14 Best Exfoliators for Mature Skin, According to Dermatologists

Recommended by both Dr. Spearman and Dr. Garshick, this overnight treatment is a powerhouse exfoliator that works with all skin types. The 10% pure glycolic acid does most of the heavy lifting to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells while a small dose of phytic acid helps brighten and protect the new layer of revealed skin. Finishing the formula are a number of soothing botanicals which help your skin feel softer and more radiant. Because of its potency, Dr. Garshick recommends using it only a few times a week, though it has shown to be suitable for nightly use.

What a reviewer says: “My skin prior to using this, was really textured on my cheeks, however after the first use, I saw amazing results! My skin is getting smoother and has an amazing glow. I use the serum three times a week, alternating with my Retinol.”

New to exfoliators? Dr. Spearman loves this budget choice for first-time chemical exfoliant users. Not only is the price right (under $10!), but she says the percentage of lactic acid in this formula is “gentle and hydrating,” meaning it resurfaces and tones your skin while minimizing irritation.

What a reviewer says: “My skin feels overall smoother and more even toned. I have sensitive skin and this feels gentle enough, no redness so far. I think it’s a great affordable exfoliant that delivers noticeable improvement.”

Dr. Wood calls this drugstore choice “a favorite for years” for its potent but gentle formula that uses salicylic acid to unclog pores and soothing cucumber and green tea extracts to calm the skin. Specially formulated for those with acne-prone skin to prevent further breakouts, Wood says it is effective for all skin types, including sensitive, and helps reduce redness.

What a reviewer says: “This cream wash works wonders for stressed and breakout-prone skin. It cleans deeply, helps reduce redness, and prevents new breakouts without over-drying. My skin feels balanced, refreshed, and noticeably clearer with consistent use. Great for mature skin!”

Dr. Camp and Dr. Wood both recommend this popular serum from skincare brand Sunday Riley for those with sensitive skin, which catapulted to its top-tier viral status after being included in Oprah’s Favorite Things list back in 2018. “It’s gentle enough for daily use,” says Dr. Camp of the lactic acid-containing treatment that also includes a bevy of smoothing and calming botanicals like licorice, lemongrass, arnica, and aloe. Unsurprisingly, its popularity has not waned, and it an editor favorite here at Prevention as well.

What an editor says: “I really struggled with finding an exfoliator that didn’t not break out my dry, sensitive, and breakout prone skin—until I splurged on Good Genes,” says Senior Commerce Editor Charlotte Lewis Finigan. “It instantly brightens and soothes my skin, while getting rid of dull and textured patches. Since using it, my skin feels way softer and more moisturized.”

Looking for an overnight treatment that’s affordable, moisturizing, and dermatologist-approved? Dr. Wood recommends this treatment from CeraVe: “The added hyaluronic acid and ceramides really help to prevent the drying effects chemical exfoliators often produce,” she says. The multi-AHA formula is also particularly effective in helping reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles—an added bonus.

What a reviewer says: “I call this my ‘wake up and glow’ potion. It tingles a bit (which feels promising), and my skin looks smoother without the horror-movie peel. It’s like a mini chemical peel that doesn’t come with regret. I love how gentle and effective it is, especially for mature, sensitive skin like mine.”

Kate Somerville has been synonymous with dermatologist-approved skincare for years. Dr. Camp says if you are in the market for an exfoliating cleanser, you can’t top this viral favorite. “Used just one to two times a week, this exfoliating treatment eliminates dull skin, removes buildup and residue, and reveals smoother, healthier-looking skin,” he says.

What a reviewer says: “I love the silky texture of the product and how it cleanses but doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight and dry. The enzymes provide a gentle exfoliation over time, and it works really well as a second cleanser!”

“This exfoliating serum incorporates AHAs like lactic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid and BHA like salicylic acid to help get rid of dead skin cells and improve overall texture and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” Dr. Garshick shares. Even better, its formula is packed with peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to help strengthen the skin barrier and protect against free radical damage. “It’s great for overall signs of skin aging,” she explains.

What a reviewer says: “Great stuff. It’s quick and easy and very effective. I use it once or twice a week and it helps keep my skin looking great. I’m in my early 60s with sun-damaged, slightly sensitive skin and this helps keep the bumpy-uglies at bay. No itching, burning, or irritation, just lovely smooth skin in the morning.”

Those with oily skin should add this serum that Dr. Camp (and many others!) call “wildly popular.” Its beloved by skincare enthusiasts for its reasonable price tag and extreme effectiveness. Dr. Camp recommends it specifically for those who lean oily, saying: “This leave-on liquid exfoliant includes salicylic acid to clear pores and even skin tone.”—and over 109,000 Amazon reviewers agree.

