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Best Exfoliating Mitts

Updated October 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt
Dermasuri
Deep Exfoliating Mitt
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Award-winning Mitt
Bottom Line

Luxurious exfoliating mitt made by an award-winning skincare company.

Pros

Unique microdermabrasion material removes dead skin with the feel of a spa body treatment scrub. Mitt improves circulation, stimulates collagen, and helps skin tone. Only need to use it twice a week to achieve results. Three rows of stitching ensure the mitt lasts a long time.

Cons

Harsh exfoliator, not to be used on the face.

Best Bang for the Buck
MicrodermaMitt Deep Exfoliating Mitt
MicrodermaMitt
Deep Exfoliating Mitt
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Customer Favorite
Bottom Line

This reusable mitt will give you exceptionally smooth skin and lasts for up to 6 months.

Pros

The texture is effective without being irritating. Designed to remove dead skin and diminish bumps, dry skin, and ingrown hairs. Suitable for use on the face and body. Made of 100% natural floss fibers. Improves skin's absorption of serums, lotions, and creams. Hypoallergenic.

Cons

Some found this is flimsy; may begin to come apart after just a few uses.

Zakia's Morocco The Original Kessa Hammam Scrubbing Glove
Zakia's Morocco
The Original Kessa Hammam Scrubbing Glove
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Deep Exfoliator
Bottom Line

A traditional mitt that delivers visible results.

Pros

This glove feels light and gentle but effectively does the job. Helps remove old skin cells and other debris, unclogging pores to improve complexion. Easily visible results after the first use.

Cons

Isn't intended to be used with regular soap, which may damage the mitt.

MIG4U Exfoliating Mitt
MIG4U
Exfoliating Mitt
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Foaming Fun
Bottom Line

Super-foaming, exfoliating mitt.

Pros

A heavy exfoliating glove that removes dead skin and improves blood circulation. Updated design with foamy soap bubbles. Skin feels super smooth after use. It has a convenient loop for hanging in the shower.

Cons

One size does not fit all, glove runs large.

Seraphic Skincare Korean Exfoliating Mitts (2pcs)
Seraphic Skincare
Korean Exfoliating Mitts (2pcs)
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For Self-tan Removal
Bottom Line

Inspired by Korean spas, this set of 2 exfoliating mitts will give you smooth, silky skin.

Pros

Recommended for use in the shower 2 to 4 times per month. The soft texture is effective at exfoliating while buffing skin smooth without irritation. Can be used to remove or even out self-tans. Made of 100% viscose fiber.

Cons

Results may not be seen immediately.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Buying guide for best exfoliating mitts

Exfoliation is the process of removing dead cells from the top layer of your skin, and it’s an important step in everyday skincare. By removing the dead cells, your skin appears healthier, and you’re likely to feel and look better too.

You can exfoliate your skin by physical or chemical means. For those going the physical route, exfoliating mitts are popular. Similar to exfoliating gloves, users don these mitts on their hands and run them gently along the body, sloughing away dead cells as they go. This process is easily done in the shower or bath, and it doesn’t take much time. Physical exfoliation offers an array of other positive skin benefits as well.

Exfoliating your skin doesn’t have to be a complicated endeavor, but it is an important one. In this guide, we discuss who should try exfoliating mitts, what to look for, and how to achieve and maintain a healthy glow.

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Gentle exfoliation can help prime your skin for the application of skincare products, makeup, and self-tanner, enhancing the effectiveness of those products.

Key considerations

Mitt benefits

An exfoliating mitt is one of several choices for physical exfoliation. Many people find a mitt easier to control and maneuver than an exfoliating brush or washcloth. You can use your hand to change the pressure as needed, which means you can be extra-gentle and extra-firm on your skin when necessary.

How to use

When showering or bathing, after you’ve rinsed your body, wet the mitt and apply soap, body wash, or body scrub. Rub your skin in circular motions, working methodically in one direction. Some areas, such as the feet, may require increased pressure. Other areas require more caution. Avoid over-rubbing, as this can lead to irritation.

Skin type

Physical methods of exfoliating can cause the skin to become dry. Therefore, people who already have dry skin may find their skin becomes irritated after using a mitt. People with sensitive skin may also prefer to avoid exfoliating mitts and other physical exfoliation means. Instead, a chemical method of exfoliation should be considered.

For people with normal skin and oily skin, an exfoliating mitt can be an effective tool. People with combination skin can also benefit from a mitt. However, people with both dry and oily skin, known as “combination skin,” should monitor their reaction to exfoliation carefully.

Material

Exfoliating mitts may be made of synthetic or naturally occurring fibers. One of the more popular materials used in high-end products is sisal, a plant that boasts strong, renewable fibers. Sisal is an eco-friendly option for consumers.

