Grooming and beard care routines have become extremely important now that facial hair is trending. Part of this care routine is exfoliating the skin underneath; to do that, we looked at the best beard exfoliators.
Beard exfoliators and beard scrubs clean away dead skin cells, oil, and dirt underneath your facial hair, promoting healthier beard growth. It can also help prevent beard acne, bring ingrown hair to the surface and improve blood circulation for healthy skin.
We reviewed the top beard exfoliating scrubs, picking the best products based on customer satisfaction, ingredients, fragrance (or preferably unscented), and successful skin smoothing results. Find the best product for you below.
Understanding exfoliant Scrubs
Experts say you should exfoliate at least once per week; however, some exfoliators are made for daily use. We review the top beard scrubs and exfoliators below.
Treatment
It’s the best thing you can do for your skin to keep it hydrated underneath thick hair growth. Beard exfoliating face scrubs are a bit like facial scrubs but formulated to leave your face clean and healthy.
Simply work the texture in circular motions underneath your hair to prevent any damage to your hair follicles.
- Check out – How to Exfoliate your Beard. We show how cleansing your skin will prevent ingrown hairs and beard dandruff.
- Exfoliate before or after shaving? Learn the right way.
Along with beard oils and conditioners, exfoliants can improve the look and feel of your facial hair.
1. Brickell Renewing Face Scrub for Men
The Brickell Renewing Face Scrub offers a natural and organic formula that completely exfoliates the skin underneath your beard.
- What It Does: This exfoliating men's face scrub sloughs away oil, dead skin, and other face impurities. Restores a clear complexion and leaves the skin soft. Use pre-shave to remove dead skin and lift up whiskers for an ultra-close shave.
- Who It’s For: Men of any age with any type of skin – especially those prone to oily build up, blemishes, or ingrown hairs. Use in a skin care or shave routine
- How It Works: Our facial scrub for men uses powerful natural scrubbing particles to remove dead skin cells, exfoliate, unclog pores, and break down tough facial hair for an ultra close shave.
- Key Ingredients: Natural & Certified Organic ingredients, including aloe vera, avocado butter, vitamin E, pumice, and jojoba beads.
- Who We Are: Brickell creates skincare and grooming products for men using natural & certified organic ingredients. Our products are sold in over 100 countries and have appeared in GQ, Men's Health, Men's Journal, and other popular men’s magazines.
Pros
- Reduces oily build-up
- No parabens or synthetic microbeads
- A lot of product for the cost
- Strong exfoliator
- Uses avocado, jojoba beads, and natural pumice for scrubbers
Cons
- Expensive but worth it for the organic formula
Verdict
It’s one of the most popular beard exfoliators because of its light scent and clean results. You’ll find that it doesn’t stick or add a greasy film to your fingers, and the feeling is so energizing. You can wash it off easily, as it doesn’t cling to your beard hair either.
This creamy beard exfoliator has a thicker consistency, making it easier to work into your skin and spread it underneath your beard.
Where to Buy
2. Jack Black Energizing Face Buff Scrub
This Jack Black Energizing Scrub is another natural and organic product that steers clear of parabens and synthetic beads. It’s suitable for all skin types, and oily customers say it works wonders for removing dead skin underneath.
- Regular use of a scrub also helps prevent in-grown hairs by opening congested pores
- Contains Vitamin C and licorice extract for anti-aging benefits
- Premium grade, micro-fine scrubbing grains gently polish skin
- Cooling menthol refreshes skin and provides antibacterial benefits
- Regular exfoliation (gently scrubbing off old skin cells) also improves skin's appearance and radiance by exposing newer, younger cells beneath the surface
Pros
- Deep cleaning scrub action
- Great for all skin types
- Energizing scent
Cons
- Some customers thought the smell was too strong
Verdict
While not too abrasive, it leaves your skin feeling extremely smooth, which is exactly what you want.
where to Buy
3. Viking Revolution – Microdermabrasion Face Scrub for Men
A popular brand for men. The Viking Revolution Microdermabrasion Face Scrub is a top pick facial cleanser and exfoliator. This wash is known for its deep cleansing properties to remove blackheads, face spots, and ingrown hairs.
