Byrdie / David Hattan
Body exfoliation is often an overlooked sub-section of our beauty routines (or something we only think about when winter hits and our legs look part-lizard). But exfoliation doesn’t have to be a difficult or laborious undertaking. Case in point: Gloves that help exfoliate our skin.
According to Connecticut-based dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohara, these gloves slough away dead skin cells, add vibrance to the skin, minimize fine lines, acne, and acne scars, even out skin tone, and even help products penetrate better.
While they don’t seem flashy (nor should they), a good set of scrubby gloves is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to maintain silky skin, minimize ingrown hairs, treat keratosis pilaris, and, in some cases, reduce scarring and the appearance of stretch marks. And the best part is the experience is so easy—simply add your body wash of choice and spend a few minutes scrubbing in the shower. We promise you’ll feel all the better about it.
We conducted hours of research on the best body exfoliating gloves, evaluating them on their materials, textures, and effectiveness. Then, we consulted with a dermatologist before landing on these top-rated choices.
Best Overall
Face Halo Body Exfoliator
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Amazon
Dual-sided
Great for streak-free tan
Doesn't over-exfoliate
Gets heavy when wet
This double-sided mitt features a textured side to remove dead skin plus a soft Halotech polishing side to smooth, cleanse, and refresh. While we love it in the shower, you can use it either wet or dry, up to at least 200 times. The oversized round shape makes the process easier, as well.
Who It’s For
This exfoliating glove is for people on the move who might not have time to use it in the shower. If you’re in a rush, feel confident knowing you can use the dry side to achieve the same flake-free skin success.
Type: Mitt | Material: Polyester | Quantity: 1 mitt | Features: Dual-sided | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, body polishing, applying self-tanner
Best Budget
Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves
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Amazon
Anti-microbial
Thick material
Allergy- and dermatologist-tested
Isn't long-lasting
For less than $10, these exfoliating gloves are thick and textured, so they’re really effective for buffing and smoothing dry, flaky skin. You can even use them to massage and cleanse the body with the perfect amount of lather, too. For the price, you can’t really go wrong.
Who It’s For
Consider these inexpensive exfoliating gloves if you want a total skin refresh. They’re proof that you don’t need to necessarily go to the spa to feel like a new human—use them to unclog pores, accentuate your natural glow, and reset your skin.
Type: Glove | Material: Nylon | Quantity: 1 pair | Features: Anti-microbial weave | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, unclogging pores, cleansing
Best Value
Mooerca Double-Sided Exfoliating Gloves
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Amazon
Affordable
Multiple pairs
Soft material
Small fit
This set of eight gloves is simple and cheap—a great choice for beginners looking to test out the exfoliating mitt waters. For less than $10, you get a lot of bang for your buck and can ensure you’ll go months without purchasing new exfoliating gloves. Bonus points for the vibrant colorways, such as light green, purple, and dark blue.
Who It’s For
Do you like to buy groceries in bulk? Well, who said you can’t do that with skin essentials, too? Because these exfoliating gloves come in a set of eight (16 gloves total!), you can stock up for months to come—especially because of the high-quality nylon material, which makes them extra durable.
Type: Glove | Material: Nylon | Quantity: 8 pairs | Features: Elastic wristband | Great for: Improving skin texture, gentle exfoliation, removing dead skin
Best for Removing Tan
Bondi Sands Exfoliation Mitt
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Amazon
Corrects tanning mistakes
Leaves a smooth canvas for self-tan
Removes dry skin
Thin material
This mitt from Bondi Sands has two sides with different textures, so you can tailor the experience to your skin type and the reasons you’re using the glove itself. The black side will buff, smooth, exfoliate, and erase any tan residue, whereas the blue side is great for gently removing tanning mistakes or ingrown hairs.
Who It’s For
The weekend’s approaching, and you’re looking to refresh your spray tan. Consider this exfoliating mitt if there’s still a week-old tan clinging to your skin. The dual-sided glove will remove even the most stubborn tans and prep your skin to be a fresh base. Plus, it’s vegan and cruelty-free for that guilt-free use.
