Credit: Courtesy of brands
Stylist Loves
Want glowing skin? Here’s why you should add a polishing powder into your routine
8 months ago
All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article
4 min read
Physical exfoliators often get a bad rap but these gentle powders deliver a scrub without the side-effects…
If you want glowing skin, exfoliation is a non-negotiable. Whether your skin is looking dull, lacklustre or just generally in need of a general pick-me-up, a thorough exfoliation can help to instantly boost your skin’s radiance, revealing the brighter, glowing skin beneath.
Say hello to polishing powders. These finely-milled exfoliators work wonders by gently buffing away dead skin cells so that you can achieve fresher, shining skin.
From how they work to the best on the market, keep scrolling for your skincare polishing powder 101…
What is a skincare polishing powder?
Skincare powders are the modern evolution of physical exfoliators and face scrubs. Unlike the harsh scrubs of the 00s, polishing powders are designed to be gentle yet effective. Traditional scrubs often contained large, jagged particles that could create micro-tears in the skin, leading to irritation and long-term damage.
Thankfully, polishing powders have all the benefits of physical exfoliation without any of the drawbacks. These powders are incredibly finely milled, meaning they’re gentle enough for even sensitive skin, yet still effective at buffing away dead skin cells. Plus, because they’re waterless, they’re often more sustainable and have a longer shelf life than liquid exfoliants. You can also customise the intensity of your exfoliation by adjusting the amount of water you mix in – making them a completely bespoke step in your skincare routine.
Polishing powders can also help your other skincare products penetrate better – allowing serums and moisturisers to work more effectively. They’re a great way to ensure you’re getting the most out of your skincare, leaving you with a complexion that’s not only smoother but more receptive to the rest of your routine.
Ready to give polishing powders a try? Here are some of our favourites…
Embryolisse Exfoliating Milk Powder
Perfect for sensitive skin, this gentle powder transforms into a creamy lather when mixed with water, giving a soothing and nourishing exfoliation. It contains a blend of natural milk proteins and kaolin clay, which work together to gently buff away dead skin cells while maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant
A new version of Dermalogica’s cult Microfoliant, Daily Milkfoliant is a soothing, oat-based powder that’s designed for daily use. It contains a blend of oat and coconut extracts, along with botanical ingredients like papaya enzyme and beta-glucan, which help to gently exfoliate and calm the skin. It’s ideal for those with sensitive skin who want a mild exfoliator that can be used frequently without causing irritation. Plus prebiotics also help to support the skin’s natural microbiome, promoting a healthy, balanced complexion.
Monday Muse The Powder Enzyme Exfoliant
For an instant glow, this polishing powder is great. It’s packed with enzyme-rich ingredients like papaya and pineapple to refine and brighten the skin, leaving it smooth and glowing after every use. It also contains rice powder to gently exfoliate, along with calming ingredients like chamomile extract to soothe the skin.
Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder
Formulated with Amazonian white clay, this powder works to detoxify the skin by drawing out excess oil and impurities. The finely-milled texture ensures that it’s gentle yet powerful enough to leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed. A great option for those with oily or combination skin, it also works to minimise the appearance of pores and keep your complexion looking clear and matte.
Shop Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore-Minimizing & Polishing Powder, £33
Sand & Sky Enzyme Powder Polish
This enzyme-based powder gently exfoliates using papaya and pineapple extracts, which help to dissolve dead skin cells without any harsh scrubbing. It also contains Australian pink clay, which is known for its purifying properties, helping to draw out impurities and refine pores. Simply mix a small amount with water to create a creamy lather, then massage into the skin for an instant brightening boost.
Shop Sand & Sky Enzyme Powder Polish at Lookfantastic, £44.90
Benefit Wow Polish 30 Second Triple Pore Exfoliating Powder
For a fast-acting glow, this powder packs a punch. It features a triple-action formula that targets pores, dead skin cells and dullness all at once – with a blend of volcanic ash, rice bran and seaweed extract, which work together to exfoliate, purify and hydrate the skin. Designed to deliver results in just 30 seconds, it’s perfect for busy mornings when you need a fast skincare fix.
Shop Benefit Wow Polish 30 Second Triple Pore Exfoliating Powder at Cult Beauty, £44
Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser
A bestseller in Pharrell Williams’ Humanrace skincare line, this polishing powder is formulated with rice particles and fruit AHAs to exfoliate and brighten the skin. The formula is gentle enough for daily use and helps to smooth texture and even out skin tone over time.
Bondi Sands Glow Dust Gentle Exfoliating Powder
This affordable option delivers impressive results. Enriched with vitamin C and kaolin clay which work together to brighten and purify the skin, it’s designed to be used as part of your daily routine, helping to keep your complexion smooth, clear and glowing.
Shop Bondi Sands Glow Dust Gentle Exfoliating Powder at Lookfantastic, £9.99
Keys Soulcare Be Luminous Exfoliator
Infused with Hojicha powder, mung beans and green tea, this formula gently buffs away dead skin cells while infusing the skin with antioxidants. The powder activates with water, transforming into a soft foam that leaves the skin looking radiant and refreshed.
Images: Stylist Loves, courtesy of brands
Sign up for the latest news and must-read features from Stylist, so you don’t miss out on the conversation.
By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy
Thank you!
You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.