Monday, April 28, 2025

The 5 best exfoliants

For clearer and brighter skin
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The Recommendation

April 28, 2025

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Excellent exfoliants (that won't rub your skin raw)

A variety of exfoliants neatly arranged between a few sponges.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter; prop styling by Andrea Bonin

Exfoliants have come a long way from the harsh, irritating apricot pit scrubs of the '90s. Today's exfoliants take a different and gentler approach: speeding up the shedding of dead, flaky skin cells to reveal newer, glowier ones.

After testing 22 options, we found the best skin-brightening formulas. One of our favorites? A convenient (and currently on-sale!) jar of exfoliant pads. Each of the thin, pliant rounds are smooth on one side and slightly rippled on the other, which helps the formula gently remove dead skin and grime.

The very best exfoliants — including some on-sale pads we love →

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more ›

What's hot at Wirecutter

A pair of light blue Soundcore Space One headphones, our budget pick, against a green background.

The best headphones under $100

Our winners after reviewing hundreds of wireless, wired, over-ear, and earbud options→

Standard Baggu Bag

This reusable grocery bag can carry 50 pounds and fits in your pocket

And it comes in fun prints→

A pair of Adidas Samba OG Shoes.

White sneakers we're eyeing for spring

Including a pair of classic low-tops and a minimalist leather shoe→

Cheap Mother's Day gift picks featuring a pair of sunglasses, decorative candles, a lotion bar, a mom book, a tea pot, and an open book with a reading light.

Our favorite cheap Mother's Day gifts

She might like a cheeky swan bag or some sweet fridge magnets→

Your daily deal(s): Several of our favorite facial sunscreens are on sale right now

Banana Boat Light As Air SPF 50+ Sunscreen, Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30, and Hero Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30.
Banana Boat, Vanicream, Hero

Just about everyone would benefit from using sunscreen on their face every day — yes, even if you live somewhere that's often overcast or if you work indoors. It's an easy way to help prevent skin cancer and wrinkles. Our deals experts have found discounts on three (!) of our recommendations today: a non-greasy sunscreen that rubs in easily, a fragrance-free option beloved by people with sensitive skin, and a rare physical sunscreen that doesn't feel chalky or leave a white cast.

Our favorite facial sunscreens→

One last thing: A body butter worth the splurge

One of our picks for best lotion, the Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter.
Michael Murtaugh/NYT Wirecutter

Thick but not greasy, this whipped body butter elevates the mundane daily habit of moisturizing into something of a luxe moment of self care. Says senior staff writer Lauren Dragan, who swears by this body butter for her dry elbows: "It's unlikely that skin has a soulmate, but if it did, this stuff would be mine."

A luxurious moisturizing experience→

Thanks for reading.

You can reach the Wirecutter Newsletters team at newsletters@wirecutter.com. We can't always respond, but we do love to hear from you.

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