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List of Facial Exfoliator in UK | Benefits of Using a Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin

by Jon Ng on Jun 11, 2024

With age, your skin requires more care to keep it looking healthy and glowing. That's why it's important to spruce up your skin care routine by using a facial exfoliator.

But what are the Benefits of Using a Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin? Is it safe to use on older people? Don't worry, we got you covered! Read on to find out how using a facial exfolitor can benefit your skin and also check out some of the most effective and safe-to-use facial exfoliators for mature and lose skin.

If exfoliation brings the image of scrubbing your face with something rough to remove the dead skin cells, move away from that image and that advice! Exfoliation should be as gentle as you would treat your skin otherwise.

So on that note, which is the most effective facial exfoliator for mature skin? 

My team and I tested 40+ facial exfoliators for mature skin on the basis of exfoliant type, skin type, hydration as well as removal of dead skin. We found: 

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Gel Exfoliant is an intensely hydrating facial exfoliator for mature skin types. It scrubs away dead skin cells, hydrates the skin, removes anti aging effects as well as removes black heads. It’s formulated with 2% BHA, 8% AHA, chamomile, green tea and is free of toxic chemical substances. It’s available on Amazon for sale.

I'm now going to take you through all you need to know about exfoliating mature skin and i'll list out 20 of the best facial exfoliator for mature skin that we've tried and tested. Check them out!

Recommended Read: Best Products For Acne Scars

How to Choose the Best Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin

Here’s how to choose an exfoliator for mature skin:

  • Skin types: Choose an exfoliator that suits your skin type to reap the maximum benefits. For mature skin types choose a hydrating and greasy moisturiser that will keep away from flaking out or drying. 
  • Anti-aging effects: Check the ingredients of your exfoliant and find out if they are good for getting rid of pigmentation, wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots etc. as mature skin types have these problems majorly.
  • Type of exfoliant: Avoid a powerful exfoliant if you have sensitive mature skin as it’ll further damage your skin and dehydrate it. Choose a skin smoothing exfoliator that will have soothing benefits on your skin.
  • Hydration: If you have dry and dehydrated skin then look for facial exfoliators that will hydrate your skin and keep it moisturised always. Look for glycerin, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, salicylic acid etc. 
  • Removal of dead skin: check for products that will help you exfoliate your dry skin and take away dead skin cells. Look if your product has glycolic acid as it helps in removing the dead skin and helps in skin rejuvenation.
Best For
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Exfoliator Best for Whiteheads
Sisley Paris Botanical Gentle Buffing Exfoliator Perfect for Sensitive Skin
SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask Makes a Great Exfoliating Face Mask
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliator Works well with Dark Spots
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Moisturizing Dry Skin
Aveeno Positively Radiant Scrub Best Selling Scrub for Glowing Skin
Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell Face Exfoliator Best for Tanned Skin
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula Top Selling Face Scrub Without Microbeads
Pixi Glow Tonic Exfoliator for Combination Skin
Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub Opening Clogged Pores
St. Ives Radiant Skin Budget Face Scrub
Lancer The Method: Polish Best Luxury Exfoliator
Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser Reducing Sebum Levels
Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment Wrinkled Skin
StriVectin Labs 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel Acne Prone Skin
Indeed Labs Facial Powdered Exfoliator Removing Blackheads
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant All Skin Types
L'Oreal Paris Skin Care Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser  Brightening the Skin
Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub Pore Cleansing
M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub Best for Reducing Blemishes

What is a Face Exfoliator?

As the name suggests, a face exfoliator is a beauty product that has been designed to get rid of dead skin cells from the top of your skin. As you grow older, your skin stops shedding cells on a regular basis and this can result in flaky and itchy skin.

Exfoliation by refreshing and brightening your skin. They make you feel refreshed and depending on your age and skin type there are two different kinds of exfoliators you can use on your face.

Physical - These kinds of face exfoliators contain small micro-particles such as apricot seeds to remove dead cells from the surface of your skin. They can be a bit abrasive and are ideal for women who are below 60 years, with slightly tighter skin.

Chemical - Chemical exfoliators are recommended for women over 60 years as the alpha and beta hydroxy acids (AHA, BHA) present in the compound can remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores without being rough on your skin.

How often should you exfoliate mature skin?

Depending on the type of exfoliant you use and how strong it is on your skin, it's recommended that you exfoliate at least once in three days. It's not good to exfoliate often as that can cause some dermatological reactions such as hypersensitivity and skin irritation.

Top 20 Facial Exfoliators for Mature Skin: Product Overview

Delve in to read the reviews and discover some of the best facial exfoliators for mature skin in the UK:

Benefits of Using a Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin: Top 20 Products

#1- Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Exfoliator

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin to reduce whiteheads

While testing the Paula's Choice skin perfecting exfoliator we found it to be a simple and straightforward leave-on product that works like a charm.

