PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (2024)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (1)

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Fact: Few things annoy me more than splotchy self-tanner, ingrown hairs from shaving, or speckled ~strawberry legs~ that never seem to go away. That's exactly why I treat trying out new exfoliating products like it's my job (also bc it kinda is!). Whether it's an exfoliator for my face, a chemical exfoliant (trust, it's not as scary as it sounds), or even a cleansing brush, I'm always on the search for the latest and greatest step to add to my skincare routine. And my new favorite go-to? Exfoliating gloves—i.e., the easiest, laziest tool for getting ridiculously smooth skin without the mess of products.

Exfoliating gloves are exactly what they sound like: gloves that mechanically exfoliate your skin with their abrasive texture, helping to buff away dead skin cells, break down bumps, and smooth uneven texture on your arms, legs, and butt, says board-certified dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. Just slip one over your hand in the shower and gently massage it over your wet skin. Easy, right? There's just one catch: Some exfoliating gloves can seriously irritate your skin barrier (especially if you're dealing with active acne breakouts, psoriasis, eczema, or keratosis pilaris). So, to help you choose the best exfoliating gloves for your skin type, I did some testing and consulted countless online reviews to find the best ones out there:

Our top picks for the best exfoliating gloves in 2024:

Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best exfoliating gloves, tested and reviewed, along with tips from dermatologists on how to choose the best gloves and what to look for before you buy.

1

best overall exfoliating gloves

EcoTools Gentle Bath + Shower Gloves

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (9)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (10)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (11)Provides a gentle exfoliation ideal for everyday use
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (12)May not fit larger hands, according to some reviews

Chances are you've used or at least heard of EcoTools. The v popular brand offers simple yet effective products, and these shower gloves certainly don't fall short of that. I especially like these exfoliating gloves because they're gentle enough for everyday use. Just slip your hands in, add your favorite body wash, cleanser, or body scrub, and they gently exfoliate wherever your hands can reach. Plus, the gloves are infused with avocado oil to add that extra touch of hydration, which I'm sure we could alllll use.

Glowing Customer Review: "They say they are gentle exfoliating, and when you feel them they feel soft and like they couldn't possibly work well...but they do! Very happy with the level of exfoliation when wet."

2

best exfoliating glove on amazon

Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (13)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (14)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (15)More durable than traditional Korean Italy towels, according to reviews
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (16)Testers note that it has a chemical-like smell on first use

I’m all about testing top-rated Amazon beauty products, including these “Korean Italy'' exfoliating gloves with more than 39,000 reviews. While traditional Korean Italy towels have been routinely used in Korean spas to deeply buff and polish the skin on your body (you may have seen them online in the form of a bright green abrasive mitt), this one takes a similar fabric and makes it more durable in the form of a fitted glove. Just note that it’s on the rougher, harsher side, so limit it to once-weekly use, and skip it altogether if you’ve got inflammatory skin conditions, breakouts, or sensitive skin.

Glowing Customer Review: "These easy to use mitts are perfect for in the shower. You can use without soap or with soap just depends on what you prefer. Exfoliating is unbelievable. You don’t realize how much that skin is on your skin until you use these mitts and afterwards your skin feels brand new."

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3

best exfoliating glove for removing tanner

St. Tropez Tan Build Up Remover Mitt

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (18)Buffs away self-tanner with very little pressure
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (19)Shrinks a bit when it dries

Every Thursday night, I whip out a self-tanner for my pale skin (my favorite is the new St. Tropez body serum, FYI), slather it on my body, and spend the weekend with a bronze glow. All good things, until Monday hits, and I’m left with tanner that’s patchy, faded, and uneven. Enter: This tan-removing glove that’s designed with a four-way mesh material to help even out or buff off your fake tan. I like to suds up the glove with a body wash in the shower, gently massage the patchy areas on my skin (see: elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and hands), then rinse off and layer on a gradual-tan moisturizer to help prolong my tan until Thursday.

Glowing Customer Review: "This is the best exfoliating mitt ever. Literally takes off your whole tan. Absolutely amazing, everyone who fake tans needs this!"