What a reviewer says: “This exfoliant truly lives up to the hype! The 2% salicylic acid formula works gently yet powerfully to unclog pores, reduce blackheads, and refine skin texture. I started seeing smoother, clearer skin in just a few days. It also minimizes pore size and gives a subtle glow without irritation. The lightweight, water‑like texture absorbs quickly (though there’s a slight sticky feel that fades) and layers beautifully under moisturizer and SPF.”

Dr. Wood calls this pick “one of the most effective yet gentle face scrubs that is on the market.” That is likely due to its formula, which contains volcanic minerals. “[The minerals] act as a gentle physical exfoliator,” she explains. If you are searching for that squeaky clean feeling that comes from using a facial scrub without the abrasiveness, this is her choice.

What a reviewer says: “After decades of multiple products, I finally get the skin texture that is baby soft from this product’s microsphere exfoliant. Actually gave up my Amore Pacifica dry exfoliator for this and it has permanently changed my mind. Satisfied with this scrub and loving my skin texture; buy this it really is worth the results.”

This physical exfoliant is as gentle as they come. Its key ingredient, a finely milled rice powder, combines with moisturizing and calming green tea and algae for a non-irritating finish for even the most sensitive skin. Dr. Spearman enjoys that this exfoliant turns into a creamy foam, perfect for those who want mild manual exfoliation without stripping or drying.

What a reviewer says: “I use it once a week for a skin refresh and it works AMAZING. For high exfoliation, pour in hand and add a LITTLE water, mix and apply on DRY skin. Gently rub in circular motion for 15 seconds and then add water to turn into foam to wash off completely. Your skin will feel soft, smooth and fresh. Your other skin products will absorb better and any skin texture will be addressed. One container lasts me eight months.”

Resurfacing pads are a great solution for anyone looking for an “easy to use and a great all-in-option,” says Dr. Wood. Utilizing Skinbetter’s patented retinoid-AHA blend, this single pad can help reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, pores, and rough patches to reveal a more radiant and youthful complexion. Though they may seem pricey, Dr. Wood says they can be used once per week, meaning that a 30 pad supply can last upwards of six months.

What a reviewer says: “Honestly, the best product I’ve found for controlling acne and evening out my skin tone. I only use one pad weekly, and it lasts forever. Totally worth every penny!”

For those who struggle with hyperpigmentation, it is time to meet the power of kojic acid, a potent anti-oxidant that has become a buzzy skincare ingredient due to its incredible brightening and anti-aging properties. It works its exfoliating magic overnight— combined with tranexamic acid and moisturizing niacinamide—in this treatment that comes recommended by Dr. Spearman. “It targets uneven tone while you sleep,” she says.

What a reviewer says: “With each of my pregnancies, I got dark spots. Now in my 50s, they really make me look old! This cream works so well at reducing the dark spots and even moisturizes my skin. This is one of my favorite products of all my skin care products, not just Peter Thomas Roth, but every product I’ve ever tried!”

If PTR’s overnight treatment is slightly out of budget, Dr. Garshick offers this choice from drugstore available brand, La Roche-Posay for a more affordable alternative. It uses the same key ingredients—kojic acid and tranexamic acid—and adds glycolic acid, vitamin B5, and thermal spring water “to help soothe the skin.” She recommends this as a “good option for all skin types,” especially those concerned with dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

What a reviewer says: “Excellent product ! I developed hyperpigmentation on my hands because of sun rays while I drive car , I was thinking to have laser treatment but I don’t not if I am eligible for this treatment or not, story short I started to use this serum, my hand dark pigmentation is getting lighter and lighter every day!!!!”

Dr. Garshick recommends adding this exfoliating PHA toner to your routine if you are looking to brighten while exfoliating. “I especially love that it is lightweight and won’t leave the skin feeling dry,” she adds of its formula which also includes prickly pear, aloe vera and acai extracts. Gentle enough to use up to twice a day, she also recommends the toner to use before applying skincare and makeup.

What a reviewer says: “My skin barrier is compromised and so my skin is sensitive. I cannot use retinol, glycolic acid, niacinimide or alpahhydroxy acids. I was hesitant to try this product, but my skin was getting so clogged with little bumps and dry patches. I used this one night before bed, let it dry and then slathered my face with Avene moisturizer. The next day my skin was shedding the dry patches and the bumps were practically gone. I waited one week to let my skin do its thing and then started using it once a day then twice a day. I have had zero issues and my skin looks great.”