In this article, we have come up with our 15 best exfoliators for oily skin. Check them out!

15 Best Exfoliators For Oily Skin

1. St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub

The St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub is made with 100% natural exfoliators. These offer a deep cleanse by unclogging the pores. This is a multi-award winning classic scrub infused with Chinese green tea leaves, walnut shell powder, and handpicked apricots from California and North Africa. The active ingredient in the scrub is 1% salicylic acid that helps heal acne, relieve redness and pain, and remove blackheads. The epigallocatechin galette (EGCG) in the scrub is an antioxidant. It protects the skin from environmental aggressors. The anti-inflammatory properties of green tea reduce redness and irritation, and are effective in treating acne scars. The polyphenols in green tea reduce excess sebum formation and help prevent acne. The walnut shell powder with apricot fruit extract gently exfoliates the skin for a clean, glowy appearance. Pros

Dermatologically approved Paraben-free Non-comedogenic Made with 100% natural exfoliators Oil-free formula Absorbs oil and dirt Clears blackheads Relieves acne Smells great Provides instant nourishment

Cons

May roughen your skin The smell could be too strong

2. Best Affordable Exfoliator: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Scrub

The Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Scrub is a gentle exfoliator, cleanser, and clarifier that rebalances skin tone, smoothens texture, and nourishes the skin. The invigorating formula is infused with moisture-rich soy extract and naturally derived granules that remove excess oil and impurities from the skin’s surface. The scrub stimulates the production of natural hyaluronic acid in the skin that fights the signs of aging, seals in moisture, and improves skin elasticity. The fatty acids in hydrogenated castor oil and jojoba oil restore the skin’s natural tone. Click on the video to get an overall idea about the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Facial Scrub. Pros

Oil-free Soap-free Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Gentle skin exfoliator Evens skin tone and texture Brightens dull skin Gentle enough for everyday use Moisturizes skin Improves natural radiance

Cons

Sensitive to eyes May cause skin irritation

3. AcneFree Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Scrub

The AcneFree Blackhead Removing Exfoliating Scrub is a charcoal gel-based formula that contains maximum strength 2% salicylic acid. This acid helps minimize breakouts. The scrub also contains natural jojoba oil that further nourishes skin. Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble exfoliator that helps treat acne and blackheads, clears skin debris, and penetrates deep into the pores and tightens skin. The activated charcoal penetrates into the inner layers of the skin to absorb excess oil, dirt, and impurities. It also unclogs pores. The jojoba oil provides hydrating and soothing benefits. The fragrance-free scrubber reduces irritation and deep cleanses the pores. Pros

Fragrance-free Tightens pores Absorbs excess sebum Minimizes breakouts Reduces blackheads Heals acne symptoms Reduces inflammation Smoothens skin Gentle for sensitive skin

Cons

Contains sulfates

4. DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub

The DRMTLGY Microabrasion Facial Scrub is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that buffs away dead cells from the outer surface of the skin. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, blemishes, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation. This micro-abrasive formula contains glycolic acid derived from sugar cane, apple fruit, lemon, and green tea extract. Sugarcane extract is a natural humectant, and the glycolic acid in it removes dead skin cells. It also extracts dirt and impurities by unclogging the pores. Apple fruit extract is rich in antioxidants. It contains natural alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) that gently exfoliate the skin and enhance the regeneration of new skin cells. It is packed with vitamins B5 and B9 to combat acne and inflammation. The green tea leaves are naturally rich in antioxidants and protect the skin from oxidative damage. They also reduce puffy eyes, dark circles, and delay the signs of aging. The lemon fruit extract enhances skin clarity and imparts a natural glow. Watch this video for a detailed review of the DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub. Pros

Paraben-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Oil-free Hormone-free Formaldehyde-free Gluten-free 100% natural ingredients Dermatologist-tested Improves skin tone and complexion Increases skin elasticity Reduces acne scarring Anti-aging properties Tightens enlarged pores Lightens melasma Easy to apply Gentle on oily skin Suitable for sensitive skin Non-comedogenic

Cons

May dry skin out

5. Unique Leave-On Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant

The Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant contains 2% BHA (beta hydroxy acid) that imparts a natural glow to the skin. The key ingredients infused in this liquid exfoliant are salicylic acid and green tea extract. Salicylic acid is a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells by providing gentle exfoliation. It helps unclog pores, removes oil, grime, and impurities, and reduces enlarged pores to tighten the skin. This leave-on skin-perfecting exfoliant reduces acne scars and inflammation and removes blackheads. The green tea extract is a popular antioxidant that exhibits anti-aging properties. Use this scrub twice daily for brighter, softer, younger-looking skin. Watch out the unfiltered review in this video to get a good idea about the Unique Leave-On Exfoliant: Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting Facial Exfoliant. Pros

Paraben-free Contains 2% BHA No artificial fragrance Reduces fine lines and wrinkles Unclogs pores Reduces blackheads Anti-inflammatory properties Protects from sun damage

