There’s no one-size-fits-all in skincare. What works for one person may not necessarily have the same results for someone else. But it’s only natural to want the best! Luckily our team of licensed dermatology providers are regularly reviewing and assessing products on the market and are happy to offer a few recommendations! So here, you’ll find the products that hold up to our standards.

Soft, smooth skin is a highly desirable feature—but maintaining your skin can seem easier said than done, given our numerous dermatological concerns, including dry skin, fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and hyperpigmentation. Luckily, there are plenty of effective products and tools available to help you reach your skincare goals. And that goes for the skin on your face and your body!

In recent years, exfoliating gloves have become a go-to tool for addressing various skin concerns, including dryness, signs of aging, acne, and hyperpigmentation on the body. However, given the large number of available exfoliating gloves, choosing a suitable option for your needs may be challenging.

Here, our licensed dermatology providers will recommend some of the best exfoliating gloves for your body, so you can easily find the right ones for your skin.

What are exfoliating gloves?

Just like their names suggest, exfoliating gloves are a skincare tool that can be used to exfoliate the skin—aka to remove dry skin and dead skin cells. 

What are they used for?

Exfoliating gloves help cleanse the skin and improve its appearance. You may use these gloves to remove dead cells from various body parts, including the legs, hands, and shoulders.

How do exfoliating gloves work?

Exfoliating gloves exfoliate the skin through a mechanical process.¹ They’re often made from granular substances or roughly textured fabric. The rough surface of exfoliating gloves can scrub off dry skin and dead cells.

Are exfoliating gloves dermatologists recommended?

Like other forms of physical or mechanical exfoliation, exfoliating gloves induce immediate skin peeling. In some instances, this may temporarily disrupt the skin barrier, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss.² As such, you should exfoliate in moderation.

While exfoliating gloves may be recommended in certain cases, you should check with your dermatology provider before using them to exfoliate your skin. This is because they may react adversely with sensitive skin.

How to use exfoliating gloves

Here are some tips for using exfoliating gloves:

• Consider the skin care products you currently use: Some medications and skin care products may make your skin more susceptible to peeling. Exfoliating while using such products may cause acne breakouts or aggravate dry skin.³

• Select a suitable exfoliating glove: The type of exfoliating gloves you use may depend on your skin type.⁴ For instance, gloves with a rough texture may be more suitable if you have thick, oily skin.

• Be gentle when exfoliating: Apply your exfoliating glove gently using circular motions. Avoid exfoliating if you have sunburns, open wounds, or cuts.⁵

• Rinse off with lukewarm water: Hot water isn’t ideal for rinsing after exfoliation.⁶

• Apply a moisturizer after exfoliation: A moisturizer can help keep your skin healthy and hydrated.⁷ Curology’s The Moisturizer is an excellent option. This moisturizer lets you layer as much as you want without worrying about overdoing it.

• Find the proper schedule: How frequently you exfoliate using an exfoliating glove may depend on your skin type and the texture of the gloves. Take care not to over-exfoliate, which may lead to irritation and redness.⁸

• Clean after use: Since you use exfoliating gloves to clean your body, it’s important to clean them after use. You can either wash them with cold water or warm water and then let them dry fully.

Following these tips can help you achieve the best results with exfoliating gloves.

The best exfoliating gloves for your body, according to experts

Given the many exfoliating gloves in the market, choosing a suitable option can be challenging. Here are our dermatology providers’ favorites.

How to select exfoliation gloves

While exfoliating gloves are meant to do the same thing––remove dead cells and other blemishes from the skin––their effectiveness may differ. Their value for money may also vary. So before purchasing an exfoliating glove, here are some factors to consider:

• Material: Avoid gloves made using materials that may cause inflammation or irritation.

• Durability: The more durable an exfoliating glove is, the greater value you’ll get from it because it will last longer without losing effectiveness.

• Skin type: Consider your skin type when purchasing exfoliating gloves. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, avoiding gloves with extra rough surfaces may be wise.

Our top 9 exfoliating gloves for your body

1. Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts

This viscose fiber exfoliating glove is a popular option, and for a good reason––it can visibly lift away dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking smoother than before. It’s also great for spray tan preparation and removal. Seraphic Skincare’s exfoliating mitts are incredibly simple to use––you just need to wear them and scrub your skin in circular motions. They’re suitable for both gentle and moderate exfoliation.

2. Baiden Mitten

If you’re looking for simple yet effective exfoliating gloves, then consider the Baiden Mitten. Made of natural woven wood pulp thread, this glove picks up the dry, dead skin, leaving behind smooth skin. This option is suitable for all skin tones and skin types.

3. Hammam Glove Kessa Scrub

The Moroccan Kessa scrub glove scrubs the skin effectively, leaving it incredibly soft. Unlike most scrubs, this glove is designed as a gentle exfoliating mitt, making it suitable for exfoliating your face and body.

4. Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitts

The Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitts work to exfoliate your skin in two ways: its black side removes any dry skin cells and its blue side helps remove unwanted tanning errors. This double-sided mitt is effective without being harsh on the skin. You may use it to remove dead skin cells and stubborn tan.

5. Face Halo Body Exfoliator

Face Halo Body Exfoliator exfoliates and polishes the skin for a radiant, smooth, and flawless complexion. It reaches deep into the skin to remove dry skin cells and revitalize it. Face Halo Body Exfoliator is non-toxic, reusable, and may be used to exfoliate different skin types.

6. Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves

Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves are specially designed to slough away impurities such as dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. By doing so, these gloves clear pores and clogged hair follicles. Replace these gloves every three months to maintain hygiene.

7. MIG4U Exfoliating Bath Gloves

These shower gloves offer an invigorating exfoliating experience. Made with nylon, they exfoliate the skin, removing the build-up of dead skin cells and promoting the growth of new skin cells. Pay attention to the degree of force you exert when using these gloves to avoid injuring your skin.

8. Beauty by Earth Exfoliating Gloves

The Beauty by Earth Exfoliating Gloves are a great choice if you are looking for a glove that helps improve skin texture. These reusable gloves remove dry skin and dead skin cells. Plus, they’re made using skin-friendly nylon.

9. Temple Spring Exfoliating Gloves

The Temple Spring Shower Gloves effectively exfoliate your skin, promoting a silky, smooth texture. These gloves are usually stretchy, so they fit most hand sizes. They’re also suitable for all skin types. You should, however, not use them on damaged or sore skin areas.

If you’re uncertain about choosing the right exfoliating glove, consult a licensed dermatology provider who can provide personalized recommendations based on your skin type and needs.

Get personalized expert skincare advice with Curology

The first step to getting healthy, clean skin is to consult a licensed dermatology provider. If you’re ready to take this step, Curology may help. We offer a wide range of proven-effective products, including Custom FormulaRX for acne and Future-ProofRX for anti-aging. Our licensed dermatology providers may assess your skin to determine which ingredients may be suitable for your skin. They may then work with you to create a personalized skincare routine tailored to your unique needs.

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

Get your personalized skincare routine with Curology

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P.S. We did the homework so you don’t have to:

1. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. (n.d.).

2. Rodan, K., et al. Skincare Bootcamp: The Evolving Role of Skincare. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. (2016, December 14). 

3. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

4. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

5. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

6. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

7. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

8. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

9. American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Safely Exfoliate at Home. Ibid.

Meredith Hartle is a board-certified Family Medicine physician at Curology. She earned her medical degree at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine in Kirksville, MO.

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Written by

Curology Team

Medically reviewed by

Meredith Hartle, DO