ExfoliKate - The Dermatology Review (2023)

What is ExfoliKate?

Created by Kate Somerville, ExfoliKate is a collection of skin care products designed to improve texture, pores, fine lines, and wrinkles at home. There are four products in this collection: ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, ExfoliKate Liquid, ExfoliKate Cleanser, and ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer. Let’s look a little closer at each of these products so you’ll know exactly how they affect your skin.

What are the Best Skin Care Products of 2023?

ExfoliKate products

Also referred to as “Kate’s signature Super Facial”, the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is by far the most popular product in the collection. It is claimed to visibly transform texture and pores in just two minutes. The formula includes a physical exfoliant (silica) and chemical exfoliants (AHAs and fruit enzymes). These ingredients work to exfoliate dull, dry surface skin cells to reveal smoother skin and also prep skin to better absorb the rest of your regimen, making every product and ingredient that follows more effective. It is recommended to use this product only once or twice per week.

ExfoliKate Liquid is a nightly leave-on exfoliating solution that is said to gently slough away surface dullness and refines the look of pores for smoother, softer, more glowing skin. The main difference between ExfoliKate Liquid and the Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is that this product does not contain a physical exfoliant, which may be more appealing to those who have sensitive skin. This product is gentle enough to be used every night.

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ExfoliKate Cleanser is a daily foaming cleanser that gently cleanses away oil, makeup ,and surface impurities to reveal softer, smoother skin. This cleanser is gentle enough to be used twice per day.

ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer is claimed to instantly reduce the appearance of surface dullness and uneven skin texture to reveal beautiful, glowing skin. You can use this moisturizer both morning and night, but it is recommended to follow with a sunscreen if you’re going to be spending time outside.

What are the key ingredients in ExfoliKate products?

The key ingredients that are found in all ExfoliKate products are alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). The Intensive Exfoliating Treatment contains lactic acid, ExfoliKate Liquid includes a 10% Triple Acid Blend (glycolic, malic and lactic acids), and both the ExfoliKate Cleanser and Glow Moisturizer contain glycolic and lactic acid. But what exactly are AHAs and how can they benefit your skin? We’ll give you a brief overview below.

AHAs are frequently used in skin care products because they provide numerous benefits to the skin. One of the most well known benefits of AHAs is their ability to exfoliate the skin by targeting corneocytes (dead skin cells) in a process called corneocyte desquamation. By enhancing their breakdown and increasing the separation of skin cells, the rate of cell turnover is increased, leading to smoother, more radiant skin.

(Video) How To Exfoliate Properly - The Art Of Exfoliation With Kate Somerville AD ✖ James Welsh

While exfoliation is typically associated with skin dryness and peeling due to the removal of the upper layers of dead skin cells, AHAs are known to produce the opposite effect. This is because AHAs have a hydroxyl (-OH) group in the alpha position. This hydroxyl group enables AHAs to function as humectant moisturizers. A humectant moisturizer is an ingredient that sits on your skin and grabs onto water, slowing it from evaporating. Plus, the ExfoliKate products contain several more humectant ingredients, such as aloe vera, honey, and glycerin, which also aid in maintaining skin hydration.

AHAs have also been found to stimulate collagen production. Collagen is a structural protein naturally produced by the body that is responsible for keeping skin strong and firm. Collagen production starts to decline around age 25 and continues to decrease with age. Collagen levels also decrease due to factors such as smoking, sugar consumption, and overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ultimately, this decrease leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. Thus, the ExfoliKate products may provide anti-aging benefits due to the inclusion of AHAs in each formula.

In addition to AHAs, several of the ExfoliKate products include exfoliating enzymes derived from fruit, such as pineapple, papaya, and pumpkin. These enzymes work by dissolving keratin, the protein that acts as a “glue” to keep dead skin cells together in the stratum corneum. This is effective because dead skin cells can build up on the surface of your skin, leaving it looking dull and also possibly clogging pores.

