To happiness through exfoliation. This act is one of the most expressive and appreciated things we can do. But we have news: you might have been exfoliating incorrectly for years. Or, let's go further: not exfoliating at all. And we write this with a tear in our eye because exfoliating is easy and rewarding. Don't worry: 2026 will be the year you stop ignoring exfoliants. Exfoliating renews the skin, leaving it clean, luminous, and like new. Plus, the rest of the cosmetics you use will work better.
We're revealing six exfoliants. We don't want to confuse you with a long list of options. A little bit of good is always best, in cosmetics and in life.
What is a facial exfoliant?
Let's start formally: with the definition. This cosmetic removes dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, which are what give it a dull, lifeless appearance. The result: smoother skin (you'll want to touch it, or others will want to touch it), blurred pores, better absorption of cosmetics, and, most visibly, that glow we all seek, that cosmetic Holy Grail.
Physical (or mechanical) exfoliants
You'll recognize them because they have "grains" that, when massaged, drag away dead cells. These can be made of sugar, salt, seeds, volcanic crystals, or bamboo. The effect is immediate, and you have complete control over the pressure. Massage gently and calmly. They are for you if you have normal or oily skin.
Chemical (acid) exfoliants
They sound aggressive. They are not. Really. They don't scrape the skin; instead, they dissolve dead cells thanks to acids (AHA, BHA, PHA). The result is a more even, brighter tone. They are for you if you have uneven texture and dark spots. They work on all skin types.
Acids are your friends: know their acronyms:
- AHA: Glycolic, lactic. Provide luminosity and texture.
- BHA: Salicylic. Ideal for acne.
- PHA: Milder, therefore good for sensitive skin.
Enzymatic exfoliants
They are called this because they use fruit enzymes that gently "digest" dead cells. Don't be scared, they are super gentle and non-irritating. They are for you if you have sensitive or reactive skin.
Why we recommend exfoliating
We have plenty of reasons, as the song goes:
- Brightens: Removes the "dull" layer of skin
- Softens: Smooth texture
- Prevents: Fewer blackheads and breakouts
- Boosts: Your products work much better
- Unifies: Improves dark spots and uneven tone
When and how much: frequency according to your skin type
Normal/combination skin
- Frequency: 2-3 times a week
-
What to use: Physical or chemical, you can alternate.
Oily/acne-prone skin
- Frequency: 2-4 times a week
-
What to use: Chemical with BHA (salicylic)
Sensitive skin
- Frequency: 1-2 times a week
- What to use: Enzymatic or PHA
Dry skin
- Frequency: 1-2 times a week
-
What to use: Enzymatic or gentle AHA
* Important: If you use retinol or potent acids, reduce the frequency.
Choose your exfoliant according to your needs
For immediate radiance
Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator by Goop
Combines four minerals with glycolic acid. You only need three minutes to achieve the effect of a professional facial. Gwyneth calls it a "powerful facial in a small jar."
For sensitive skin that tolerates nothing
Vinegar Mask by Gallinée - 6% AHA/PHA + hibiscus vinegar.
In 5 minutes, you'll have renewed skin without, and this is important, irritation. It's the best-selling exfoliant for sensitive skin. It has over 55 positive reviews, 4.6/5.
For enlarged pores and excess oil
Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser by Goop.
Rinses off easily, leaving skin fresh, silky, and radiant. Clinically tested.
For dark spots and uneven tone
15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel by Goop
Apply it at night and wake up with new skin. 15% glycolic + fruit extracts. Goop's heavy weapon.
The 6 best facial exfoliants from Laconicum
1. Volcanic Exfoliator by Bioeffect - €49
Top #1 in premium physical exfoliants.
Star ingredient: Icelandic volcanic lava crystals + salicylic acid
For: Deep but delicate exfoliation. Unifying tone. Visible luminosity.
Exfoliating with Icelandic lava crystals sounds interesting. The microcrystals remove dead cells gently but decisively. It also contains apricot particles and salicylic acid.
Result: even texture, luminosity, clean pores. It's not aggressive. It's effective. 4.7/5 with 15 reviews. Use it 1-2 times a week.
