Best Exfoliators For Men

The skin on your face shouldn’t be treated in the same manner as the skin on the rest of your body.  In order to have a skincare routine that is on point, you need to approach the process a bit differently than if you were simply scrubbing your body clean with your favorite bar of soap or body wash.

Exfoliators Compared

RankingExfoliatorSize (ounces)Exfoliating MaterialScentAll Natural?PricePrice per OunceAwardRating
1Jack Black Face Scrub3.00Bamboo PowderUnscentedYes$30$10.00Best Overall96
2Rugged & Dapper – Daily Power Scrub Facial Cleanser8.00Jojoba BeadsClean ScentYes$27$3.38All Skin Types95
3Biotherm Homme Facial Exfoliator for Men5.07Gel particulatesClean ScentNo$55$10.85Luxury Pick91
4Brickell Men’s Renewing Face Scrub4.00Jojoba BeadsCoffee, Green TeaYes$22$5.50Nearly All Natural89
5TOULON Exfoliating Scrub Face and Body For Men4.00WalnutUnscentedYes$11$2.75Walnut Grit85

Jack Black Face Scrub

Best Overall

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What We Think:

If you want a great general use exfoliator, then Jack Black’s Face Buff Energizing Scrub is a top contender in the market. This scrub will help to remove dead skin cells and open up pores to give you a better shave. Just be aware that it may be too harsh for those with sensitive skin.

Pros

Removes dead skin cells that can cause ingrown hairs

Opens pores to help with shaving

Menthol provides a refreshing and cooling sensation

Cons

May be too harsh for those with sensitive skin

When it comes to high-end men’s grooming products, Jack Black is among the elite.

With their formulas, typically colorant-free, nearly all-natural, along with being dermatologist tested, you simply can’t go wrong picking up one of their many great products.

Jack Black adds to their already impressive lineup of shampoos, conditioners, and shaving creams a face buff that will work to kick out the dead skin cells that are staying way too long in your pores.

But what makes this exfoliator so unique from the rest of the pack is how it fits into your grooming routine.

If you, like many men, shave several times a week, you know just how painful of an experience an ingrown hair can be.

This exfoliator by Jack Black was specifically designed to not only get the dead skin cells out of your pores but also do an effective job at opening the pores as well.

Face Buff Energizing Scrub is meant to be a part of your pre-shave ritual.  When using it, you will want to apply this before a pre-shave oil application to prep your skin.

The ‘Energizing’ property of this scrub comes from its inclusion of menthol.  Not some synthetic junk like other manufacturers, this scrub contains Mentha arvensis leaf oil that is used as a natural extract in luxury products (source).

When it comes to the actual exfoliation of this product, it’s going to be among the best performers on this list and should leave your pores feeling refreshed throughout the course of the day.

Your manly skin will thank you for using this stuff!

What customers are saying: Many men find this exfoliator highly effective for deep cleansing and appreciate its scent and texture.

Rugged & Dapper – Daily Power Scrub Facial Cleanser

All Skin Types

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What We Think:

This is a great facial cleanser for men that is packed with natural ingredients. We like the astringent properties and the fact that it can help to reduce pore size and even out skin tone. The satisfaction guarantee is also a nice touch.

Pros

Astringent properties

Reduces pore size

Evens out skin tone and complexion

Cons

This one can be a bit hard to find in stores

Unlike other exfoliators for men that rely on pumice or walnut powder to lift the dead skin cells from the surface of your skin, this facial cleanser by Rugged & Dapper relies on willow bark to do the heavy lifting when cleaning up your face.

But that’s not all…

This product is full of other ingredients that just simply aren’t found in many of the exfoliators we have listed so far.

Case and point would be the inclusion of burdock root.  This root (which is all-natural), is a natural astringent that will help to reduce the pore sizes on your face after application.

Therefore, if you have enormous pores it should help out tremendously.  In addition to the astringent properties, burdock root will also help to even out the tone and complexion of your face.  If all this sounds familiar, it should, these are very similar properties found in witch hazel – a common ingredient in natural aftershave balms.

Packed in a hearty 8oz container, this exfoliator, while having a higher initial price point, is actually a bargain when compared to others on the market at a price per ounce comparison.

Generally speaking, this product is geared for men of all skin types and ages.  Overall, a great formulation that you should check out given its 60 days, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

What customers are saying: Customers have mixed opinions about the Rugged & Dapper exfoliator, with some praising its texture, deep cleaning abilities, and effectiveness for removing dirt or oil from the skin. However, others find the scent off-putting and unpleasant, which affects the overall experience.

Biotherm Homme Facial Exfoliator for Men

Luxury Pick

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What We Think:

Looking to splurge on your next facial exfoliator? This one from Biotherm is a great pick for luxury-seekers! Made specifically for men’s thicker, collagen-filled skin, it’s packed with tiny grains to help clear out dead skin cells and achieve a healthier complexion.

Pros

Formulated specifically for men’s skin

Packed with tiny grains to get dead skin cells free from your pores

Aims at your general face

Cons

Not for around the eyes

A bit pricey

Similar in nature to the Jack Black Face Buff that was discussed earlier, this facial exfoliator by Biotherm is designed to be used a few times a week before you shave.

The light green solution within Biotherm is packed with tiny grains that will work to get dead skin cells free from your pores for a healthier complexion.

Beyond complexion, this exfoliator has been formulated specifically for men to account for our naturally thicker and collagen-filled skin to achieve maximum results.

As recommended by Biotherm, this exfoliator is primarily aimed at your general face and not around the eyes.  Therefore, when using this product, don’t expect it to get rid of fine lines or dark circles under your eyes when applying.

