Can’t Pick Between These Two Iconic Skinstitut Exfoliants? Here’s A Helpful Guide

Using an exfoliant is a beneficial skincare step for almost all complexion types.

Exfoliants can help to clarify, cleanse, and soften skin, as well as make your other products work much better.

That’s why we’ve compared these two iconic Skinstitut scrubs, to help you out when you’re looking for an effective exfoliant to add to your routine.

These Skinstitut products work a bit differently from one another, so we’ve done our best to describe how they work and who they’re best for. 

What are the Benefits of Using a Skinstitut Facial Scrub?

There are many benefits of exfoliation, and you can enjoy many of these benefits from just one scrub:

• Remove dead skin cells and clogging oils

• Increase skin cell renewal for a brighter complexion

• Allow other products to work better

• Attain a softer and smoother complexion

Which Skinstitut Exfoliant Should I Use?

Glycolic acid scrub or enzyme peel, what’s the difference? Keep reading if you’re wondering what glycolic scrub does, and exactly how enzyme exfoliants work...

The Best Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub

What it is: Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14%

• This glycolic face scrub uses a blend of mechanical and chemical exfoliation to promote clearer skin.

• The Skinstitut glycolic scrub ingredients include glycolic acid for chemical exfoliation, paired with non-abrasive biodegradable jojoba beads for some extra physical exfoliation.

• Glycolic acid works to scour the surface of the skin, while the jojoba beads buff away any extra dead skin cells that might be blocking your pores.

• These ingredients are paired with anti-inflammatory tea tree oil to soothe the skin and minimize breakouts.

Who it’s good for: This formula is particularly good for combination and oily skin types, as well as acne prone skin.

Sensitive or irritation prone skin might prefer the Skinstitut L-Lactic Cleanser  

When to use it: If you’re wondering how often to use glycolic scrub, we recommend using it twice a week during your PM routine, depending on how sensitive your skin is to AHA’s.

Introduce it slowly and always remember to follow up with SPF the next day, as the glycolic acid will make your skin sun sensitive.

And remember! SPF is only one part of sun protection! Always seek shade, and wear sunnies, a hat and protective clothing. Use sufficient sunscreen for all unprotected areas and reapply sunscreen as directed. Always read the label. 

Here’s our verdict: Using a combination of physical and chemical exfoliation is said to provide maximum effectiveness, which is ideal for those with very congested skin.

While we love this Skinstitut scrub for oily skin, this 14% glycolic acid scrub is an excellent addition to any anti-ageing routine, pigmentation routine, and is a great solution to Keratosis Pilaris.

We also love using this as a body exfoliant.

If your skin can adjust to regular use of AHA’s, this winning formula will really lift and brighten the complexion. 

Our Favourite Enzymatic Exfoliant

What it is: Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel

• Enzyme exfoliation works a little differently to chemical exfoliation and your classic physical scrubs. So, how do enzyme peels work? In this formula enzymes derived from papaya work to gently break down dead skin cells, stopping when no more dead skin remains.

• This is extremely helpful to prevent over exfoliation, one of many enzyme peel benefits.

• It also contains chamomile, passionfruit oil, grape seed oil, and niacinamide to help hydrate and soothe the skin.

Who it’s good for: This enzyme peel from Skinstitut is particularly suitable for dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin.

People who experience serious sensitivities can also enjoy this gentle form of exfoliation and other micro peel benefits, as it is least likely to exacerbate these conditions further. 

When to use it: After using your favourite Skinstitut cleanser, apply this enzyme peel facial for 5-15 minutes, before rinsing.

This enzyme facial peel is gentle enough to be used daily during your PM routine.

Follow up with your favourite Skinstitut serum or night cream. For ultra-dry skin leave on for an extra 10 minutes. 

Here’s our verdict: If you’re steering away from the world of abrasive scrubs and want something super gentle, then this Skinstitut enzyme peel is your winner.

We recommend this enzymatic peel to those starting out in skincare, as well as those who struggle with dryness and irritation.

This enzyme face peel doubles as a soothing treatment, and can even be left on overnight to maximize its calming and anti-inflammatory properties.

Plus, it leaves the complexion looking super plump and radiant! 


So, to wrap up, if you’re on the combo/oily/acne prone side, we’d say go with the Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14%

Those with dry, dehydrated, sensitive skin, are best off choosing the Skinstitut Enzymatic Micro Peel

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.

Interested in more Skinstitut content? Check out our other guides below:

• Skinstitut Retinol: Everything You Need To Know

• How Skinstitut Enzyme Peels Can Benefit Your Skin

• Which Skinstitut Cleanser Is Right for Me?

• Other Uses for the Skinstitut Laser Aid

• How to Treat Pigmentation With Skinstitut

Want to find the best Skinstitut product for you in under 30 seconds? Take our Skinstitut Quiz now!