One problem with the ExfoliKate collection is that all of the products contain fragrance ingredients. We understand that consumers appreciate when products smell pleasant, but we’d like to point out that fragrance is not skin care. Fragrance ingredients (both natural and synthetic) are well known to cause skin irritation and damage. You see, fragrance ingredients impart scent through a volatile reaction, and this natural reaction almost always causes a sensitizing reaction on skin. Even if you don’t have a full blown reaction to the fragrance ingredients, the damage may still be occurring every day. Ultimately, this can cause mild problems for your skin in the short term and worse problems in the long term.

(Video) How to Use: ExfoliKate Intensive

Where is ExfoliKate sold?

ExfoliKate is sold on the brand’s website, as well as third party sellers such as Sephora, Ulta, Amazon, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and more.

What is the Kate Somerville return policy?

The Kate Somerville return policy states, “If you are not completely happy with your Kate Somerville Skincare products purchased from KateSomerville.com, you may return them within 30 days of your order date. Returns will not be honored for Kate Somerville Skincare products purchased from other sellers or through unauthorized distribution channels. If you purchased a kit or duo, all products within the kit or duo must be returned – partial refunds will not be issued.”

Is Kate Somerville cruelty free?

Kate Somerville is cruelty free. The brand does not test finished products or ingredients on animals, and neither do their suppliers or any third-parties. In addition, Kate Somerville does not sell their products where animal testing is required by law. Even though Kate Somerville is cruelty free, it’s important to note that the brand is owned by Unilever, a company that tests on animals.

ExfoliKate reviews

ExfoliKate reviews on the brand’s website are overall very positive. By far the most popular product is the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, which has over 1,400 customer reviews and an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars. Positive ExfoliKate reviews confirm that these products really do help the skin to feel soft and smooth while also giving the skin a glow. One review even says the Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is better than a facial!

(Video) My Favorite Exfoliating & Anti-Aging Skincare Products From Kate Somerville! (Review) | @SusanYara

Negative ExfoliKate reviews are primarily concerning irritation and other side effects due to these products. Several customers report burning, redness, dryness, and flaking. These reactions could be due to sensitivity to one of the ingredients, a reaction to the fragrance in these products, or maybe the customer has never exfoliated with an AHA product before. While we don’t know for sure what caused these reactions, it’s still important to consider these negative ExfoliKate reviews before purchasing the products.

What are some alternatives to ExfoliKate?

Overall, we like that the ExfoliKate products include high concentrations of AHAs because this group of ingredients is well known to provide numerous benefits to the skin. The main disadvantage of the ExfoliKate collection is the inclusion of so many fragrance ingredients. If you’re interested in all of the benefits of using AHAs but don’t want to expose your skin to so many fragrance ingredients, we’d recommend Formulyst’s Clarifying AHA Cleanser.

The Clarifying AHA Cleanser is formulated to gently cleanse and exfoliate the skin while removing dirt and makeup. It contains glycolic acid to help refine pores, control excess oil, and smooth away any surface-level roughness. The formula also contains ingredients to moisturize and soothe the skin, such as rosehip seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and chamomile flower oil. Overall, Formulyst’s Clarifying AHA Cleanser can help your skin to feel clean, clear, and beautifully refreshed.

There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that is effective and safe. takes a tough love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the power of plants with cutting edge science. Not only is Carrot & Stick good for your skin, it is also good for the environment as the formulas skip harmful chemicals commonly found in skin care products.

(Video) EXFOLIKATE INTENSIVE EXFOLIATING TREATMENT FIRST IMPRESSION! The Good and The Bad!

FAQs

Can I use retinol after ExfoliKate? ›

Yes! You can use Liquid ExfoliKate® with Retinol products. Retinol alongside AHAs helps to brighten and even skin tone for an overall more youthful and glowing appearance. They are an excellent duo.

