Top 5 Natural Face Exfoliators: Quick Review Guide

Does your skin feel dull, rough, or just not as bright as you want it to be? Many of us chase that smooth, glowing complexion, but the path to getting there is often cluttered with confusing products. When you look for a face exfoliator, you face a jungle of ingredients. Some scrubs feel too harsh, scraping your skin raw, while others just don’t seem to do anything at all. Plus, worrying about harsh chemicals can make the whole process feel like a gamble.

Finding a natural exfoliator that truly works—gently sloughing away dead skin cells without causing irritation—is key to unlocking healthier skin. It can feel overwhelming trying to figure out which natural ingredients actually deliver results and which ones are just marketing buzz. But don’t worry! This post cuts through the noise. We will explore the best natural exfoliants that nature offers, explaining exactly how they work to reveal your fresh, vibrant skin underneath.

Keep reading to discover simple, effective, and gentle ways to polish your complexion naturally. We are about to dive deep into the ingredients you should look for and how to choose the perfect natural scrub for your skin type.

Top Natural Face Exfoliator Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Manuka Honey Exfoliating Face Scrub – Gentle Microdermabrasion Face Exfoliator to Help Smooth, Soften & Balance with Moisturizing Organic Superfoods 2oz

Get Super Soft Skin In Minutes With 9X Superfood Blend: Gentle, moisturizing microdermabrasion facial scrub professionally crafted from Nature for clearer, glowing, and youthful-looking skin. Backed by our Empty Jar Promise!
The Best Facial Scrub For Dull, Dry, Sensitive Skin: Tough on buildup, gentle on skin. With medical grade Manuka Honey and calming Australian Cehami Extract to help balance skin tone, smooth wrinkles and rejuvenate dull skin as you exfoliate
Deeply Cleanse, Thoroughly Exfoliate, Totally Rejuvenate: Our face exfoliator scrubber uses natural particles to help cleanse pores, dead skin cells, blackheads and invigorate the skin. At home facial scrub carefully crafted for sensitive skin
Tested by Dermatologists, Loved By Customers: Our face scrub is pure, ethical & sustainable, proudly made in the USA. Ditch harsh chemicals that can make your skin WORSE. Cheap products use cheap ingredients that can ruin your skin.
Scrub the Day Away Without Compromise. Cheap products use cheap ingredients that can harm the skin’s delicate biome, dry your skin and irritate sensitive skin. Our pH balanced, sulfate free exfoliating face scrub is actually GOOD for your skin.

Bestseller No. 2

Acure Brightening Facial Scrub - Exfoliating Face Wash, Gentle Daily Scrubber & Exfoliator for Women & Men for Radiant Skin, Cleansing Wash with Sea Kelp & French Green Clay - 4 fl oz

CLEANSING AND EXFOLIATING FACIAL SCRUB - Acure Brightening Facial Scrub buffs away dull, dead skin cells with finely ground botanicals to reveal smoother, more radiant-looking skin
SEA KELP AND FRENCH GREEN CLAY - Our exfoliating face wash with sea kelp, lemon peel and French green clay nourishes, detoxifies and helps promote a balanced healthy glow
DAILY BRIGHTENING CLEANSER - Awaken and exfoliate your face with our gentle scrub for women and men to reduce dullness and uneven texture, leaving skin feeling refreshed, renewed, and revitalized
VEGAN AND CRUELTY FREE - Our daily scrubber and exfoliator is made without sulfates, parabens or harsh chemicals, offering high quality care that is consciously created and skin friendly
SUITABLE FOR MOST SKIN TYPES - Our cleansing wash provides effective exfoliation while maintaining moisture balance, making it ideal for normal to combination skin

Bestseller No. 3

Vitamin C and Turmeric Face Scrub Cream Organics Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub Exfoliating Clears Blackheads Improve Dark Spot Acne with Strawberry Extract Exfoliator 130g/4.5oz