4

best exfoliating glove for ingrown hairs

Fur Exfoliating & Clarifying Mitt Trio

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (20)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (21)Comes with two sizes for larger and smaller areas of the body
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (22)Some reviewers say the stitching can come undone over time

As a refresher, ingrown hairs are caused by hair getting trapped under your skin during growth, leading to an inflamed, irritated bump. The fix? A combo of chemical exfoliation (with an acid-based body wash or an acid-based body pad) and physical exfoliation, like an exfoliating glove. This set by Fur includes three mitts—made with cotton and nylon—that have a textured side for buffing the “tougher” areas of your body (see: legs, arms, and butt) and a softer side for exfoliating your sensitive zones (see: bikini area, armpits, and inner thighs). Just remember: Exfoliating gloves can worsen active ingrown hairs, so skip the inflamed areas and spot-treat the irritation with 1 percent hydrocortisone cream instead.

Glowing Customer Review: "I bought this because I get a Brazilian wax once a month and was struggling with ingrowns. This is mitt is MAGIC! I used it all over my body also my skin feels so clean and soft. I wish I would have known about this product so much sooner."

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5

best exfoliating glove for keratosis pilaris

Hana Amara Illuminate Glove

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (23)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (24)Gentlest exfoliating glove on this list, thanks to its silk material
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (25)Not abrasive enough to get a deep exfoliation

If you've got keratosis pilaris, you already know that scrubbing the hell out of your skin only makes your bumps and inflammation worse. The best KP treatment will always be a gentle chemical exfoliant and a rich moisturizer, but if you still want a little manual exfoliation, try this 100 percent silk mitt that's surprisingly gentle, even on sensitive skin. It's the least-abrasive exfoliating mitt on this list, which is exactly what you want for minimizing potential irritation.

Glowing Customer Review:"I am so happy with this glove. I suffer from extremely dry skin on my body and I feel like I've tried every magic potion in the world - but most have failed me. But this glove is amazing!!!! One use an my skin feels and looks great! I can't say enough good things about it. Try it! You won't be disappointed!"

6

best exfoliating cloth for sensitive skin

Kitsch XL Exfoliating Body Washcloth

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (26)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (27)The long size makes it easier to exfoliate hard-to-reach areas like the back
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (28)The soap pocket can get scummy if you don’t regularly clean it

Got yourself some sensitive skin? Sorry, but that’s your first sign not to exfoliate the hell out of it with an abrasive glove. Instead, try this cloth from Kitsch that mimics a washcloth for a (more) gentle approach to exfoliation. It’s extra wide so you can fold it or ball it up for a more customizable buffing, and there’s also an attached pocket so you can slip in a bar of your favorite fragrance-free soap.

Glowing Customer Review: "This product is incredible. I originally bought it to travel with a bar of soap, and now it has replaced my loofahs at home—the ease of washing my back and how big it can be stretched out is so nice!"

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7

best exfoliating brush for your face

Innerneed Super Soft Silicone Face Cleanser

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (29)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (30)Made of silicone that’s naturally more resistant to bacteria growth
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (31)Some reviewers felt it was a bit too hard against their skin

Listen, using a physical exfoliator—like a scrub or cleansing brush—on your face is almost never a good idea since it can create micro-tears and damage your skin barrier. But if you’re dealing with flakes around your nose and chin, whether from dry skin or retinoid use, and you feel like you need some manual exfoliation, grab this silicone face scrubber and gently (gently!) massage away the flakes on wet skin with a creamy cleanser, making sure to avoid your eye area.

Glowing Customer Review: "This scrubbing pad is just right for using in the shower on my face to help get rid of flaking, dead skin. Although soft and non abrasive, the silicone nubs are effective at keeping your skin smooth and removing slightly rougher areas."

