Exfoliants
Exfoliants lift away dull, dead surface cells to reveal smoother, brighter skin. They include chemical acids (AHAs like glycolic and lactic, BHAs like salicylic, and gentler PHAs) as well as physical exfoliants, and help with texture, tone, congestion and the look of fine lines.
Shop Exfoliants at Skintique173 ingredients in this category
Adansonia Digitata Seed Powder
ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED POWDER
A plant-derived powder that gently buffs away dead skin cells
AHA
alpha hydroxy acid
AKA alpha hydroxy acid Exfoliates skin and improves visible signs of ageing
AHA - Alpha Hydroxy Acid
alpha hydroxy acid
Water-soluble acids for surface exfoliation and renewal
Artemisia Montana Leaf Powder
ARTEMISIA MONTANA LEAF POWDER
A plant-derived powder with gentle physical exfoliating properties
Avena Sativa Bran Extract
AVENA SATIVA BRAN EXTRACT
A plant-derived exfoliant with potential antioxidant properties from oat bran
Avena Sativa Kernel Flour
AVENA SATIVA KERNEL FLOUR
A gentle, plant-derived exfoliant derived from ground oat kernels
Bambusa Arundinacea Juice
BAMBUSA ARUNDINACEA JUICE
Plant-derived exfoliant with gentle physical polish and skin-conditioning properties
Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder
BAMBUSA ARUNDINACEA STEM POWDER
A plant-derived physical exfoliant from bamboo stem fibres
Behenyl Alcohol
Is considered a fatty, non-drying form of alcohol | Used as a thickener and moisturising ingredient in cosmetics
Betaine Salicylate
Derived from sugar beets
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Ancient frankincense resin extract for calming inflammation
Broad Spectrum
Protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays | Requires a critical wavelength test and SPF 15 or greater to make a broad spectrum claim (FDA)
Calcium Lactate
CALCIUM LACTATE
A calcium compound with mild exfoliating and pH-balancing properties
Calcium Titanium Borosilicate
CALCIUM TITANIUM BOROSILICATE
A glass-derived mineral that gently buffs away dead skin cells
Camellia Oleifera Leaf Powder
CAMELLIA OLEIFERA LEAF POWDER
Plant-derived exfoliant powder from tea leaves for gentle surface renewal
Canadian Willowherb
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Botanical extract that calms irritation and controls excess oil
Cannabis Sativa Seedcake Powder
CANNABIS SATIVA SEEDCAKE POWDER
A plant-derived powder that gently exfoliates through mechanical action
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
2-hydroxyl-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
A derivative (ester) of salicylic acid Exfoliates skin
Centaurea Cyanus Seed
CENTAUREA CYANUS SEED
Plant-derived abrasive exfoliant from cornflower seeds
Centella Asiatica Derivatives
Asiaticoside
Isolated cica compounds for targeted skin soothing
Cetearyl Olivate
An oily, somewhat waxy ester of cetearyl alcohol and the fatty
Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose
Derivative of fatty alcohol cetearyl alcohol and a thicker oil known as 2-ethylhexanoic acid | Works as a rich emollient
Charcoal
Primarily carbon substance formed by charring organic material
Chelating Agent
Any of numerous ingredients that bind with metal ions or metallic compounds | Prevents metal ions from adhering to skin, hair, or clothing
Chloroacetic Acid
CHLOROACETIC ACID
A chemical exfoliant that dissolves dead skin cells to reveal smoother texture
Chondrus Crispus Powder
CHONDRUS CRISPUS POWDER
A natural seaweed-derived exfoliant with gentle mechanical action
Cicer Arietinum Seed Powder
CICER ARIETINUM SEED POWDER
A plant-derived physical exfoliant from chickpea seeds
Citrullus Lanatus Seed
CITRULLUS LANATUS SEED
A gentle physical exfoliant derived from watermelon seeds with potential moisturising properties
Cocos Nucifera Fruit
COCOS NUCIFERA FRUIT
A natural exfoliant derived from coconut fruit, used to physically remove dead skin cells
Coffea Arabica Seed Powder
COFFEA ARABICA SEED POWDER
Ground coffee seeds that work as a gentle physical exfoliant for surface texture
Coffea Robusta Seed Powder
COFFEA ROBUSTA SEED POWDER
Ground coffee seed particles for gentle mechanical exfoliation
Coral Powder
CORAL POWDER
A mineral-derived physical exfoliant derived from coral sources
Cucumis Sativus Seed
CUCUMIS SATIVUS SEED
A natural exfoliant derived from cucumber seeds with gentle polishing action
