Keavy
Escentual Beauty Writer
One category that Dermalogica is well known for is their exfoliators. Gaining notoriety globally for their exceptional formulas and high-quality ingredients. With a selection of worldwide bestsellers; physical and chemical formulas and textures designed for a variety of skin types and concerns, there really is something for everyone.
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The quickest way to achieve that fresh glow is Exfoliation. At Dermalogica we believe regular exfoliation is critical for healthy skin as it keeps cell renewal rates ticking over and your complexion smooth and bright.
What are the benefits of daily exfoliation?
Glowy, smooth and renewed skin, never gets old. Like most, you may be tempted to buy makeup, expensive creams and serums for skin like this, however, you can achieve this with a good exfoliator. Ageing, acne and uneven skin texture are just the tips of the iceberg when it comes to the skin-enhancing benefits they offer.
Smoothing, fine lines wrinkles, boost collagen and cell turnover, an exfoliator leaves your skin glowing from within without the need for makeup. Additionally, it’s used for acne and blemish-prone skin types, helping smooth, reduce pigmentation and balance excess oil and dirt.
Not only does removing the top layer of skin make it look smooth and fresh, but it also ensures that your skincare penetrates deeper into the skin so that you can make the most out of your skincare. Learn more about the benefits of regularly exfoliating your skin.
In this edit, we review Dermalogica’s selection of exfoliators that can be used daily. All the Dermalogica Exfoliators featured are gluten-free, vegan, no artificial and fragrances, paraben-free and cruelty-free…
1. Daily Microfoliant is for Normal To Dry Skin
Skin type: all skin types, especially dry and oily.
Texture: powder.
Skin concerns: uneven skin tone, signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, excess oil, enlarged pores and dullness.
Type of exfoliator: gentle physical and chemical AHA and BHA.
Benefits of Daily Microfoliant:
•Won’t aggravate the skin.
•Smooths.
•Brightens.
•Balances excess oil.
•Reduces pore size.
•Minimises wrinkles and fine lines.
•Boosts collagen production and cell turnover.
•Reduce pigmentation.
Why We Love Daily Microfoliant:
‘’I’m turning 30 this year, and my skin is still all over the place. One minute it’s dry, then the next it’s oily, but that’s manageable for me now. Texture and tone are two of my biggest concerns, but since using the Microfoliant every day I’ve noticed a huge improvement in the smoothness of my skin; I’m now confident to wear less makeup, and embrace the skin I’m in.’’ – Chelsey, Communications & Campaign Manager.
Why You Will Love Daily Microfoliant:
If you’re unsure about which type of Dermalogica exfoliator is for you, you can’t go wrong with Daily Microfoliant; it’s their number one product worldwide. More than a best-seller Daily Microfoliant is an icon; this iconic powder exfoliator is suitable for all skin types and has a glowing reputation among skincare enthusiasts and beauty bloggers globally.
Daily Microfoliant has one agenda: to make dull skin naturally glow, smooth and even. There’s no need to choose between chemical and physical exfoliators because this contains both. The double-action powder to scrub formula lifts any dead skin cells using salicylic acid, phytic acid and rice powder. As for over-exfoliation, it won’t be a problem as the gentle exfoliator offers a tailored approach to exfoliating your face. The scrub’s intensity can be easily adjusted by adding more or less water to create an ultra-gentle or an intense paste for stubborn dry patches. Despite its high concentration of active ingredients, it is even gentle enough to use every day.
2. Dermalogica Superfoliant Is For Ageing Skin
Skin type: ageing.
Texture: powder
Skin concerns: uneven skin tone, signs of ageing, excess oil and enlarged pores.
Type of exfoliator: gentle physical and chemical AHA.
Benefits of Daily Superfoliant:
• Won’t aggravate the skin.
• Smooths.
• Brightens.
• Balances excess oil.
• Reduces pore size.
• Minimises wrinkles and fine lines.
• Neutralises pollution.
• Boosts collagen production and cell turnover.
• Reduce pigmentation.
Why We Love Daily Superfoliant:
“I was already a big fan of the Dermalogica Microfoliant, so I was intrigued to see what the Superfoliant did for my skin. The first thing I noticed is that it has a slightly coarser texture than the Microfoliant, so I felt as though it was really helping to smooth my skin while the powerful AHA’s and enzymes included in the formula also got to work on resurfacing my complexion to make it smoother. After a week of using it every morning, my skin looks fresher, brighter and has a polished effect – and as you know, I’m all about that glow! For anyone looking to combat or prevent the signs of ageing by ensuring their skin is clear of skin-damaging pollution, this would be a useful addition to your skincare regime.” – Elisabeth
Why You Will Love Daily Superfoliant:
Daily Superfoliant is the option for ageing skin that’s lacking a glow. Superfoliant follows on from the success of their first and best-selling exfoliating powder, Daily Microfoliant, but this scrub is tailored to the needs of ageing skin who’s skin is starting to wrinkle and look dull.