8

best exfoliating cloth for your back

Aquis Double-Sided Exfoliating & Cleansing Back Scrubber

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (32)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (33)

Now 29% Off

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (34)Is dual-sided, so you can customize your exfoliation level
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (35)Due to the gentle material, it won’t give you a super deep exfoliation if that’s what you’re looking for

Fact: Attempting to exfoliate your back by yourself is hard as hell, which is why I love this best-selling microfiber and linen cloth from Amazon. Not only is it super long, but it’s also equipped with two easy-to-grab handles that allow you to shimmy it up and down your back in the shower. On one side of the cloth is an abrasive, loofah-like material to help slough off dead skin, and on the other side is a gentle, microfiber fabric to massage around sensitive areas. Just FYI, if you’re dealing with back acne, use only the microfiber side, or skip your back altogether to prevent inflammation or bacterial spread.

Glowing Customer Review: "Love that I can finally wash my back by myself using the handles. The texture is rough enough to clean but not too rough and you can throw it in the washing machine if you want."

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9

best exfoliating glove for your bikini area

Seraphic Skincare Bikini Buffer Exfoliating Scrub Mitt

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (36)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (37)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (38)Has a loop so it can hang to dry after each use
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (39)Some testers found them too small to securely hold

If you choose to wax or shave your bikini line (or pubic hair in general), or you’re just someone with naturally curly hair, you already know how prone the area is to ingrown hairs—especially if you’re not properly exfoliating. So before your next wax or shave, grab a soft exfoliating mitt (like this one from Amazon), and gently buff and massage your skin to remove any follicle-blocking dead skin cells. Follow with a post-shave serum or moisturizer to soothe your skin, then put the exfoliating mitt down for a few days to avoid irritating your follicles.

Glowing Customer Review: "So happy I found this! I used to get ingrown hairs after every bikini wax, and by using this for only two weeks, they have drastically reduced."

10

best exfoliating glove for your legs pre-shave

EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Gloves

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (40)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (41)

Now 15% Off

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (42)Includes a built-in hanger loop for easy drying
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (43)The nylon fabric may shrink over time

My trick for super-soft legs is to exfoliate first to remove any dead skin, dirt, and oil for a closer and smoother shave. But because shaving is technically another form of exfoliation (it can also remove skin cells), I purposely prep with gentle exfoliators—like these soft gloves—to minimize the risk of over-exfoliating. At the end of showering, when my skin is soft and pliable, I'll slip on the gloves and massage and buff my legs with a squeeze of body wash, then lather up with a moisturizing shaving cream. The end result? Ridiculously smooth and soft skin that actually looks healthier, too.

Glowing Customer Review: "I love these, they really help to exfoliate your skin to help keep it nice and smooth! I think the gloves are suitable for all skin types because you can control the amount of pressure you apply when you wear and use the gloves. The gloves also lather really well with body wash!"

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11

best strong exfoliating glove

Natural Elephant Exfoliating Hammam Glove

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (44)

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (45)Gives you a super deep exfoliation
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (46)Gloves may be too small for larger hands, according to reviewers

If you've never been to a hammam (a traditional bathhouse) in Morocco or Turkey, just know that the exfoliation process is next-level intense. Like, shed-five-years-of-your-skin intense. But short of hopping on a private jet, these Moroccan hammam gloves are the next best thing to getting baby-seal skin. Just make sure to go slowly and be gentle to avoid tearing up your skin. In the shower, wet the mitt, squeeze on your shower gel, then gently massage your skin in circular motions (avoiding any sensitive spots).

Glowing Customer Review: "These are fantastic. Truly. This is the best exfoliating mitt I have ever used. I’ve got bumpy dry skin and this worked like a charm. Skin is so soft and looks glowy!!!"

12

best silicone exfoliating glove

Nurse Jamie Exfoliband Silicone Loofah Exfoliation Tool

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (47)

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (48)

Now 20% Off

Pros
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (49)Silicone is really easy to keep clean and sanitized
Cons
  • PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (50)Much smaller than testers had anticipated

Yes, this looks more like a honeycomb than it does an exfoliating glove, but its unique design is also what makes it so gentle on your skin. Just slip the silicone sleeve over your fingers, then lightly buff it around your wet skin to help lift flakes and dead skin cells. The squishy silicone helps prevent you from applying too much pressure, while the vented design helps it dry quickly without mold. Just remember to sanitize it at least once a week with soap and water—or, even better, throw it on the top rack of your dishwasher for a quick clean.