How often should you use Kate Somerville ExfoliKate? ›

Suggested Usage:

-Use once or twice a week AM or PM. -Apply a thin, even layer to a clean, wet face, massaging in a circular motion for 30 seconds. -Leave on for up to two minutes. -Rinse and gently pat dry.

Can you use ExfoliKate daily? ›

Suggested Usage:

-Use twice a day, AM and PM. -Apply a small amount to wet face and neck and massage gently for 30 seconds. -Rinse and gently pat dry.

Is ExfoliKate good for sensitive skin? ›

For sensitive skin, leave on for less than 1 minute. "Use ExfoliKate twice a week, morning or night. I like to use it in the shower because the steam helps activate the enzymes for more radiant-looking results."

Can I use vitamin C after ExfoliKate? ›

Can I use Liquid ExfoliKate before +Retinol Vitamin C Serum? Yes! Retinol, Vitamin C and AHAs are the perfect combination for a brighter, more even overall skin tone. Liquid ExfoliKate and +Retinol Vitamin C Power Serum work well together to make your skin glow.

Should I exfoliate or use retinol first? ›

Since a retinoid is not advisable after an exfoliating product, use retinol or retinoid the following day. Start with cleansing > retinol or retinoid > moisturiser.

How often should you exfoliate aging skin? ›

Mature skin: Given that aging skin has a slower skin turnover rate, exfoliating two to three times a week can help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and dullness. However, it's also crucial to avoid over-exfoliation which could lead to skin thinning and speed up skin aging even more.

What happens if you shake Kate Somerville EradiKate? ›

If your product is accidentally shaken, just sit it upright and allow the pink sediment to resettle. It may take a while to do so but not more than a day.

Is ExfoliKate a toner? ›

Yes, think of Liquid ExfoliKate® as an exfoliating toner solution. Liquid ExfoliKate® clears away any dead skin from the surface, oil and dirt allowing your serums and moisturizers to better absorb.

Is exfoliating 3 times a week too much? ›

Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.

Who is Kate Somerville owned by? ›

Fast forward nearly 20 years, and the brand is available in Neiman Marcus, Sephora, QVC and Amazon following its 2015 acquisition by Unilever. Kate Somerville was one of the first brands in the conglomerate's prestige beauty portfolio.

Is ExfoliKate a physical exfoliant? ›

Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is a dual-action exfoliator, so it works physically and chemically. It has natural enzymes as well as physical granules to remove dead skin, clean out clogged pores, and give skin a more fresh-faced appearance.

Why does my face hurt after exfoliating? ›

When using a chemical exfoliating product, you might experience a slight burning sensation or itchy skin, which usually means that your skin's barrier has been broken down. The barrier's function is to protect the skin from allergens and irritants.

What are the benefits of ExfoliKate? ›

ExfoliKate® Glow Moisturizer instantly reduces the appearance of surface dullness and uneven skin texture while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles to reveal younger-looking skin. showed highly significant improvement in moisturization. reported skin felt smoother. reported improvement in skin tone evenness.

Why is my skin sensitive after exfoliating? ›

If your skin is irritated or more sensitive than normal, you are exfoliating too much. Your skin shouldn't sting when you apply products after exfoliating, which is a sign that the skin's barrier has been broken down by exfoliation.

What should I not layer with vitamin C? ›

AHAs and BHAs, such as glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids should never be used with Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an acid, too, and is unstable, so the pH balance will be thrown off by layering these ingredients together and might as well be useless.

What cancels out vitamin C in skincare? ›

Niacinamide can cancel out the good properties of vitamin C and turn it into a substance that causes redness and can trigger acne breakouts.

Can I pair vitamin C and retinol together? ›

There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.

Should I exfoliate at night or morning? ›

When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.

Do I need to wash retinol off in the morning? ›

When should you cleanse your face in the morning? If you used products with potent actives at a high percentage such as retinols or strong acids on your skin overnight, as a precaution, cleanse your face in the morning.

