Exfoliators are a must-have for anyone who has oily skin. Having oily skin can take a toll on one's confidence. Apart from being prone to clogging that can cause acne, it also produces unfavorable greasy shine. Fortunately, improvements can be made through regular exfoliation. This process can eliminate dirt and oil build-up on the skin to prevent acne.
Good thing there are a lot of exfoliators in the market that can get the job done without being too abrasive. You can find them from trusted brands like Clinique, Shiseido, and more. We've collated a list of the best exfoliators for oily skin you can score online. We also included a buying guide, with comments and insights from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz, to help you make wiser buying decisions.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
Experts featured in this article only reviewed the content of our buying guide. They had no part in the selection or ranking of products or services listed.
The products and services listed are ranked independently by the editorial team based on the points mentioned in our thoroughly researched buying guide (as of 01-16-2023).
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
There are two main types of exfoliator; physical and chemical. Depending on your needs, each has its own advantages and disadvantages. To ensure that you’ll have the right product for your skin woes, check below which type suits you the most.
Physical exfoliators remove dirt and dead skin cells through manual scrubbing. If you prefer this type, opt for fine-ground granules like sugar, ground cornmeal and almond, and salt. As much as possible, steer clear from products that contain plastic microbeads. This exfoliator is not only abrasive to the skin but also highly dangerous for marine life.
Mechanical tools such as loofahs, cleansing brushes, and sponges also count as another type of physical exfoliator. This type does not contain any substance but can exfoliate the skin through its physical structure. While it can clean the skin better, it is more abrasive than chemical ones.
If you prefer manual scrubbing, note that it may result in uneven exfoliation, and it can be too harsh on your skin. As such, physical exfoliators suit people with normal to oily skin but may not be suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Skin is so diverse that you can have oily and sensitive skin at the same time. Whether you are suffering from oily skin or just want a gentler way to exfoliate your skin, we suggest getting a chemical exfoliator.
This type utilizes acids such as alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), beta-hydroxy acid (BHA), and polyhydroxy acid (PHA) to break down and remove dead skin cells and usually results in a more even exfoliation.
If you have oily skin, dead skin cells don't flake off easily compared to other skin typesーthey stick around the skin for quite long, and end up blocking pores, causing acne. For oily skin, it is ideal to get an exfoliator with salicylic acid.
It is an oil-soluble beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that eliminates dirt and dead skin cells from the skin's surface. After cleaning, salicylic acid can penetrate the pores to eliminate any build-up that causes acne, preventing breakouts. You can also opt for a chemical exfoliant with AHA content.
While it is not the best ingredient to have for oily skin since it is water-soluble, it can effectively brighten the skin, balance discoloration, and refine wrinkles. Another notable ingredient to look for is tea-tree and green tea. It has antiseptic properties that help prevent bacterial growth.
Exfoliators come in different formulas like cleansers, toners, scrubs, and even creams. You can also find an exfoliantーa formula whose main purpose is to exfoliate. But dual-action formulas can exfoliate, clean, and tone your skin simultaneously, making them versatile and economical—perfect if you want to save money.
However, while these products may work, they might not be as effective as a formula created mainly to exfoliate the skin. These products may contain more concentrated ingredients that work primarily to remove dead skin cells without any added cleansing or toner benefits.
Exfoliating our entire body and face with the same exfoliator may seem convenient and economical. However, it may do more harm than good since facial skin is more delicate than the rest of the body.
That said, some products dedicated for the body may contain more robust chemical components that can irritate facial skin. Hence, it is essential to always check the label to ensure that you get the right product for the right purpose.
If you're looking for something that can help you combat dull and congested skin, Paula's Choice has something for you. This exfoliant contains salicylic acid that does an excellent job of removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, leaving you with a more even complexion and smoother skin.
It also comes with green tea extract that helps soothe irritations. Plus, its sodium hydroxide inclusion balances your skin's pH levels. To use it, apply it using your hands or a cotton pad. It is a leave-on exfoliant, so it does not need rinsing. It is also gentle enough for daily use, regardless of skin type.
From ₱1,537
If you have oily skin, opting for a non-comedogenic product formula is a given. A non-comedogenic exfoliant like Waso Soft+Cushy Polisher from Shiseido is unlikely to clog pores, ensuring it won't add fuel to the fire for your already demanding oily or acne-prone skin.
This dermatologist-tested product contains soy extract. It is helpful in removing the skin's excess surface cells as well as impurities deep in your pores. It also uses plant-based cellulose granules that give it a soft, whipped texture. It leaves skin feeling silky and smooth, perfect for all skin types.
The plant-based cellulose makes for a smooth and gentle application process that helps remove dead skin cells without being too abrasive. On top of that, its biodegradable properties will surely appeal to environment-friendly skincare enthusiasts!
From ₱8,110
This Luna Mini 2 Facial Cleansing Massager by Foreo will elevate your skincare activity to the next level. It functions as a mechanical cleanser that massages and exfoliates the skin simultaneously. It offers eight adjustable intensities for a more customizable cleaning experience.
Despite being a facial massager, you can utilize this dainty machine to exfoliate other body parts—even areas with the most delicate skin, due to its body-safe silicone head free from phthalates and BPA. Also, it is so compact that you easily carry it anywhere, perfect for folks always on the go.
