The best face scrubs and exfoliators for men to eradicate dead skin cells

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

• Skin type: Normal, combination, oily and dry
• Benefits: Encourages cell turnover, cleanses
• Powered by: Salicylic acid, lactic acid and glycolic acid
• How often to use: Two or three times a week

Murad's iconic AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser doubles up its potency by using both chemical and physical exfoliants. A two-in-one exfoliant and cleanser, it has been designed to boost hydration by optimising the skin’s ability to attract and hold moisture. It is formulated with a trio of powerful skin-rejuvenating acids: salicylic (a penetrating BHA that decongests pores and helps regulate excess oil), lactic (a gentle AHA with moisturising benefits) and glycolic (helps dissolve the stubborn ‘glue’ that bonds dead skin cells to the skin), which in combination provide kind and gentle chemical exfoliation and encourage skin-cell turnover. Biodegradable jojoba beads bring the physical scrub, while sodium PCA attracts and helps skin retain hydration.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Benefits: Clears imperfections and smoothes uneven texture while you sleep
• Powered By: AHA’s and fruit enzymes
• Frequency: Once a week

With more than 1billion hashtag views (and counting) and with all products selling for under £20, Bubble Skincare delivers on its promise of inclusive and accessible plant-based efficacy. Its product Deep Dive — an exfoliating mask which gets to work while you sleep — helps increase cell turnover and encourages smoother, more supple and even-toned skin. Powered by fruit enzymes and alpha hydroxy acids, it uses an AHA blend of glycolic, mandelic, malic and lactic acids to gently exfoliate the top layer of skin and result in a total complexion reset. Fruit extracts from pineapple, pumpkin, pomegranate and cranberry help to break down the ‘glue’ that binds the dead skin cells together. A heavy-hitter, only use once a week and only at night; avoid using other exfoliating products and always follow up with SPF the next morning.

• Skin Type: Dull and lacklustre
• Benefits: Dual-action treatment that balances and de-stresses the mind whilst it resurfaces the skin
• Powered By: Frankincense powder, fruit enzymes, blueberry and raspberry seeds
• Frequency: 2-3 times per week

Pioneers in wellbeing treatments, Aromatherapy Associates has unveiled a next-generation skincare collection that uniquely helps to rebalance and de-stress the mind whilst promoting a healthier and more youthful looking complexion. A hero within the collection, this dual-action exfoliator is powered by a proprietary skincare complex of essential oils such as blue tansy to repair and calm the skin whilst relieving stress, sandalwood to soothe the mind and jasmine to condition the skin. Active botanicals, including squalane to strengthen the skin barrier and raspberry seed oil to promote cell regeneration, are joined by an exclusive Skin Stress Relief technology, which harnesses the anti-anxiety and anti-ageing effects of pink rock rose. Infused with organic frankincense powder to physically but gently buff away dead skin cells, it's also enriched with fruit enzymes to promote cell renewal and brighten the skin, and up-cycled blueberry and raspberry seeds to polish-off persistent grime and debris. Apply to dry skin, leave to activate for 5 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

• Skin type: All
• Benefits: Removing oil, grime, dead skin. Softens stubble
• Powered by: Volcanic rock exfoliants
• How often to use: Daily

Formulated for everyday use, Harry's Exfoliating Face Wash is a favourite from the brand's well-rounded collection of six grooming essentials. An all-in-one daily cleanser and scrub, which is a refresh of the previous Face Wash with Peppermint, it is effective at removing the oil, grime and dead skin cells that build up throughout the day, without causing any stripping effects or aggravating any sensitivity. Its powerful blend of eucalyptus and peppermint leaves skin feeling cool and refreshed, supported by physical natural exfoliants derived from volcanic rock. A cocktail of healthy skin-benefiting acids and a rush of invigorating scents are designed to get the engines up and running on a particularly slow morning.

Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant

• Skin type: All, especially beneficial for oily
• Benefits: Rebalancing, detoxifying
• Powered by: Glucomannan, polylactic acid, pink grapefruit
• How often to use: Daily or as required

Improving the appearance of skin affected by oxidative stress, Grown Alchemist’s Polishing Facial Exfoliant is detoxifying, rebalancing, and is suitable for all skin types (but particularly beneficial if you are prone to excess oil). It's enriched with Glucomannan from the Konjac plant, which helps absorb oils and impurities, polylactic acid from corn starch to dissolve dry and dead skin cells, and pink grapefruit, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C flavonoids, to keep free radicals in check. Polyphenols, derived from peppermint leaf, restore calm and relief to the skin and give the invigorating exfoliant its bracing scent. Use daily, or as required to boss flaky texture and help restore radiance.

• Skin Type: Stressed and blemish-prone
• Benefits: Promotes balanced microbiome, calms and exfoliates
• Powered by: Niacinamide, jojoba esters, inulin and fructose
• How often to use: Morning and night

Designed to banish spots, reduce redness, regulate oil levels, and clear clogged pores, Q + A's cleanser even promotes the growth of good bacteria on the surface of the skin. Enriched with niacinamide (vitamin B3), a powerful ingredient with calming, anti-blemish, pore-minimising and anti-wrinkle properties, and aloe vera, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, enzymes and flavones to help prevent further skin damage, its antibacterial benefits also help wound healing and skin regeneration. Jojoba esters – microscopic chains of fatty acids made from hydrogenated jojoba oil in tiny exfoliating spherical beads (non-jagged or gritty so they won’t irritate skin) – gently scrub and are biodegradable, meaning they won’t negatively affect our marine life and ecosystems.

• Skin type: Most, avoid if hyper-sensitive
• Benefits: Advanced skin resurfacing
• Powered by: Volcanic pumice, AHAs, shea butter and rosehip seed oil
• Frequency: Once a week

Liz Earle’s new advanced resurfacing treatment promotes brighter and younger-looking skin. A three-in-one polish that uses both naturally-derived acid and physical exfoliation, the chemical exfoliation uses skin-brightening fruit enzyme AHAs which dissolve skin-dulling particles in just five minutes (made from orange, lemon, bilberry, sugar cane and sugar maple extracts). The physical action comes via ultra-fine powdered pumice crystals, which buff away any impurities and tired skin cells. Its protective third act, to hydrate and nourish, calls on moisturising shea butter and rosehip seed oil, which is rich in fatty acids and supports the skin barrier, to ensure skin isn’t stripped of essential oils. It's also effective at boosting surface skin-cell renewal, clearing decongested pores and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Massage in and leave on for five minutes before rinsing to let the chemical agents take effect.

• Skin type: Suitable for all
• Good for: Promotes healthier-looking skin, encourages cell renewal
• Powered by: Basil, aloe vera, apple cider vinegar
• How often to use: Daily

The quality and integrity of ingredients is at the heart of this skincare range, founded by a Herefordshire farmer. A celebration of vertical farm-grown goodness - which uses far less water than traditional agriculture - it takes a very holistic approach to men’s skincare. The two-in-one exfoliator and face wash banishes the impurities of city life and effectively removes dirt and excess oil. Powered (as with all Bad & Co products) with amino acid and mineral-rich basil, a natural moisturiser and excellent pore cleanser thanks to its abundance of anti-inflammatories and antioxidants, this multifaceted herb also soothes and protects the skin from the effects of UV rays and pollution. The addition of aloe vera speeds up your skin’s natural healing process and apple cider vinegar helps to dissolve dead skin cells (it's naturally anti-fungal and antimicrobial). A stellar example of Innovation and technology working in harmony with mother nature.

• Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, combination
• Benefits: Reduces appearance of pores, leaves skin smooth and soft
• Powered by: Bamboo & Mineral silica
• How often to use: Up to four times per week

A spin-off from Origins' best-selling Checks & Balances Frothy Face Wash, this scrub effectively whisks away dull, dead skin cells and decongests the pores of dirt and debris. Formulated with a double act of naturally derived skin polishers, powdered bamboo and mineral silica (the main constituent of sand) and a refreshing essential oil blend of spearmint, bergamot, lavender and geranium, it also features extracts of red tourmaline, a gemstone from Brazil believed to cleanse and rebalance the spirit. This is a powerful cleansing tool designed to smooth and soften all skin types while uplifting the senses.

