TL;DR
Earning the top spot on our list is DERMADoctor Physical Chemistry Facial Microdermabrasion + Multiacid Chemical Peel, which combines chemical and physical exfoliation and can be used on either face or body. Beauty Pie Wonderscrub Bio-Dermabrasion Face Polishalso combines both types of exfoliators and is a nice alternative to many of the more expensive options out there.
You probably already know that regular exfoliation is key to ensuring your skin is soft, smooth, radiant, and even. Microdermabrasion scrubs offer the most powerful exfoliation you can get without leaving your home. In-office microdermabrasion treatments typically rely on a handheld device with a gritty tip, which blasts off dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. At-home microderm scrubs offer similar types of benefits.
“The particles in microdermabrasion are tiny, or micro, as it were, and can penetrate the skin easier than larger molecules,” explains Dr. Alan Parks, a board-certified dermatologist in Columbus, Ohio. “They break down dead skin to help other skincare products work more effectively and reveal a new, fresh layer of skin.” FYI, proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin—and remember that you don’t need to apply a lot of pressure. Let the scrubbing particles do their thing, and massage the product gently into the skin for the best effects and minimal irritation.
We researched dozens of the best microdermabrasion scrubs, evaluating each formula on ingredients, formulation type, ease of application, and results. We also considered whether the scrubs used physical exfoliators (like exfoliating crystals or beads) or chemical ones (AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid) to give the formula optimal potency. Finally, we consulted two board-certified dermatologists before naming these the best microdermabrasion scrubs for a clean, clear complexion.
Our Top Picks
Best for Fine Lines:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Best for Oily Skin:
Bliss Micro Magic Skin-Renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub at Amazon$15
Best for Mature Skin:
Best for Acne-Prone Skin:
Peter Thomas Roth Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Treatment at Sephora$48
Best for Dull Skin:
Best Two-Step:
What We Like
Minimizes fine lines
Fades discoloration
Boosts radiance
Things to Consider
Unhygienic container
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, botanical extracts | Size: 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This multitasking formula emulates two popular in-office procedures in one at-home product: microdermabrasion and a chemical peel. It mechanically buffs off dead cells and contains glycolic and lactic acids for an added level of exfoliation. It’s so potent that you can even use it to combat keratosis pilaris (aka chicken skin) on the back of your arms. It’s surprisingly soothing for an intensive treatment thanks to anti-inflammatory salix alba bark and green tea extracts—with many moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin. We wish the container had a more hygienic design, so we recommend using a spatula.
What We Like
Cost-effective
Offers chemical and physical exfoliation
Hydrating
Things to Consider
Contains fragrance
Key Ingredients: Perlite, pineapple extract, shea butter | Size: 2.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Microdermabrasion scrubs tend to be on the expensive side, making this wallet-friendly option a nice alternative for microderm newbies or those on a budget. It relies on micro volcanic lava spheres for scrubbing purposes alongside acne-fighting pineapple enzymes to up the exfoliating ante. The addition of moisturizing shea butter (great for combating any dryness that can occur if you accidentally over-exfoliate) is a nice touch. We could do without the fragrance, though.
Best for Fine Lines
Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion Exfoliator
What We Like
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
Contains physical and chemical exfoliators
Hydrates the skin
Things to Consider
Thick texture can be hard to spread
Key Ingredients: Renewable wood cellulose particles, glycolic and lactic acid | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you’re noticing fine lines and skin texture issues with age, Dr. Brandt’s face exfoliator can help. It uses biodegradable micro granules made from renewable wood cellulose to safely and effectively exfoliate every contour of the face, activating the skin’s natural renewal process to tackle fine lines, acne scars, and uneven texture. The formula also contains lactic acid for an extra boost of chemical exfoliation. FYI: Lactic acid is also a humectant that attracts water to the skin, helping plump up the complexion the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Note that the texture is thick and takes effort to spread evenly.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Alchimie Forever Gentle Refining Scrub
What We Like
Gentle formula
Boosts radiance
Includes hydrating ingredients
Things to Consider
Can leave a greasy residue
Key Ingredients: Cranberry beads, jojoba beads, papaya enzymes, lychee extract, rosemary, shea butter | Size: 3 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
To be fair, this skews more on the side of a traditional scrub rather than microdermabrasion, but that’s what makes it the right pick for anyone with sensitive skin. Cranberry and jojoba beads gently remove dead skin cells, as do the included papaya enzymes in the formula. The ingredient list is also super short, which is always a boon for those with easily irritated skin. The formula tends to leave a film on the skin which some may find unpleasant.