Cyclopentasiloxane
Enhances the silky-smooth spreadabilty and sensorial feel of a product | Promotes even distribution other ingredients in a formula
Diamond Powder
DIAMOND POWDER
A crystalline abrasive that mechanically exfoliates the skin's surface
Diatomaceous Earth
DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
A mineral exfoliant derived from fossilised diatom shells
Dicalcium Phosphate
DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE
A mineral abrasive used in skincare to provide gentle physical exfoliation
Dicaprylyl Ether
Oil derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oils | Provides smooth spreadability and non-greasy emolliency
Diisooctyl Succinate
Liquid emollient that lends a cushiony texture and silky finish to creams and balms | May also be used to disperse sunscreen ingredients
Egg Shell Powder
EGG SHELL POWDER
A natural powder derived from eggshell membranes with gentle exfoliating properties
Eriodictyon Californicum Flower … Stem Extract
Soothes irritated skin | Reduces inflammation and redness
Ethyl Lactyl Retinoate
ETHYL LACTYL RETINOATE
A stabilised retinoid derivative designed to support skin renewal and texture refinement
Ethyl Macadamiate
Plant-derived or synthetically made ingredient that is sometimes used as a substitute for silicones | Imparts emollient, skin-softening properties without a greasy feel
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Powder
EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF POWDER
A mechanical exfoliant derived from eucalyptus leaves for physical skin polishing
Euphorbia Cerifera Wax
Euphorbia cerifera wax is a type of wax derived from candelilla
Euterpe Oleracea Pulp Powder
EUTERPE OLERACEA PULP POWDER
Amazonian palm berry powder with antioxidant and gentle exfoliating properties
Euterpe Oleracea Seed Powder
EUTERPE OLERACEA SEED POWDER
A gentle plant-based exfoliant derived from açaí seeds
Fibronectin
Type of protein known as a glycoprotein (protein + carbohydrate)
Fruit Extracts
Various Fruit Extracts
Antioxidant-rich blend from various fruits
Garnet Powder
GARNET POWDER
A mineral abrasive for physical exfoliation of the skin surface
Glycine Soja Hull
GLYCINE SOJA HULL
A gentle physical exfoliant derived from soybean husks
Glycolic Acid
types of AHA
The smallest AHA, and the most researched
Helianthus Annuus Seedcake
HELIANTHUS ANNUUS SEEDCAKE
Plant-derived physical exfoliant from sunflower seed residue
Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Powder
HIBISCUS SABDARIFFA FLOWER POWDER
A plant-derived physical exfoliant from hibiscus flowers
Holy Herb Extract
Eriodictyon Californicum Extract
Native American botanical for soothing and protection
Honey Powder
HONEY POWDER
A natural powder derived from honey, primarily used as a gentle exfoliant and skin conditioner
Hordeum Vulgare Powder
HORDEUM VULGARE POWDER
A natural exfoliant derived from barley grain that gently buffs away surface debris
Hordeum Vulgare Seed Flour
HORDEUM VULGARE SEED FLOUR
A finely milled cereal powder that gently buffs away dead skin cells
Hydrolyzed Corn Starch
Modified version of corn starch known for its humectant (hydrating) properties | Also functions as an opacifying agent and/or binding agent (to mesh ingredients together)
Hydrolyzed Jojoba Protein
Derived from jojoba seeds | Has hydrating and conditioning properties
Hydrolyzed Quinoa
Complete protein for skin and hair repair
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Naturally derived thickening agent | Comes from cellulose, a sugar found in the cell walls of plants
Hydroxypropyl Guar
Legume-based polysaccharide derived from guar gum | Functions as a thickening agent, film-former, and texture enhancer
Isoparaffin
Saturated white wax derived from petroleum | Highly purified for use in cosmetics
Isostearyl Alcohol
Emollient— provides long-lasting moisture and softens skin | Viscosity control—helps improve product texture and flow
Java Tea Extract
Orthosiphon Stamineus Leaf Extract
Southeast Asian botanical for detoxifying and clarifying skin
Juglans Regia Seed
JUGLANS REGIA SEED
A finely textured physical exfoliant derived from walnut seed
Juglans Regia Shell Powder
JUGLANS REGIA SHELL POWDER
A natural exfoliating powder derived from walnut shell fragments
Kaolin
Naturally occurring clay mineral famously used in cosmetics for its absorbent properties | Particularly popular in facial masks targeted at reducing skin’s surface oil