This waterproof and rechargeable cleansing tool is 35% more hygienic than its nylon counterparts and can gently remove dirt and oil by 99.5%. Not to mention, it is also suitable for all skin types! With the product's revolutionary features, it comes with a price worth every penny.
This facial scrub from Mario Badescu is gracing this list thanks to its use of natural active ingredients. While it caters to all skin types—even the most sensitive ones, it is particularly beneficial for people with oily skin due to its almond and honey content.
Almond is known for containing vitamin D, which helps reduce acne, treating skin woes from within. Apart from that, the product is also infused with finely ground almonds and cornmeal that work to clean up pores from the surface.
Honey, on the other hand, possesses antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that eliminate dirt and bacteria. This particular benefit of honey is ideal for eliminating bacteria-causing acne, thus reducing your risk of developing them.
Indulge in the benefits of three products in one with this product from The Body Shop. The Wash Scrub Mask is infused with tea tree, which helps combat skin blemishes and reduces excess oiliness. Tea tree oil is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help treat and prevent acne.
When used as a facial wash, it can remove impurities and excess oil on the skin. If you want to exfoliate, you can use it as a scrub to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. If you wish to plump up your skin with a mask, its dry clay consistency can deliver a mattifying effect that makes the skin appear clearer and more vibrant.
It is a continuous challenge to achieve a radiant yet shine-free glow if you have oily and acne-prone skin. Fortunately, you can be one step closer to that goal with this clarifying lotion from a well-known skincare brand, Clinique. This toner is made explicitly for people with combination to oily skin types.
It contains salicylic acid and witch hazel. The former is responsible for faster skin shedding, particularly necessary for oily skin, while the latter helps reduce acne by eliminating excess oil, leaving the skin cool, fresh, and oil-free. To get better results, it is advisable to use this product twice a day.
From ₱1,390
This resurfacing peel formula offers the combined power of fruit enzymes and lactic acid. The fusion of these ingredients assists in hydrating the skin, preparing it for cell turnover that revitalizes dull skin. As a result, it promotes brighter skin with lesser fine lines and wrinkles.
This product also contains cellulose peel, an organic compound known for its strong humectant properties. It is incorporated into the formula to ensure that the skin receives enough moisture as you exfoliate to prevent it from getting dry.
This peel is suitable for combination and oily skin. But its fragrance-free and gentle formula is mild enough even for those with sensitive skin. For best results, use this product 2 to 3 times per week.
If you are on the hunt for a product that will clean your skin on the surface and remove nasty build-up from within, try this Miracle Solutions Exfoliating Cleanser from Luxe Organix. This product is specifically formulated to prevent and reduce acne, eliminate bumps, and unclog pores.
It is infused with powerful components that can eradicate oily skin woes. For one, it has salicylic acid that clears acne-causing congestion within the pores. It also contains lactic acid, an ingredient responsible for brightening skin, perfect for treating post-outbreak scars.
On top of that, tea tree extract is also incorporated into the formula. Thus, it is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent that helps calm skin irritation and redness. This makes this exfoliating cleanser perfect for folks on a tight budget!
From ₱1,250
If you are looking for a scrub you can use to exfoliate both your face and body, then try this Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub from Lush. It contains finely ground sea salt that helps eliminate dirt and bacteria build-up on the skin.
Apart from the salt's scrubby property that improves blood circulation and the skin's ability to absorb moisture, it is also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium. These minerals reduce the chances of your skin developing acne while improving its appearance.
You'll also love that this scrub is infused with avocado butter and extra virgin coconut oil to deliver moisture as you scrub, preventing the skin from getting too dry. If you are on the hunt for a multi-purpose exfoliant packed with beneficial components, this product is the way to go! We do want to mention, though, that we don't recommend this for those with sensitive skin.
From ₱259
No list of the best exfoliators is complete without St. Ives' facial scrub. The brand is extremely popular among skincare enthusiasts—for all the right reasons. It offers effective and quality products at reasonable prices, including this Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Face Scrub on the list.
This exfoliant is infused with green tea and bamboo. It is also dermatologist-tested and paraben-free, ensuring safety in every use. On top of that, it doubles as an acne medication as it contains 1% salicylic acid. This helps prevent acne from forming or speeds up the healing process of existing ones.
Apart from treating acne, its oil-free formulation can deliver radiant skin without that annoyingly greasy finish. This non-comedogenic formula from America's no.1 scrub brand is a must-have if you want to exfoliate in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible!
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz.
It is best to start off with 2 to 3 times a week. Exfoliation is good, but over-exfoliation is a no-no!
Yes! Regardless of your skin type, it is necessary to exfoliate. The process is much needed if you have oily skin to lessen and reduce any sort of build-up in the pores that usually cause acne breakouts. Be sure not to overdo it to prevent damaging your skin.
No, exfoliating doesn't make the skin thin. Exfoliation assists the natural process of renewal and turnover that our skin undergoes.
Whether you want to improve your current skin condition or maintain them, you will need more than just an exfoliator to achieve your goal. That said, we present to you our recommended products that can get you one step closer to healthier and more glowing skin. Check below to know more!
Author: E. Hubilla
Editor: J. Cuizon
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
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