Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant for acne-prone skin
Rice Bran Extract
Salicylic Acid
Papain
Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract
OatSuperior
- SuperiorCombination Skin Fit
- SuperiorEffectiveness
- ExcellentSafety
One of the best products for acne-prone skin.
This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with acne-prone skin: breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks. 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 combination skin and acne concerns is provided by salicylic acid and papain, which effectively exfoliate and clear pores, while oat and licorice root extract offer anti-inflammatory benefits to calm breakouts. Tea tree oil further aids in antimicrobial action, directly addressing blemishes and preventing future ones.
- The inclusion of ingredients like Ginkgo Biloba leaf extract and Camellia Sinensis leaf extract contributes to antioxidant protection and skin soothing, enhancing the overall efficacy for your skin.
- This formula is safe for your skin, featuring a blend of soothing agents and avoiding harsh or prohibited ingredients.
How to apply
- Could be used as part of your weekly routine. Start by using the enzyme powder exfoliant once a week and increase only if your skin tolerates it well.
- Apply the enzyme powder exfoliant after cleansing and before using a hydrating toner or your mask. This ensures the product works effectively on clean skin.
- Mix the enzyme powder exfoliant with a little water in your hands to create a gentle foam . Gently massage it onto your face while avoiding any harsh rubbing.
- Apply the enzyme powder exfoliant on slightly damp skin to help with gentle activation and even distribution. Make sure to rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water afterwards.
- Always avoid the delicate eye area when applying the enzyme powder exfoliant. Do a patch test before your first use to check for any sensitivity.
People Say
★4.7Overall rating based on 11.4k+ reviewsBased on a very large amount of data, this powder exfoliant is frequently praised for its ability to smooth texture and brighten dull complexions, even for those with sensitive, acne-prone, and combination skin, with most users reporting immediate softness and reduced blackheads. A moderate number of users find the scent unpleasant and a high number consider the price point to be expensive. A low number of users mention issues with the packaging design or messy application, and a negligible number report skin irritation.
Highlights
Gentle daily exfoliation Mostly Mentioned
- “gentle enough for daily use”
- “doesn't irritate sensitive skin”
- “micro-exfoliates without scratching”
- “perfect for sensitive skin”
- “no redness after use”
Smoother skin texture Mostly Mentioned
- “skin feels smooth as silk”
- “softest smoothest skin ever”
- “reduced bumps and oiliness”
- “polished skin to perfection”
- “texture is significantly improved”
Brightens complexion Often Mentioned
- “immediately brighter looking”
- “gives a neat glow”
- “even out skin tone”
- “removes dulling surface debris”
- “glowing skin in seconds”
High price point Often Mentioned
- “hefty price tag”
- “expensive for a scrub”
- “pricey splurge”
- “wish it was cheaper”
- “investment skincare product”
Customizable texture Sometimes Noted
- “control how coarse it is”
- “add water to activate”
- “make paste creamy or gritty”
- “adjust exfoliation level”
- “fun to mix”
Long-lasting bottle Sometimes Noted
- “lasts for a few years”
- “little goes a long way”
- “lasts at least six months”
- “worth the investment”
- “bottle lasts forever”
Unpleasant smell Sometimes Noted
- “smells like puke”
- “smells like burnt rubber”
- “yeasty scent”
- “smell is awful”
- “faint citrus-like but weird”
Messy application Rarely Noted
- “powder drops too quickly”
- “messy to mix in hands”
- “clumps if hands are wet”
- “powder gets everywhere”
- “fiddly to use in shower”
Poor packaging design Rarely Noted
- “spout is too big”
- “pours out too much”
- “hard to control amount”
- “wasteful dispenser”
- “lid breaks easily”
Skin irritation Rarely Noted
- “caused severe peeling”
- “skin burned”
- “caused breakouts”
- “dried out my face”
Sources: lovi.care, sephora.com, ulta.com, dermstore.com, nbcnews.com, byrdie.com, and more
Questions and answers
What makes Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant one of the best fits for acne-prone skin?
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is one of the best fits for acne-prone skin because salicylic acid and papain clear out pores, while oat and licorice root calm angry breakouts. Tea tree oil adds extra help to fight blemishes and stop new ones from forming, all while keeping your skin safe from harsh irritants.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid and papain help clear pores, while oat and licorice root extract calm breakouts for acne-prone skin. Tea tree oil adds antimicrobial action to address blemishes and help prevent future ones.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
What does Rice Bran Extract do for acne-prone skin?
Rice Bran Extract helps calm irritation and soothe skin while supporting a clear, even look. This ingredient is unlikely to clog pores and may bring a smoother feel to acne-prone skin.
What does Salicylic Acid do for acne-prone skin?
Salicylic acid helps clear acne-prone skin by reducing pimples and calming redness without causing many side effects. It works by dipping deep into pores to clear out blockages and control oil, making it a reliable choice for keeping skin smooth and clear.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Where does it go in a skincare routine for acne-prone skin?
This product goes into your weekly routine as an exfoliating step, typically used once a week after cleansing and before a mask and toner. People who tolerate it well and see good results may carefully use it more often.
Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?
You can use this exfoliant in your weekly routine, but avoid applying it on the same nights you use retinol to keep your skin calm and prevent irritation. Using them on separate days helps safely clear pores without overwhelming sensitive skin.
How often should I use it?
Start by using this exfoliant once a week, and if your skin tolerates it well and you see good results, you may carefully use it more often. Salicylic acid and papain clear pores while oat and licorice root calm breakouts.
Can it clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for acne-prone skin?
This exfoliant is unlikely to clog pores or cause breakouts on acne-prone skin, as salicylic acid and papain help clear pores while oat and licorice root calm blemishes. It has a great safety profile for your skin, though starting slowly helps your skin adjust to the exfoliating ingredients.