Kaolin Clay
Kaolin
Gentle white clay for all skin types
Krameria Triandra Root Powder
KRAMERIA TRIANDRA ROOT POWDER
A plant-derived powder that gently buffs away dead skin cells
Lactide
LACTIDE
A lactate-releasing polymer that may support natural collagen production
Lactobionic Acid
One of the polyhydroxy acids, chemically similar to AHAs Slower penetration means a gentler experience
Lactococcus Ferment Lysate
Postbiotic skin care ingredient, derived from probiotics through the fermentation process | Offers potential anti-ageing benefits due to its mitigation of visible sun damage
Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate
Created by fermenting Raphanus sativus (radish) roots with the microorganism, Leuconostoc | Used as a preservative in cosmetics and skin care
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Flour
LINUM USITATISSIMUM SEED FLOUR
Plant-derived exfoliant and absorbent with a gentle, granular texture
Luffa Cylindrica Fruit Powder
LUFFA CYLINDRICA FRUIT POWDER
A natural plant-derived exfoliant powder derived from the luffa gourd
Magnesium Lactate
MAGNESIUM LACTATE
A mild buffering agent that helps balance pH and support skin conditioning
Magnesium Potassium Fluorosilicate
MAGNESIUM POTASSIUM FLUOROSILICATE
A mineral-based physical exfoliant for gentle surface smoothing
Mandelic Acid
other AHAs
The gentle brightener
Mangifera Indica Seed
MANGIFERA INDICA SEED
Plant-derived exfoliant and antioxidant from mango seed kernels
Matricaria Maritima Powder
MATRICARIA MARITIMA POWDER
A finely milled mineral powder that gently buffs away surface dead skin
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf
MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF
Leaf extract from Australian tea tree with traditional use in wound and skin care
Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Powder
MELALEUCA ALTERNIFOLIA LEAF POWDER
A finely milled plant powder that gently buffs away dead skin cells
Momordica Charantia Leaf Extract
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA LEAF EXTRACT
A plant extract with antioxidant and soothing properties studied for skin protection
Momordica Charantia Leaf Powder
MOMORDICA CHARANTIA LEAF POWDER
Plant-derived powder that gently buffs away dead skin cells
Montmorillonite
Mother Of Pearl
MOTHER OF PEARL
A finely-milled mineral exfoliant derived from pearl oyster shells
Mucor Miehei Extract
No other names or aliases were listed on the page.
Fungal enzyme extract for gentle exfoliation
Nannochloropsis Oculata Powder
NANNOCHLOROPSIS OCULATA POWDER
A marine-derived powder exfoliant with gentle conditioning properties
Norwegian Kelp Extract
Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract
North Atlantic seaweed for mineral-rich nourishment
Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate
Ester that functions as a skin conditioning and viscosity-increasing ingredient | Ruled safe at usage rates between 2-15%
Oenothera Biennis Seed
OENOTHERA BIENNIS SEED
A plant-derived exfoliant with potential soothing and skin-conditioning properties
Olea Europaea Fruit
OLEA EUROPAEA FRUIT
A gentle plant-derived exfoliant and skin conditioning agent from olive fruit
Olea Europaea Leaf Powder
OLEA EUROPAEA LEAF POWDER
A finely milled plant powder that gently buffs away surface dead skin
Oryza Sativa Bran
ORYZA SATIVA BRAN
A finely milled exfoliant derived from rice processing by-products
Oryza Sativa Germ Powder
ORYZA SATIVA GERM POWDER
A fine powder derived from rice germ that gently exfoliates through mechanical action
Oryza Sativa Hull Powder
ORYZA SATIVA HULL POWDER
A gentle physical exfoliant derived from rice husk, suitable for regular use
Parabens
Group of controversial preservatives | Includes butylparaben, isobutylparaben, propylparaben, methylparaben and ethylparaben
PEG-14
Functions as a humectant to increase skin’s hydration | May also be used as a solvent to mesh ingredients cohesively
PEG-75
Functions as a humectant to boost skin’s hydration | May also be used as a solvent to mesh ingredients cohesively and enhance formulary texture
Phellodendron Amurense Bark
PHELLODENDRON AMURENSE BARK
A traditional bark extract with emerging evidence for protecting skin from environmental stress
Physavie
Physalis Angulata Extract
Amazonian botanical for skin regeneration and protection
