23 Years Later, & This Cult-Favorite Exfoliator Is Still As Popular As Ever. Here’s What Makes It So Good.

Using a facial exfoliant on the reg can mean the difference between dull skin and clogged pores versus a complexion that’s brighter, more even, and smoother. Yet as key as an exfoliating formula is, it’s also hard to get right. Physical face scrubs with harsh ingredients like crushed walnut shells and fruit pits can cause redness and irritation, as can chemical exfoliants that include acids (like AHAs and BHAs) in too-high concentrations. But just like Goldilocks, every once in a while, a brand gets it just right by developing a gentle exfoliator that delivers multiple benefits when used correctly. That’s precisely what Dermalogica set out to do with its Daily Microfoliant Exfoliator, a product that has remained one of the brand’s best-sellers since its launch in 2001.

Fast Facts:

• Key benefits: promote smoother, brighter, clearer skin
• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, papain enzymes, colloidal oatmeal
• Suitable for all skin types
• Liquid-free
• Sold in a travel-friendly size

A major factor behind the exfoliant’s success is that it really works. Clinical results (via an independent study of 35 volunteers) have shown that Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant improves skin smoothness and reduces blackheads after the first use, with noticeably brighter skin and faded hyperpigmentation visible after up to four weeks of daily use.

So what exactly is the secret ingredient behind the Daily Microfoliant’s efficacy? It’s actually a combination of gentle exfoliators and soothing and conditioning plant extracts. Rice bran and oat powders serve to create a physical exfoliating effect, which is preferred for polishing the skin without being too abrasive. There are also chemical exfoliants in the form of the BHA salicylic acid and an AHA from papaya fruit. Both of these chemical exfoliators work by breaking the bonds that hold dead skin cells together, with salicylic acid being particularly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin, as it’s able to penetrate deeper into the pores to dissolve trapped sebum. Then, to help calm and moisturize skin, the formula contains allantoin, green tea leaf extract, and licorice root extract (the latter helps to brighten skin and fade unwanted hyperpigmentation, too).

The formula is also easy to use. Though it starts as a fine powder, the Daily Microfoliant transforms into a mousse-like cleanser once you activate it by using wet hands to apply it in circular motions over your face. You only need about a half-teaspoon to get a proper lather, and the brand notes that the exfoliator is gentle enough to use on a daily basis (though you may want to begin by using it just once or twice a week and slowly working your way up depending on how your skin tolerates it).

One last benefit that’s worth pointing out (and is pretty major, IMO), is that the Daily Microfoliant is easy to travel with. Because it’s a powder, it won’t take up any precious space in your tiny, TSA-approved bag for liquids. Plus, in addition to the 2.6-ounce size, the exfoliant comes in a mini 0.45-ounce bottle that’s even more convenient for traveling.