BioMed Research International, 2020Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024
Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?
It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (limonene).
What the research says
A moisturizer containing licochalcone A, 1,2-decanediol, L-carnitine, and salicylic acid significantly reduced noninflammatory, inflammatory, and total acne lesion counts compared to a vehicle control in Thai patients during a 12-week maintenance phase.
BioMed Research International, 2020Twice daily application of a multitargeted dermocosmetic cream provided comparable efficacy to benzoyl peroxide 5% gel in reducing inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and total lesions in 150 Caucasian subjects with mild-to-moderate acne over 56 days, while demonstrating superior skin tolerability.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024The use of a salicylic acid-based dermocosmetic significantly reduces the needed quantity of benzoyl peroxide without impacting efficacy in mild to moderate acne, and as maintenance post-benzoyl peroxide allows a significant reduction of acne relapse compared to vehicle.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2023Topical low-dose green tea extract reduces UVB-induced p53 expression and apoptosis in human skin keratinocytes compared to placebo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2009An anti-acne hydrogel containing Aloe barbadensis, Garcinia mangostana, and Camellia sinensis extracts showed superior antiacne and antiblotch activities compared to 1% clindamycin gel in sixty subjects with mild-moderate acne.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019Topical gel and cream formulations containing niosomes entrapped with rice bran bioactive compounds improved skin hydration, lightening, thickness, roughness, and elasticity in 30 human volunteers over 28 days compared to baseline.
Pharmaceutical Biology, 2012Gel and cream formulations containing rice bran bioactive compounds entrapped in niosomes increased in vitro antioxidant activity (ORAC values of 20-28 micromol TE/g versus 16-18 micromol TE/g for placebo), enhanced lipid peroxidation inhibition in human sebum by about 1.5 times, and improved in vivo human skin hydration by approximately 3 to 30% depending on the measurement technique.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 2011Stirring Nukadoko fermented rice bran beds by hand leads to temporary settlement of microorganisms on human skin with quick shedding.
FEMS Microbiology Letters, 2023Cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen achieved a higher cure rate (39%) than salicylic acid (24%) and a wait-and-see approach (16%) for cutaneous warts at 13 weeks in primary care patients.
CMAJ, 2010Treatment with 2% supramolecular salicylic acid hydrogel resulted in a regression and markedly improvement rate of 51.01% compared to 43.10% for Adapaline gel in patients with mild to moderate facial acne vulgaris, showing no significant difference in efficacy.
Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024Topical 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid achieved the greatest lesion reduction at early 2 to 4 week time points compared to benzoyl peroxide, clindamycin, and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin, while 5% benzoyl peroxide plus salicylic acid and combination benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin showed similar efficacy at 10 to 12 weeks in acne patients.
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2010Topical papain treatment may slightly decrease pain within 30 minutes in humans stung by Chrysaora chinensis compared to placebo.
Wilderness & Environmental Medicine, 2016A fixed combination of hydroxypinacolone retinoate, retinol glycospheres, and papain glycospheres in aqueous gel applied once daily for 12 weeks achieved a 41% mean reduction in GAGS score and a 40.8% mean reduction in total lesions, with 15.3% of patients experiencing mild to moderate local side effects, in 94 evaluable patients with comedonal-papular, mild to moderate acne of the face.
Giornale Italiano Di Dermatologia E Venereologia, 2015Reflux extraction of Carica papaya leaves yielded higher antioxidant capacity and superior in vitro wound-healing activities including fibroblast proliferation, cell migration, and collagen synthesis in human skin fibroblasts compared to ultrasonic-assisted extraction and agitation.
Molecules, 2020Combining 755 nm alexandrite laser with topical licorice gel significantly reduces terminal hair counts compared to alexandrite laser with placebo in women with idiopathic hirsutism.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015Licochalcone A activated Nrf2 signaling, elevated cytoprotective enzymes, increased the reduced-to-oxidized glutathione ratio, and decreased reactive oxygen species in human fibroblasts and neutrophils, while a LicA-rich licorice extract lowered UVA-induced oxidative processes in vivo.
Experimental Dermatology, 2015Bioactive glycyrrhizic acid and oxymatrine ionic liquid self-assembled nanomicelles significantly promoted the transdermal permeation, subcutaneous retention, and anti-photoaging efficacy of palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 in cellular and animal models compared to unformulated peptide.
Advanced Science, 2025A repair cream containing Rhealba oat plantlets extract, l-ALA-l-GLU dipeptide, and hyaluronic acid provided immediate relief and was judged by doctors as good or very good in 96.8% of cases for wound healing in 2,363 patients following dermatological acts.
Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2018Topically applied Avena sativa and Avena Rhealba oatmeal extracts significantly reduced skin irritation parameters including a* parameter increase and blood flow increase compared to vehicle in 12 healthy individuals subjected to the sodium lauryl sulfate irritation model.
Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2002Colloidal oat extracts diminished pro-inflammatory cytokines in vitro and colloidal oat lotion improved skin dryness, scaling, roughness, and itch intensity in healthy female subjects compared to baseline.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2015
Ingredients
Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Oxide, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Oat, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate, Rice Bran Extract, Rice Starch, Hydrogenated Coconut Acid, Allantoin, Papain, Salicylic Acid, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract Licorice Root Extract, Pca, Populus Tremuloides Bark Extract, Cyclodextrin, Sodium Isethionate, Lauryl Methacrylate Glycol Dimethacrylate Copolymer, Maltodextrin, Melaleuca Alternifolia Tree Oil Leaf, Grapefruit Peel Oil, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrolyzed Corn Hydroxyethyl Ether Starch, Water, Limonene, Citric Acid, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891
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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