It was effective and the solution is strong so you can expect it to easily remove whiteheads and blackheads.

  • With 2% salicylic acid, this exfoliator wipes away the dead skin cells and gives you brighter, softer skin.
  • It is light and spreads evenly. It gets absorbed quickly into the skin and you don’t have to use too much effort, pressure or time to massage it in.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • This exfoliator gives you a more even skin tone and shrinks the pores without clogging them. This certainly helps in reducing the occurrence of blackheads and acne.  

#2 - Sisley Paris Botanical Gentle Buffing Exfoliator

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, sensitive skin

Another product we really liked using was the Sisley Paris buffing exfoliator.

This product is gentle on the skin and not only removes dead skin cells, it also helps keep your face hydrated and skin feeling supple.

  • The extracts of matricaria in the Sisley Paris Botanical Gentle Buffing Cream is like a calming, healing tea for your skin.
  • It soothes the skin, reduces inflammation, heals it and protects it from further damage.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • The astringent properties in this are mild.
  • This exfoliator acts like a mask and removes away the dead cells to leave you with softer skin. 

#3 -- SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask

Best facial exfoliators for mature skin

Perfect for mature skin, the SUMMER FRIDAYS Overtime Mask has a combination of apricot kernel and pumpkin in it to give you luminosity and a honey-dew glow.

  • It clears your skin, removes all the residual dirt that your face wash couldn’t manage to remove, plus gets rid of the dead skin cells that are dulling your complexion.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • This may not be great for sensitive skin as some people might experience a reaction to the apricot. 

#4 -- Alpha-H Liquid Gold Exfoliator

Best Face Scrub For Dark Spots

Your skin deserves nothing that gold itself and the Liquid Gold by Alpha-H is a great choice.

  • This is a leave-on exfoliator that you can use at night like a regular night cream and wash away in the morning to reveal brighter, younger-looking skin.
  • The glycolic acid is a powerful exfoliator that removes the duller skin while also clarifying the skin and evening out the tone.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • Within about a month of usage, you will notice that your skin is more luminous, softer and brighter, with a visible reduction in blemishes and age spots. 

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by ALPHA-H.

#5 -- Kate Somerville Exfolikate for mature skin in UK

Best Face Scrub For Glowing Skin

If you can’t hire Kate Sommerville herself to give you the skincare she gives celebrities, simply buy her Exfolikate to get the same results!

  • This is a miracle in a tube, for sure. All you need is two minutes once or twice a week to give yourself a quick and easy facial and some super smooth skin afterwards.
  • With a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants, this not only scrubs away the dead cells but also improves your texture and tightens the pores.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • The powerful glycolic acid and lactic acid work to chemically exfoliate and reveal your fresher skin.
  • The soft silica beads and the enzymes of papaya, pineapple and pumpkin act as the physical exfoliants to scrub your skin while giving it the vitamins and antioxidants to keep it glowing.
  • Rosewood and cinnamon extracts help minimize fine lines and plump up the skin. Honey and aloe vera and the Vitamin E smoothen and soften the skin.    

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by Kate Somerville

#6 -- Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Exfoliator

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, dry skin

A brand that is popularly chosen for babies owing to its delicate ingredients, is certainly a good one to choose for mature skin as well.

  • Aveen Positively Radiant is a concoction of soy, jojoba oil and castor oil to give your skin the nourishment it needs.
  • Natural soy granules work as a great exfoliator to gently remove the dead skin cells, while the protein in it strengthens the skin, evens the tone and makes it clearer.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • The jojoba and castor oils are perfect especially if you have very dry skin as these moisturise the skin deeply without clogging the pores. 

#7-- Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell Face Exfoliator

Best Face Scrub For Glowing Skin

Papaya has the properties of not only exfoliating your skin but also removing the tan from sun exposure, lightening it and leaving you with brighter, glowing skin.

  • Pharmagel Enzyme Ex-Cell has papaya extracts as the main ingredient along with finely ground walnut shell to gently polish your skin as you scrub it.
  • The allantoin and sunflower oil moisturise the skin and leave it hydrated without stripping it off the natural oils.
  • Free of irritants, this pharmaceutical grade exfoliator can be used by all types of skin.   

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by Pharmagel.

#8 -- Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength Formula

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin without microbeads

Trust a doctor to give you the best! We know that nothing gives you results like the chemical peels in a dermatologist’s clinic. But, they work out to be expensive plus you need to make the appointments in advance and drive down there.

  • Dr.Dennis brings you this treatment in the form of wipes that you can use every day to give you the same results in a fraction of the price and time.
  • This extra-strength formula is chock full of alpha and beta that balances the sebum production in your skin, exfoliating gently to give your brighter skin, along with an anti-aging neutralizer.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • This reduces the fine lines and wrinkles as well. Now, skincare can’t get any easier. 