DEEP CLEANSING SKIN: Turmeric Exfoliating Scrub helps to deep clean pores, soften skin, exfoliates dead skin and unclogs pores. While helping skin reduce blackheads, acne and dark spots, even out skin tone.
ORGANIC PLANT INGREDIENTS：Our face scrubs are carefully selected these natural ingredients like turmeric, coconut oil, aloe vera, VC, walnut shell powder and strawberry extract. These high-quality ingredients can give your skin natural treatment and restore youthful state. The main turmeric and VC ingredients are rich in antioxidants, which can change the state of the skin from the inside out and you can enjoy the natural beauty.
MILD AND NON-IRRITATING：Our facial scrub features a natural turmeric scent. The natural plant formula and delicate walnut shell powder and strawberry extract help exfoliate the skin. Coconut oil and aloe vera can effectively moisturize and soothe the skin, mild and non-irritating, suitable for all types of skin.
HEALTHY AND SHINY SKIN：Vitamin C Exfoliating Scrub effectively help removes toxins from the skin, evens complexion， improve dull skin and deeply nourishes the skin. Restores your skin to a healthy condition and luster.
SPA TREATMENTS：Let's say goodbye to rough scrubs to avoid hurt the skin. Using natural, safe and gentle ingredients, our scrub can help the skin effectively exfoliate and form a protective layer, making it easy to use for a spa treatment at home.

SaleBestseller No. 4

Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Exfoliating Daily Facial Scrub, Gentle with Moisture-Rich Soy Extract, Helps Improve Skin Tone & Texture, Oil- & Soap-Free, Hypoallergenic, 5 oz

Exfoliating face scrub: Gently buffs away dead skin, surface impurities & excess oil. With naturally derived granules, non-comedogenic, oil-free, soap-free formula, designed to gently exfoliate for soft, smooth, even toned skin
Moisture-rich soy extract: Antioxidant compounds plus proteins, lipids and carbohydrates hydrate while fine granules smooth uneven texture and support a soft, smooth, even-toned finish; comforts skin without tightness or dryness after rinsing
Gentle exfoliation: Naturally derived granules provide daily exfoliation; hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic cleanser from a dermatologist-recommended brand for over 70 years, suitable for everyday use & sensitive skin
Brightening face wash: Soap-free, oil-free, paraben, phthalate, sulfate & dye-free formula cleanses & brightens dullness to reveal youthful radiance & smoother texture; works seamlessly in a simple morning or evening skincare routine
Usage guidance & care: Moisten face, massage in circular motions, then rinse & pat dry; avoid contact with the eye area & rinse thoroughly if contact occurs; gentle, daily exfoliating facial scrub that leaves skin soft, smooth & comfortable

Bestseller No. 5

DRMTLGY Microdermabrasion Facial Scrub and Face Mask. Non-Abrasive Face Exfoliator Improves Acne Scars, Blackheads, Pore Size, and Skin Texture. 2 oz

Gentle Exfoliation with Pumice Granules: Experience a luxurious exfoliation with our microdermabrasion scrub, featuring non-abrasive pumice granules to gently buff away dead skin cells, revealing a smoother complexion.
Smooth and Softened Skin: Our facial exfoliating scrub offers enriched ingredients that soften and smooth the skin, enhancing natural beauty, ensuring a refined texture with each use for a radiant glow.
Improved Skin Tone and Texture: Addresses uneven skin tone and texture, making it a top choice for beautiful skin care. Provides gentle physical exfoliation while reducing fine lines.
All natural ingredients including sugar cane extract (glycolic acid), green tea leaf extract, lemon fruit extract, and apple fruit extract. Parabens, sulfates and cruelty free.
Clean Formula Made in the USA: All DRMTLGY products are formulated right here in the USA. Please patch test before applying, if you experience allergic reactions to this product, stop using it immediately.

