Exfoliating your face is an integral part of your skincare routine if you’re on a journey to smoother, clearer skin. There are a variety of different ways you can exfoliate your skin, using certain products or tools. Today, we’re looking at the best exfoliating tools to use on your face.
Most popular exfoliating tools
There are countless products available on the market which promise to exfoliate your skin and promote collagen production, as well as help to clear your acne, or unclog your pores. While variety is good, it can also be overwhelming to see so many unfamiliar tools, without knowing what they are or how they work.
| Exfoliating Tool | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Konjac Sponge | A soft, natural sponge made from the konjac root fiber | Gentle exfoliation, suitable for sensitive skin |
| Facial Cleansing Brush | A handheld brush with soft bristles or silicone bristles | Deeply cleanses pores and removes dead skin cells |
| Microfiber Cloth | A gentle cloth with fine fibers that provide light exfoliation | Effective in removing makeup and impurities |
| Muslin Cloth | A woven cotton cloth that offers light exfoliation | Promotes circulation and reveals smoother skin |
| Silicone Exfoliating Pad | A textured pad made of silicone for gentle exfoliation | Provides controlled exfoliation and easy cleaning |
| Exfoliating Device | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Facial Cleansing Brush | A motorized brush with oscillating or rotating bristles | Deeply cleanses and exfoliates the skin |
| Sonic Cleansing Device | Utilizes sonic vibrations to cleanse and exfoliate the skin | Offers gentle and effective exfoliation |
| Dermaplaning Device | A device equipped with a sharp blade to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz | Provides precise exfoliation and smoother skin |
| Microdermabrasion Device | Utilizes diamond tips or crystals to exfoliate the outermost layer of the skin | Offers more intensive exfoliation and skin rejuvenation |
Here is a list of the most popular exfoliating tools you’re likely to come across, and a handy description for each of them.
Reusable makeup remover rounds
While the sole purpose of these tools isn’t exfoliating specifically, you can find ones which are designed to exfoliate your skin, so they’re worth adding to this list. These reusable makeup rounds are designed to be a more environmentally conscious alternative to disposable cotton rounds, and tend to benefit your skin, too.
In addition, not only can they be used with a makeup remover, but they can be used to swipe on your favourite toner or liquid exfoliant, further helping to aid your skincare routine. And once you’re done with them, just toss them in a bag and into the washing machine.
Also read: A List of Best Exfoliating Soaps for Face & Body
Face Halo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
- REUSABLE PADS: Our ORIGINAL Face halo makeup remover pads remove makeup and clease the skin using water only. Multi Award-winning and loved by makeup wearers across the globe, Face Halo Original makes light work of removing makeup and masks using our amazing HaloTech fibers. Non-toxic and reusable, the plush white Face Halo Original is gentle and suitable for any skin type or sensitivity.
- REUSABLE MAKEUP REMOVER PADS: Face Halo ORIGINAL features soft satin edges and fiber stands 100 times finer than human hair. Each white round face pad measures 3.6 inches in diameter and can be washed around 200 times, replacing up to 500 cotton rounds face wipes. When used with water our HaloTech fibers are perfect for removing Makeup, Mascara, Eye Shadow, Lipstick, Foundation. Our reusable makeup remover cloths are more absorbent than traditional cotton face pads, and will last much longer.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Silicone brush
The silicone face brush is something you’ve probably seen before, with its popularity increasingly significantly a few years ago. These silicone brushes are great for exfoliating your face, as the bristles allow gentle exfoliation of the skin, but being made of silicone, they aren’t too abrasive on the skin’s surface.
Along with the additional point that many of these brushes are electric, too, these benefits make them a great option for everyday exfoliation.
Finishing Touch Flawless Cleanse Silicone Face Scrubber
- Flawless cleanse is a revolutionary face cleansing system: massaging system beneath the silicone head is designed to help stimulate circulation, bring color to your complexion, and help promote collagen production
- Each flawless cleanse has 4 modes: gentle, pulsating, massage and deep cleanse
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Electric cleansing brush
Another alternative to the silicone tool is the electric cleansing brush, which is somewhat like a toothbrush, but for your face. It uses gentle bristles attached to a round head which are powered by a motor to rotate, just like an electric toothbrush. As the bristles rotate, they work into your skin to remove any dirt and oils, leaving your complexion soft and even.
Also read: How Do You Use an Exfoliating Brush? (Step-by-Step Guide)
Facial Cleansing Brush by Olay Regenerist
- FACE CLEANSING DEVICE: This dermatologist-designed exfoliating facial brush boosts the performance of your cleanser for a deep clean
- MAXIMIZE YOUR MOISTURIZER: Prime skin to maximize the hydrating effect of your moisturizer — like Olay Regenerist Whip
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Muslin cloths
Reverting back to a more traditional method, muslin cloths are still an effective option, as they also offer many different benefits, and are an effective exfoliating solution for your face. These cloths can be used to exfoliate your entire face and have the perfect texture to allow sufficient exfoliation without compromising on your skin’s health.
Not to mention, they’re pretty inexpensive, so they can be easily replaced after they’re worn out, and they’re great for exfoliating your body, as well as your face.
Also read: Best Natural Face Scrubs (Top Recommendations)
EVE LOM Muslin Cloths, 3 Count
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Lip exfoliating brushes
Although these tools aren’t’ generally used for exfoliating your entire face, they are used on your lips, so they’re worth mentioning here. Exfoliating lip brushes are often made of silicone and come as a flat tool with bristles across one side.
