
Hand Exfoliators
Description
January 8, 2023
By Lisa Petrison
Physical exfoliators seem to be less popular than they once were, due in large part to chemical exfoliators such as those containing ALA’s becoming more advanced.
The finding that the synthetic beads used in some products are bad for the environment seems to have been an additional reason that this entire category of products has become less prominent.
The products discussed on this page all include grains made of natural materials rather than synthetics.
While I feel that some of these products are a bit too rough for my facial skin, others have finer grains that seem to work better for me.
In addition, I have found the products with the larger natural particles to be helpful to me as hand scrubs.
If I use those scrubs on my hands at least a couple of times a week, my hands seem to absorb moisturizers much more effectively and to survive the winter in much better shape.
TOP PICKS
♣ Living Clean Superstars:
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel ($56)
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Gentle Face Scrub ($10)
+Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel ($35)
Mineral Fusion Skin-Renewing Face Scrub ($16)
The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish ($34)
Udder Delight Lavender Oatmeal Salt Scrub ($9)
♦ Additional Possibilities:
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner ($48)
♥ Lisa’s Choice:
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel ($56)
The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish ($34)
+Udder Delight Lavender Oatmeal Salt Scrub ($9)
Notes:
1) Living Clean Superstars – Products with high scores on both Performance Rating (5) as well as Ingredients Rating (4/5). + Clean Pick (Ingredients Rating = 5).
2) Lisa’s Choice – Products that I would purchase for my own personal use. √ Lisa’s Favorite
The next section contains affiliate links. Living Clean in a Dirty World may receive a commission if readers click on these links and then purchase products. Living Clean in a Dirty World also may accept product review samples but receives no other compensation from companies mentioned on this website.
Alpyn Beauty Wild Huckleberry 8-Acid Polishing Peel – $56
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Living Clean Rating: 9 out of 10
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Exfoliants: White Willow Bark Extract, Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Lactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Tartaric Acid (DL-), Malic Acid
Product Type: Mask
The description of this product reads, “A skin-resurfacing peel powered by 8 natural acids, bamboo powder and vitamin C to help refine pores, even texture and visibly brighten—in minutes. 5 minutes to your glowiest skin. This skin-transforming peel visibly smooths texture and brightens the complexion using a double exfoliation method. Eight naturally-derived acids (salicylic, citric, malic, tartaric, glycolic, azelaic, ferulic and lactic acids) gently refine the look of skin by dissolving dead surface cells, while fresh bamboo powder physically exfoliates to reveal a visibly brighter glow. Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, avoiding eye area, and leave on for 5 minutes. For added polish, wet hands and massage in a circular motion before rinsing clean. Gentle enough to use daily, AM or PM.”
The inclusion of salicylic acid in this formula suggests that this product may be primarily designed for skin that is much less dry than mine.
However, I noted that the description also stated that the product could be useful for “aging concerns” and so decided to give the sample jar that I received a try on a few occasions.
The formula seems to me pretty strong, but it did not dry out my skin too badly or cause any other problems.
It includes quite a few botanical ingredients with mild scents, but none of them are essential oils, heavily processed fragrances like linalool, or unspecified “fragrance” ingredients.
Although I like the concept of this product, I wouldn’t be inclined to buy it again since it does not seem to be specifically addressing my own skin issues.
Size: 1.7 oz.
Sephora Rating: 4.7 Stars (245 reviews)
Credo Clean: Yes
Clean at Sephora: No
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
Think Dirty Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 6 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3), Aloe vera (3), Benzyl alcohol (4), Lactic acid (4), Glycolic acid (4), Orange fruit extract (4), Malic acid (4), Rose extract (3), Cinnamomum camphora linalooliferum wood extract (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: Huckleberry extract, White willow bark extract, Arnica flower extract, Borage flower extract, Calendula flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Sage leaf extract, Melia azadirachta leaf extract, Moringa oleifera seed oil, Apple fruit extract, Vaccinium myrtillus fruit extract, Orange fruit extract, Lemon fruit extract, Blueberry fruit extract, Orange peel extract, Vanilla planifolia fruit extract, Rosa damascena extract, Raspberry fruit extract, Banana fruit extract, Bitter orange leaf/twig extract, Cinnamomum camphora linalooliferum wood extract, Grape fruit cell extract, Blueberry seed powder
All Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phospate, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Sunflower Seed Oil, Bentonite Clay, Huckleberry Extract, White Willow Bark Extract, Bamboo Stem Extract, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Phytate, Azelaic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Aloe Vera, Carrageenan, Glucose, Arnica Flower Extract, Jojoba Seed Wax, Borage Flower Extract, Calendula Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Sage Leaf Extract, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Apple Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, DHA, Benzyl Alcohol, Menthyl Lactate, Lactobacillus/Capsicum Frutescens Fruit Ferment Extract, Potassium Sorbate, Lactic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Sugarcane Extract, Citric Acid, Orange Fruit Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Sugar Maple Extract, Tartaric Acid (DL-), Malic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Lauryl Glucoside, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Orange Peel Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Rosa Damascena Extract, Raspberry Fruit Extract, Banana Fruit Extract, Bitter Orange Leaf/Twig Extract, Cinnamomum Camphora Linalooliferum Wood Extract, Alcohol*, Grape Fruit Cell Extract, Isomalt, Lecithin, Blueberry Seed Powder. *Certified Organic
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Radiant Skin Refiner – $48
Overall Rating: (4 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (3 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Creamy, clay-based scrub exfoliates with bamboo extract and energizes with tourmaline to leave skin radiant and refined. Dermatologist-tested. Non-acnegenic.”
