Our Lead Esthetician, Monica, weighs in on the differences between Physical VS Chemical Exfoliators and which one is best for you. Learn the benefits of both and our top picks in each category.
WHICH EXFOLIATOR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Physical exfoliation refers to granules that you physically manipulate on the surface of the skin to remove surface dead skin cells. Chemical exfoliation refers to exfoliation via acids, most commonly known as Beta Hydroxy Acids (Salicylic Acid) and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (Glycolic, Lactic, Malic, etc.) that loosen the bonds between dead skin cells.
Physical exfoliation is effective for most skin types for instant gratification and a smoother texture, but may not be ideal for those with very sensitive or inflamed skin (severe acne or rosacea clients would not be good candidates).
Chemical exfoliation is a good choice for almost anyone who wants radiance without scrubbing, but it depends on the type of acid and the strength. For example, Salicylic Acid is best suited for oily skin because it is attracted to oil (Lipophilic) to slough away dead skin on the surface and deep inside pores, whereas Glycolic Acid can stimulate collagen production in aging skin. Acids vary in potency depending on the formulation, so if you’re sensitive, try a patch test.
Don’t want to choose? Look for a product that does it all with both chemical and physical exfoliators in one.
CHEMICAL EXFOLIATORS
AHA Glycolic Acid goes to work to hydrate and exfoliate.
This essence gently removes impurities and repairs damaged skin.
A resurfacing treatment illuminates and breaks down dead skin.
PHYSICAL EXFOLIATORS
The best of both, physical and chemical exfoliation, without irritation.
Gentle enough for every day and magically revives dullness.
Detoxicating clay and fruit acid cleanser removes makeup and impurities.
Environ
Tri Bio-Botanical Revival Masque
$93
Youth to the People
Superberry Hydrate + Glow Dream Mask
$52
Nature Of Things
Clarifying Facial Polish
$65
Youth to the People
Yerba Mate Resurfacing Energy Facial
$59
Goldfaden MD
Doctor's Scrub
$78
Tammy Fender
Epi-Peel
$95
SIO Beauty
Super Eye Lift - 2 pack
$34
VENN
Concentrated Revitalizing Lifting Mask
$85
alpyn beauty
Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel
$56
SIO Beauty
Eye + Smile Lift - 4 pack
$39.99
Bynacht
Über Glow Gel Peeling AHA
$80
SIO Beauty
Eye + Smile Lift - 2 pack
$29.99
SIO Beauty
BrowLift
$29.99
Decree
SOS Revitalising Eye Mask
$16
Decree
Weekly Decree
$167
Superegg
Calm Movements Eye + Cheek Mask
$50
Environ
Hydroxy Acid Sebu-Clear Masque
$56
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Facial Scrub
$75
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Face Mask
$125
Goldfaden MD
Facial Detox Mask
$68
Nature Of Things
Rejuvenating Overnight Facial Mask
$85
Irene Forte
Pistachio Face Mask
$180
MBR
Awake & Lift Eye Patches
$182
SIO Beauty
ChestLift
$49.99
Pai
Resurrection Girl
$49
Decree
SOS Revitalising Face Sheet Mask
$143
SIO Beauty
Super Lip Lift - 2 pack
$29.99
Decree
Decree SOS Revitalising Mask Edit
$38
SIO Beauty
Super Eyelift-4 pack
$39.99
SkinCeuticals
Hydrating B5 Masque
$66
SkinCeuticals
Phyto Corrective Masque
$66
Youth to the People
Mandelic Acid + Superfood Unity Exfoliant, Travel
$16
Environ
Anti Pollution Mask
$43
Tammy Fender
Restorative Radiance Masque
$195
SIO Beauty
Super Lip Lift-4 pack
$39.99
BEAUTYCOUNTER
Reflect Effect 3-in-1 Facial Tool
$25
BEAUTYCOUNTER
Reflect Effect AHA Smoothing Facial Mask
$96
Bynacht
Autocorrect Texture and Glow Mask
$190
VENN
Collagen Intensive Phyto-Vitamin A Renewal Mask
$47
VENN
Collagen Intensive Phyto-Vitamin A Resurfacing Mask
$120
Haoma
Resurfacing Mycelium Gel Mask
$65
MDO
Skin Rescue Sheet Mask
$55
MDO
Collagen Boost Sheet Mask
$55
Youth to the People
Brighter Tomorrow
$22
Beautology Lab
24K Gold Collagen Eye Masks - 5 Pair Box
$22
Dr. Barbara Sturm
Anti-Aging Body Scrub
$110
alpyn beauty
Pore Perfecting Liquid
$39
Ignae
Volcanic Clay Mask
$154