They’re used to scrub the lips and remove dead cells, revealing fresher, smoother lips, as well as a plumper pout.
Lip Brush Tool, Double Sided Silicone Exfoliating Lip Brush, 2pcs
- Fuller Appearance: Double-sided silicone lip tool for gentle exfoliation and circulation
- Easy to Apply and Clean:New fashion design,just with a little water your clean up will be done in no time, messy fingers no more!
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Facial konjac sponge
Konjac sponges, made from an Asian root plant, are another exfoliating alternative, which are gentle on the skin and easy to use. It can be used to cleanse your face daily, simultaneously exfoliating your skin alongside your facial cleanser.
These sponges are an affordable option, and suit most skin types, except for sensitive skin.
Natural Konjac Facial Sponges for Gentle Face Cleansing and Exfoliation
- ✔️ A Natural, Vegan, Gentle Way to Cleanse! Gentler on Skin Than Traditional Facecloth! ✔️High Quality, Uniform Pore Density
- ✔️ Suitable for All Skin Types! Good for Delicate, Acne–prone, Sensitive Skin, Oily or Dry skin.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Facial buffer
Finally, a facial buffer is the last exfoliating tool on this list, and it’s another simpler product when it comes to smoothing and softening your face. These tools are similar to facial cleansing rounds, however they come with a slightly more abrasive surface, to allow deeper exfoliation and the ability to slough off dead skin cells when they build up.
The Body Shop Facial Buffer
- Removes dead skin cells
- Helps facial wash lather
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Top 3 exfoliating face tools
Now that we’ve taken a look at the tools the beauty industry has to offer, it’s time to narrow down our search. Not all exfoliating tools work equally, and some are known to be more effective than others. It’s time to take a look at our top 3 exfoliating tool recommendations.
Foreo Luna 3 for Normal, Combination and Sensitive Skin
- SPA-LEVEL FACIAL CLEANSING - LUNA 3 cleansing brush gently and effectively cleanses your skin in just 1 minute. Register the device and reward yourself with a luxurious spa treatment that removes all impurities, yet preserves skin elasticity
- TARGETED FIRMING MASSAGE - Sync your LUNA 3 with the FOREO app to explore a range of firming massages and control intensity of T-Sonic pulsations. Each massage routine targets specific areas to reduce wrinkles and sagging and boost product absorption
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
The first exfoliating face tool we’re looking at is an iconic product, from Swedish brand Foreo, which uses unique, advanced technology to get the most out of your skincare routine and provide your skin with a deep exfoliating benefit.
This tool is a silicone brush, made with lots of gentle bristles that glide across your face, cleansing your pores and rejuvenating your skin. it uses original technology, known as T-sonic vibrations, to enhance the exfoliation process, helping you reap even more benefits than you would with a regular silicone brush.
The Foreo Luna 3 can work at 16 different intensities, which can all be tweaked and modified to suit your own skin type. This makes is a customisable experience like no other that improves the appearance of texture, fine lines, wrinkles and more.
Neutrogena Microdermabrasion Starter Kit
- Complete at-home microdermabrasion facial system including the microdermabrasion applicator and 12 rejuvenation single-use puffs
- Facial system is designed to provide the short-term benefit of luminous skin after first use while revealing firmer and healthier-looking skin over time.
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Microdermabrasion is an exfoliating technique which has gained popularity recently, as it uses impressive technology to get the most out of your skin. Often, it’s a procedure performed by professionals in a salon, but this at-home microdermabrasion kit from Neutrogena allows you to get the same results from the comfort of your own home.
Essentially, microdermabrasion is the use of fine crystals and a vacuum which work together using special technology to exfoliate the skin. This kit contains everything you need to get started, including twelve single-use “puffs”, which are the fine crystals, in the perfect dose to achieve optimal exfoliation.
Studies have proven this to be as effective as the salon procedure itself, and it’s easy to work with. If you’re looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, this is the tool for you.
Schick Hydro Silk Touch-Up Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tool
- Touch-ups are quick and easy with this versatile beauty tool that shapes eyebrows, removes fine hairs, and even smoothens skin
- High quality blades are uniquely designed with fine micro guards to help protect skin.Care and Cleaning: Rinse Clean
If you click Buy on Amazon and make a purchase, I'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
While exfoliation isn’t the sole benefit of this tool, its countless benefits have earnt this dermaplaning tool a place in our favourite products. Dermaplaning, which has become a popular home procedure in recent years, is the use of a single blade to remove hair from the face, along with dead skin cells, grime, and excess oils and sebum.
You can use this dermaplaning tool yourself, and it’s an easy process once you get the hang of it, however it is worth doing your own research into dermaplaning and learning about the best techniques for getting rid of hair (‘peach fuzz’) first.
Once you’ve started using this tool to shave your face, you’ll instantly notice a smoothing, exfoliating effect that helps to improve texture as well as hyperpigmentation and leaves your face glowing.
Not to mention, these tools are an extremely affordable option, at such a low price, especially as there’s no need to use them too often. Dermaplaning is great for anyone willing to spend a little extra time caring for their skin every week for a great payoff in return.
Final thoughts
There are so many options out there when it comes to choosing the right exfoliation tool for you, so it’s worth trying different methods to discover which one is best for your skin. Start by taking a look at our top three recommendations and remember the importance of using sunscreen when you exfoliate your skin, to protect yourself from sun damage.