Although this cleanser contains a PEG (polyethylene glycol), I found it to feel pretty clean to me and to be non-irritating to my skin.
It is totally fragrance-free and the smell seems fine to me.
The exfoliating grains in it are pretty large, though.
Whether that is problematic, I don’t know, but I have nonetheless moved to using either products with very fine grains (such as the Tatcha one) or with chemical exfoliants (such as AHA’s) on my face.
I have continued to use this scrub (and similar ones) on my hands and feel that it has worked really well for that.
Size: 3.4 oz.
Aveda Rating: 4.9 Stars (47 reviews)
Credo Clean: No
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: PEG-100 stearate (3), Phenoxyethanol (4), Titanium dioxide (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, Bamboo Stem Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Esters, Cetyl Alcohol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Kaolin, Potassium Stearate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caffeine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tourmaline, Bentonite, Sucrose, Sunflower Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Extract, Poria Cocos Sclerotium Extract, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, PEG-100 Stearate, Simethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide
Burt’s Bees Sensitive Gentle Face Scrub – $10
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Burt’s Bees Gentle Facial Scrub for Sensitive Skin gently exfoliates to reveal radiant skin without over-drying.”
The grains in this product are fairly large and noticeable.
There is no added fragrance and I have found the scent to be pleasant.
The product includes a Saccharomyces ferment, which to my understanding has the potential of adding beneficial microbes to the skin.
It has seemed to work fine on my face without irritating it, but I have mostly just used it on my hands.
Although it is an inexpensive product, I have found it to work about the same as the Aveda one.
Size: 4 oz.
Burt’s Bees Rating: 4.5 Stars (50 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
Think Dirty Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Product Rating: 2 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Phenoxyethanol (4), Sodium benzoate (3)
Fragrance Ingredients: None
All Ingredients: Water, decyl glucoside, glycerin, betaine, glycolipids, carnauba wax, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, carrageenan, citric acid, coco-glucoside, glyceryl oleate, xanthan gum, saccharomyces ferment, sucrose, tocopherol, hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate, lecithin, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, ascorbyl palmitate, phenoxyethanol.
Mad Hippie AHA Exfoliating Peel – $35
♥ Lisa’s Choice
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (5 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
Exfoliants: Glycolic Acid, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Lactic Acid
Product Type: Serum
The description of this product reads, “Mother Nature & modern science unite to reduce the appearance of skin discoloration & wrinkles in our peptide + alpha hydroxy acid based serum. Shed dull skin and discoloration to reveal brighter, smoother looking skin. Contains sixteen actives including alpha hydroxy acids, apple stem cells, and Gigawhite. Apple stem cells, which come from the rare Swiss apple tree, have powerful antioxidant and skin rejuvenating properties. Gigawhite, a natural blend of six organically grown alpine plants, brightens and reduces the appearance of skin discoloration.”
I’ve used this product on a number of occasions and feel that it has been good for my skin.
However, I only use it once in a while and usually mix it with a moisturizer to dilute it.
It does seem pretty strong to me and so I feel like it could have a negative effect on my skin if I use it too frequently or at full-strength.
I am happy to see that while the product contains a few botanical extracts, there are no processed fragrances that could be irritating.
I think that the smell is fine and that the plain glass dropper bottle is an okay delivery system.
I might eventually buy this product again.
Size: 1 oz.
