What Is Exfoliating, Why Exfoliate, And Types
Exfoliation improves overall skin tone by boosting circulation and removing dead skin cells from the surface layer of skin. When we exfoliate, we want to boost the skin's natural function, not stress it into overcompensating by producing more oil or breaking out. Our skin is amazingly adept at taking care of itself, so as usual, we try to help it do its job, not take over completely.
Exfoliating also helps your products work better. Toner and moisturizer are more easily absorbed into skin that's been exfoliated, so they'll work harder for you, too.
One of the most overlooked spots to exfoliate? Armpits. If your deodorant isn't holding up throughout the day, try exfoliating your pits with a soft cloth or a scrubby soap once or twice a week. Old deodorant and dead skin cells can build up in the underarms and prevent fresh deodorant from absorbing well and doing its job.
Most people over-exfoliate, and many of the products that used to be popular (ahem, apricot scrub) have been shown to damage skin by over-abrading it covering the surface area with tiny cuts. Gentler is better.
Two Types Of Exfoliation
There are two main types of exfoliation: manual and enzymatic.
Manual exfoliation relies on particles to physically scrub and loosen dead cells from the skin's surface. It's a great option for legs, back, chest, elbows, hands, feet, and other areas prone to dryness, breakouts, or ingrown hairs. For facial skin and other delicate areas, use only soft particles — like oats, ground leaves, or flower buds — and apply very light pressure to avoid damage.
Enzymatic exfoliation works in a completely different way. Made from fruits and roots like papaya, pineapple, pumpkin, and marshmallow root, enzyme exfoliants dissolve the "glue" that holds dead skin cells together. They are the gentlest option and ideal for people with sensitive or blemish-prone skin. If you tend to break out, focus on enzymatic exfoliation instead of heavy cleansing — overdrying skin can aggravate breakouts, especially in hot weather when you're sweating more.
Our New Face Exfoliator: Cactus Tansy
Okay, we're obsessed with this one. Say hello to our new Cactus Tansy Face Exfoliator. And yes, it's as cool as it sounds. We packed it with ingredients that are genuinely doing things for your skin (not just sitting there looking cute on the label). Here's who's in the lineup:
Water Kefir PHA: Think of PHAs as AHAs' chill, easygoing cousin. Same dead-skin-clearing magic that dissolves surface buildup and removes dead skin cells, and way less drama. Unlike traditional acids, PHAs don't cause irritation, making them the perfect entry point for sensitive skin that's been burned (sometimes literally) by harsher exfoliants before.
Cactus (Prickly Pear) Extract: A desert plant that somehow stays plump and glowy in the harshest conditions? Yeah, we want that energy on our face. This vegan ingredient from opuntia ficus-indica actively boosts cellular renewal and stimulates collagen production, and it works with every skin type.
Apple AHAs: Not just for pies! Apple-derived AHAs are a go-to for exfoliation and cellular renewal, blending malic, glycolic, lactic, and citric acids into one brightening team. Think of it as a whole little exfoliation squad, each acid pulling its weight to reveal fresher skin underneath.
Licorice Root Extract: Before you ask: no, it doesn't smell like candy. But it does fade sun damage and hyperpigmentation by gently blocking melanin production — meaning it addresses existing dark spots while helping prevent new ones from forming. Safe for all skin tones, soothing for everyone. A medicinal herb used for thousands of years, still earning its keep.
Watercress Extract: The overachiever of the bunch. It boosts your skin's antioxidant defenses to fight free radicals (the culprits behind fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging), supports your skin barrier, calms inflammation, and helps prevent collagen breakdown. Basically doing five jobs and not even breaking a sweat.
Our Body Exfoliators | Manual Soaps & Scrubs
Our Body Soaps use manual exfoliants — like cornmeal, coffee, and lavender buds — to give you a gentle full-body scrub in the shower. We balance the exfoliating effect with nourishing plant butters and oils that leave skin moisturized and reinforce barrier resiliency.
Our Body Scrub bars offer powerful exfoliation:
Cornmeal Lime Body Scrub Bar
Coffee Cardamom Body Scrub Bar
Our Body Soap bars offer gentle exfoliation:
Grapefruit Mint Body Soap
Lavender Lemon Body Soap
Cedar Spruce Body Soap
Our Facial Bars offer the gentlest exfoliation (and can be used on your body, too):