Cons

Expensive Not suitable for sensitive skin

6. Neutrogena Deep Clean Shine Control Daily Scrub

The Neutrogena Deep Clean Shine Control Daily Scrub absorbs excess oil, dirt, and impurities for a brighter, healthier skin. This dermatologist-recommended, award-winning, and oil-free formula deeply cleanses the skin and absorbs over 85% of the built-up oil. The key ingredients used in the scrub are rice protein and salicylic acid. The hydrolyzed rice protein retains skin moisture. It is an effective anti-irritant. The salicylic acid clears acne scars and reduces blemishes. Pros

Dermatologically-tested Non-comedogenic Gentle on sensitive skin Controls shine for full 8 hours Deeply cleanses Absorbs over 85% of surface oil Makes skin breathable Controls shine

Cons

May contain plastic microbeads

7. L’Oreal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub

The L’Oreal Paris Pure-Sugar Scrub comes with a rich, buttery exfoliating formula. It contains a natural blend of three sugars mixed with finely crushed cocoa, emollient coconut oil, and moisture-rich cocoa butter. The blend of brown, blonde, and white sugar is rich in minerals. It easily absorbs into the skin for gentle exfoliation. This sugar scrub buffs away dead cells from the surface of the skin and extracts excess oil by unclogging the pores. The nourishing blend of coconut oil and cocoa butter moisturizes skin. Pros

Paraben-free No harsh microbeads No harmful chemicals Moisturizes skin Perfect for dry or sensitive skin Smells great

Cons

Consistency could be too thick Greasy feel

8. Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Cleanser

Cleanse and brighten your complexion with the invigorating formula of the Body Merry Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Scrub. The combined exfoliating powers of 2.5% glycolic acid, willow bark, and jojoba wax beads help unclog pores, slough away dead skin cells, and extract the excess grime and oily build-up. The formula also includes kojic acid and a blend of elixir plant oils (olive oil, jojoba oil, tea tree oil, rosehip oil) that nourish, moisturize, rejuvenate, and revitalize skin. This gentle exfoliator reduces the signs of aging, dark spots, and acne. Its antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative damage. Pros

Cleanses skin and brightens complexion Helps fight acne and acne scars Reduces blackheads Removes dark spots Helps remove makeup Tightens enlarged pores Cruelty-free Safe for everyday use Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

Not for teenagers

9. Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub

The Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub unclogs pores, and removes dirt, oil, and impurities for a brighter complexion. It is formulated with 2% salicylic acid, which is a potent exfoliator that removes dead cells from the surface of the skin. It also decreases the appearance of large pores and surface wrinkles. It unclogs pores to prevent acne, helps enhance new skin cell turnover, evens out skin tone, and improves overall skin texture. The scrub also contains charcoal powder, hydrogenated castor oil, jojoba oil, and natural fruit extracts. The charcoal powder draws out impurities, and the castor and jojoba oils and the natural fruit extracts rejuvenate skin. Pros

Deeply cleanses pores Clears complexion Treats acne Tightens pores Helps in new cell generation Oil-free formula Soothing fragrance

Cons

Not suitable for dry skin

10. Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub

The Clean & Clear Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub is designed to invigorate skin by cleansing the pores and gently exfoliating the skin surface. It provides a cooling sensation as you gently massage it on the skin. The classic microbead scrubs remove dead skin cells, pull out excess oil, and remove gunk by unclogging the pores. This oil-free deep pore-cleansing formula leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and refreshed all day long. Pros

Unclogs pores Gentle exfoliator Contains cooling microbeads Great for treating acne

Cons

May make skin very dry

11. Neocutis Neo-cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser

The Neocutis Neo-Cleanse Exfoliating Skin Cleanser is formulated without the harsh sulfates and chemicals. Its key ingredient is 9.9% glycolic acid that offers gentle exfoliation and buffs away dead skin cells. It is infused glycerin that is a humectant and emollient; it pulls water from the inner surface of the skin and seals it on the outer surface. The exfoliator is dermatologically-tested. It gently re-texturizes and purifies the skin. Pros

No harsh chemicals Dermatologically-tested Sulfate-free No color additives Fragrance-free Hydrates skin

Cons

Unpleasant smell

12. Best Detoxifier: Acure Incredibly Clear Facial Scrub

The Acure Incredibly Clear Facial Scrub is a deep cleansing formula that revives lifeless skin with charcoal, lemon peel, blueberry, and plant cellulose exfoliating crystals. The activated charcoal effectively removes dead cells by mildly exfoliating, unclogging pores, and removing impurities from the deeper pores. The pomegranate and blueberry extracts are antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative damage. They also delay signs of aging, and reduce pigmentation and blemishes. The emollient aloe vera leaf extract deeply moisturizes skin for a luminous, youthful glow. Pros