• Skin Type: Acne and breakout prone
• Benefits: Prevents breakouts, promotes skin cell regeneration and moisturises deep down
• Powered By: Silver Chitoderm, AHA’s and BHA’s
• Frequency: 1-2 times per week

This heavy-duty exfoliating treatment actively and effectively targets pimples, breakouts and scars, transforming both the health of problem skin and your confidence. Harnessing the power of exclusive ingredient silver chitoderm, it encourages your skin to shed dead cells and replace them with new ones at a much faster pace. Silver is clinically-proven to kill bacteria and chitoderm holds the silver in place, to form an antibacterial shield which frees the complexion from the bacteria that cause breakouts. It also decreases the production of melanin, a pigment that gives scars their colour, which helps with irritation and the appearance of redness. A 10 per cent blend of AHA’s and BHA’s work together to ‘unglue’ and sweep away dead surface cells, combat congestion and help renew the skin’s surface. Ideally suited for anyone who suffers with persistent, stubborn and cystic acne, it also contains the building blocks of hyaluronic acid, a key molecule for keeping skin nourished and hydrated. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen after using this product and avoid if allergic to aspirin.

• Skin Type: All
• Benefits: Mild enough for daily use, purifying congested pores
• Powered by: Bamboo powder, salicylic acid
• How often to use: Twice daily

All About Clean 2-In-1 Cleansing + Exfoliating Jelly is a deep-cleansing but gentle jelly-textured formula, with both physical and chemical exfoliation to double-up on removing build-up from pollution, dirt, and oil. One part cleanser and one part scrub, it has been uniquely designed to use twice daily as a regular cleanser, without causing damage (which would be the case with such frequent use from a standard scrub) to the microbiome. Suitable for all skin types, it uses bamboo powder, a mild yet effective physical exfoliation that manually sloughs away dead skin cells with salicylic acid (a chemical exfoliant that works to help release the bonds that hold dead cells to the skin’s surface), so they can be more easily rinsed away.

• Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive
• Benefits: Brightens, retextures and helps to decongest blocked pores
• Powered By: Apricot microspheres and willow bark
• How often to use: Daily (both A.M. and P.M.)

Harnessing a combination of physical and chemical exfoliators, this daily detoxifying treatment, made with 100 per cent naturally-derived ingredients (80 per cent from organic farming), is a bestseller for Tata Harper. Pomegranate enzymes and sunflower seed oil help to dissolve build-up, while coral clay, pink grapefruit and bergamot naturally help to refine the pores. Aloe vera, crystalline coconut, coconut liquid crystals and kimchi ferment deliver an intense boost of hydration, while apricot microspheres and BHA from white willow bark help to promote a healthy-looking radiant glow. Creamy in texture, it effectively buffs and polishes dull, uneven and congested skin.

• Skin type: Suitable for most skin types
• Benefits: Purifies, polishes and smooths
• Powered by: Riverbed quartz, lactic acid, rosemary, evening primrose, lavender oil
• How often to use: Twice weekly

Embracing both plant-based and laboratory-made ingredients, this exfoliator is enhanced with a dual-action blend of fine quartz and lactic acid to manually and chemically slough away dead and unwanted skin. Delivered in a unique cream-textured formula, rosemary leaf, evening primrose and lavender oils are also present to help balance the skin and calm any post-cleanse irritation. Suitable for all skin types, but especially good for dry skin, it works well as a pick-me-up during the winter months and a go-to for frequent travellers. With a floral meets herby fragrance and a post-scrub cooling sensation, its mandate is to purify, polish and smooth even the most rugged of complexions.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Benefits: Customisable treatment that is easily integrated into any established grooming regimen
• Powered By: Pumice stone powder, zeolite clay powder, fruit acids and grape extracts
• Frequency: 2-3 times per week

Taken from an old English name inspired by Pilgrims Way in the Kentish North Downs, Pelegrims is unique in that its products are low-intervention but potent. Made using by-product ingredients from the wine-making process, all Pelegrim tinctures are created, trialled and even manufactured in its own lab. The latest addition to the brand’s vegan-friendly line-up is this clarifying exfoliant powder which can be easily incorporated into any established grooming regimen. Made from a combination of finely milled pumice stone powder and zeolite clay powder — which is designed to gently slough away dead surface skin debris — it is applied by adding a teaspoon of powder to wet hands and massaging slowly over the face, or can be mixed with your daily cleanser or a massage oil for a customisable and less abrasive experience. Scented with coriander, pine and lavender, it also contains a blend of fruit acids and signature grape extracts to help improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of enlarged pores.