This product is great for men who are looking for an exfoliator brand that is crafted from a luxury design house and isn’t afraid of spending a few extra bucks for quality.

What customers are saying: The exfoliator is highly praised for its effectiveness in deep cleaning and leaving skin refreshed. It’s also considered suitable for any skin type.

Brickell Men’s Renewing Face Scrub

Nearly All Natural

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What We Think:

If you are the type of guy that likes to read the ingredient list on everything you put on your skin or eat, then this scrub is for you. There are only 8 ingredients in the entire product and they are all easily recognizable.

Pros

It doesn’t get much cleaner on the ingredient list than this

Only 8 ingredients in the entire scrub

There’s no mention of Microbeads, so this is a more environmentally friendly choice

Cons

Just because it is natural doesn’t mean you still shouldn’t patch test

It’s a little pricey for only 4oz

Packed with pumice, avocado oil, and jojoba oil this renewing face scrub by Brickell is just what the dermatologist would likely order for a more even keel skin complexion.

Working with men of all skin varieties, this universal face scrub by Brickell is another addition to their impressive lineup of men’s grooming products.

Whether it’s a specially formulated shampoo or a general use conditioner – Brickell has been serving men in the grooming realm extremely well.

This renewing face scrub is specially formulated for a man’s tough skin relies on 98% natural ingredients and 70% organic.

Many men may wonder if this is a true exfoliator since it’s not mentioned on the label.

However, with the inclusion of pumice, this product’s core purpose is to remove dead skin cells – thus making it classified as an exfoliator.

Coming in either 2 or 4oz varieties, the smaller version is TSA friendly so you can look great while on the road when you have this packed away in your Dopp kit.

Lastly, regarding the harmful stuff that is found in the big box brands (i.e. parabens, colorants, etc.) this scrub is noticeably absent of these potentially hazardous ingredients.

Like many of the other Brickell products we reviewed, this scrub has been made in the USA and therefore meets more stringent quality standards.

What customers are saying: Customers praise the exfoliator for effectively cleaning oily skin and giving a refreshed and smooth feeling after use. They also mention that the scrub has a pleasant scent, doesn’t cause irritation on sensitive skin, and works well when paired with other face care products.

TOULON Exfoliating Scrub Face and Body For Men

Walnut Grit

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What We Think:

This is an excellent product for men who are looking for an affordable and reliable facial scrub. Chamomile is a particularly useful ingredient for those with acne-prone skin. We also really love the walnut grit that helps to exfoliate the skin.

Pros

Men absolutely love this product

Incredibly affordable

Suitable for all skin types

Cons

A small number of men felt that this product didn’t quite lather up as much as they would have liked

TOULON caught our attention for a few reasons.  First and foremost, its heavy reliance on walnut as its primary exfoliating agent, secondly, much of the ingredients within this product are completely all-natural.

But what really made this out to be one of our top picks is the inclusion of Vitamin E (which works wonders on your skin), B5, aloe vera, and chamomile.

While chamomile may sound like an ingredient packed in most women’s products, men should never overlook its benefits to your skin.

Chamomile is a natural ingredient (from a flower) that is an antioxidant while also containing anti-fungal properties.  This means that if you have severe acne, this key ingredient may prove to be incredibly effective at fully washing out your pores to prevent any sort of whiteheads or blackheads from appearing.

Regarding the skin type of this particular exfoliator, it is safe to use on just about any skin type.  So, if you have dry to oily skin, it should get you back to the proper pH balance on your face.

Packed in a 4oz container, this exfoliator has a very light scent upon application and shouldn’t feel too off-putting or dominant.

For extra peace of mind, this product is paraben-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and free of synthetic fragrances (which can be extremely hazardous).

Of all the exfoliators for men that we outline in this article, this is the one product with the highest peer review score (4.9).  With an incredibly low price point, this is worthy of your consideration.

What customers are saying: This exfoliating face wash is highly appreciated for its effectiveness on sensitive and dry skin, as well as its ability to keep the skin moisturized and hydrated. However, some customers find it too abrasive or harsh, and a few were disappointed with the results and scent.

Why Exfoliators Help

Your skin is a living organ and is always in the process of shedding dead skin cells.  Men who don’t care for their skin will experience premature wrinkles, dark spots and appear tired. So when you exfoliate two to three times weekly, expect your skin to take on a more youthful appearance.

A good exfoliator can also help with the following:

  • Reduced Appearance of Large Pores: The build-up of oil and dead skin cells will make your pores appear more prominent. Grit from an exfoliator can get deep into the pores and lift the oil, dirt, and dead skin cells, allowing for an even appearance.
  • Reduce Acne: Sebum oil can cause clogging for pores.  When this happens, acne will occur.  Regular exfoliation can help to prevent the build-up of oil before a whitehead or blackhead forms.
  • Tone Skin: If you have a reddish shade or dark spots in some parts of your face, exfoliators with witch hazel can help tone your skin’s appearance. 

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Dermatologists recommend exfoliating between one and three times a week.  If your skin becomes too dry or irritated, then exfoliate less frequently. However, if you are still experiencing large pores or acne, consider increasing the number of times you exfoliate.

If you have sensitive skin, consider exfoliating once a week and gradually increase if your skin allows.

Adam Williams

As the lead editor of Tools of Men, Adam loves men's grooming products. Particularly of interest is managing facial hair and perfecting the art of the modern man's skincare routine. His work has been featured or quoted in several publications, including New York Magazine, Vice, Sharpologist, MIC, Elite Daily, and more. When Adam isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his two little kids who keep him both on his toes and young at heart.

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