Top 10 Exfoliating Tools
Get Glowing, Radiant Skin With These 10 Safe And Effective Skincare Devices For Your Face And Body
Our Top 10 Lists help shoppers quickly and easily find what they need. Using an intense review and approval process (which you can learn more about here), we break down the best products according to what consumers most commonly search for and want.
The journey to glowing, radiant skin can feel like a long one, especially as you age. The older you get, the more cell turnover slows down, which means more dead skin cells and a duller complexion. The good news? All this can be reversed with a little bit of exfoliation, and you'll be happy to know that not a dollop of St. Ives Apricot Scrub will be necessary. With the right exfoliation tools on your side, you can safely and effectively remove dead skin from your face and body and get back the glowy complexion you had in your youth—no gritty, skin-damaging products required.
To help you get there, we rounded up a list of the Top 10 exfoliating tools on the market, all of which are equal parts gentle and hard-working—think dry brushes, dermaplaning treatments, cleansing devices, and more. Whether you're focused on your face or want to give a little extra attention to your body, there's a top-rated tool on the list for every budget, skin type, and concern.
How We Found The Best Exfoliating Tools
As with all of our Top 10 lists, we curated this selection using our data-driven algorithm that ranks and scores products by factoring in best-selling buzz, editor recommendations, and rave reviews. In other words, the exfoliation tools that follow truly are the best of the best. Scroll on to see the expert-approved face and body tools that made the cut and shop your favorites.
Next up, shop the 10 Best Anti-Aging Devices. Opening image: @dermaflash
August 19, 2021
Written By:Kate Ferris
Product Expert:Georgia Jones
Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.
The Rankings
Dermaflash Luxe Anti-Aging Dermaplaning Exfoliation Device
BEST DERMAPLANING DEVICE
WHAT IT DOES: This three-in-one, award-winning facial tool serves as an exfoliator, hair remover, and anti-aging skincare device. By painlessly removing dead skin cells, built-up debris, and pesky peach fuzz, it erases the barrier to penetration to maximize skincare absorption and create a flawless canvas for makeup.
FROM THE EXPERTS: In a clinical study using Dermaflash Luxe once per week, users saw intense exfoliation immediately, a reduction in wrinkles after four weeks, and a significant improvement in skin texture and softness after eight weeks.
Michael Todd Beauty Soniclear Petite Facial Cleansing Brush
BEST ANTIMICROBIAL FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH
WHY YOU NEED IT: This genius little cleansing brush uses a high-speed motor to oscillate (rather than spin), so it expertly draws out oil, debris, pollution, and dirt rather than swirling it around on your skin like a washcloth or scrub would. It also boasts unique antimicrobial bristles that prevent bacteria, so you won't need to worry about breakouts.
THINGS TO KNOW: This brush also comes with a Sonic Infuser Head that promotes maximum efficacy of skincare products, as well as a handy carrying case for easy travel.
Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar
BEST EXFOLIATING BODY BAR
WHO IT'S FOR: If you prefer to keep your routine simple, look no further than Glossier's game-changing exfoliating bar. We know we said we wouldn't be talking about gritty scrubs today, but this product is different—it contains finely milled bamboo powder that gently sloughs away dead skin with each lather.
USER REVIEW: "I have horribly sensitive skin that makes shaving my legs a nightmare. I have to aggressively exfoliate and moisturize between shaves, and this bar is the best exfoliator I’ve found. With regular use of this, I have no ingrown hairs. My skin feels so soft and smooth."
Olay Regenerist Face Cleansing Device
BEST AFFORDABLE FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: This simple brush may not have all the bells and whistles that its pricier counterparts do, but that hasn't kept it from earning over 15,000 rave reviews on Amazon. It's easy to use, comes with two speed settings, rings up under $30, and can expertly cleanse and exfoliate the skin without stripping it.
HELPFUL TIP: This cleansing device is waterproof, so you can use it during bath or shower time without worry.
Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
BEST DRY BRUSH
WHAT IT DOES: Dry brushes have gained serious traction over the past few years, and there's a good reason for it. Use this fuss-free tool before hopping in the shower to increase circulation, improve metabolism, eliminate dead skin cells, help the body's natural detoxification process, and even improve the texture and tone of your skin. Bye-bye, cellulite.
HOW TO USE IT: For best results, start at the soles of your feet and brush upward toward the heart with long, sweeping motions, giving extra love to areas prone to cellulite.
Clarisonic Mia Smart
BEST SMART FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH
WHY PEOPLE LOVE IT: Unlike your ordinary cleansing brush, the Mia Smart syncs with your phone so you can track your skincare journey and even check in on before-and-after photos. It also comes with six custom cleansing modes and can give you a firming facial massage, de-puff your under-eyes, and even buff on your foundation.
USER REVIEW: "THE BEST INVESTMENT I ever made! No regrets! My skin feels soft, supple, clean, and glowing. Nothing removes makeup and dirt like this Clarisonic. Will keep using it until it can't go anymore."
EcoTools Dry Body Brush
BEST AFFORDABLE DRY BRUSH
WHO IT'S FOR: If you're new to dry brushing, start with this drugstore option. Ringing up at just $5, a few sweeps before your shower routine will exfoliate and detoxify the skin for soft, smooth, and glowing results.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT: As with all Ecotools products, this dry brush is incredibly eco-friendly. It's made with synthetic bristles (vegan!) and set in a renewable bamboo base for a beauty experience you can feel good about.
Vanity Planet Raedia Facial Cleansing Brush
BEST FACE AND BODY CLEANSING BRUSH
WHY YOU NEED IT: This clever Vanity Planet brush comes with everything you need to cleanse and exfoliate your face and body. Including three interchangeable brush heads for the face—cleansing, silicone, and exfoliating—and one large body brush, the device gently but thoroughly removes hard-to-get dirt, makeup, and debris—all for under $50.
USER REVIEW: "I just turned 39, and my skin looks better now than it ever did in my 20s. It’s been almost two months since I started using this. My skin tone is more even, and I haven’t had any dry patches, even after I forget to drink water. I follow it up with the VP overnight mask mixed with vitamin E. I’m so happy with these products—wish I knew about them years ago!"
Stacked Skincare Dermaplaning Exfoliation Tool
BEST MANUAL DERMAPLANING TOOL
WHAT IT DOES: It might resemble one of those facial razors you can get for $5 at the drugstore, but this luxurious facial tool can do so much more. By removing pesky peach fuzz and dead skin cells, it'll reveal luminous skin for smooth makeup application and eventually soften the look of fine lines, visible pores, and dark spots.
AS SEEN ON: In case you were wondering, this is the exact tool Cardi B's makeup artist uses on her skin before applying foundation.
Esker Body Plane
BEST BODY PLANE
WHAT IT DOES: Inspired by ancient Greek and Roman bathing tools, this gua sha-like device glides across the body to scrape away dead skin cells and dirt. The result? Smooth, glowing skin and a mini massage in the process.
HOW TO USE IT: Apply your favorite body oil and gently glide the tool over the skin using long, upward strokes.
The Latest