• Skin Type: Dull or patchy
• Benefits: Brightens and unblocks pores without causing micro tears or scratching
• Powered By: Vitamin C ester, enzymatic fruit complex and ultra-fine silica
• Frequency: Twice a week

Perricone MD has expanded its award-winning Vitamin C Ester skincare line with this dual-action brightening and exfoliating polish. Taking years to develop, it is the first physical exfoliating treatment from Perricone MD and has been designed to instantly eliminate dead skin cells and unclog pores of debris, excess oil and impurity build-up without causing any micro tears or scratching. Powered by the brand’s proprietary vitamin C ester — which is fat-soluble so more easily absorbable than traditional forms of vitamin C — it offers both instant and long-term benefits. Infused with ultra-fine silica (the physical exfoliant) it's also enriched with an enzymatic fruit complex which promotes the appearance of collagen-rich skin by smoothing, brightening and helping to minimise the look of dullness, discolouration and dark spots over time.

• Skin type: Suitable for all except sensitive
• Benefits: Re-texturises uneven skin, boosts radiance
• Powered By: Apple AHA, malic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid
• Frequency: Twice a week

The unique blend of acids in this exfoliating gel instantly promotes smoother, brighter and softer skin, extinguishing the need for any harsh or abrasive physical exfoliants. Gentle but highly effective, the antioxidant-rich, vegan formula is alcohol-free and has been created using 93 per cent natural materials. A combination of apple fruit extract with malic acid (found in apples and pears), is great for brightening skin tone and reducing fine lines and blemishes. Lactic acid, which draws moisture from the air to give a hydration boost, actively helps to strengthen the skin barrier, while glycolic acid exfoliates and works to reduce hyperpigmentation, blemishes and the early warning signs of ageing. Promoting cell renewal with a low pH exfoliation, it reduces redness, doesn’t strip the skin, and dramatically improves skin texture and radiance.

• Skin type: All skin types
• Benefits: Can be tailored to your exfoliation requirements
• Powered by: Silica and MSM granules, shea butter
• How often to use: Two or three times per week

This vegan balm actively eliminates tired skin cells and impurities to refine and brighten skin texture and, unlike traditional exfoliators, the balm-encased granules prevent skin cratching and unnecessary irritation. Formulated with the finest silica granules (the same size used in microdermabrasion) and finely ground MSM granules (which dissolve into anti-inflammatory milk), it can be tailored to suit all skin types; simply add more or less water to control the level of exfoliation as required. A Zinc-Glycine complex, soothes irritation, vitamin A from rosehip seed oil helps improve collagen, shea butter, sweet almond and sesame oil boost the skin’s moisture levels.

• Skin type: Stressed
• Benefits: Soothes, preps skin for optimal CBD absorption
• Powered By: Hemp seed oil, AHA fruit extracts, jojoba seeds
• Frequency: Daily

Vegan, 100 per cent natural, and the first product from OTO that doesn’t contain CBD, this exfoliator has instead been engineered to prep the skin and maximise the benefits of CBD absorption from its other hero products. Specifically made for stressed skin, this unique two-in-one product works to cleanse, exfoliate and nourish without compromising or stripping the delicate skin barrier. Ideal for everyday use, it harnesses the power of hemp seed oil to hydrate and lock in moisture. By combining oil from organically-grown hemp seeds with powerful botanicals and fruit extracts, it is gentle compared to traditional scrubs and polishes, but strong enough to increase the rate of cellular regeneration.

• Skin type: N/A
• Benefits: Cleanses, minimises irritation and redness, preps skin for shaving
• Powered by: Essential oils, pumice granules
• How often to use: Daily

This exfoliator, from the recently reformulated Barbiere range of ADP grooming essentials, combines premium quality essential oils with finely ground pumice granules. With maximum comfort front and centre, the gentle foaming cleanser has been created to clear impurities and to remove dead skin cells and build-up for a fresher looking complexion. Permeated with the sophisticated and gentlemanly signature Colonia fragrance, it also smells the business.