Best for Oily Skin
Bliss Micro Magic Skin-Renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub
What We Like
Oil-absorbing formula
Helps unclog pores
Gives a refreshing feeling
Things to Consider
May irritate sensitive skin
Key Ingredients: Volcanic pumice, kaolin clay, pro-vitamin B5, jojoba seed oil, soybean oil, aloe leaf juice, peppermint oil, chamomile extract, lavender extract | Size: 3.4 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Oil-absorbing volcanic pumice does the sloughing in this formula, which is an especially great pick for those with oily and acne-prone skin. With ingredients such as purifying kaolin clay, the scrub works like a magnet to pull out excess oil, gunk, and other grime lodged deep in the pores. But it contains plenty of soothing ingredients (think jojoba oil and aloe), and peppermint oil makes it feel pleasantly refreshing post-rinse. Those with sensitive skin should consider doing a patch test before applying it to the entire face.
What We Like
Increases collagen production
Boosts radiance
Fragrance-free
Things to Consider
Tingles when first applied
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This gel-based scrub is a good choice for more mature skin types thanks to its potent 20% concentrate of glycolic acid, a chemical exfoliator that helps boost cell turnover and increase collagen production. It’s a favorite of Dr. Parks, who says that it smooths and refines the complexion. Yet, unlike many other scrubs, it is a good choice even for those with more sensitive skin thanks to its minimal ingredient list. Keep in mind that you'll feel the active ingredients working initially.
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Peter Thomas Roth Microdermabrasion Exfoliating Pore Treatment
What We Like
Helps clear various kinds of acne
Offers chemical and physical exfoliation
Absorbs excess oil and sebum
Things to Consider
Takes time to achieve maximum results
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, exfoliating crystals, kaolin and bentonite clays | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Even the most stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores don’t stand a chance against this intense exfoliator. It’s a triple-action treatment that relies on exfoliating crystals (that’s the microdermabrasion part), a 2% concentration of pore-clearing salicylic acid, and exfoliating enzymes. On top of that, kaolin and bentonite clays help absorb excess sebum and purify your complexion. It takes a few months to completely clear acne, but you’ll notice results much quicker.
Best Customizable
StriVectin Glowfoliant Mix-In Microderm Crystals
What We Like
Customizable to your exfoliation preferences
Comes with a mini spoon
Combines physical and chemical exfoliators
Things to Consider
Can be difficult to rinse off
Key Ingredients: Alumina, diamond powder, lactic and mandelic acids, linoleic and linolenic acid | Size: 1.2 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Turn any of your favorite cleansers into a pseudo-DIY microdermabrasion scrub in seconds with this powdered skin polish, which combines microdermabrasion crystals with fatty acids and gentle AHAs. “It’s a one-of-a-kind product, as it can be mixed in with any cleanser to add in the element of microdermabrasion without stripping or tearing the skin,” says Dr. Parks of another one of his favorites. Also nice: You can customize exactly how much exfoliation you want based on the number of crystals you add. Depending on the cleanser you use, it may be more or less stubborn to rinse away.
Best for Dull Skin
Obagi Microdermabrasion Polish & Mask
What We Like
Boosts radiance
Removes dead skin cells
Works as a scrub and a mask
Things to Consider
Unhygienic container
Key Ingredients: Ascorbic acid (vitamin C), hydrogenated soybean oil, silica | Size: 2.8 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Skin looking lackluster? Restore your glow with this polish and mask hybrid from Obagi. “Not only does this utilize a microdermabrasion polish to smooth and soften the skin, but it also contains vitamin C to help brighten overall tone,” explains Dr. Parks, a fan of this dual-purpose product. Apply it as you would a scrub, gently massaging for a few minutes, and then let it sit like you would a mask for another 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. Hello, radiant complexion. We recommend dispensing the product with a mini spoon.
What We Like
Two-step system for deep exfoliation
Feels like a spa treatment
Boosts radiance
Things to Consider
Best to use in the evening
Key Ingredients: Sodium bicarbonate, zeolite, lactic acid, vitamin C crystals, peptides | Size: 2 x 1 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Dr. Parks recommends this two-step system for those who want to recreate a pro-style facial at home. “It gently resurfaces skin with micro vitamin C crystals and reveals a more plump and youthful complexion,” he says, emphasizing that it also contains exfoliating lactic acid and antioxidant-rich green tea.
FYI, you’re meant to layer one step over the other. First, apply a small amount of the polish and massage it into your skin for a few minutes. Follow with one pump of the peel and let it sit for up to three minutes before removing the mixture with the cleanser of your choice. This potent formula is best when used as part of a nighttime skincare routine as it can cause some redness.