Ulta Rating: 4.4 Stars (91 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
Think Dirty Rating: 3 (green)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 4 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Glycolic acid (4), Peppermint extract (4), Lactic acid (4). (Also contains Hydrolyzed Soy Protein.)
Fragrance Ingredients: Mallow extract, Peppermint leaf extract, Primula veris extract, Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Veronica officinalis extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Goji berry extract
All Ingredients: Water, Glycolic Acid, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein PG-Propyl Silanetriol, Malus Domestica Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Isomalt, Sodium Hyaluronate Acid, Gigawhite (Aqua, Glycerin, Mallow Extract, Peppermint Leaf Extract, Primula Veris Extract, Alchemilla Vulgaris Extract, Veronica Officinalis Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract), Lactic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Glycerin, Tocopherol, Vitamin B5, Matrixyl Synthe’ 6 (Peptide: Glycerin – Aqua – Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin – Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38), Niacinamide, White Tea Extract, Goji Berry Extract, Methyl Cellulose, Melatonin, Caffeine, Biotin, Ceramide 3, Squalane (Vegan), Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Potassium Citrate
Mineral Fusion Skin-Renewing Face Scrub – $16
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: Rose Geranium Oil, Natural Fragrance
The description of this product reads, “Finely ground Garnet, Sea Clay, and Walnut give Mineral Fusion’s Skin-Renewing Face Scrub its physically exfoliating powers that buff away dullness to reveal your skin’s natural vibrance. But that’s not all: plant enzymes Papain and Bromelain double up the exfoliation factor while a unique blend of Licorice Root, Aloe Vera, Cucumber, Lavender, and Rosemary help nourish and calm sensitive skin. The result is skin so soft and smooth your makeup goes on effortlessly.”
I have used this scrub interchangeably with the Aveda one and feel that they have worked similarly for me.
Although this product includes a number of essential oils and other natural fragrance ingredients, I have found the smell to be mild and unobjectionable.
I didn’t realize that it had enzymes in it until I re-read the description, and so I am not sure how helpful those are.
I feel that this product has been okay on my face, but I have mostly used it on my hands.
I would consider buying this product again.
Size: 4 oz.
Mineral Fusion Rating: 4.9 Stars (43 reviews)
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Unclear
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Product Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Ingredient Rating: 5 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Licorice root extract (5), Geranium flower oil (4), Phenoxyethanol (4), Glyceryl laurate (3), Rosehip oil (3), Natural Fragrance (8).
Fragrance Ingredients: Cucumber fruit extract, Arnica montana flower extract, Matricaria flower extract, Lavender flower extract, Borage seed oil, Echnacea purpurea extract, Rosa canina oil, Papain, Rose geranium flower oil, Natural fragrance
All Ingredients: Mineral Water, Walnut Shell Powder, Sunflower Seed Oil*, Vegetable Glycerin, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Stearic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Monolaurate, Licorice Root Extract*, Tocopherol, Montmorillonite Clay, Garnet Powder, Cucumber Fruit Extract*, Panthenol, Allantoin, Sea Kelp Extract, Flax Seed Oil, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract*, Arnica Montana Flower Extract*, Matricaria Flower Extract*, Lavender Flower Extract*, White Tea Leaf Extract*, Borage Seed Oil, Echinacea Purpurea Extract*, Rosa Canina Oil*, Bromelain, Papain, Jojoba Seed Oil*, Rose Geranium Flower Oil, Olive Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Natural Fragrance.
The Outset Exfoliating Caffeine Micro Polish – $34
♣ Living Clean Superstar
Overall Rating: (5 / 5)
Performance Rating: (5 / 5)
Ingredients Rating: (4 / 5)
Lisa Irritation Level: None
Processed Fragrance: None
The description of this product reads, “Your one-minute deep cleansing facial. Like a morning cup of coffee for the skin, this gentle mineral scrub with energizing caffeine revitalizes, visibly smooths and brightens a dull or lackluster complexion. Created for Scarlett’s sensitive skin, this renewing facial scrub is a gentle alternative to more aggressive exfoliants and can be safely used daily to renew and brighten the skin. By clearing away dead skin cells and debris, it allows your skin to receive the maximum benefits of your serums or moisturizers. The cushiony, emollient scrub allows you to control the level of exfoliation based on your skin type. Apply on slightly drier skin for a more gentle treatment, or add more water to for a deeper scrub.”
Size: 3.3 oz.
