Finding an exfoliator for seborrheic dermatitis is a really risky job, especially when you have sensitive skin and a damaged skin barrier.

So, for this post, we found 6 gentle exfoliators for seborrheic dermatitis.

We choose each exfoliant based on how commonly it was used by people with seborrheic dermatitis.

Note: Before using an exfoliant, always consult with your dermatologist.

This is another ointment that many people with seborrheic dermatitis use to treat their acne. It is a great exfoliator that quickly clears pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and blemishes.

• It is a powerful oil-free, water-washable acne treatment that quickly clears pimples, whiteheads, blackheads, and blemishes.

• It speeds healing, restores clear healthy skin, and prevents new pimples from forming.

• It is non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, and free of artificial fragrances, colours, preservatives, and gluten.

• None.

Active Ingredients: Sulfur – 10 % (Acne medication)

Inactive Ingredients: polyethylene glycol

This is a salicylic face wash that was recommended by a person with seborrheic dermatitis and is much gentler and more soothing compared to other acne cleansers.

• It is safe for sensitive skin including ultra-sensitive skin.

• Great for back and chest acne.

• It is free from oils, alcohol, hypoallergenic, dye, and fragrance.

• It helps eliminate most acne blemishes and keeps pores clog-free.  

• It contains aloe and chamomile to soothe skin.  

• None.

Use twice daily

Active Ingredients: Salicylic Acid (2%)

Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Disodium EDTA, Chamomile Extract, Aloe Vera Gel, Glucamate DOE-120, Glydant, Bioterge AS-40, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Chloride.

Retinoids are the best exfoliants for treating seborrheic dermatitis along with oily, acne-prone skin. There are different types of retinoids:

• Adapalene (differin)

• Aklief (trifarotene)

• Altreno (tretinoin lotion)

• A-Ret Gel 0.1% Tretinoin

• Atralin Gel (0.05% Tretinoin)

Note: you can only get these retinoids through prescriptions and they are also really strong so you might see some purging.

This is an acne treatment formulated with 5.5% micronized benzoyl peroxide and micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, this acne spot treatment provides fast and visible results in less than 3 days. It uses a micronization process meaning that it releases benzoyl peroxide slowly onto your skin.

• This spot treatment for acne reduces the number and severity of acne blemishes, pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

• It is non-drying, oil-free, and has a fast-absorbing texture.

• Can be used as a spot treatment or all over the face.

• None.

Consult a dermatologist.

Active Ingredients: 5.5% BENZOYL PEROXIDE

Inactive Ingredients: WATER, ISOSTEARYL ALCOHOL, GLYCERIN, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, SILICA, CARBOMER, CAPRYLOYL SALICYLIC ACID, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, DISODIUM EDTA, EPILOBIUM ANGUSTIOFLIUM FLOWER/LEAF/STEM EXTRACT.

This is a product made specifically for treating seborrheic dermatitis and eliminating fungal acne. It is an underrated product that many people have recommended. It is formulated with mandelic acid, a gentle exfoliator that is proven to be safe and effective for sensitive skin.

The level 1 serum is used for the face and the level 2 serum is used for the body.

• Clears up all types of acne and folliculitis, corrects ingrown hairs, improves fine lines and aging skin, and fades hyperpigmentation and acne scars.

• It’s gentle and safe for all skin tones. 

It can be a bit drying.

You can use it once or twice a week to let your skin adjust to it before using it every day.

If the product does dry your skin out, then use it once or twice a week depending on the dryness.

Ingredients: Purified Water, Propanediol, Mandelic Acid, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Sodium PCA, Xanthan Gum, Lactic Acid, Sodium Lactate, and Caprylyl Glycol.

You can use a Konjac sponge if face cleansers or chemical exfoliants irritate your skin. It can be used to unclog your pores, especially with oily and acne-prone skin. In addition to cleansing and exfoliating, a konjac sponge is also great for removing makeup.

• Clindamycin

• Acne.org Treatment (2.5% benzoyl peroxide)

• Malezia Acne Treatment Gel (2.5% Micronized Benzoyl Peroxide)

• COSRX BHA blackhead liquid

• Malezia 5% Urea Moisturizer (use once or twice a week

• ZapZyt Acne Treatment Gel (10% benzoyl peroxide)

• Stridex Pads (BHA)

• Garden of Wisdom Salicylic Acid 2% Serum

• Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (can be a bit drying)

WARNING: consult a dermatologist before using any of the products below especially glycolic acid.

• A:
  • Almond Clear Level 2 Mandelic acid serum (15%)
  • Alpha Skincare Intensive Rejuvenating Serum (14% glycolic acid, green tea extract)
  • Alpha-H Liquid Gold (5% glycolic Acid)
  • Alpha Skincare Essential Renewal Gel (10% glycolic Acid)
  • Azclear Action Medicated Lotion

• B:
  • Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion (contains gluconolactone, salicylic acid, niacinamide, sulfur, and thyme oil among other things. 
  • Bravura London 2% Salicylic Acid Peel 
  • Bravura London 10% Glycolic Acid Peel 
  • Bravura London 15% Glycolic Acid Treatment Serum/Gel

• C:
  • Clearasil Stubborn Acne Control 5 in 1 Daily Pads (contains 2% salicylic acid)
  • Clearasil Ultra Acne Medication Rapid Action Pads (contains 2% salicylic acid)
  • Cosrx AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner
  • COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid 

• D:
  • DRMTLGY Acne Spot Treatment (contains 5% benzoyl peroxide, 5% glycolic acid, and allantoin)

• G:
  • Geek & Gorgeous Calm Down (contains PHA, BHA, and saccharomyces cerevisiae extract)
  • Geek & Gorgeous Cheer Up (contains mandelic acid, salicylic acid, and sarcosine)
  • Geek & Gorgeous Smooth Out (contains glycolic and lactic acid, and saccharomyces cerevisiae extract)
  • Garden of Wisdom Azelaic Acid 8% Serum (contains undisclosed liposome base, which may or may not be safe)
  • Garden of Wisdom Glycolic Acid 5% Serum
  • Garden of Wisdom Mandelic Acid 10% Serum
  • Garden of Wisdom PHA Plus Serum
  • Garden of Wisdom Salicylic Acid 2% Serum
  • Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C Serum 23% + Ferulic Acid

• H:
  • Humane BHA Pore Minimizer Clarifying Toner Salicylic Acid 2%

• K:
  • Kate Somerville Eradikate Acne Treatment (contains sulfur and salicylic acid)

• L:
  • Life Brand Clear Action Acne Pads (2% salicylic acid, fragranced)
  • Lixir Night Switch BHA AHA 10% (contains lactic acid)

• R:
  • Reviva Labs Glycolic Acid Toner

• S:
  • San Marcos 10% Sulfur Ointment
  • Sidmool Dr. Troub Skin Returning BHA Essence (contains salicylic acid)
  • Sidmool Dual Effect BHA Gel (contains salicylic and glycolic acid)
  • Silk Naturals 2% BHA Toner
  • Skinceuticals Blemish Plus Age Defense (1.5% salicylic acid)

• T:
  • The Inkey List Beta Hydroxy Acid
  • The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

• V:
  • Versed Weekend Glow Daily Brightening Solution (contains glycolic acid, lactic acid, azelaic acid, and niacinamide)
  • Vivant Skincare Sulfur Clay Mask (10% sulfur and salicylic acid)