Type: Mitt | Material: N/A | Quantity: 1 mitt | Features: Dual-sided | Great for: Self-tan prep, removing self-tan and dead skin cells
Best for Sensitive Skin
EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves
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Amazon
Includes a hanger loop
Lightly exfoliates
Comes in finger and fingerless options
Shrinks overtime
If your skin is more sensitive, this glove set from EvridWear is a great option because the material used is not as abrasive as other options. Add a squeeze of fragrance-free body wash and lightly sweep the gloves over limbs, starting from the feet and working your way upwards.
Who It’s For
People with sensitive skin might be reluctant to exfoliate, but this glove option allows you to experience a skin reset without tugging too roughly at your body. There are three levels (light, moderate, and heavy), so you can pick the right texture for your skin sensitivity.
Type: Glove | Material: Nylon | Quantity: 1 pair | Features: Dual-textured, various exfoliation levels, built-in hanger loop | Great for: Improving skin texture, circulation, gentle exfoliation
Best for Strawberry Legs
Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt Body Scrub
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Amazon
Reduces ingrown hairs and bumps
Can be used on face and body
Improves dry skin
Not long-lasting
Ingrown hairs happen when shaved or tweezed hair grows back into the skin, leading to swelling, inflammation, and the appearance of strawberry skin. One of the easiest ways to prevent them is a good old-fashioned weekly scrub to encourage skin cell turnover, and this Dermasuri mitt is the best one for the job. Made from a woven fabric, it works to slough off dead skin, untrapping hairs and clearing out pores.
Who It’s For
If you’ve been struggling to find a solution to strawberry skin—which most commonly appears on the legs—try this exfoliating glove. This preventative measure will help keep bumps at bay while unclogging pores and refreshing skin.
Type: Mitt | Material: Viscose blended material | Quantity: 1 mitt | Features: Elastic wristband | Great for: Improving skin texture, preventing ingrown hairs, reducing bumps, self-tan prep, treating bumps caused by keratosis pilaris
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts
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Amazon
Reduces bumpy skin
Gently exfoliates
Unclogs pores
Too abrasive for sensitive skin types
Just a few circular motions with this exfoliating mitt will erase any rough bumps caused by keratosis pilaris, which is an uncomfortable condition that makes skin feel bumpy. Because of the construction of the mitt, you get an at-home microdermabrasion treatment without being too harsh when exfoliating or removing self-tan. Your skin will feel and look smoother, cleaner, and less textured than before.
Who It’s For
If you struggle with keratosis pilaris, ditch the loofahs (which can’t grip the skin as well) and add this exfoliating glove to your self-care routine two to four times a month for fewer bumps, increased circulation, and less ingrown hairs.
Type: Mitt | Material: Viscose | Quantity: 1 glove or 2 gloves (depending on the set) | Features: Elastic wristband | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, removing self-tan, treating bumps caused by keratosis pilaris, circulation, reducing ingrown hairs
Best for Removing Dead Skin
Earth Therapeutics Purifying Exfoliating Gloves
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Amazon
Charcoal-infused
Draws out impurities
Cleanes
Not very abrasive
While we’re not completely sold on the idea of charcoal-infused gloves, it’s a feature that certainly can’t hurt! Aside from that, these Earth Therapeutics gloves are snug and retain their shape well so that you can keep them in the shower for ease. And as you exfoliate, the bamboo charcoal draws out impurities to clean pores and remove any outer layer of dead skin. The bamboo charcoal is also embedded in the gloves’ fibers, meaning it won’t go away as you use them.
Who It’s For
If you love to test charcoal-infused products—like charcoal toothpaste or charcoal face masks—add these exfoliating gloves to your repertoire. The gentle fibers will help to increase circulation, remove impurities, and refresh your skin without tearing or being too rough. Plus, they come in a set of two, so you can get more bang for your buck.
Type: Glove | Material: Nylon-polyester blend | Quantity: 1 pair | Features: Infused with bamboo charcoal | Great for: Removing dead skin, unclogging pores, cleansing
Best for Self-Tan
Zakia's Morocco Kessa Original Hammam Scrubbing Glove
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Amazon
Creates a clean canvas for self-tan
Great for ingrown hairs
Stimulates blood and lymphatic circulation
Too scratchy
Seasoned tanners will know the benefits of exfoliation before applying a layer of self-tan. But even if you’re new to the game, this scrubbing glove from Zakia’s Morocco is easy and effective. Starting at your feet, work in circular motions upward, spending extra time on dry spots like the knees and elbows. Finish with a little bit of moisturizer, and you’re ready to marinate.