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
An ester of phytoesterols and the fatty acids found in macadamia seed oil | Gives skin emollient, skin-softening properties
Platinum Powder
PLATINUM POWDER
A finely milled mineral powder with gentle exfoliating and skin conditioning properties
Polyamide-8
A synthetic polymer made from multiple ingredients | Serves as an emollient, occlusive, film-former, and binding agent
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer whose many uses in cosmetics
Polyglucuronic Acid
Plant-derived or synthetic polysaccharide ingredient | Serves as a film-forming agent and has humectant properties
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Ester of stearic acid with a glycerin polymer | Functions as a skin-softening, emollient ingredient
Polyglyceryl-2 Tetraisostearate
Used as emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier | Vegan ingredient
Polyhydroxybutyrate
POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE
A biopolymer exfoliant derived from bacterial fermentation with potential skin conditioning properties
Polyporus Umbellatus Extract
Medicinal mushroom for brightening and hydration
Prickly Pear Extract
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Extract
Desert cactus for intense hydration and soothing
Protease
proteases
Protease is perhaps better known by its plural form
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Seed Meal
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS SEED MEAL
Ground almond kernel that gently removes dead skin cells through mechanical exfoliation
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Shell Powder
PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS SHELL POWDER
A natural exfoliating powder derived from almond shells
Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder
PRUNUS ARMENIACA SEED POWDER
A finely textured physical exfoliant derived from apricot kernels
Prunus Armeniaca Shell Powder
PRUNUS ARMENIACA SHELL POWDER
A natural abrasive exfoliant derived from apricot kernel shells
Prunus Cerasus Extract
PRUNUS CERASUS EXTRACT
A cherry-derived antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress
Prunus Persica Fruit Extract
PRUNUS PERSICA FRUIT EXTRACT
A fruit-derived ingredient that combines gentle exfoliation with skin conditioning
Prunus Persica Seed Powder
PRUNUS PERSICA SEED POWDER
A natural exfoliant derived from peach stone that gently buffs away dead skin
Pumpkin Fruit Extract Beta-Glucan
PUMPKIN FRUIT EXTRACT BETA-GLUCAN
A natural exfoliant derived from pumpkin fruit that gently removes dead skin cells
Punica Granatum Seed Powder
PUNICA GRANATUM SEED POWDER
A plant-derived exfoliant powder from pomegranate seeds
PVP
AKA polyvinylpyrrolidone | Used in hairstyling
Quartz
QUARTZ
A mineral abrasive used in physical exfoliating formulations
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
A wide range of ingredients, called "quats" for short | Share a unique molecular structure that makes them strongly attracted to hair
Quaternium Ammonium Compounds
A wide range of ingredients, called “quats” for short | Share a unique molecular structure that makes them strongly attracted to hair
Raffinose
Trisaccharide composed of galactose, glucose, and fructose | Found in plants and vegetables like cabbage, beans and broccoli
Red 22 Lake
Pigment used to add colour to makeup, food products, and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
Red 28 Lake
Pigment used to add color to makeup, food products, and skin care | Also known as D&C Red No. 28 Aluminum Lake
Red 33 Lake
Pigment used to add color to makeup, food products, and skin care | Also known as D&C Red No. 33 Aluminum Lake
Red 40
Pigment used to add colour to makeup and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
Red 40 Lake
Pigment used to add colour to makeup, food products, and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
Red 6
Pigment used to add colour to makeup and skin care | Ruled safe in its current use
Rehmannia Chinensis Root Extract
Limited research indicates anti-ageing benefits | May help diminish the appearance of dark spots
Rhizobian Gum
Polysaccharide gum produced by the fermentation of Rhizobium bacterium | Components include glucose, glucuronic acid, and galactose
Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
Rosehip extract rich in vitamins and essential fatty acids