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: Meets Criteria
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Maybe
EWG Ingredient Rating: 3 (yellow)
EWG Problem Ingredients: Chlorphenesin (3).
Fragrance Ingredients: Matricaria Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
All Ingredients: Glycerin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water, Sucrose Stearate, Perlite, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cassia Angustifolia Seed Polysaccharide, Caffeine, Matricaria Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Allantoin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Cellulose Gum, Tocopherol.
Udder Delight Lavender Oatmeal Salt Scrub – $9
The description of this product reads, “Our salt scrubs are wonderful for exfoliating dead skin cells and moisturizing your skin at the same time. This product is great for people who have hard working rough hands. Directions: Mix thoroughly using your finger until the oil is blended in completely. Scoop out a small amount into the palm of your hand and rub into your skin in a circular motion to help remove dead skin cells. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry with a towel.”
Copy goes here
Size: 12 oz.
Credo Clean: Meets Criteria
Clean at Sephora: Meets Criteria
Drunk Elephant Clean: No
EU Compliant: Meets Criteria
Pregnancy Pick: Yes
EWG Ingredient Rating: 1 (green)
EWG Problem Ingredients: None. Contains Lavender Essential Oil.
Fragrance Ingredients: Lavender Essential Oil.
All Ingredients: Dead Sea Salt, Olive Oil, Rice Bran Oil, Ground Oatmeal, Lavender Essential Oil.
Shopping List
This section lists products that seem that they may have potential and that I am hoping to try in the near future.
Readers are highly encouraged to bring other relevant products that they have tried to my attention so that I can add them to this list.
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliating Creme Cleanser – $33
Cocokind Sea Moss Exfoliator – $20
W3LL People Plant Powderfoliant – $18
About This Website
The Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping website is designed to provide guidance to those seeking out products that are relatively low in toxicity and that provide generally positive user experiences.
Although the skincare and makeup sections have a particular focus on products appropriate for women who are in their 40’s or beyond, the information provided may be useful for other people as well.
The products are curated by Lisa Petrison, who has been focused on helping people to improve their health by avoiding toxicity since 2008 and who heads the Paradigm Change organization.
Her Living Clean in a Dirty World blog site discusses a variety of topics of relevance to those who are working to pursue a more natural lifestyle with less exposure to harmful toxicity.
Lisa is the author of several books, including A Beginner’s Guide to Mold Avoidance (co-written with Erik Johnson).
She also runs the Paradigm Change website (focusing on issues related to toxic mold illness) and the Mold Avoiders Facebook group (designed for the discussion of all topics of interest to those pursuing the mold avoidance approach described in the “Beginner’s Guide” book).
Lisa was born in August 1964 and has yet to try cosmetic surgery, Botox or other cosmetic treatments requiring interactions with a physician, or beauty products containing retinoids.
In her former life, Lisa worked as a business school professor, as a marketing consultant to a variety of large companies, and as a reporter covering the advertising industry.
She holds a Ph.D. in marketing and social psychology from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University as well as B.S./M.S. degrees from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern.
Lisa would like to extend a special note of appreciation to Ellen Kleiman-Redden for her help in trying out products and discussing issues related to this project.
She also would like to thank the many members of the Mold Avoiders community who have shared suggestions of products to be included here.
A Note From Lisa
Products that I have tried or researched and that I have not found to be acceptable from a toxicity standpoint have been omitted entirely from the discussions on this website.
However, since a goal of this project is to introduce people to a range of options in terms of price and functionality, some products discussed on this site include ingredients that may not be appropriate for everyone.
It’s my hope that all individuals making their way to this site will find at least a few options from each product category that meet all of their own needs and wants from a variety of perspectives.
The vast majority of cosmetics marketers now offer affiliate programs in which Internet content creators may earn commissions if people who are referred to the companies’ sites by clicking on links end up making purchases.
I participate in quite a few individual affiliate programs as well as in the Sovrn/Viglinks program (which automatically converts regular links into revenue-generating links).
Reader comments (positive or negative) about products discussed on this website are very welcome.
Thoughts may be shared either by posting them in the comments section at the bottom of this page or by sending them directly to me at the following email address:
info at paradigmchange dot me
Companies that would like to offer me complimentary products to try out may contact me at this address as well.
Individuals who are seeking out less-toxic products or who are interested in pursuing a cleaner and healthier lifestyle may want to sign up to receive occasional email newsletters from Living Clean in a Dirty World.
Thanks very much for visiting the Living Clean in a Dirty World shopping site!
Links on this page are in orange (no underlining).