Nylon is a popular synthetic material that delivers a slightly coarser treatment. Silicone has soft properties. Some companies combine various synthetic materials in order to boost properties such as bacteria resistance, longevity, and drying power.

Size

In most cases, exfoliating mitts are one-size-fits-all. There may be an elastic around the wrist to secure the mitt in place. A decent fit will help you effectively grip the mitt and apply pressure, but it doesn’t have to be snug by any means. Some companies indicate the size of the mitt so you can measure against your hand to estimate the fit.

Cleaning

After use, rinse the mitt in the shower or bath and let it dry. It’s advised to avoid drying the mitt in the bathroom because it may be too humid there. If possible, dry the mitt in fresh air to avoid bacteria growth.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that placing the mitt in boiling water or the microwave for a short period may be effective. Some mitts are machine washable as well.

Exercise caution when exfoliating your face, as facial skin is more sensitive than body skin. Most people choose, and indeed require, a different means of exfoliation for their face, though some softer mitts may work.

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Features

Color

In some cases, you can choose the color of your exfoliating mitt. This may help distinguish the mitt as yours rather than someone else’s in the household. It can also add a splash of color to the bathroom.

Multipacks and bundles

While some exfoliating mitts are sold singly, others are paired or bundled. A set of exfoliating mitts may feature different colors, and the price is likely to be lower per mitt. Since mitts should be replaced fairly often, you may wish to buy your favorites in bulk.

Dual-action

Some exfoliating mitts have two distinct sides that perform different tasks. One side may offer gentle exfoliation while the other boasts cleansing properties, allowing for the removal of makeup.

Charcoal

Some exfoliating mitts are infused with charcoal, a trendy skincare ingredient. Charcoal is known to attract toxins, which means that rubbing it along your skin can draw out impurities, leaving your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Charcoal is sometimes found in deodorant, facial cream, and toothpaste as well.

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DID YOU KNOW?
Kessa gloves or mitts are traditionally used in Middle Eastern spas and baths, featuring a coarse layer that exfoliates and massages. For the complete experience, use a Kessa mitt in conjunction with African or black soap.
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Accessories

Organic body wash: Tree to Tub Soapberry for Body
You can use your mitt in conjunction with body wash to clean and exfoliate your skin simultaneously. For sensitive skin, we love this organic option from Tree to Tub.

Drugstore moisturizer: Simple Water Boost Hydrating Gel Cream
After exfoliation, moisturize your skin to keep it soft and healthy. This option from Simple is long-lasting and inexpensive.

Exfoliating mitt prices

Inexpensive: You’ll find decent exfoliating mitts for $10 and under, though they may lack longevity and high-end materials. People with normal skin often have the best luck with these mitts.

Mid-range: Most exfoliating mitts cost between $10 and $20. These will feature a range of materials and come from reputable companies.

Expensive: For over $20, you’ll find durable and effective exfoliating mitts from high-end skincare companies. They may include mitt pairs and dual functions.

An exfoliating mitt is an affordable and fun gift for a shower or birthday.

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Tips

  • Exfoliate in the morning. Dead skin cells replenish and resurface overnight, so the morning is the ideal time to do away with them.
  • Avoid sharing. Exfoliating mitts should be used by one person and one person only. As they come in contact with dead skill cells, sharing can be problematic and risky. 
  • Moisturize after exfoliating. Your skin will be primed and ready to accept moisture after exfoliation. 
  • Ease in. If you’re new to exfoliation or have sensitive skin, ease yourself into this new practice. Over time, you can build up your tolerance to pressure and frequency.
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Rough, thick fibers promote deep, intense exfoliation. However, gentle fibers tend to be safer for those with sensitive or dry skin.

FAQ

Q. How often should I exfoliate with a mitt?

A. Depending on how soft or coarse the mitt is, you may want to exfoliate anywhere from once every couple of weeks to once every couple of days. The frequency may be influenced by your type of skin as well as the weather.

Q. How long do exfoliating mitts last?

A. A quality exfoliating mitt may last a couple of months. Over time, even if you clean it regularly, the mitt will begin to accumulate dead skin cells and bacteria. When fibers start to fall out or the glove begins to look worn, it’s time for a replacement. Discoloration and odor are two more big hints that it’s time to toss the mitt and find a new one.

Q. What’s the difference between an exfoliating mitt, glove, and brush?

A. Exfoliating mitts and gloves are worn on the hand, while exfoliating brushes have a handle that you grip. A brush can give you access to hard-to-reach places like your back, but a mitt or glove offers more dexterity and control.

Exfoliating gloves and mitts are fairly similar. A glove gives you a high degree of control and the ability to rub smaller circles in areas like between the toes. A mitt tends to be slightly more durable than a glove and may be more effective on tough, dry skin, such as the skin on the bottoms of the feet.