100% vegan Paraben-free Sulfate-free Mineral oil-free Petrolatum-free Formaldehyde-free Reduces acne Anti-wrinkle formula Protects from sun damage Detoxifies skin

Cons

Coarse texture

13. Solimo Oil-Free Acne Scrub

The dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested Solimo Oil-Free Acne Scrub contains 2% salicylic acid as the active ingredient. It is an oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into the skin and extracts the grime, oil, and impurities. This oil-free acne scrub contains pink grapefruit extract that is high in antioxidants. It protects the skin from free radical damage, reduces aging signs, and treats dull and pigmented skin. The natural acids in the grapefruit extract gently exfoliate dead skin and keep pores clean. Pros

Oil-free Dermatologist-tested Pediatrician-tested No polyethylene beads Cruelty-free Reduces acne Protects skin from oxidative damage Anti-aging formula Brightens skin tone Safe for sensitive skin Helps remove makeup Budget-friendly

Cons

Less scrubbing effect May cause irritation

14. Best Naturally Derived Formula: Garnier SkinActive Exfoliating Face Scrub

The Garnier SkinActive Exfoliating Face Scrub is made with 96% naturally derived ingredients. This oil-free deep pore cleanser is made with green tea extract that decongests and gently exfoliates skin. Green tea is rich in antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative damage. They also reduce wrinkles, dark circles, pigmentation, and blemishes. The glycerin in the scrub is a potent emollient and moisturizer. It seals in skin hydration and makes skin supple. Pros

96% naturally derived ingredients Vegan Paraben-free Sulfate-free Silicone-free Free from dyes Free from microbeads Reduces wrinkles Moisturizes skin Purifies pores Refines skin texture

Cons

Overwhelming floral aroma Not suitable for sensitive skin

15. ClarityRx Down + Dirty Detoxifying Charcoal MicroExfoliant Scrub

The ClarityRx Down + Dirty Detoxification Charcoal MicroExfoliant is a detoxifying charcoal micro exfoliant that moisturizes and refines pores. This earthy, invigorating mask removes grime, dull skin, micropollutants, and impurities, leaving you with a bright, healthy complexion. The apricot seed powder kickstarts the process by gently exfoliating to remove impurities while fostering increased cell regeneration. Charcoal helps by drawing out and absorbing pollutants. The antioxidants, derived from a combination of green tea and seaweed extracts, protect against free radicals, which would otherwise promote premature aging. Seaweed extracts also provide nutrients and moisture protection, which nourish the skin. This combination of detoxifying, nourishing, and moisturizing ingredients allows the skin to return to its original, healthy condition. Pros

Provides antioxidants Absorbs toxins and impurities Ideal for oily skin; gentle enough for sensitive skin Vegan Cruelty-free Paraben-free Sulfate-free

Cons None These are the 15 best exfoliators for oily skin. But before you make a purchase, it is important to know how to pick the right product. The following guide can help.

How To Choose The Right Exfoliator For Oily Skin

Choose an exfoliator with natural ingredients that provide gentle exfoliation. These can include olive oil, jojoba beeswax beads, soft sugar granules, grapefruit extract, and natural glycerin along with 2% BHA.

A clay exfoliator can be better. It can slough away dead skin cells, and absorb excess sebum, oil, and grime.

The exfoliator should be non-comedogenic and gentle enough to heal acne scars.

It must be free from harsh chemicals like parabens, sulfates, and fragrances.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

The author, Oyendrila Kanjilal, is a certified skin care coach who knows what’s best for your skin and the products suitable for your skin type. She did several in-depth reviews and customer testimonials before curating this list of the best face exfoliators for oily skin. These products are specially formulated with skin-friendly, mild, and nourishing ingredients to help exfoliate and cleanse your skin without stripping its natural oil and moisture balance. How often should you exfoliate your face if you have oily skin? If you have oily skin, exfoliate 2-3 times a week. This helps regularly expel the excess oil, grime, and dirt. Can you exfoliate oily skin every day? Oily skin with breakouts is not advisable to be exfoliated daily. Use a gentle exfoliator 2-3 times a week for best results. How can you exfoliate your oily skin at home? There are many natural exfoliators for oily skin. But, the most effective ingredients like lemon and honey are easily available in all kitchens. • Mix a tablespoon of honey with one squeezed lemon in a bowl and gently massage for a few minutes. • Rinse off with lukewarm water. Apply the mixture to the face once a week to get clear, clean, oil-free skin. What happens when you don’t exfoliate oily skin? Oily skin requires regular exfoliation to avoid clogging pores, and accumulation of sebum, resulting in stubborn acne and blackheads. People with oily skin must exfoliate at least twice a week to achieve healthy glowing skin. Why does my face get oily after I exfoliate? Over-exfoliation causes the sebaceous glands to produce excessive sebum leading to breakouts, acne, and skin flaking. People with oily skin must exfoliate two to three times a week at the most to achieve healthy glowing skin.

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