Bestseller No. 6

Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub Exfoliator, Face Scrub to Gently Exfoliate Away Dirt and Dead Skin Cells with Chamomile to Soften & Calm, 3.17 Ounces (Pack of 1)

Sugar Face Scrub: Palmer's Coconut Sugar Exfoliating Facial Scrub uses natural Coconut Sugar to gently buff and polish away dirt and dead skin cells, revealing a brighter, fresher and purified complexion
Natural Factors: This hydrating and calming blend of coconut water, chamomile and coconut oil helps exfoliate while maintaining skin's moisture and balance and promoting a soft and dewy complexion
Finest Ingredients: We use only the finest natural, raw ingredients for soft, hydrated and beautiful hair & skin. We support sustainable production of Shea & Cocoa Butter and Coconut Oil. You can feel good about what you put on your hair and skin
Choose What's Real: Our nourishing skin care and hair care products feature real, high-quality, plant-based ingredients. Our product line for whole body care includes body butter, creams, balms, lotions, oils, soaps, pregnancy and stretch mark care
Why Palmers? For over 180 years, Palmer's has crafted treatment-oriented beauty products using Cocoa Butter, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Olive Oil & Vitamin E to soothe, hydrate, soften, replenish and revitalize skin and hair

SaleBestseller No. 7

Facial Scrub Exfoliator - USA Made with Natural & Organic Ingredients, Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash for Sensitive & Acne Prone Skin, Microdermabrasion Scrub, Removes Dead Skin Cells (2 Fl Oz)

MADE IN USA WITH NATURAL & ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: Our face exfoliator is formulated with high-quality, organic ingredients, ensuring a pure and gentle exfoliation experience. Proudly 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒𝐀, this facial exfoliant provides the best care for your skin with a light natural scent and no parabens and other harmful chemicals and additives.
DEEP EXFOLIATION AND CLEANSING: Our cruelty-free exfoliate for face doubles as a face wash cleanser, providing an intensive cleansing experience that effectively removes dirt, oil, and impurities. The natural exfoliants 𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐨𝐟𝐟 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐬, revealing a fresher, more radiant complexion beneath.
UNCLOGS PORES FOR A RADIANT COMPLEXION: This travel friendly microdermabrasion scrub is designed to deeply cleanse pores, helping to remove impurities and excess oil. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, regular use of our facial exfoliating scrub 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐝 and looking visibly clearer.
SMOOTHES AND REFINES SKIN TEXTURE: Our scrub for face works to smooth and refine the skin's surface, enhancing its texture and tone. Consistent use 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬, evens out rough patches, and leaves your skin feeling silky soft and looking more vibrant.
WE CARE ABOUT YOU: As a small business, 𝐰𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, offering exclusively high-quality products proudly made in the USA. Every purchase you make directly supports our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Bestseller No. 8

Bliss Micro Magic Skin-renewing Microdermabrasion Scrub | Smoothing Volcanic Pumice & Purifying Kaolin Clay | Refreshed Glow Straight-from-the-Spa | Tightens Pores & Brightens Skin | 3.4 fl oz

Our straight-from-the-spa Micro Magic Scrub gently polishes away dead surface cells and cleanses skin for a soft, smooth, refreshed complexion
Fine volcanic pumice purifies and exfoliates, while aloe leaf soothes and peppermint refreshes skin
Country Of Origin: United States
Item Package Dimension: 2.1875" L x 1.40625" W x 6.59375" H

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Natural Face Exfoliator

Exfoliating your face gently removes dead skin cells. This leaves your skin looking brighter and smoother. A natural face exfoliator uses ingredients from nature. This guide helps you pick the best one for your skin.

Key Features to Look For

1. Exfoliation Type

Physical Scrubs: These use tiny grains to buff the skin. Look for fine, evenly sized particles. Big, sharp particles can hurt your skin.
Chemical Exfoliators (Natural Acids): These use fruit enzymes or acids (like AHAs from sugar or milk). They dissolve the glue holding dead skin cells together. These are often gentler for sensitive skin.

