Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator for dry skin
Pha Polyhydroxy Acid
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil Oat Kernel Oil
Glycerin
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil
Allantoin
Superior
- SuperiorDry Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best products for dry skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores and recommendations based on your full skin profile, including your 12D face scan results and any goals or preferences you have, please use the Lovi app.
Page built Nov 8, 2026How the Fit score works
Lovi Assistant explains
- Excellent suitability for your dry skin is provided by Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil and Glycerin, which offer emollient and humectant actions, complemented by Gluconolactone for gentle exfoliation that addresses dryness and flakiness.
- The high concentration of Gluconolactone ensures effective texture smoothing, while Oat Kernel Oil further enhances nourishment and hydration, making it ideal for your specific skin concerns.
- The safety profile is excellent, with no risks of irritation due to the absence of harsh ingredients and the inclusion of soothing components like sunflower seed oil and oat kernel oil.
How to apply
- Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week, increasing slowly to twice a week if your dry skin tolerates it well. Always remember to apply SPF every morning to protect your newly smoothed skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your rich moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute. Avoid rubbing to prevent any irritation on flaky areas.
- Apply the product directly to dry clean skin to ensure the best possible tolerance for your dry type. This helps address flaky patches without causing extra stress.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a quick patch test before your very first use. Do not mix this with other strong acids or retinoids on the same night.
People Say
★4.6Overall rating based on 1.5k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this chemical exfoliator is highly recommended for sensitive skin, effectively smoothing texture without causing irritation. Users frequently report that the formula leaves skin feeling hydrated and soft. Some users note a chemical scent and find the thin consistency difficult to manage with the current packaging.
Highlights
Extremely gentle Mostly Mentioned
- “No redness after use”
- “Doesn't irritate or cause dryness”
- “Great for my reactive sensitive skin”
Smooths texture Often Mentioned
- “Face is so soft after using”
- “Smooths texture without irritation”
- “Makeup went on so smooth”
Poor packaging Often Mentioned
- “Way too runny for the tube”
- “Makes a huge mess”
- “Needs a pump bottle”
Fragrance-free Sometimes Noted
- “No overpowering perfume smell”
- “Great for fragrance allergies”
- “Love that it's fragrance-free”
Non-drying Sometimes Noted
- “Leaves skin moisturized and hydrated”
- “Doesn't dry my skin out”
- “Face feels like velvet”
Unpleasant scent Sometimes Noted
- “Smells like plastic”
- “Has a rancid smell”
- “Worst smelling product”
Oily residue Rarely Noted
- “Feels like cheap sunscreen”
- “Left an oily film”
- “Hard to rinse clean”
Too gentle Rarely Noted
- “Didn't exfoliate enough”
- “Too gentle for my needs”
- “Didn't see a difference”
Sources: lovi.care, amazon.com, walmart.com, aveeno.com, target.com, ulta.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing PHA Exfoliator one of the best fits for dry skin?
This exfoliator is an exceptional fit for dry skin because it combines gentle smoothing ingredients with sunflower seed oil and glycerin to deeply quench dryness and flakiness. Soothing oat kernel oil further enhances hydration and nourishment while keeping irritation risks very low.
Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for dry skin?
This exfoliant is a great fit for dry skin thanks to sunflower seed oil and glycerin, which lock in moisture and keep skin smooth. Gluconolactone gently sweeps away flaky dry patches, while oat kernel oil and allantoin soothe and nourish.
What does Polyhydroxy Acid do for dry skin?
Polyhydroxy Acid helps keep dry skin hydrated and comfortable while smoothing its surface without causing irritation or barrier damage. It effectively binds moisture and supports the skin barrier while delivering gentle anti-aging benefits.
What does Avena Sativa Kernel Oil do for dry skin?
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil helps soothe dry skin by delivering nourishing lipids that support the outer moisture barrier. It is unlikely to clog pores and often leaves rough areas feeling soft and smooth. This type of product needs rich plant oils and gentle soothing ingredients to properly comfort dry skin.
American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 2018Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016
Where does it go in a skincare routine for dry skin?
This exfoliant treatment goes in your evening routine once a week after cleansing. It is unlikely to cause irritation on dry skin due to soothing components like sunflower seed oil and oat kernel oil, and you may use it more often if your skin tolerates it well.
Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this exfoliant with retinol by applying them on alternate nights or spacing them out to prevent irritation, since both renew the skin. On nights you use the exfoliant, apply it after cleansing and before your moisturizer.
How often should I use it?
Start using this exfoliator once a week in the evening, and if your skin feels comfortable and looks good, you may carefully use it more often.
Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?
This gentle exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts for dry skin because it uses a mild acid that smooths texture without harsh scrubbing. It also includes soothing oils and glycerin that keep skin soft and comfortable without heavy buildup or irritation.
Is it fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
Yes, it has no fragrance and no drying alcohol.
What the research says
A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant.
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001Topical gel containing chitosan, 0.2% chlorhexidine, allantoin and dexpanthenol did not improve postoperative comfort regarding swelling and pain, but improved the wound's aesthetic appearance following impacted lower third molar extraction compared to no gel.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2016A topical gel containing chitosan, chlorhexidine, allantoin, and dexpanthenol significantly reduced postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, and analgesic consumption, while improving wound healing after third molar surgery compared to a placebo.
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal, 2020An overnight patch containing Allium cepa extract and allantoin safely promotes scar healing after dermatologic surgery, resulting in significantly greater reductions in observer- and patient-assessed POSAS scores compared to no treatment.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2018
Ingredients
Water, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Sunflower Seed Oil, Glycerin, Gluconolactone, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Sorbitol, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Carbomer, Sodium Hydroxide, Avena Sativa Kernel Oil Oat Kernel Oil, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Lecithin, Sodium Citrate, P-Anisic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Allantoin
Behind this fit score
Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
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Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
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Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
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Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
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Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
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Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
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Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
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Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
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Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
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