achieve the best complexion of your dreams, particularly if you want to target signs of aging. Formulated with extracts of apple, sugarcane, lemon, and green tea, it has just the right kind of texture, that is neither too runny nor too creamy. Our team discovered through using this product that it has pumice granules that are super fine, gentle, and non-abrasive. You might not see them but you will surely see the glow they leave you with.
Pros
- Mild scent
- Gives thorough cleanse
- Softens skin
- Leaves skin smooth and refreshed
- Works well for blackheads
5
Best in Versatility
NeedCrystals Microdermabrasion Crystals
This skin exfoliator from NeedCrystals is unlike no other. You no longer have to worry about the consistency or texture of your scrub, as this brand is offering exfoliating crystals that are finer than sand and deliver unparalleled results. All you have to do is to add a small amount to your face cleanser and voila! You have done it. You have crafted a facial exfoliator tailored to your unique requirements. Our investigation demonstrated that these crystals are infused with vitamin C for added anti-aging benefits.
Pros
- Makes skin smoother
- Improves blood circulation
- Comes with detailed instructions
- Multi-purpose
- Little goes a long way
Cons
- Has to be kept in a dry place
- Some may find it difficult to use
6
Best Overall
Pixi Glow Tonic
This chemical exfoliator for mature skin from Pixi is a cult favorite. Almost every beauty influencer, dermatologist, and skincare lover has recommended it for its gentle yet effective removal of dead skin cells. It comes in a toner form with 5% glycolic acid, which has a multitude of benefits for aging skin, as its key ingredient along with aloe vera, ginseng, horse chestnut, and witch hazel. After putting it to the test, we discovered that it will be a great addition to the skincare routine of beginners to chemical exfoliation.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Reduces redness
- Brightens complexion
- Multi-purpose
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May feel oily on face
7
BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner
Crafted for dry and combination skin, Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner combines exfoliating glycolic acid with antioxidant-rich grapefruit extract. Its potent formula revitalizes aging skin, promoting a smoother, more radiant complexion. By delicately removing dead skin cells, it encourages cell turnover, diminishing fine lines and revealing a youthful glow. Embrace the power of natural exfoliation, unveiling a refreshed, age-defying vibrancy. Step up your skincare regimen, gracefully embracing the beauty of mature skin.
Pros
- Alcohol free
- Improved skin texture
- Balances combination skin
- Prepares skin for skincare
Cons
- Color may feel unnatural
8
Teami Green Tea Facial Scrub
Scrub your skin woes away with this cream-based gentle face exfoliator for mature skin from Teami. It has an antioxidant-rich formula that contains matcha green tea and lemongrass, which will revitalize and rejuvenate your skin that has to deal with daily stressors like sun and pollution. Based on our firsthand experience, you can easily use it as a facial cleanser, facial scrub, makeup remover, or even body scrub. On coming in contact with water, it gives a creamy lather and deeply cleanses your face.
Pros
- Makes skin clear and smooth
- Manages oil production
- Softens skin
- Imparts a glow
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May feel harsh for very sensitive skin type
9
Best for Reducing Pore Size
PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner
The PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner is an anti aging exfoliator that does exactly what it promises to do. Its formula is full of vitamins, amino acids, and enzymes that not only exfoliate but also nourish skin from within for a healthy glow. It comes packed with the goodness of a unique blend of ingredients like pumpkin wine, lactic acid, and aminoguanidine. When we trialed this product, we found that it minimizes the appearance of pores and leaves the skin feeling more supple and soft.
Pros
- Corrects blemishes
- Makes skin smoother
- Doesn't dry out skin
- Little goes a long way
- Value for money
Cons
- Smell may feel strong to some
- Not travel friendly
10
Best for Oily/Dehydrated Skin
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask
Make your skin work for you as you sleep with this exfoliating sleeping mask from Glow Recipe. This cult favorite comes in a cute little jar and has a pink sorbet-like consistency. Made with watermelon, hyaluronic acid, pumpkin extract, and AHA, it offers deep hydration and clarified skin so that you can wake up with a youthful glow. It is the best face exfoliator for mature skin that works gently but shows tremendous results against signs of aging.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Dries instantly
- Pleasant smell
- Non-greasy
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
11
Best for Acne-prone Skin
Paula's Choice Clear Anti-redness Exfoliating Solution
Another cult favorite, this is a gentle exfoliator for face from the highly recommended brand, Paula's Choice. It has 2% salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, which come together to give your aging skin all-around care. It keeps redness at bay, eliminates blackheads and keeps acne breakouts under check without drying or damaging the skin. After conducting experiments with it, we can say that it is a multi-purpose product that can also be effectively used for treating body acne.