2. Ingredient Transparency

Good brands clearly list all ingredients. You should easily recognize what you are putting on your face. Avoid products with very long chemical names you cannot pronounce.

3. Skin Suitability

Check if the product states which skin type it suits best (e.g., oily, dry, sensitive). A good exfoliator works with your skin, not against it.

Important Natural Materials

The best natural exfoliators use safe, effective ingredients. Here are key materials you want to see:

For Physical Scrubbing:

Ground Seeds or Nuts: Finely ground apricot kernels, jojoba beads, or walnut shells. Ensure they are ground very smoothly to prevent micro-tears.
Sugar or Salt: These dissolve somewhat during use, making them less abrasive than hard seeds, especially good for body scrubs but usable on tougher facial skin.
Oatmeal or Rice Powder: Very gentle options, perfect for sensitive or easily irritated skin.

For Chemical/Enzymatic Action:

Fruit Enzymes: Papaya (contains papain) or Pineapple (contains bromelain) are excellent natural cell removers.
Plant Extracts: Willow bark extract naturally contains salicylic acid, which helps clear pores.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality Boosters:

Added Hydrators: Ingredients like Aloe Vera, Glycerin, or natural oils (like Jojoba or Rosehip) keep skin moist after exfoliation.
Antioxidants: Vitamin C from citrus or Green Tea extract help protect skin from damage.
Small Batch Production: Smaller batches often mean fresher ingredients.

Quality Reducers (Ingredients to Avoid):

Sharp, Irregular Particles: Crushed nutshells with sharp edges severely reduce quality because they cause tiny cuts.
Harsh Preservatives: While some preservation is necessary, excessive use of parabens or strong synthetic preservatives lowers the “natural” quality.
Artificial Fragrances/Dyes: These often irritate the skin unnecessarily.

User Experience and Use Cases

How It Should Feel:

A quality natural exfoliator should feel gentle when massaged onto damp skin. You should notice a mild tingling sensation if it contains fruit acids, but never a burning or painful stinging feeling. Rinse-off should leave your skin feeling soft, not tight or stripped.

When to Use It:

Twice Weekly: Most people benefit from exfoliating two times per week.
Evening Routine: Exfoliation makes your skin more sensitive to the sun. Use it at night before applying your moisturizer.
Post-Cleansing: Always apply the exfoliator to freshly cleansed skin.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Natural Face Exfoliators

Q: How often should I use a natural face exfoliator?

A: Most people find using it once or twice a week works best. Over-exfoliating causes redness and irritation.

Q: Can I use a body scrub on my face?

A: Generally, no. Body scrubs use larger, rougher particles designed for tougher body skin. Facial skin needs much finer grains.

Q: What is the main difference between sugar and salt scrubs?

A: Sugar crystals are rounder and dissolve faster, making them softer. Salt crystals are sharper and can be too harsh for the delicate skin on your face.

Q: Will a natural exfoliator help with acne?

A: Yes, if it contains ingredients like Willow Bark extract or gentle fruit enzymes. They help clear clogged pores, which reduces breakouts.

Q: Is it okay if my natural exfoliator contains oil?

A: Yes, especially if you have dry skin. Oils like jojoba or argan nourish the skin while you scrub.

Q: What should I apply immediately after exfoliating?

A: Apply a gentle, hydrating serum or moisturizer. Your skin absorbs products better right after exfoliation.

Q: Can sensitive skin use natural exfoliators?

A: Yes, look specifically for options using oatmeal, rice powder, or mild fruit enzymes. Always patch-test first.

Q: How do I know if I am scrubbing too hard?

A: If you see redness lasting more than 15 minutes after washing the product off, you are scrubbing too hard or too often.

Q: Does “natural” always mean better quality?

A: Not always. A natural product can still use poorly sourced or overly harsh natural materials. Always check the ingredient list carefully.

Q: Should I wet my face before applying the scrub?

A: Yes. Always wet your face first. Applying a scrub to dry skin increases friction and causes damage.