Your best ally even if you don’t live in the city; this Dermalogica exfoliator works to correct the signs of ageing while eliminating toxins linked to collagen breakdown. It does this by neutralising environmental factors (pollution, cigarette smoke and UV rays are the main offenders!) that build up on the skin throughout the day using niacinamide, red algae and tara fruit extract. While existing concerns like wrinkles, fine lines and uneven texture are minimised by lactic and malic (AHAs). These two do quite a lot; encouraging cell turnover to refresh your complexion and get your natural glow back. Gentler than pure acids, the powder formula won’t overstimulate the skin, or irritate either!
With just a dash of water, the dark powder turns into a paste ready to use. You may be alarmed at the colour, but it’s for a good reason; its black colour comes from purifying and antibacterial ingredient charcoal, which helps reduce blackheads while deep cleansing pores.
3. Milkfoliant Is For Sensitive Skin
Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive.
Skin concerns: Sensitivity, dryness, dullness, uneven texture.
Type of exfoliator: Physical and chemical (Oat, Coconut, and PHA).
Benefits of Daily Milkfoliant:
Calms and soothes redness or irritation.
Polishes away dead skin cells for a smooth finish.
Replenishes the moisture barrier.
Brightens skin tone over time.
Gentle enough for daily use.
Supports skin hydration with essential minerals.
Reduces the appearance of fine lines caused by dehydration.
Why We Love Daily Milkfoliant:“I have always been nervous about exfoliating daily because my skin tends to get red and tight, but Milkfoliant changed the game for me. It has this incredible, calming oat scent and turns into a beautiful creamy lather that feels more like a treat than a harsh scrub. My skin feels instantly soft and 'bouncy' rather than stripped. It’s the perfect peace-offering for my sensitive face after a long week!” — Sarah
Why You Will Love Daily Milkfoliant:If you found the discontinued Flashfoliant a bit too intense, or if your skin is craving comfort, Daily Milkfoliant is your new go-to. This vegan milky powder exfoliant is specifically designed to deliver smooth, bright skin without the risk of over-exfoliation. It’s the ultimate "reset" button for dull, tired complexions.
The magic lies in the blend of fine Oat powder, Coconut Milk, and Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs). While the botanical extracts work to soothe and nourish, the Papain enzyme and Grape Extract gently dissolve dulling surface debris. Unlike harsher formulas, Milkfoliant prioritises your skin barrier, using atomised Sea Salt and Arginine to help replenish essential minerals. The result is a polished, luminous glow that feels hydrated and calm.
Just pour a small amount into wet hands, rub them together to create a rich, creamy lather, and massage onto the face. It’s effective, effortless, and easy on your skin.
Still not sure which Dermalogica exfoliator is for you?
Reach out to us on Instagram or via or live chat to get your Dermalogica exfoliator recommendation.
Discover More:
Is Daily Milkfoliant a direct replacement for Clear Start Flashfoliant?
Not exactly. While both are chemical exfoliants, Flashfoliant was a leave-on foam specifically for breakout-prone skin. Daily Milkfoliant is a wash-off powder focused on calming and polishing all skin types, especially sensitive skin. If you used Flashfoliant for acne, you might want to pair Milkfoliant with a targeted salicylic acid treatment
What is the difference between Daily Milkfoliant and Daily Microfoliant?
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Daily Microfoliant (The Icon): Rice-based, focuses on brightening and evening skin tone. Best for normal to oily skin.
Daily Milkfoliant (The Peace-Maker): Oat and Coconut-based, focuses on calming redness and supporting the moisture barrier. Best for sensitive or dry skin
Can I use Daily Milkfoliant every day?
Yes! Unlike many exfoliators that can only be used twice a week, Daily Milkfoliant is formulated to be gentle enough for daily use (AM or PM). Its oat and coconut milk base ensures that it replenishes the skin barrier while it exfoliates, preventing the "over-exfoliated" tight feeling
How do I use a powder exfoliator?
To get the best results, dispense about a half-teaspoon of powder into very wet hands. Rub your hands together to create a creamy, "milky" lather. Massage it onto your face for 60 seconds (avoiding the eyes) and rinse thoroughly. Pro Tip: You can also mix a pinch of it into your favourite Dermalogica cleanser for a "power cleanse."
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