How long should I leave retinol on my face before moisturizer? ›

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

“It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product. Retinols are powerful antioxidants and it is important to allow it to fully absorb if you want to avoid your skin becoming sensitive,” says Dr Liakas.

Should an older woman exfoliate her face? ›

Exfoliation helps to make skin smoother, clearer, brighter. This is especially important as we get older when cell turnover slows down, dead skin cells build up and dullness and dryness can creep in.

Should seniors exfoliate? ›

Regular exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to keep older skin looking youthful and bright. As we age, our skin's natural exfoliation process slows down and causes a buildup of dead, dull skin. Exfoliating helps speed up cellular turnover, softening fine lines and wrinkles and diminishing hyperpigmentation.

Should you exfoliate in your 60s? ›

But over time, this natural regeneration process slows down. After the age of 60, it's absolutely essential to exfoliate the skin gently in order to stimulate its capacity to regenerate itself. Exfoliating also helps to rid the skin of dead cells, so the complexion looks more radiant.

Does EradiKate actually work? ›

The Verdict: Worth Every Single Penny. Overall, Kate Somerville's EradiKate Acne Treatment is the best acne treatment I have tried to date. It reduces my zits in half overnight, prevents future breakouts, and doesn't leave any residue on my pillowcases.

How long does it take for EradiKate to work? ›

Skincare Concerns: Blemishes, Pores, Oiliness, Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily. The powerful spot treatment is clinically proven to diminish breakouts in just one hour.

Do you leave EradiKate on overnight? ›

For the best results, use at night after cleansing. This allows the product to work its magic while you sleep.

Which comes first toner or exfoliator? ›

Toner application should always come after cleansing and exfoliation in your beauty routine. It's a super essential step, especially if you have acnegenic or oily skin.

Should I use Exfoliater or toner? ›

Exfoliator goes before both toner and essence! When doing your skin care routine, exfoliator comes right after your double cleanse. This removes any remaining debris from your pores as well as aids in cell turnover. Following up with toner helps bring your skin's pH levels back into balance.

Is toner better than exfoliator? ›

There's a significant difference between a toner and a liquid exfoliant though – they both have similar base ingredients, but a toner will balance the pH of the skin, while an exfoliant eliminates dead skin cells.

What are the signs of over-exfoliation? ›

Signs of over-exfoliation
  • Sensitised skin. You feel a burning or stinging sensation when applying your regular skincare products.
  • Redness.
  • A tight, uncomfortable feeling.
  • Increased breakouts.
  • Dryness and dehydration.
  • Flaking.
Jun 10, 2022

What do dermatologists recommend exfoliating? ›

These are the ones that dermatologists recommend to their patients the most:
  • Best AHA Cleanser: Neostrata Glycolic Foaming Wash.
  • Best BHA Cleanser: CeraVe Salicylic Acid Cleanser.
  • Best Scrub: Neova SmartSkincare Serious Microderm Scrub.
  • Best Exfoliating Tool: Buf-Puf Gentle Facial Sponge.
Feb 24, 2021

What does over exfoliated skin look like? ›

Is your skin looking ultra-shiny and almost too glowy? It can be a sign that you've over-exfoliated your skin, and while it may masquerade as a radiant glow for a while, it can start to degenerate into dry skin, rough patches and rashes.

What celebrity clients does Kate Somerville have? ›

Jessica Alba, Olivia Wilde, Kate Hudson, Kirsten Dunst, Eva Mendes and Demi Moore are just a few of the many leading ladies who entrust the Los Angeles-based esthetician with the care of their complexions.

Is Kate Somerville a luxury brand? ›

Kate Somerville is a clinic-born and clinical first, luxury beauty brand with a prestige that enables consumers to achieve extreme benefits without downtime by pushing the ingredient formulation boundaries.

Does Jennifer Aniston own a cosmetic company? ›

Jennifer Aniston is the latest celebrity to launch their own brand. Aniston revealed on Sept. 8 that she is launching a hair-care brand, called LolaVie.

