The Ultimate Winter Exfoliation Checklist

Between frigid temperatures, dry indoor heat, and an overall lack of moisture, winter can wreak havoc on our skin. And while it’s prime time to partake in our fave cold-weather trends (we’re in our glass hair era as we speak), it’s just as crucial to revisit our winter skincare routines and, more importantly, incorporate some exfoliation time.

So, if you’re aiming for smoother, glowy skin, keep reading to shop our picks for expert exfoliation, from whipped moisturizers to gentle yet effective scrubs.

Good Molecules Glycolic Exfoliating Toner, $14

While many toners may leave behind that tight, uncomfortable feel (especially in the winter), this gentle toner is pH-balanced to leave skin prepped and ready for the rest of your routine. Powered by glycolic acid and a hydrating trio of galactomyces ferment, hyaluronic acid, and aloe, this cruelty-free vegan formula exfoliates dead skin cells in just a few swipes for seriously soft results. (Just be sure to finish your routine with SPF if you’re applying during the day.)

Facile The Buzz AHA & BHA Exfoliating Mask, $35

If you’re already dealing with dullness and skin flakes, this quick 7-minute mask is the semiweekly acid trip your skin needs. Formulated with AHA and BHA all-stars (salicylic, glycolic, mandelic, and citric acids), this potent mask gently brightens and removes buildup for an immediate refresh. And if your skin is prone to irritation in the harsher months, you’ll love an added dose of hydrating antioxidants.

Peter Thomas Roth Peptide Skinjection Exfoliating Peel Pads, $48

Formulated with a potent blend of 20% exfoliating complex (phytic acid, salicylic acid, sodium lactate) along with peptides, these pre-soaked pads work to simultaneously sweep away dead skin cells and plump the skin with much-needed moisture. Simply swipe, exfoliate, and enjoy that post-treatment tingly feeling.

Indie Lee AHA Exfoliating Solution, $52

If chemical exfoliants tend to leave your skin feeling a little irritated, add this no-rinse cleansing balm to your nightly routine. With a gentle yet hard-hitting blend of 15% AHAs, niacinamide, and prickly pear, you’ll get all the glowy exfoliating effects with a nourishing boost of soothing hydration.

Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment, $6

On the nights you’re not applying retinol, reach for this overnight treatment. It’s powered by a potent blend of 10% AHA and BHA to resurface while you snooze, with an added acne-fighting bonus. (Ahem, and baby-soft skin for less than the price of a cup of coffee? Sign us up.)

Kitsch Exfoliating Body Dry Brush, $14

If you’re not dry brushing, now’s the time to incorporate this soothing pre-shower ritual, stat. This bestselling brush is constructed with soft vegan bristles and fits right in the palm of your hand for easy all-over exfoliation. Simply swipe on dry skin to exfoliate, prevent ingrown hairs, and show your skin some lymphatic relief.

Peter Thomas Roth Even Smoother™ Glycolic Retinol Resurfacing Serum, $65

Our favorite treatments: the potent night owls that work their magic while we sleep. This nightly resurfacing serum combines 15% glycolic acid and 1.5% retinol for a double dose of exfoliation and anti-aging benefits, all while we’re clocking our eight hours.

Herbivore Milky Way 10% AHA + Oat Soothing Exfoliating Serum, $58

Illuminate and wake with zero irritation—this gorgeous milky-textured night serum works to instantly retexturize and smooth all skin types with 10% AHA and 3% PHA, along with hydrating heroes like oats, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid to strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier. Bye bye, dehydrated skin.

Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, $122

If you add just one chemical exfoliant to your winter skincare rescue, make it Good Genes. This fan favorite treatment serum brightens, clarifies, and exfoliates all skin types with a potent blend of lactic acid and smoothing licorice extract. We’re also big fans of the application—it rapidly sinks into the skin without that tacky, sticky feeling many treatments leave behind.

Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub, $40

Searching for the right scrub to add to your everything showers this winter? This one’s a winner. This vegan body scrub features an ultra-emollient formula of virgin coconut oil and soothing Moroccan rose to target dry, tough areas in need of TLC. Oh, and it smells like a dream.

SACHAJUAN Exfoliating Hand Wash, $42

As you’re making time to exfoliate this winter, make sure to show your hands some love, too. This cruelty-free lavender-scented hand wash features a vitamin-rich vegan formula to soften and revitalize, while finely milled pumice buffs away dead skin cells. (Pro tip: every at-home manicure should start with this product.)

Omorovicza Cleansing Mitt, $16

Let’s be real: when you’re dealing with winter flakes, nothing works quite as well as an old-fashioned scrub. So when the rough patches and flakes appear, reach for this top-rated towel. It’s made of 100% pure cotton so it feels plush and fluffy, but still works like a charm to gently exfoliate flakes and rough patches without irritation.