Glowing Customer Review: "This is a magical product. Excellent skin exfoliation tool. Easy to clean, dry, and tuck away in the lotions and potions cabinet."

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Are exfoliating gloves better than scrubs?

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (51)

No, exfoliating gloves aren’t necessarily better than body scrubs. Both are types of mechanical (or physical) exfoliation, and both do the same thing: remove dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. While exfoliation gloves may give you a more even exfoliation—thanks to the uniformity of the material's texture—they can also be more abrasive than scrubs and difficult to keep clean, depending on the fabric and design.

How to choose the best exfoliating gloves:

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (52)

Decide what your skin can tolerate

Reminder: You absolutely should not be using an exfoliating glove if you have sensitive skin or inflammatory skin conditions (like psoriasis, eczema, or active cystic acne) since the abrasive material can trigger even more inflammation and flare-ups. Exfoliating gloves should also not be used on your face or on skin that’s covered in acne, folliculitis, or cuts, says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD, because they can easily spread bacteria and/or result in infection.

This being said, if you have relatively ~chill~ skin (i.e., you have none of the conditions above), you can try using an exfoliating glove on your body once a week. Yes, just once a week. Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, over-exfoliating can still cause irritation, dryness, inflammation, and even rashes, says Dr. Lal. So if you're someone who has a bad habit of going overboard with skincare, store your mitt or glove in another room so you're not tempted to use it every time you're in the shower.

Be realistic about how often you’ll clean them

FYI: The dead skin cells, old oils, product residue, and gunk that you exfoliate from your skin can get trapped in fabric-based exfoliating gloves, which is why they must be cleaned so frequently. So if you know you're someone who can't be bothered to wash a reusable glove on the regular, skip them altogether and instead try one of the silicone exfoliating brushes or disposable exfoliating gloves on this list. Yes, they’ll still need to be washed with antibacterial soap and water, says Dr. Lal, but less frequently than reusable alternatives.

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Meet the expert:

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (53)

Why trust Cosmo?

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (54)

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the best blackhead removal tools and the best clear sunscreens, and feels especially knowledgeable about exfoliating thanks to struggling with KP and dry skin. She regularly tests and analyzes exfoliating gloves on her skin for efficacy while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new products and brands.

Chaise Sanders is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan with experience researching and writing a range of beauty stories, including helping you find the best bikini trimmers or highlighting the best shower filters that'll transform your hair and skin.

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (55)

Siena Gagliano

Associate Editor

Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers beauty, fashion, travel, and lifestyle. Wanna know how to get the best brows of your life? Gotchu. What about how to find the best fashion deals of the season, the softest sheets on the market, or exactly how to use retinol without irritating your skin? Check, check, and check. Before joining Cosmopolitan, Siena was a writer at Bustle and several other media outlets. As her 2024 goal, she has vowed to find the best (extra) dirty martini NYC has to offer—and yes, that means ~attempting~ to try every cute cocktail spot in the city (hit her up with some recs, pls). Follow Siena on Instagram for a behind-the-scenes look at that magazine life.

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (56)

Chaise Sanders

Associate Editor

Chaise Sanders is an Associate Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers anything from lifestyle and beauty to entertainment and style. Wanna upgrade your skincare game? She's got you covered with the best facial cleansing brushes. Or maybe you're in need of a new true crime show to binge? Got that covered too! Prior to joining the Cosmo team, Chaise was an editor at Country Living (also part of the Hearst fam) where she interviewed celebs like Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes and even Martha Stewart. Now, as one of the Big Apple's newest residents, there's a good chance that you can catch her checking out an Insta-worthy cafe or spending way to much $$$ in vintage stores.

PSA: Exfoliating Gloves Are the Key to Super-Smooth Skin (2024)

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