Best Facial Polishes of 2026
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Facial polishes are a popular skincare product designed to exfoliate the skin and remove dead skin cells, leaving the face looking smooth and radiant. These products typically contain small granules, such as sugar or salt, that gently scrub away impurities and unclog pores. Many facial polishes also include nourishing ingredients, like vitamin E or aloe vera, to hydrate and soothe the skin. Regular use of a facial polish can improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin, making it an essential part of any skincare routine.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Facial Polishes
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant Pads
The Paula's Choice BHA Pads offer an easy and mess-free way to exfoliate your skin with their pre-soaked pads, making them perfect for use at the gym or while traveling. These pads help reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and wrinkles by deeply cleansing and clearing out pore buildup, giving you smoother, clearer skin. They also gently remove dead skin cells, which brightens your complexion and smooths fine lines, preparing your skin for makeup application. Suitable for use on your face, neck, and body, these pads provide noticeable improvements like smaller pores and a glowing appearance in just one week.
The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish
Experience a healthier, fresh-faced glow with The Body Shop Vitamin C Daily Glow Cleansing Polish. This daily cleansing polish gently exfoliates, revealing smoother and silkier skin. Infused with Jojoba microbeads and perlite, it effectively eliminates daily grime and impurities, leaving your skin feeling refreshed. Packed with the power of Camu camu berries, which contain over 20 times the vitamin C of oranges, this formula brightens your complexion. With at least 90% natural-origin ingredients and recyclable packaging, The Body Shop Vitamin C range is committed to quality and sustainability. Discover a beauty ritual that is ethically sourced, naturally based, and never tested on animals.
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice SKIN PERFECTING 2% BHA Liquid Salicylic Acid Exfoliant is a gentle non-abrasive leave-on exfoliator that unclogs and diminishes enlarged pores, exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths wrinkles, brightens and evens out skin tone. This facial exfoliant is suitable for all skin types and is gentle enough for daily use. It hydrates, brightens and smooths fine lines, delivering hydration and exfoliating directly inside the pore, improving how it works.
Tatcha Rice Polish Deep Exfoliator
The Tatcha Rice Polish Deep Exfoliator is a water-activated exfoliant that transforms into a creamy foam to gently exfoliate and promote natural skin turnover for smooth, polished skin. The pH-neutral formula effectively cleanses without stripping the skin of essential moisture or breaking the skin's barrier function, leaving skin baby-soft and supple. The product visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and breakouts. It is ideal for those with combination to oily skin and features Japanese Wild Rose to help tighten the look of pores and clarify skin. Every Tatcha purchase supports education equality worldwide.
Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish Facial Exfoliator
Get smooth, bright and renewed skin with Lancer Skincare The Method: Polish Facial Exfoliator. This gentle daily exfoliating wash is the first step in The Lancer Method, supporting natural collagen regeneration and promoting cell turnover. It contains soothing ingredients such as quartz crystals, pumpkin enzyme, pomegranate enzyme, chamomile oil and bisabolol, and salicylic acid which varies according to skin types. To use, gently massage a small amount onto damp face and neck and rinse thoroughly. Follow with the Cleanse face cleanser and Nourish skin moisturizer for optimal results.
ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish, 2.3 oz
The ZO SKIN HEALTH Exfoliating Polish is a facial polish that instantly polishes skin to restore smoother texture and healthy glow. The magnesium crystals provide exfoliation benefits, while removing dead skin cells to prevent clogged pores. It is important to note that there are two dates labeled on the product, a manufacturing date and an expiration date. The manufacturing date is not the best used by date for this product.
FarmHouse Fresh One Fine Day Face Polish
FarmHouse Fresh One Fine Day Flawless Face Polish is a gentle, lightly scented exfoliator/cleanser that reduces redness and discoloration. It is ideal for those with rosacea or dry, sensitive skin. This face polish is 96.5% natural and gluten-free, making it a safe and nourishing option for your beauty routine.
APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Facial Polish Cleanser
The APRILSKIN Pink Aloe Cleanser offers a convenient one-step solution for removing waterproof makeup, sunscreen, and impurities from your skin. It features gentle mungbean and soybean scrubs that polish your skin without causing irritation, making it perfect for sensitive skin. The cleanser is enriched with Korean Pink Aloe Vera Water, which provides soothing hydration, ensuring your skin feels calm and refreshed. With its gelato-like texture, it effectively clings to pores and removes a significant amount of impurities, leaving your skin smooth and revitalized.
