3 Ways To Exfoliate Sensitive Skin

Last Updated on June 10, 2026 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

Sometimes it’s hard to follow the rules. Take exfoliation, for example. You know you gotta do it, but if you have sensitive skin, that ain’t so easy. Your skin turns red when you look at it. It screams in pain when you wash it. How can you go the extra mile and get those dead cells off without traumatising your skin even more?! I hear ya, girlfriend. And I’m here to help. Exfoliating sensitive skin is hard but doable. Here are 3 ways to exfoliate sensitive skin without irritating (not too much, anyway):

1. Best Exfoliant For Mildly Sensitive Skin: Lactic Acid

If your skin can take exfoliating acids, go with lactic acid. It’s an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHAs) that dissolves the “glue” that holds skin cells together and hydrates skin to boot. Out of all the AHAs, it’s the gentlest.  The only problem? It’s hard to find an exfoliant or serum with just lactic acid. Usually, it tags along with his other AHAs friends, like glycolic acid. You could use those too, but you may find they irritate your skin. FYI, just because lactic acid is gentle, it doesn’t mean you should abuse it. Once or twice a week is enough. Your skin can’t take more exfoliation than that.

Best picks:

• Sunday Riley Good Genes ($85.00): FYI, if you’re in Europe, this has glycolic acid, so away. Everyone else, this is a cult lactic acid exfoliant for sensitive skin. Expensive, but does the job. Available at Sephora, SpaceNK, and Ulta
• The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% ($9.20): A cheap, no-frills alternative that exfoliates skin without irritating it (unless you overdo it). Available at Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK, The Ordinary, and Ulta

Related: Glycolic Acid VS Lactic Acid: Which One Is Right For You?

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2. Best Exfoliant Sensitive And Acne-Prone Skin: Salicylic Acid

Cursed with both sensitive skin and acne (cos, you know, bad things never come alone)? Then your best bet is salicylic acid. It’s a superexfoliant that gets inside the pores and removes all the crap that clogs them up and makes you breakout. It doesn’t just work on pimples. It’s the only thing that can get rid of blackheads and whiteheads too. It also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can soothe your sensitive skin too. When you’re dealing with sensitive skin, less is always more. Use small doses (no more than 2%, but 1% is better) once or twice a week. Don’t be tempted to do more than that. Your skin won’t like it.

Best picks:

• Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid ($29.00): A solid salicylic acid exfoliant for oily, acne-prone skin. It both prevents and treats blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. Its texture is a little sticky, but if you’re cool with that, you’ll get results. Available at Cult Beauty, Dermstore, Paula’s Choice, Sephora and SpaceNK
• The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid (£9.99): A basic salicylic acid exfoliant that unclogs pores. Just don’t expect anything extra. Available at Cult Beauty

Related: Why Salicylic Acid Is Key To Spot-Free Skin

3. Best Exfoliant For Super Sensitive Skin: Washcloth

When all else fails, try a washcloth. It’s by far the gentlest option there is. So gentle, even most people with sensitive skin can use it daily. But if you find your sensitive skin can’t take even that, cut back to once or twice a week. How do you use a washcloth? Simple. Apply cleanser as usual and remove it with a washcloth. Don’t forget to apply moisturizer afterwards. Just make sure your washcloth is completely dry. A damp washcloth may seem innocent enough, but it’s actually a playground for bacteria. Those pesky little nuisances thrive in humid environments!

Related: Should You Use A Washcloth To Cleanse Your Face?

FAQs

How often should I exfoliate sensitive skin? 

Once or twice a week is the sweet spot for most people with sensitive skin. Any more than that and you risk stripping your skin barrier, which leads to even more sensitivity, redness, and irritation than you started with… and nobody wants that. If your skin is very reactive, start with once a week and build up slowly from there. And if your skin is telling you that’s still too much, listen to it and cut back. If you overexfoliate, here’s how you fix it.

Can I use lactic acid and salicylic acid together? 

If you have sensitive skin, hard no. Both are exfoliants, and layering two of them is just asking for trouble. You’ll most likely end up with a red, irritated, angry face that hates you. Pick one and stick with it. If you’re dealing with breakouts on top of sensitivity, go with salicylic acid. If it’s purely a texture and dullness issue, lactic acid is your best friend.

Can I exfoliate if my skin is already red and irritated? 

God, no. Exfoliating already-compromised skin will only make things worse. Wait until your skin has fully calmed down before you even think about introducing an exfoliant back into your routine.

The Bottom Line

Sensitive skin and exfoliation don’t have to be enemies. You just have to play it smart. Lactic acid for mild sensitivity, salicylic acid when breakouts are part of the picture, and a washcloth for when your skin is too reactive for anything else. Whatever you choose, start slow, keep it to once or twice a week, and pay attention to how your skin responds. Less really is more when it comes to sensitive skin, and the gentler you are with it, the better it’ll behave in the long run.