#9- Pixi Glow Tonic Facial Exfoliators

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, combination skin

The Koreans discovered the goodness of ginseng and Pixi bottled it for you as a tonic for your skin.

  • While the glycolic acid exfoliates the skin, ginseng is a wonderful anti-ageing antioxidant that takes care of slowing down the ageing process of your skin.
  • It repairs the damage, keeps the skin supple and activates the cells.
Facial Exfoliator for Mature Skin
  • This tonic also has aloe vera that moisturises the skin without clogging the pores and keeps the skin hydrated throughout the day.
  • It is also a cooling agent that soothes bruised or sun burnt skin, reduces inflammation and softens the skin.  

#10- Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub Face Exfoliator

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin with clogged pores

Cetaphil is a brand recommended by a lot of dermatologists owing to its ingredients that are hypo-allergenic and super mild on the skin.

  • Cetaphil products give you the results without drying the skin or damaging it.
  • The Extra gentle daily scrub has glycerin to moisturise the skin well without clogging the pores while Bambusa extracts lock in this moisture to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day.
  • Panthenol pumps the skin with plenty of Vitamin B5 to keep it supple and healthy.
  • The particles are very fine and are non-abrasive while still doing the job, so you can use this every day.  

#11 -- St. Ives Radiant Skin

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin

Best Cheap Face Scrub UK

St.Ives is a popular drugstore brand, easily accessible. What makes this a favourite is how effective the products are and at prices that don’t burn a hole in your pocket.

  • The Radiant Skin face scrub is a gentle exfoliator that has soft granules of walnut shell and lemon peel.
  • But they are so fine that they feel like a regular face wash. It also has pink lemon and mandarin extracts which brighten the skin, dullen age spots and blemishes and give you visibly smooth, glowing skin.
  • This is paraben-free and safe to be used one or twice a week for best results. 

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by St Ives

#12 -- Lancer The Method: Polish Exfoliator

Best Splurge

Another brand by a renowned dermatologist, the Polish by Lancer is an investment for your skin.

  • This is the first step in the recommended 3 step skincare process. With algae as its major ingredient blended with plenty of fruit extracts, this is like a boost for your skin while the exfoliation takes place.
  • It is very gentle and non-abrasive, which is what makes this perfect for mature skin.
  • This is quite expensive, but the results you get after every wash is well worth every penny. 

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by LANCER

#13- Clarins One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, oily skin

If you have skin that is very sensitive and easily breaks out into rashes when you use strong washes, the One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser by Clarins is something you could consider.

  • With natural orange extracts as one of its active ingredients, this exfoliating cleanser is mild and soft on the skin.
  • This product not only removes the dirt and dead skin cells, but also brightens it with the help of the vitamin C and other minerals from the orange.
  • It leaves your skin soft, smooth and does not dry it up. 

#14- Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment

Best Exfoliator for Wrinkles

If only we all were born with amazing genes that gave us flawless, youthful skin even when we get to 60! Since that’s not possible, Sunday Riley helps our mature skin slow down the ageing process and feel better about what we’ve been blessed with.

  • The active ingredient, lactic acid is one of the most effective AHA you can find that exfoliates your mature skin to reveal fresh skin underneath.
  • The liquorice contained in this treatment brightens the skin and diminishes blemishes and age spots.
  • The cream is soft and gentle enough to be used in your daily skin cleansing routine. 

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by SUNDAY RILEY

#15- StriVectin Labs 5-Minute Weekly Glycolic Peel

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, acne

We always suggest using this chemical peel with the Detoxifying Primer. It contains glycolic acid or AHA which removes all dirt, dead skin, and bacteria from your pores. It's gentle enough on mature skin as well.

It removes blackheads, unclogs pores, brightens complexion, and leaves your face soft, glowing, and younger-looking.

  • The glycolic acid peel is gentler than physical exfoliators.
  • It helps remove acne and dead skin cells

#16- Indeed Labs Facial Powdered Exfoliator

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin, blackheads

This is one of the best facial exfoliators for mature skin UK in the powder form. Such exfoliators are common in Asian beauty regimes. These contain enzymes that are activated when you mix them with water.

The Indeed Labs Facial Exfoliator comes with bamboo extracts, red algae, hyaluronic acid, and rice bran. Together, these powerful ingredients not only tackle signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles but also work wonders on blackheads.

  • It contains the pineapple extract, Bromelain that removes dead skin layer from the skin.
  • This product is vegan.
  • The best part is that you can adjust how exfoliating it is by the quantity of powder used.

#17- Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Best facial exfoliator for all skin types

Dermalogica works like magic on skin and tries to clean up all the pores on your face. It’s definitely one of the best facial exfoliators that’s suitable for all skin types.