Who It’s For
Are you the friend that always has a glowing tan, even in the dead of winter? (We’re jealous of you!) If so, you know it’s essential to start with a fresh base before applying a round of self-tanner. Test out these exfoliating gloves, which are made with micro-fibers to provide a range of benefits, like removing dull, dead skin, killing bacteria, promoting collagen production, and revealing a fresh layer of skin to apply self-tanner.
Type: Glove | Material: Natural | Quantity: 1 pair | Features: Elastic wristband | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, self-tan prep, treating bumps caused by keratosis pilaris, preventing strawberry legs, reducing ingrown hairs, cleansing
Best for the Body
SmitCo Exfoliating Gloves and Shower Back Scrubber
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Amazon
Deeply cleanses
Thick material
Exfoliates hard-to-reach places
Rough exfoliation
No one wants to accidentally dislocate an arm when scrubbing their back. Enter Smitco’s Exfoliating Gloves and Shower Back Scrubber. The handy duo makes it easy to exfoliate your entire body (including hard-to-reach spots) for smooth, flake-free skin all over.
Who It’s For
If you’re serious about removing dead skin from every inch of your body (we understand!), consider this glove and back-scratcher duo. The paraben-free exfoliating material on both the gloves and back scratcher is durable, so these tools will be in your shower regimen for a while. Experience a range of benefits, like increased circulation, rejuvenated skin, and even keratosis pilaris help with these exfoliating items.
Type: Glove and towel | Material: N/A | Quantity: 4 pairs and 1 towel | Features: Back towel and travel case | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, cleansing, removing dead skin, reducing ingrown hairs, improving skin texture
Best for the Face
Dermstore Collection Facial Scrubbing Mitt
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Dermstore
It’s the size of your finger
A great replacement for an exfoliating cleanser
Not too harsh
Some reviewers expressed disappointment for how easily the product ripped
Has your dermatologist ever lectured you about using super abrasive exfoliants on your face? Well, not all exfoliating tools are made equally—that’s why it’s important to find a product, just like this finger mitt, that’s specifically designed for your face. The gentle pad material can be paired with your favorite cleanser to give you a glowing, fresh look.
Who It’s For
If you experience dry facial skin, you’ll want to test out this exfoliating finger mitt. It’s the perfect, non-abrasive first step before applying a face mask or moisturizing. Help return your skin to its natural glow without harming your skin.
Type: Finger mitt | Material: 100% cellulose | Quantity: 1 piece | Features: A pocket to place your finger | Great for: Face-specific exfoliation, renewing the skin, pairs with any cleanser
Best for Bikini Area
Fur Mitt Trio
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Fur Mitt Trio
Targets rough spots
Can be used throughout the body, even the face
Reduces ingrown hairs and bumps
Loses shape after a few uses
Regardless if you use them wet or dry, these textured finger mitts from Fur will gently dust away any dirt and debris. The softer side of the mitt is great for polishing the skin, while the textured end buffers rough spots, such as ingrown hairs and bumps, to leave your bikini area and body silky smooth.
Who It’s For
If you’re going on a beach trip soon and don’t have time to wax or start laser hair removal for your bikini area, look toward the trusty razor (if you’re even interested in shaving!). Even though the tool is great for removing unwanted hair, it might leave ingrown hairs or razor burn—which isn’t the best look in a bikini. Don't fear. Use this cruelty-free, vegan exfoliating finger mitt to remove those pesky bumps for a smooth surface.
Type: Mitt | Material: Nylon-cotton blend | Quantity: 3 mitts | Features: Dual-sided | Great for: Gentle exfoliation, removing dirt and debris, skincare prep, buffering the skin, polishing, reducing ingrown hairs, cleansing
Best Splurge
RoseSkinCo. Glow Glove
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RoseSkinCo.
Just add water
Vegan, cruelty-free, recyclable
Works on any body part
Some reviewers expressed that it was slightly tight on their hand
If you want to splurge a little for an exfoliating glove, test out the RoseSkinCo. Glow Glove. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and recyclable for guilt-free use, and according to several reviewers, it removes dead skin flakes and leaves their skin soft and smooth. All you need to do is add water and let the glove’s 100% viscose fabric do the work.