Pros
- Feels like water
- Clears skin
- Smoothens texture
- Works well for congested skin
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May feel sticky after applying
12
Best for Sensitive Skin
TOUCH Microdermabrasion Scrub
Make your skin irresistibly soft and smooth to the touch with this microdermabrasion facial scrub from TOUCH. It comes in handy tube packaging and uses fine crystals of alumina to gently slough away dead skin cells. It is enriched with the extracts of chamomile, green tea, and aloe vera, which aid in soothing skin while the scrub exfoliates. Through our practical knowledge, we can say that it is the best facial scrub for aging skin that is tailored to meet the needs of mature skin with its antioxidant-rich formula.
Pros
- Feels good on skin
- Has fine particles
- Light citrusy scent
- Non-drying formula
- Great value for money
Cons
- Lid may cause issues
13
Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial
Expect baby-soft skin with the OG and the best exfoliator for aging skin that has both AHA and BHA—the Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial. It is a power-packed blend of 25% AHA, 2% salicylic acid, and chickpea flour to give you the best exfoliation experience ever! Our findings show that the exfoliating prowess of this exfoliant helps clarify the skin, evens out its tone, and smoothens the texture. It also incorporates matcha tea, milk thistle, and apple for soothing the skin.
Pros
- Improves skin’s elasticity
- Reduces fine lines
- Eliminates acne
- Moisturizes skin
- Value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for beginners/sensitive skin type
- Pricey
14
Suki Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser
Revitalize your skin with the best exfoliating face wash from Suki, which is a dynamic 2-in-1 combo of a foaming cleanser and exfoliating scrub. Crafted with a luxurious blend of natural sugars, colloidal oat, finely-milled rice flour, and soothing calendula, it is a perfect balance of exfoliation and hydration which is what mature skin needs. We have found from using this product that its all-natural pH-balanced formula melts into the skin on application, leaving you with a smooth and glowing complexion.
Pros
- Pleasant scent
- Polishes skin
- Makes skin soft
- Suitable for dry and sensitive skin types
- Gets rid of flakiness
Cons
- Can dry out easily
15
Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant
The Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant is actually a facial cleanser for aging skin with exfoliating properties. It provides deep cleansing that is not harsh to the skin at all. It is a blend of botanical extracts infused with the goodness of pink grapefruit, olive leaves, konjac root, rosehip oil, and green tea, making it the best exfoliator for older skin. Our research indicates that the granules are not so abrasive that they will cause harm to skin, and not so gentle that they don't work.
Pros
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Makes skin soft and smooth
- Improves skin texture
- Non-drying
- Value for money
16
Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel
Make your skin look and feel firm with the Naturopathica Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel. It combines the goodness of antioxidant-rich cherries and bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, with 5% lactic acid, particularly to target sun damage. It is mostly seen and used in spas and can be easily used at home. After trying out this product, we found that it does not strip the skin dry, nor does it cause any irritation, making it the best exfoliant for mature skin which is also sensitive.
Pros
- Nice smell
- Evens out skin tone
- Reduces acne scars
- Gives radiant complexion
- Cruelty-free
How to Choose the Best Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin?
You must consider several factors before choosing the best face exfoliators for mature skin to ensure they target the specific needs and concerns of aging skin. Here are some aspects you must consider to make an informed choice:
Skin Type
Different skin types have different requirements when it comes to exfoliation. For instance, oily and acne-prone skin produces more sebum than all the other skin types and requires an exfoliant that can go deep into the pores to clean all the gunk out. On the other hand, dry skin needs an exfoliant that removes dead skin cells and is also moisturizing. Therefore, determine your skin type first to understand your skin's requirements.
pH Levels
Our contributor, Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator - SENSITIVE SKIN LLC, explains more about the pH formula of exfoliators, saying, “For chemical exfoliators, like those containing acids, a pH range between 3.0 and 4.5 is recommended. This ensures effective exfoliation while maintaining the skin's balance. However, for mechanical exfoliators that use particles, the focus should be on particle size and texture rather than pH, as they should stay within the normal healthy pH range of 4.5-5.5 to avoid skin irritation.”
