TOP 10 BEST FACE SCRUBS
Ready to reveal your glow? Whether you're battling dullness, clogged pores or just want that fresh-faced feeling, the best face scrubs can work wonders.
A skincare staple, offering that satisfying finish while buffing away dead skin cells and buildup, the best face scrubs leave your complexion smooth, radiant, and totally refreshed. But with so many options on our virtual shelves, finding the best face scrub for you can feel like you’re searching for a diamond in a sea of grains.
But don’t fret, that's where we come in. Here at Cult Beauty, we’ve rounded up the 10 best face scrubs to revive your complexion. From gentle exfoliators for sensitive skin to potent powerhouse formulas, it’s time to uncover your best skin yet.
TOP 10 FACE SCRUBS
- OLE HENRIKSEN Lemonade Smoothing Scrub
- Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub
- KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Scrub + Mask
- fresh Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator
- Clé de Peau Beauté's Skin-Refining Clay Scrub
- Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel
- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
- Grown Alchemist Polishing Exfoliator
- The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish
- La Prairie Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator
THE BEST FACE SCRUBS
OLE HENRIKSEN Lemonade Smoothing Scrub
33.64€
We can’t talk about the best face scrubs without spotlighting the OLE HENRIKSEN Lemonade Smoothing Scrub. A dual action exfoliator, this famed formula combines chemical exfoliation (a blend of glycolic and lactic acids at 10 %AHA) with physical texture (ultrafine sugar granules and lemon peel powder) to sweep away dead skin cells, unclog pores and visibly smooth rough patches. Throw in calming botanicals like holy basil and chamomile, and you’ve got a concoction that buffs without leaving skin feeling raw. Impressive, we know!
Fenty Skin Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub
25.52€
Adding a burst of freshness to your skincare routine, Fenty Skin’s Cherry Dub Superfine Daily Cleansing Face Scrub doesn’t just exfoliate but energises. Mixing antioxidant-rich Barbados cherry (otherwise known as acerola), caffeine and a blend of gentle fruit enzymes (think papaya, pineapple, cranberry, and pomegranate), this recipe ensures you maintain a bright, balanced complexion without disrupting their skin barrier. Oh, and did we mention it’s infused with a cherry scent and texture too? Making it a delight for all your senses.
KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask
10
22.00€
Rightfully earning its place among the best face scrubs, thanks to its clever 2in1 design, KORA Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating Mask functions as both a physical exfoliator (courtesy of its finely crushed rosehip seeds, quartz and pumice) and as a detoxifying leaveon mask that smooths, brightens and renews. Plus, powered by turmeric, it’s renowned for its ability to even out skin tone and protect against environmental stressors too. So, in short, there’s not much this hybrid hero can’t do.
fresh Sugar Face Polish Exfoliator
67.28€
Striking a strong balance between physical exfoliation and hydration, fresh’s Sugar Face Polish is designed for those with combination skin types. Supercharged with hydrating oils, including plum seed and grapeseed and vitamin C, this must have ensures moisture retention to provide radiant results after every use. Transforming from a sugared textures to an oil once rinsed, its smooths and renews your complexion without the worry of overdying.
Clé de Peau Beauté Skin-Refining Clay Scrub
1
74.50€
Bring the spa home with Clé de Peau Beauté’s Skin-Refining Clay Scrub. Melding ultragentle natural kaolin clay (sourced from the Appalachian Mountains) with soft polishing beads and mineral ingredients to lift away dulling surface cells and impurities, this blend absorbs excess sebum without leaving your skin feeling tight. Complete with the brand’s signature SkinEmpowering Illuminator Complex, it adds antioxidant protection for a complexion that’s just as radiant as it is resilient. For the best results? Use the scrub up to twice a week or as a weekly mask for an indulgent treat.
Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel
2
19.14€
Dreamt up with sensitive skin types in mind, Avène’s Gentle Exfoliating Gel effectively refreshes without compromising on comfort. While the combination of biodegradable cellulose microbeads and jojoba wax boosts a mild mechanical exfoliation, it’s addition of while chemical exfoliants like niacinamide and sodium salicylate dissolves dead cells and unclog pores. But what sets it apart from the other best face scrubs? It’s inclusion of the brand’s renowned Thermal Spring Water. A soothing ingredient, it counteracts irritation, keeping your moisture barrier happy, healthy and hydrated.
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
A cult classic, Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant is ideal for those who suffer with pigmentation, dullness or uneven skin texture. Sloughing off dead skin cells and impurities, the powder transforms into a creamy past upon contact with water, releasing a potion of papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes. What’s more, enriched with the brand’s Skin Brightening Complexion, the supplement of rice barn, white tea and licorice evens tone and enhances your natural glow.
Grown Alchemist Polishing Exfoliator
4
53.36€
Whether you're looking to brighten dull skin, smooth uneven texture or prepare your face for moisturising, Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant is a versatile addition to your skincare routine. Renowned for its eco-conscious, vegan formulation, it features pink grapefruit, glucomannan extract from konjac root and polylactic acid derived from corn starch, to dissolve dry and dead cells. The result? A complexion that’s cool, calm and collected.
The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish
9
39.44€
Acting as your skin’s morning brew, The Outset’s Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish energises to boost circulation and defend against oxidative stress. Originally created for its founders, Scarlett Johansson’s sensitive skin, it’s cleverly created to control the level of exfoliation based on your skin type. How? By simply adding more or less water. Working wonder in just one minuet, it leaves your skin beautifully smoothed and primed, ready to receive the maximum benefits of serums and moisturisers.
La Prairie Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator
156.60€
Last, but by no means least in our round up of the best face scrubs is La Prairie Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator. Offering your skin some luxury TLC, this spa-in-the-jar brings your senses alive with its silky-soft texture that ensures a sensational glow. Crafted with mineral-rich gem powders, the gentle formula is complete with brand's Exclusive Cellular Complex, keeping your skin feeling moisturised and supple during the treatment. Radiant skin, reveal yourself.
THE BEST FACE SCRUBS FAQS
Do dermatologists recommend face scrubs?
Yes, dermatologists generally recommend exfoliation, however their advice on physical face scrubs tends to be a bit cautious and personalised, depending on your skin type. Many dermatologists support gentle exfoliation as it helps remove dead skin cells, unclogs pores and promotes skin renewal.
Do facial scrubs really work?
Yes, the best face scrubs do work, when used correctly! They physically exfoliate your skin by gently buffing away dead skin cells, dirt and excess oils that can clog pores and dull your complexion. This helps reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath and can improve texture and radiance over time. Plus, exfoliating can help your skincare products absorb better and make your makeup go on more smoothly too.
How many times a week should I use a face scrub?
How often you use a face scrub really depends on your skin type and the scrub’s intensity. Please see our guidelines below:
Normal to oily skin: 2 to 3 times a week as your skin can typically handle more frequent exfoliation to keep pores clear and texture smooth.
Combination skin: 2 times a week tends to work well, focusing on oilier or rougher areas.
Dry or sensitive skin: 1 to 2 times a week, or even less, is best. Over-exfoliating can lead to irritation or dryness.
Very sensitive or reactive skin: once a week or every other week will suffice and opt for very gentle scrubs or enzyme-based exfoliators.
But the most important thing to remember? Always listen to your skin. If it feels red, tight or irritated, cut down your exfoliation days. And always follow with your go-to moisturiser and daily SPF to protect your freshly exfoliated complexion.
With these top 10 best face scrubs from Cult Beauty, your freshest, brightest and smoothest skin is just a scrub away, so go ahead, it’s time to enjoy the ultimate glow-up!
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