- Best Face Wash - Our Men's Face Wash deeply cleanses dirt, eliminates oil and helps moisturize skin.
- Expertly Formulated Skincare For Men - Works with oily, dry, and normal skin types.
- Squeaky-Clean Exfoliating Face Scrub - Exfoliate your skin to avoid acne and balance out dryness.
- Make Your Shave Count - Our face wash helps condition skin against razor irritation for an easier shave.
- The Viking Promise: If for any reason, you’re not completely satisfied, simply contact us and we’ll take care of it.
Pros
- Large, easy-to-use bottle
- Instantly buffs away dead skin
- Contains SP Skin Recharging Complex
Cons
- Not recommended after shaving
- The peppermint effect is too subtle
Verdict
I like that I could use it as a daily pre-shave face scrub, and it felt like a natural first step to the morning routine. After using it for a week, I didn’t have any razor bumps, and usually, I’ll have 1-2 per week – so that was a huge plus.
I also liked that it was more than a simple face wash and performed like a gentle exfoliator without being too gritty. One of my favs.
where to Buy
4. Rocky Mountain Barber Co. Beard Scrub
We love the Rocky Mountain Barber Co. Beard Exfoliator because it’s made by barbers and includes deep-cleansing charcoal. The price point is also lower than many other beard exfoliants.
- Use Daily – Can be used daily as part of your complete skin care routine
- Unscented Formula – No added fragrance to gently clean your face and skin
- Simple Ingredients – Contains ingredients like aloe leaf juice, argan oil & jojoba oil
- Lathers Quickly – Our face wash lathers quickly for easy application and coverage
- Made in Small Batches - Means a fresher face wash with fresher ingredients
Pros
- Unscented
- Lots of essential oils
- Deep-cleansing charcoal formula
- Alcohol-free
Cons
- None, this beard exfoliator gets the best reviews too
Verdict
Alcohol-free and unscented, you’ll enjoy scrubbing away dry skin under your beard with just a dab of this cleanser. The formula also includes some of the best essential oils for healthy hair growth like jojoba oil and argan oil.
where to Buy
5. Rugged and Dapper Exfoliating Cleanser
The Rugged and Dapper Exfoliator is a daily scrubbing cleanser that’s gentle enough for most skin types. If you’re the type who wants to feel smooth skin every day and needs a powerful cleanser, this exfoliator gets the job done.
- 🏴 EASY ROUTINE: Our Premium Daily Power Scrub Men's Face Wash goes beyond the surface, fighting dirt, excess oil, and grime deep down. Simply incorporate this fresh-scented face wash for men into your regimen, while in the shower for a healthy and refreshed complexion.
- 🏴 ALL-IN-ONE SOLUTION: This efficient formula thoroughly cleanses and exfoliates to combat congestion, dull uneven skin, breakouts & acne. It's gentle enough to be used both morning and night, without irritating or drying out your skin. Wash your beard and the skin under facial hair daily, to prevent ingrown hairs by keeping follicles clear.
- 🏴 CLEAN INGREDIENTS: Made in the USA with potent vitamins, antioxidants, and a half-dozen nourishing peptides, fuel your skin from within. Packed with Botanical Hyaluronic Acid, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E + B5, and Shea Butter.
- 🏴 HIGHLY EFFECTIVE FORMULA: This energizing mens daily face wash has plant-based exfoliants engineered to scrub away dead skin cells and decongest pores. Daily exfoliation primes the skin for a smooth shave and enhances the absorption of other products. PRO TIP: Follow with our best-selling Age + Damage Defense Moisturizer for maximum results.
- 🏴 FOR DIVERSE SKIN TYPES: Normal, sensitive, oily, dry, combo and acne-prone complexions of all ages and ethnicities. This face scrub for men is crafted exclusively for him, targeting the challenges of rougher, thicker skin with more sebum (oil) production due to higher levels of testosterone.
Pros
- The special formula includes natural ingredients like aloe vera
- Best for sensitive skin
- It can be used daily
Cons
- Pricier than other cleansers on this list
Verdict
It’s also one of the best cleansers for sensitive skin. We also found it was the only cleanser on this list to include aloe vera, which helps with skin smoothing and reducing beard itch.
where to Buy
6. Marlowe Facial Hair Exfoliating Scrub
The Marlowe No. 122 is a facial scrub just for men that you can use daily. It’s a light exfoliator that refreshes skin and adds a delightful sandalwood scent to your beard.
