Give Yourself an At-Home Facial With the Best Microdermabrasion Scrubs (2024)

TL;DR

Our Top Picks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.