  • This contains enzyme powder that cleanses pores and even skin tone.
  • It’s formulated with salicylic acid, colloidal oatmeal, and ginkgo that feels very natural on skin and has soothing effects. 
  • It removes dead skin instantly and results in brighter and smoother skin.

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by dermalogica

#18- L'Oreal Paris Skin Care Revitalift Bright Reveal Facial Cleanser 

Best facial exfoliator for mature skin and skin brightening

This L'oreal scrub cleaner is a must-have product for anyone who wants a brighter complexion. It’ll give your skin a fresh look and a deserving glow. 

  • It’s the best for mature skin that’s dry and sensitive as it’s quite gentle on the skin. 
  • It’ll correct your uneven skin tone and provide a naturally smooth skin.
  • It contains gentle micro-pearls and Glycolic Acid that help in getting rid of dead cells. 

#19- Acure Pore Minimizing Facial Scrub

Best facial exfoliator for skin rejuvenation

Acure pore minimising facial scrub is one of the best facial exfoliators you can have to gain back your natural skin and get rid of flaky, dry and dehydrated skin.

  • Acure is the best exfoliator to cleanse your pores and minimise them so that it doesn’t collect dirt.
  • It’s infused with Moroccan red clay helps draw out impurities while black jojoba beads delicately exfoliate, leaving your skin radiant with a touch of rose oil for skin relaxation. 
  • It’s free of all toxic chemicals like parabens, sulphate, mineral oils. 

Check out the best facial exfoliator for mature skin by Acure

#20- M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub

best facial exxfoliator for mature skin

Best facial exfoliator for skin blemishes

For a skin care product under £15, the M3 naturals charcoal scrub works wonders. It has collagen and stem cells infused in the formula to clean out your pores and exfoliate your skin.

  • It is one of the most versatile scrubs and can be used as a face scrub, hand scrub or foot scrub.
  • Designed to help boost collagen production and will deliver anti-ageing results.
  • The quality of this charcoal scrub is amazing. It helps reduce wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots and even varicose veins.
  • Made from natural ingredients and is free from parabens and sulfates.

Which is the best facial exfoliator for mature skin? 

My team and I tested 40+ facial exfoliators for mature skin on the basis of exfoliant type, skin type, hydration as well as removal of dead skin. We found Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Gel Exfoliant to be the best. 

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting Gel Exfoliant is an intensely hydrating facial exfoliator for mature skin types. It scrubs away dead skin cells, hydrates the skin, removes anti aging effects as well as removes black heads. It’s formulated with 2% BHA, 8% AHA, chamomile, green tea and is free of toxic chemical substances. It’s available on Amazon for sale.

Best Facial Exfoliator For Aging Skin: FAQs

Should you exfoliate mature, aging skin? 

Exfoliating is an important part of your skincare routine which means that your dead cells will be washed off with every exfoliating process that you take. For mature skin, it is important to have a gentle scrub that does no harm to the skin texture and treats the skin cells with the right amount of ingredients and pressure. 

How often should you exfoliate mature skin?

Mature skin is often more sensitive. So it's best to exfoliate at least two to three times a week. It's also recommended that you use chemical exfoliants like AHA and BHA and not physical exfoliants with walnut extracts or beads.

How do I know if I need to exfoliate? 

Exfoliation is needed when there are too many dirt or dead cells embedded in the pores of the skin. While exfoliating the skin the dead cells, blackheads, and whiteheads effectively and gives you beautiful and glowing skin. 
Exfoliating the skin involves applying heat so that your pores open up and the dirt is washed off from the skin. 

Is it better to exfoliate at night or during the day? 

This completes depends on when you have the time which can be dedicated to exfoliating the skin or when you want to appear glowing and bright. It is preferred to exfoliate your skin at night and then continue with your other facial serums to complete the process. 

Do I exfoliate before or after cleansing? 

Exfoliating is a deeper process and requires more time and effort than cleansing. Cleansing only takes away the surface dirt and pollutants and exfoliating does the bigger work of removing blackheads and other embedded particles. 

How do you exfoliate older skin?

Gentle exfoliants and peels are good for older skin. Take a pea-sized amount of exfoliator and apply it on your face. Scrub it off with your hands, massaging throughout your face. Wash it after massaging and wipe with a soft towel. 

Is exfoliating good for aging skin?

Exfoliating regularly is one of the best ways to keep your skin young when you’re aging. Due to aging, the natural exfoliation process of the skin slows down and results in dead cells. Exfoliation can help in eliminating dead cells and turn the skin bright again. 

How often should a 60 year old woman exfoliate face?

A 60 year old woman should exfoliate weekly. However, if they have dry and flaky skin then exfoliating twice a week is good. 

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