• Skin type: All
• Benefits: Smooths, energises
• Powered by: Icelandic volcanic sands, cactus water, acai, Vitamin B3
• How often to use: Two or three times a week

Recommended to be used two to three times a week, this performance-driven cleanser, which has been dermatologically tested, does exactly what it says on the tin (or tube, to be accurate). The creamy texture is packed with proven skin revivers such as Icelandic volcanic sands, hydrating cactus water, anti-oxidant rich acai and vitamin B3 (in the shape of Niacinamide) to buff away dead skin cells. Shea butter and soothing almond oil have been added for their nourishing and hydrating benefits.

• Skin Type: Suitable for all
• Benefits: A combination of chemical, enzymatic and physical exfoliation; helps kickstart skin’s natural cell regeneration process
• Powered By: AHA’s, plant enzymes and fine bamboo particles
• Frequency: 1-2 times per week

Science-backed skincare solutions that fuse nature with efficacy is the MO of this niche German brand, founded by professor of dermatology Dr. Volker Steinkraus. New to the range, its triple-peeling exfoliator uses a combination of chemical, enzymatic and physical peeling to help stimulate blood circulation within the skin and kick-start its natural regeneration process. Vegan and well-tolerated, it has been formulated with a complex of exfoliating fruit acids (10 per cent), AHA’s in optimal bioavailability, plant enzymes from fermented pumpkin pulp and fine bamboo particles for mechanical exfoliation. Macadamia nut oil, meanwhile, nourishes and protects the skin, whilst secale cereale (rye) supports the natural skin shedding process. Somewhere between a scrub and a mask, leave it on for 1-5 minutes after massaging into dampened skin then rinse with warm water. Strengthening the skin barrier and supporting the microbiome, it delivers a radiant, more youthful and even result as well as helping to counteract pigment irregularities.

• Skin type: Dull, uneven or dehydrated skin
• Benefits: Brightening, dark-spots and skin-resurfacing
• Powered by: Lactic acid (AHA) and polyhydroxy acid
• How often to use: Two or three times a week (evening)

A 2-in-1 active facial cleanser and micro-mask, enriched with 8 per cent lactic acid (AHA) and 1 per cent polyhydroxy acid, this treatment actively speeds up cell turnover and gently exfoliates the skin leading to a smoother and more even-surfaced texture. Offering chemical exfoliation with no need for scrubs or grit, the vegan formula can also be used as a mask once a week as a treat; leave on for seven minutes and then remove with warm water. An active treatment cleanser, its advanced ingredients also act like magnets to attract and retain moisture within the skin and boost the skin’s natural moisturising factor. Promotes smoother skin and gently prevents pigmentation (dark spots), irritation and sensitisation.

• Skin Type: Normal, oily, combination and dry
• Benefits: Healthier looking skin and even skin surface
• Powered by: Vitamin C, micro-mineral exfoliants, glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid
• How often to use: Two or three times per week

Replicating a complete facial, this not only exfoliates skin to help clear the way for better penetration of targeted ingredients and serums but also treats it with gold-stabilised vitamin C for powerful antioxidant defence and next-level brightening benefits. Suitable for dry, combination, oily and balanced skin, the formula unites three powerful and effective exfoliants: physical micro-mineral exfoliants remove dead surface cells, enzymatic high-performance enzymes dissolve oil debris and dulling dead cells and glycolic lactic (AHAs) and salicylic (BHA) acids actively brighten and purify pores. The colour-changing solution also indicates whether you are using the product correctly, ensuring an effective and gentle experience every time.

• Skin type: N/A
• Benefits: Good for dull-looking complexions
• Powered by: Volcanic ash, green clay
• How often to use: N/A

Infused with volcanic ash and absorbent green clay, this unique product comes in a handy screw-top tub container (great for taking away on trips or touting around in your gym bag, as it's much sturdier than a tube that is prone to rupture), helps to slough away unwanted dead skin cells and sebum. An instant fix for lacklustre and dull-looking complexions that are in desperate need of a little TLC, it is also a secret weapon in the battle to prevent the formation of unsightly blackheads, too.

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