- Soothes, Purifies, Refreshes: MARLOWE. Mens Facial Cleanser is a cut above the rest. Cleanses your face, removing excess oil and dirt without drying out your skin. This face wash is a must-have in your skincare routine
- Fresh Masculine Scent: MARLOWE. Face Cleanser is lightly scented with a fresh and woodsy scent of pine and agarwood, ensuring your skin smells fresh and looks more radiant. This gel cleanser leaves the skin perfectly moisturized and soothed
- Experience The MARLOWE. Difference: This face wash for men is crafted with a unique combination of antioxidants & natural extracts to nourish, smooth & revitalize skin. Our vegan facial wash is one of our favorites, perfect to use as a daily cleanser
- No Bad Stuff & Made Right Here: MARLOWE. hair & skin care products are SLS/SLES, paraben and phthalate-free, cruelty-free and made in the USA with globally sourced ingredients. High-quality face, shave and body care essentials designed to elevate your lifestyle
- The MARLOWE. Man: Men need hair & skin care too, but it doesn't have to be complicated. We believe that life is complicated enough. Looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. MARLOWE. engineers products that work as hard as you do
Pros
- Gentle, daily exfoliator
- Natural ingredients
- Affordable for the bottle size
Cons
- It’s not the strongest formula for thick beards
Verdict
This perfectly woodsy, masculine cleanser cleanses away dead skin and isn’t too rough on your skin. Its paraben-free, phthalate-free formula has a pretty thick consistency and prevents acne.
where to Buy
7. NIVEA Men’s DEEP Cleansing Beard & Face Wash
A well trusted brand of skin cleanser. NIVEA Men’s DEEP Cleansing Beard & Face Wash thoroughly cleans my coarse beard and all the way down to my skin. It’s made with natural charcoal, so it easily removed excess dirt and oils for a deep clean and refreshed feeling.
- Thoroughly Cleanses Skin and Beards: Natural Charcoal face wash specially formulated for men to thoroughly cleanse skin and beards
- Long-Lasting Clean Feel: This gel facial cleanser can be used on beards and mustaches for a long-lasting clean feel without leaving skin feeling dry or tight
- Vanilla and Bourbon Scent: Face scrub with a masculine and modern vanilla and bourbon scent
- Natural Charcoal Enriched: Daily face wash for men enriched with Natural Charcoal removes dirt and excess oil from the face
- Trusted Brand: NIVEA MEN is a trusted leader in skin care products, with more than 130 years of expertise
Pros
- Formulated for men with beards
- Adds the perfect amount of moisture
- Unclogs pores and buffs out dead skin
Cons
- Have to buy a 3-pack
- Manufactured outside the US
Verdict
One of the best exfoliating faces products I tried. The real benefit is that this scrub was entirely designed for men with thick beards.
It’s reasonably priced for a 3-pack, and I’m OK with the vanilla scent – though I would have preferred a more masculine scent. A solid pick!
where to Buy
FAQs
What can I use to exfoliate my beard?
You can use a beard scrub or a brush designed for beards to exfoliate your beard. Even a DIY scrub made from olive oil and sugar can do the trick. This will help remove dead skin, unclog follicles, and stimulate beard growth.
Do beard exfoliators work?
Yes, beard exfoliators effectively work by removing dead skin cells and unclogging hair follicles, which can lead to healthier beard growth. They also reduce beard itchiness and flaking. Always follow the exfoliator’s instructions for best results and to avoid skin irritation.
Should you exfoliate your beard?
Yes, exfoliating under your beard should be part of your grooming routine. It helps remove dead skin cells, reduces itchiness, and promotes healthier hair growth by unclogging hair follicles. Aim to exfoliate the skin under your beard 1-2 times per week.
How do you exfoliate dead skin under your beard?
Exfoliating dead skin under a beard involves using a scrub or exfoliating tool to remove dead skin cells gently. Start by washing your beard with warm water and a mild cleanser. Then, gently rub the exfoliator in a circular motion across the skin beneath the beard, rinse with warm water, and pat dry.