The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish
The Outset Micro Polish is a gentle facial scrub designed for daily use. It features a unique formula that combines energizing caffeine to help you remove dead skin cells and refresh your complexion. This product is perfect for anyone looking to brighten dull skin without harsh ingredients, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. With its soft, cushiony texture, you can easily control how much exfoliation you want, ensuring a comfortable experience every time. Simply massage it onto damp skin for a minute to reveal smoother, revitalized skin.
Purito Oat Exfoliating Facial Polish Cleanser
The Purito Oat Facial Cleanser is designed to gently remove flaky skin and reveal a smoother, healthier complexion. It uses fine oat particles and oat seed water to softly exfoliate your skin, helping to clear clogged pores without causing irritation. This makes it ideal for daily use, especially if you have sensitive skin, as it cleanses effectively without clogging pores. The unique mud-like texture acts both as a cleanser and a hydrating mask, nourishing your skin and soothing dryness. With this product, you can enjoy a refreshed, moisturized face every day without harsh scrubbing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does face polish do?
Face polish is a skincare product that improves and smooths the skin by exfoliating dead skin cells, makeup, sweat, sunscreen, and other impurities. It promotes cell turnover and helps achieve a more radiant complexion.
2. How often should you use a face polish?
It is generally recommended to use a face polish two to three times per week, as long as your skin can tolerate it. However, the frequency may vary depending on your skin type and the type of exfoliant used. Chemical exfoliants are often gentler and can be used more regularly.
3. Is face polish the same as exfoliator?
Face polish and exfoliators serve the same purpose of removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother complexion. However, face polish is typically gentler and less abrasive, making it suitable for delicate facial skin.
4. What are the side effects of face polishing?
After face polishing, you may experience temporary stinging, redness, and skin flaking that can last for 2-7 days. It is advisable to avoid wearing makeup and limit exposure to extreme heat and the sun as directed by a dermatologist.
5. Which is better face polish or facial?
Face polishing is often considered more effective than regular facials for treating the skin. It can provide a glowing complexion after just one session and is a popular choice for special events.
6. Is skin polish good for your face?
Skin polishing is beneficial for the face, especially if you want to minimize the appearance of pores, hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and fine lines. It can be suitable for all skin types.
7. How often should you exfoliate your face?
The frequency of face exfoliation depends on your skin type. If you have normal skin, exfoliating two to three times a week is generally recommended. For dry skin, exfoliating once a week or every other week is sufficient, while oily skin can handle exfoliation three to four times a week.
8. How do you rejuvenate 70-year-old skin?
To rejuvenate 70-year-old skin, it is important to avoid drying out the skin, use a thicker moisturizer at night, be cautious not to over-exfoliate, avoid hot showers, and avoid starting Retin-A without consulting a professional.
During our facial polish research, we found 24 facial polish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 923,614 customer reviews through our big data system to write the facial polishes list. We found that most customers choose facial polishes with an average price of $41.19.
The facial polishes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of facial polishes, including Paula's Choice, The Body Shop, TATCHA, Lancer Skincare, ZO SKIN HEALTH. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,011 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.
Facial Polishes Comparison Table
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| Brand | Paula's Choice | The Body Shop | Paula's Choice | TATCHA | Lancer Skincare | ZO SKIN HEALTH | FarmHouse Fresh | APRILSKIN | The Outset | PURITO |
| Item Form | Pad | - | Liquid | Water-Activated Powder | Liquid | Grain | Cream | Foam | Grain | Cream |
| Skin Type | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily | - | Combination, Dry, Normal, Oily | Oily | Combination, Normal | All | - | All | Sensitive | All |
| Product Benefits | Unclog pores, smooth texture & hydrate for clear, glowing skin in one swipe. | - | Noticeably unclogs & clears pore congestion, combats blemishes, improves clarity, and smooths rough, bumpy texture. | The Rice Polish gives your skin a new beginning through non-abrasive exfoliation and pure Japanese ingredients delivered in a cloud-like foam. | Anti-Aging, Dirt Removal | Exfoliating | - | Acne Prevention | Exfoliating | Gently Exfoliating & Nourishing |
| Active Ingredients | Beta Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, salicylic_acid | - | Salicylic Acid | Japanese Rice Bran (komenuka), Papaya Enzymes, Wild Rose | Salicylic Acid | - | - | - | Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water (Aqua, Eau), Sucrose Stearate, Perlite, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Caffeine, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Tocopherol. | oat |
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