Who It’s For
Do you have a friend that has just about every beauty product? If so, this is the perfect gift for them. It’s an elevated take on the traditional exfoliating glove and requires no soap or lotion to achieve smooth skin—just add water.
Type: Glove | Material: 100% viscose fabric | Quantity: 1 glove | Features: A strap for hanging or drying | Great for: Removing dead, dry skin, breaking down keratosis pilaris
Best for Lymphatic Drainage
Supracor Stimulite Dual-Sided Bath Mitt
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Amazon
Dries quickly
Tear resistant
Dual-sided
Some reviewers noted that one of the sides was harsh on their skin
Honeycomb patterns on exfoliating gloves don’t just look good—their shapes gently remove dead skin and debris while promoting lymphatic drainage. This glove offers two textures, a firm and soft side for your desired pressure.
Who It’s For
If you’re on the go and want to take your exfoliating glove with you, this is a great option. This glove dries quickly, so you won’t have a sopping mitt in your bag. Plus, its dual-sided benefit means you’ll only have to bring one glove (instead of two with different textures) to help with any skin situation.
Type: Glove | Material: Dynamic thermoplastic | Quantity: 1 | Features: | Great for: Exfoliating or dry brushing to energize the lymphatic system
Best Vegan
Jane Iredale Magic Mitt
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Ulta
Works to remove makeup
More gentle than a washcloth
No soap necessary
Not as long-lasting
If you’re looking for a vegan product that gently removes makeup and cleanses your skin, look no further than this exfoliating mitt. It’s made from specially knitted microfibers that are much smaller than hair strands, so they will clean your skin without affecting your acid mantle (which keeps your skin safe from bacteria).
Who It’s For
After a long night (especially after a few cocktails), removing your makeup with a 10-step routine can be exhausting, so make it a little easier on yourself by considering this vegan, makeup-removing mitt. It’ll softly clear debris while not penetrating too deep and ruining the acid mantle.
Type: Mitt | Material: Specially-knitted microfibers | Quantity: 1 mitt | Features: A hook for drying | Great for: Removing makeup, cleansing skin
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite exfoliating glove is the Face Halo Body Exfoliator because of its versatility (it’s double-sided and can be used wet or dry). We also love Earth Therapeutics Exfoliating Hydro Gloves because their thick, textured material makes them great for removing dry, flakey skin.
How We Researched
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours researching the best products on the market, evaluating their key features in addition to reviews from customers and other trusted sources. We also consulted experts for their opinions, before compiling this list of our best picks.
Attributes we evaluated each exfoliating glove on:
- Material
- Price
- Ability to remove dry skin
- Special features
What to Look for in Exfoliating Gloves
- Fit: If you're debating between a glove or a mitt, it all comes down to your preferred fit. Most exfoliating gloves are pretty stretchy but tend to provide a more snuggly fit that gives you more control overall. Those with petite hands might want to consider a mitt (like the Fur Mitt Trio, which fits perfectly around the fingers) because some are small yet have a bit of stretch and an elastic wristband, like Zakia's Morocco Kessa Original Hammam Scrubbing Glove.
- Texture: The other thing to consider is the texture or coarseness of your exfoliating gloves. If you’re really dry, trying to remove tan, or want to feel reborn, go for a pair that’s tightly woven and quite abrasive. Likewise, if you have sensitive skin or want to use your gloves daily, seek out a pair that is woven from softer fibers like EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves.
Why Trust Byrdie
Not only has Emily Algar combed the market for all the top-rated exfoliating gloves to help you find the best pair, but she has road-tested a bunch as well.
Cullen Ormond is a freelance Byrdie writer and a long-time editor whose work can be found on Apartment Therapy. She helped to ensure the above exfoliating gloves’ prices, textures, and features were up to date for easy shopping. Unfortunately, she also struggles with pesky keratosis pilaris and is always on the hunt for a remedy—so working on this article was a perfect assignment.
For this story, Team Byrdie worked with skin experts to gather more insights about what to keep in mind when shopping for cowboy boots:
- Dr. Mona Gohara, a Connecticut-based dermatologist.
- Natalie Ferrari, the owner and founder of wellness space and skin clinic The Parlour Room.
According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any exfoliating gloves from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.
