Exfoliators for Dry Skin

Gentle Exfoliators for Dry, Flaky Skin

Dead skin cells tend to cling to dry skin, which is why it can look flaky and dull even when you moisturise. A gentle exfoliator clears them without stripping the oils your skin is already short of. You'll find creamy scrubs, powder exfoliants, mild acid gels and enzyme peels here. Start with the texture that feels kindest and build up slowly.

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Purple packaging of Margaret Dabbs London replacement pads on a white backgroundMargaret Dabbs London Professional Foot File + 2 Replacement Pads
Margaret Dabbs London Professional Foot File + 2 Replacement Pads

$58.00

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Beauty Of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 100mlBeauty Of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 100ml
Beauty Of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel 100ml

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Bondi Sands Buff’ N Polish Gentle Chemical ExfoliantBondi Sands Buff’ N Polish Gentle Chemical Exfoliant
Bondi Sands Buff’ N Polish Gentle Chemical Exfoliant

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Exfoliators for Dry Skin

About Exfoliators for Dry Skin

How to Choose an Exfoliator for Dry Skin

Texture matters more than strength. Creamy exfoliants and fine powders tend to suit dry skin better than gritty scrubs, because they're kinder to a skin barrier that's already stretched. Mild acids, lactic acid in particular, loosen dead skin without scrubbing. Start with once a week, moisturise straight afterwards and build up only if your skin stays comfortable. If anything stings, give it a few days.

Exfoliating Beyond Your Face

Skin on your body is thicker, so it can take a firmer approach. Our body scrubs are a better fit for arms and legs. For your face, our face exfoliators and scrubs cover every skin type, and a rich moisturiser for dry skin is the natural next step.

Not Sure Which Exfoliator Is Right for You?

Want advice tailored to your skin? Start with our free online skin test. You can also contact our expert team for one-to-one advice, and read our blog for expert tips on building a routine that supports your skin goals.

Creamy Exfoliators for Dry, Dull Skin

If scrubs usually leave your skin feeling tight, start with a creamy one. Elemis Pro-Collagen Glow Boost Exfoliator is made with the same nourishing oils and waxes as the Elemis cleansing balm, with soft cellulose beads that sweep away dead skin. DIBI Milano Face Perfection Reactivating Scrub is a gentle exfoliating cream that you massage on and rinse off.

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Mild Acids That Don't Rely on Scrubbing

Fruit acids loosen dead skin without any rubbing, which suits skin that's already dry. Q+A Apple AHA Exfoliating Gel combines apple extracts with glycolic and lactic acid, and is made to leave skin soft rather than stripped of moisture. NeoStrata Resurface Smooth Surface Daily Peel is a glycolic acid peel that's gentle enough for daily use at home. There's no rinsing, so your moisturiser goes straight on top.

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Powder and Enzyme Exfoliants for Dry Skin

Powders only activate when you add water, so you decide how much to use. Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant is an oat and coconut milk powder with hyaluronic acid, and it's gentle enough for daily use. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a rice powder with soothing allantoin and oatmeal. Eminence Yam & Pumpkin Enzyme Peel works differently. It's a mask you leave on for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove with a damp cloth.

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Expert Tip for Dry Skin

"With dry skin, less is more. Start with a gentle exfoliator once a week and see how your skin feels the next day before doing it more often. Moisturise straight afterwards, while your skin is still slightly damp, as that's when it holds on to moisture best. If anything stings or leaves skin looking red, leave it a few days and use a gentler formula next time."

- Kimberley, Clinic and Customer Experience Manager.

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Wave Goodbye to Dry Skin This Winter

Flaky skin often needs moisture before it needs exfoliating. Our winter guide has ideas for keeping dry skin comfortable when the weather turns.

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Top-Selling Exfoliators for Dry Skin, From Creamy Scrubs to Mild Acids

The exfoliators our customers buy most for dry skin, with a few made for sensitive skin too.
Avene Gentle Exfoliating Gel tube on a white backgroundAvène Gentle Exfoliating Gel for Sensitive Skin 50ml
Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel for Sensitive Skin 50ml

$27.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best exfoliator for dry skin?

Choose a creamy or gel texture over a gritty scrub. These clear away dead skin without dragging across skin that's already dry. Mild acids such as lactic acid are a good place to start, as they also draw water into the skin. If you prefer a scrub, pick one with soft, fine particles and keep it to once a week.

How often should I exfoliate dry skin?

Once a week is plenty to begin with. If your skin copes well, you can move up to twice a week. Some formulas are made for daily use, but they're very mild, so follow the directions on the pack. Pull back if your skin starts to sting or feel tight.

Is a scrub or a chemical exfoliant better for dry skin?

Neither suits everyone. Scrubs lift dead skin by hand, so they need a light touch and fine particles. Chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and enzymes loosen it without rubbing, which many people with dry skin find more comfortable. Lactic acid is the milder AHA and glycolic acid is stronger, so start with lactic if you're unsure. Our face exfoliators and scrubs cover both.

Can exfoliating make dry skin worse?

It can, if you overdo it. The top layer of dead cells also helps hold moisture in, so taking off too much leaves skin tighter and redder. A gentle formula, used less often and followed by moisturiser, avoids most of the problem.

Why is my dry skin flaky, and should I exfoliate it?

Flakes are dead skin cells that haven't shed evenly, and dry skin tends to do this. A gentle exfoliator can smooth them away, but it won't fix the dryness itself. Moisture does that. If flaking comes with redness, itching or soreness, skip the exfoliator and speak to your pharmacist or GP.

What is the best exfoliator for dry, sensitive skin?

Go for the mildest option you can find, such as a fragrance-free gel or a creamy formula with a short ingredient list. Patch test first, then try it once a week and see how your skin responds. Leave strong acids and rough scrubs for now. Our products for sensitive skin are a good starting point.

Should I exfoliate in the morning or at night?

Night suits most people. Skin has time to settle, and you can follow with a richer moisturiser. If you'd rather exfoliate in the morning, wear SPF afterwards, as exfoliating can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Can I use an exfoliating cleanser on dry skin?

You can, but choose carefully. An exfoliating cleanser does two jobs at once, so it can be harsher than it looks. Pick a creamy formula over a foaming one and use it a couple of times a week rather than daily. Dry skin does best when cleansing is as gentle as possible.