Type of Exfoliation
Skin exfoliants are of two types, chemical and physical. Physical exfoliants are scrubs with fine granules which you use to manually slough away dead skin cells. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants include alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs). There is no universal best exfoliant here but it's a matter of choice. Opt for an exfoliant that best suits your skin's needs and your convenience.
Ingredients
Check the label for active ingredients and their concentrations to pick what is best for you. Salicylic acid is best suited for oily and acne-prone skin whereas lactic and glycolic acid work the best for dry and mature skin. Sensitive skin people must look for gentle exfoliants like mandelic acid.
You must also look for other ingredients that serve different purposes including hydrating, moisturizing, and anti-aging. Don't forget to check if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Texture and Consistency
In skin care, the texture and consistency of a product play a huge role. Choose the kind of texture and consistency that addresses your specific skin concerns.
Customer Reviews
Do your research and read through customer reviews and feedback to gain valuable insights into the performance and effectiveness of a skin exfoliator for mature skin.
Take Advice
If you cannot figure out what's best for you, it's best to consult a dermatologist. They can guide you toward your ideal facial skin exfoliator.
How to Use a Face Exfoliator for Mature Skin?
While incorporating exfoliation into your skincare routine can show several positive results, particularly for mature skin, it is also essential to do it correctly and in moderation. Here’s a guide on how you can achieve a healthier and more glowing complexion without compromising your skin:
- Choose a gentle exfoliator that caters specifically to mature skin and its requirements.
- Despite what the labels say, don't exfoliate more than twice a week. This is because exfoliating your skin frequently can lead to redness, irritation, breakouts, and a weak skin barrier.
- Always patch test before using a new exfoliator.
- Apply it on a clean face. Depending upon the type of exfoliant, you may have to apply it on either damp skin or dry skin. Read the instructions carefully.
- Take only a small amount and avoid sensitive areas like around the eyes.
- Don't scrub too vigorously. Your dead skin cells don't need all your force to be removed. Be gentle.
- Leave the exfoliant on your face for as long as suggested in the instructions.
- Apply a hydrating serum and moisturizer after using an exfoliant.
- Don't forget to wear sunscreen as exfoliated mature skin is more prone to sun damage.
Exfoliation is an important step in the skincare routine for achieving a smooth, radiant, and rejuvenated glow. As we age, our skin requires a helping hand which we can get from the best face exfoliators for mature skin, for a delicate balance between exfoliation and nourishment. From gentle chemical exfoliants to the finely-textured physical facial scrubs, each product on our list has been curated after thorough analysis to cater to the specific needs of aging skin. With our top picks, you can achieve soft, even-toned skin, irrespective of your skin type. As you jump into this bandwagon, remember that with exfoliation, consistency and moderation are key. Embrace this latest skin phenomenon and get ready to turn back the time!
Contributor: Ollie Wertheim, Founder and Chief Formulator, Senstive Skin LLC.
FAQ's
What is the best exfoliator for aging skin?
The best exfoliator for aging skin is the one that best meets your skin’s specific requirements. You may try the Pixi Glow Tonic, PCA SKIN Nutrient Toner, or the. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask.
What is the best way to exfoliate older skin?
The best way to exfoliate older skin is to use an AHA-based exfoliant once to twice a week.
Are anti aging creams worth it?
Yes, anti aging creams are worth it as they provide replenishment to mature skin that it can no longer create on its own.
Is it better to exfoliate in the morning or at night?
It is best to exfoliate at night because freshly exfoliated skin is more prone to sun damage.
Why Trust Pinkvilla
Anoushka Sinha, the author, is on a journey to find out how to achieve that glow for all skin types and all age groups. It was on this journey that she found out the transformative power of exfoliation, particularly for mature skin, when it comes to achieving super glowy, smooth, and plump skin. Through meticulous research and after testing them individually, she unearthed a treasure trove of exfoliators that are the best at their jobs for aging skin and also for those dealing with premature signs of aging.
Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health & Fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!
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Author BIO
Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More