2. Sweet Therapy Scrub Mask by Huxley - €29.95
Top #1 in value for money
Star ingredient: Sahara prickly pear oil + sucrose
For: Gentle exfoliation without irritation. Sensitive skin.
Mask and exfoliant in one. Huxley uses prickly pear from the Sahara desert, discovered in Marrakech. Fine, very gentle grain. Light warming effect that extracts impurities without irritating.
For all skin types, especially those who are hesitant about exfoliating. 4.6/5 with 9 reviews. Massage, leave on for 5 minutes, rinse.
3. Vinegar Mask by Gallinée - €26
Top #1 best-seller (55 reviews, 4.6/5)
Star ingredient: 6% AHA/PHA + hibiscus vinegar + prebiotics
For: Gentle express chemical peel. Radiance in 5 minutes. Respects the microbiome.
Gallinée is obsessed with protecting the good bacteria on your skin. This vinegar mask chemically exfoliates without being aggressive. Jam-like texture.
5 minutes and you have radiant skin, refined texture, unified tone. Immediate results without damaging the barrier. Perfect for all skin types, even sensitive. Use it 1-2 times a week.
4. Microderm Instant Glow Exfoliator by Goop - €150
Top in professional at-home treatments.
Star ingredient: 4 minerals (quartz, garnet, alumina, silica) + glycolic acid
For: Immediate glow. The luxury at-home facial.
"A powerful facial in a small jar" - Gwyneth Paltrow. Inspired by professional microdermabrasion. Combines physical and chemical exfoliation.
Marshmallow texture. Massage for 3 minutes, rinse, emerge with baby skin. 92% improved barrier function after one use. Yes, it's expensive, but it's equivalent to a weekly professional facial at home. Use it 2-3 times a week.
5. 15% Glycolic Acid Overnight Glow Peel by Goop - €54
Top in potent overnight peels
Star ingredient: 15% glycolic acid + fruit extracts + hyaluronic acid
For: Dark spots, sun damage, uneven texture. The professional peel in pads.
"The most powerful product we have" - Gwyneth. High concentration (15% glycolic), pad format. Swipe it on before bed, let it work overnight, wake up with new skin.
Not for very sensitive skin. But if your skin tolerates it, the results are impressive. Use it one night a week. Mandatory sun protection the next day. 5.0/5.
6. Cloudberry Exfoliating Jelly Cleanser by Goop - €42
Star ingredient: + orange peel enzymes + bamboo particles
For: Quick exfoliation while you cleanse your skin
The actress and lifestyle guru wanted an exfoliant to use frequently, something easy, for almost thoughtless use, in the shower, for example. She achieved it with this exfoliating cleanser.
You can use it every day.
Exfoliating isn't mandatory, but it's wonderful. And it can change your skin
Radiance, texture, absorption, acne prevention... everything improves with these products, but don't obsess: choose one that suits your skin. Use it with the appropriate frequency. Observe. Your skin will tell you if you're on the right track. Discover all these products at laconicum.com.
Quick FAQ
Can I use exfoliant if I have sensitive skin?
Yes. Choose enzymatic or PHA. Start once a week. Vinegar Mask by Gallinée or Sweet Therapy by Huxley are good options.
Physical or chemical exfoliant?
It depends on your skin: physical provides immediate cleansing and chemical penetrates better. You can alternate.
How often should I exfoliate?
Normal/combination: 2-3 times/week. Oily: 2-4 times/week. Sensitive: 1-2 times/week. Dry: 1-2 times/week.
Can I exfoliate if I use retinol?
Yes, but don't do it on the same day. Retinol at night, exfoliant on another day. Or, if not, reduce the frequency.
How long does it take to see results?
Radiance: immediate. Texture: 2-4 weeks. Dark spots: 8-12 weeks.
Can I use exfoliant in the morning?
Yes, but sun protection is always mandatory. Some people prefer to use it at night.
Is it normal for my skin to peel afterward?
With potent chemicals, it can happen. If it's excessive, reduce the frequency.
Can I mix different types of exfoliants?
Alternate physical and chemical on different days. Do not combine several chemicals or with retinol on the same day.