Rosa Canina Seed
ROSA CANINA SEED
A seed-derived exfoliant with conditioning properties and antioxidant potential
Rosa Canina Seed Powder
ROSA CANINA SEED POWDER
A plant-derived exfoliant from rose hip seeds and shells
Rosa Centifolia Flower Powder
ROSA CENTIFOLIA FLOWER POWDER
Finely ground rose petals that work as a gentle physical exfoliant
Rubus Idaeus Fruit Extract
RUBUS IDAEUS FRUIT EXTRACT
A plant extract with astringent and antioxidant properties from raspberry fruit
Rubus Idaeus Seed
RUBUS IDAEUS SEED
A finely textured seed exfoliant derived from red raspberry fruit
Sand
SAND
A physical exfoliant derived from mineral particles, used to remove dead skin cells
Sea Whip
Pseudopterogorgia Elisabethae Extract
Marine soothing for calming reactive skin
Secale Cereale Seed Extract
SECALE CEREALE SEED EXTRACT
A cereal seed extract with peptides that may support skin resilience
Sesamum Indicum Seed
SESAMUM INDICUM SEED
A plant-derived exfoliant derived from sesame seeds
Silicon
SILICON
A trace element that may support skin structure and collagen formation
Sodium Bicarbonate
A synthetic inorganic salt more commonly known as baking soda | Used as a pH adjuster, buffering agent, and abrasive in cosmetics
Sodium Carboxymethyl Beta-Glucan
A carbohydrate ingredient with a gel-like texture, it functions
Sodium Magnesium Fluorosilicate
SODIUM MAGNESIUM FLUOROSILICATE
A silicate-based abrasive and absorbent ingredient used primarily in exfoliating formulations
Soluble Collagen
Humectant ingredient that promotes hydration | Traps moisture and reduces transepidermal water loss
Subtilisin
SUBTILISIN
A protease enzyme that gently dissolves dead skin cells to support skin renewal
Synthetic Wax
SYNTHETIC WAX
A synthetic stabiliser that thickens formulations and can provide gentle exfoliating properties
Tamarindus Indica Extract
TAMARINDUS INDICA EXTRACT
A plant extract with antioxidant and gentle exfoliating properties
Tetrahydrojasmonic Acid
TETRAHYDROJASMONIC ACID
A plant-derived compound studied for its potential to improve skin texture and reduce visible signs of ageing
Theobroma Cacao Husk
THEOBROMA CACAO HUSK
A natural exfoliant derived from cacao pod husks that gently removes dead skin
Theobroma Cacao Seed Powder
THEOBROMA CACAO SEED POWDER
A natural, grainy exfoliant derived from cocoa bean husks
Theobroma Cacao Shell Powder
THEOBROMA CACAO SHELL POWDER
Ground cacao shell particles that gently exfoliate and condition the skin
Thiosalicylic Acid
THIOSALICYLIC ACID
A keratolytic compound with antioxidant properties, historically used in preservative systems
Trifolium Pratense Flower Powder
TRIFOLIUM PRATENSE FLOWER POWDER
A plant-derived powder that gently exfoliates through physical action
Triticum Vulgare Bran
TRITICUM VULGARE BRAN
A natural exfoliating agent derived from wheat grain, used to gently polish the skin surface
Vaccinium Angustifolium Seed
VACCINIUM ANGUSTIFOLIUM SEED
Plant-derived exfoliant beads from wild blueberry seeds
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed
VACCINIUM MACROCARPON SEED
A natural exfoliant derived from cranberry seeds
Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Powder
VACCINIUM MACROCARPON SEED POWDER
A plant-derived exfoliant derived from cranberry seeds
Vaccinium Myrtillus Seedcake Powder
VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS SEEDCAKE POWDER
Plant-derived exfoliant powder from bilberry seeds, gentle enough for regular use
Vanilla Planifolia Seed Powder
VANILLA PLANIFOLIA SEED POWDER
A natural seed-based exfoliant derived from vanilla orchid pods
White Shiitake Mushroom Extract
Lentinus Edodes Extract
Tyrosinase inhibitor for natural skin brightening
Wild Yam Root Extract
Dioscorea Villosa Root Extract
Phytoestrogen botanical for hormonal skin support
Yucca
Yucca Schidigera Extract
Desert plant extract for cleansing and soothing
Zea Mays Cob Meal
ZEA MAYS COB MEAL
A natural exfoliating agent derived from maize cob for gentle mechanical buffing
Zea Mays Cob Powder
ZEA MAYS COB POWDER
A finely-milled exfoliant derived from maize cob material
Zea Mays Kernel Meal
ZEA MAYS KERNEL MEAL
A finely ground corn-based exfoliant that gently buffs away surface debris
Zea Mays Starch
ZEA MAYS STARCH
A natural starch that absorbs excess moisture and helps refine skin texture
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