Should You Exfoliate Sensitive Skin? Dermatologists Explain (2024)

If you have sensitive skin that immediately turns red to the touch or stings whenever you add a new product to your routine, you might think that all bets are off when it comes to exfoliation. But while it may seem counterintuitive to apply a formula that sloughs off dead skin cells to your highly reactive skin, those with sensitive skin can exfoliate and reap its glow-giving, tone-smoothing, texture-softening benefits. "It just needs to be done with caution and care," explains Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist.

What to consider

Exfoliating sensitive skin is possible as long as you use the right type of exfoliator. "Stick with chemical exfoliants; they are gentlest," says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "The physical pressure that physical exfoliators can inflict can cause rashes, breakouts, inflammation, and micro-injury to sensitive skin." That said, be weary of strong alpha hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid or trichloroacetic acid, because they can penetrate deeper into the skin, promoting more substantial skin turnover and potentially irritating sensitive skin, explains Lauren Penzi, a board-certified dermatologist of MDCS Dermatology. "Look for gentle AHAs, such as lactic acid, mandelic acid, and polyhydroxy acids. These have a larger molecule size that causes them to penetrate the skin more slowly and shallowly, leading to less irritation."

How to exfoliate sensitive skin

"I recommend starting once a week. If your skin is tolerating it, then you can build up the frequency as needed," says Ibrahim. Also, make sure to skip other potentially irritating products on the nights you exfoliate, such as acne formulas or retinol, says Penzi. "Only use a gentle cleanser, then the exfoliator, and follow with a moisturizer."

The experts:

• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut
• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
• Lauren Penzi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology

If you have sensitive skin and deal with texture, be it breakouts, bumps, pores, or lines, Penzi recommends this formula. It contains a mix of gentle chemical exfoliants, such as mandelic acid and lactic acid. The addition of yarrow root extract offers a boost of antioxidant protection from environmental aggressors and helps soothe. "These ingredients help gently increase cell turnover and exfoliate the skin by dissolving bonds between dead skin cells, revealing fresh, smooth skin underneath," says Penzi.

Pro tip: "Exfoliating cleansers are a great idea because the short contact on the skin minimizes the chance for irritation," says Gohara. This formula contains a mix of popular Japanese ingredients, such as luffa fruit (a natural exfoliant), antioxidant-rich wild rose, and leopard lily, which calms the skin. It deeply cleanses the skin, helps control excess sebum production, and tightens the look of large pores. It's oil-free, non-comedogenic, dermatologist-tested, and cruelty-free.

"Polyhydroxy acids are a gentler alternative to AHA's and BHA's because they help to exfoliate the skin, prevent sun damage, and improve skin tone and texture while hydrating the skin," says Penzi. She recommends this affordable pick, which contains niacinamide to tackle redness, uneven skin tone, and blemishes. You can also find aloe vera leaf juice in this formula to help soothe sensitive skin.

"When in doubt, Cetaphil is a trusted name in the sensitive skin department," says Ibrahim, which is why he recommends this exfoliating cleanser. Even though it's a physical exfoliant with micro-fine granules, he says it's gentle enough to use daily because it contains anti-inflammatory vitamins E and B5. It's a great choice for those with combination or oily skin, which tend to be more tolerant to physical exfoliants than dry, sensitive skin types.

This PHA exfoliating facial cleanser was made with sensitive skin types in mind, says Ibrahim. It's hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, and contains oat oil to moisturize and protect the skin barrier. You work the silky lather onto your skin before rinsing it off with water. The cherry on top is it's affordable and easily accessible at your local drugstore.

Soothe and exfoliate with this unique powder formula. It starts off like a powder and then turns into a creamy and milky lather that cleanses the skin without stripping it of moisture or causing irritation. Papaya enzymes clear out dead skin, oat bran extract calms, and hyaluronic acid hydrates. It's so gentle you can use it daily. "I'm obsessed with this formula because my skin feels so clean but comfortable after every use," says Genesis Rivas, Oprah Daily beauty editor.

Sensitive skin exists on a spectrum, says Ibrahim. If you're not as reactive or easily irritated, he says you can get away with trying these pads. They contain gentle lactic, mandelic, and willow bark to help reduce the look of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and large pores, he explains. Green tea extract and vitamins C and E soothe and protect skin from environmental aggressors. Each treatment comes with two pads: one to exfoliate and one packed with antioxidants to neutralize and protect skin.

You'll love this two-in-one treatment for its ability to exfoliate the skin without making it feel stripped of moisture. It feels like a lightweight hydrating serum, except in addition to moisturizing and plumping, it contains lactic acid to clear skin. Lemongrass, licorice, and aloe extracts also help achieve a more even-looking complexion by increasing radiance, reducing the look of fine lines and wrinkles, and soothing. If you have very sensitive skin, the brand recommends using it as a mask instead of a leave-on treatment. Apply one to two pumps and leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing.

CeraVe is known for including skin-repairing ceramides in all of its formulas, and this one is no different. In addition to exfoliating glycolic and lactic acids, this formula contains licorice root extract to brighten and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. It's a leave-on formula that you apply at night onto cleansed skin. Find it at your local drugstore store.

As the name suggests, this formula delivers glass-like skin that's smooth, radiant, and even. It's gentle enough for dry skin and those with rosacea. It's a rice-based enzyme powder that exfoliates and deeply cleanses skin while allantoin reduces redness and heals irritation. It also has green tea for its moisturizing and calming benefits.

Our beauty team is dedicated to finding you the best of the best formulas. We spoke with expert dermatologists to learn about what to look for in an exfoliator for sensitive skin and got their go-to recommendations. We also researched and tested top-rated and brand-new formulas that hit the market to help you find the best products out there.