What We Like
Gentle formula can be used daily
Customizable
Powder consistency is great for travel
Things to Consider
Takes practice to get the consistency right
Key Ingredients: Rice bran extract, salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal | Size: 2.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As a general rule of thumb, you shouldn’t be using a microdermabrasion scrub daily; they’re simply too intense. But this alternative is the exception to that rule. It’s a rice-based powder that transforms into a cleanser-meets-exfoliator when you add a little water—and it’s gentle enough to use daily. It contains chemically exfoliating papaya enzymes and salicylic acid, as well as colloidal oatmeal to help soothe the skin. It takes some trial and error to get the water-to-product ratio just right.
What We Like
Pro-grade formula
Minimizes fine lines
Treats acne
Things to Consider
Unhygienic container
Key Ingredients: Tocopheryl acetate, ascorbic acid, glycerin | Size: 2 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
If you want serious results without a visit to your dermatologist’s office, order this cream that contains diamond-shaped crystals to gently remove dull or damaged skin cells. “This is a medical-grade formula that shows significant results when it comes to renewing and brightening skin,” says Dr. Parks. “It’s great for smoothing not only fine lines and wrinkles but also fighting acne,” he adds. That’s thanks to radiance-boosting, collagen-promoting vitamin C and moisturizing vitamin E in the formula. As with other jar-style containers on this list, we recommend using a mini spoon to dispense the product.
Best Splurge
Goop Goopglow Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator
What We Like
Luxurious marshmallow-like texture and fresh scent
Contains physical and chemical exfoliators
Boosts radiance
Things to Consider
Can be slightly drying
Key Ingredients: Micro-exfoliating minerals (quartz, garnet, alumina, silica), glycolic acid, Australian Kakadu plum | Size: 0.5, 1.7 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you want to splurge on a more luxurious product, you can’t go wrong with the GOOPGLOW Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator. Gwyneth Paltrow swears this whipped marshmallow-soft formula will make your skin instantly softer, smoother, and more radiant. Like all the best face scrubs, it combines physical exfoliation (in this case, four types of mineral crystals) with a chemical exfoliator for good measure (glycolic acid).
It also has Australian Kakadu plum, which has 100 times more vitamin C than an orange, promising to improve skin luminosity. This potent formula can dry the skin, so we recommend pairing it with an equally luxe moisturizer.
What to Look for in a Microdermabrasion Scrub
- Chemical Exfoliants: When it comes to choosing the right scrub for you, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sapna Palep suggests looking out for formulas that also include chemical exfoliants—like salicylic, lactic, or glycolic acids—as they are typically gentler. However, as these acids accompany a physically exfoliating particle, it’s important not to overdo it at the risk of upsetting your skin.
- The Right Grit for Your Skin: One element to consider is the grit itself, the hardness of which can vary. For example, while fine pumice is ideal for tougher, oilier skin, those with sensitive skin should opt for something gentler, like jojoba beads or rice microspheres.
- Skin-Loving Ingredients: To help strengthen the skin barrier after deeply exfoliating with a microdermabrasion scrub, Dr. Palep recommends formulas with anti-aging ingredients like ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid. And, of course, never skip the SPF.
FAQ
What does a microdermabrasion scrub do?
Microdermabrasion scrubs buff away the most superficial layer of skin to reveal a layer of fresh, smooth skin underneath. This is achieved with fine scrubbing particles and a variety of chemical exfoliants, such as glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acids.
Is a microdermabrasion scrub good for acne?
Although some dermatologists advise against using physical exfoliants on breakouts, there are a number of specially formulated microdermabrasion scrubs for acne-prone skin that contain nonirritating particles and skin-soothing ingredients for gentle yet effective treatment.
How often should you use a microdermabrasion scrub?
Since microdermabrasion scrubs provide a deeper level of exfoliation than a typical cleanser or exfoliating scrub, they should only be used periodically, typically no more than once a week. Always consult the instructions for each product and avoid overdoing it at the risk of damaging your skin. And when in any doubt, call your dermatologist.
Why Trust Byrdie
Byrdie contributor Melanie Rud has over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, writing for some of the biggest magazines and websites out there. While chemical exfoliation is her preferred method, she does like to use microdermabrasion scrubs on her breakout-prone forehead. The Peter Thomas Roth product on this list is her current go-to.
This article was checked and updated by Esme Benjamin, a freelance writer and Byrdie contributor. She’s a fan of Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant, which is satisfying to apply and leaves skin feeling really fresh once it’s been rinsed off.
To create our list of the best microdermabrasion scrubs, we consulted the following experts:
- Dr. Alan Parks is a board-certified dermatologist in Columbus, Ohio. He is the founder of Eastside Dermatology & Skin Care Center and DermWarehouse.com. He has been practicing dermatology for over 30 years.
- Dr. Sapna Palep is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spring Street Dermatology in New York City.