Which exfoliator is best physical or chemical? ›

Additionally, chemical exfoliants are generally milder than physical exfoliants, which means they can be used by those with sensitive skin or darker skin tones that may be more prone to scarring. Because chemical exfoliants don't manually remove skin, there's less risk of overdoing it and ending up with irritated skin.

What is the most gentle physical exfoliant? ›

Rice powder is among the most gentle manual exfoliators used in skin-care products, while enzymes like papain dissolve connections between dead cells on the surface of the skin,” explains Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology and an associate professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.

What happens if you don't moisturize after exfoliating? ›

Conclusion. In the end, exfoliation is essential for achieving visually appealing skin, but failing to hydrate the surface can cause painful irritations and dryness that leave your skin feeling worse than before you exfoliated.

What not to do after exfoliating? ›

Leave it alone.

Exfoliating won't cure blemish-prone skin overnight, so once you've finished exfoliating, the best thing you can do is leave your skin alone. It may be tempting, but stay away from the mirror and don't pick or squeeze anything on your face. It will only make it red and more noticeable.

What moisturizer is best after exfoliating face? ›

After exfoliating your face or body, it's important to always follow up with a moisturizer, said Zeichner, who usually pairs exfoliating products with moisturizers that have skin-repairing ingredients such as niacinamide, ceramides and/or oatmeal. He recommended moisturizers from CeraVe, La Roche-Posay and Aveeno.

Does ExfoliKate have Retinol? ›

I Tried Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub and My Body Has Never Been Smoother. Kate Somerville's clinic-grade skin care is worth the hype, thanks to powerful ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids.

Can I use Retinol after ExfoliKate? ›

Yes! You can use Liquid ExfoliKate® with Retinol products. Retinol alongside AHAs helps to brighten and even skin tone for an overall more youthful and glowing appearance. They are an excellent duo.

Does exfoliation make you look younger? ›

Exfoliation accelerates the process, evens out your skin tone and makes your skin look healthier and younger. Smoother skin – Our skin is made up of many microscopic layers of cells, but only the deepest level, called the dermis, contains living cells which are smooth and radiant.

Can too much exfoliation cause wrinkles? ›

It's a great practice to use in your regular routine, but too much exfoliation or scrubbing too hard with an exfoliator can, in fact, cause inflammation that might cause wrinkles down the line. If you don't over-exfoliate, you shouldn't have any issues with wrinkles down the line.

Is aquaphor good for over exfoliated skin? ›

Over-exfoliation recovery 101

Spot treat extremely red or raw areas with a rich emollient, like Aquaphor or Aqua Veil. You can also use a hydrocortisone cream or aloe gel.

How long does it take for over exfoliated skin to go back to normal? ›

Take a break for at least four weeks to allow your skin to rebalance. Your skin regeneration cycle takes around a month, so your skin will be super sensitive around this time.

What products should not be used with retinol? ›

Don't Mix: Retinol with vitamin C, benzoyl peroxide, and AHA/BHA acids. AHA and BHA acids are exfoliating, which can dry out the skin and cause further irritation if your skincare routine already includes retinol.

What to avoid after applying retinol? ›

"It is best to avoid other drying agents when using retinoids such as toners, astringents, and medicated cleansers. These products cause further irritation," mentioned Dr. Lipner. Instead, consider piling on rich, creamy moisturizers to counteract any dryness that may occur.

Can I use retinol after resurfacing mask? ›

Avoid using other resurfacing ingredients and retinol while using the Resurfacing Compound. For best results, avoid use of them at least one week before you start using the Compound.

Can you use retinol after Dr Dennis Gross Peel? ›

Both our peels and retinol products are designed to be used together. If you have sensitive skin and/or are worried about irritation, you can use the peel in the morning and the retinol at night.

Should you avoid eye area with retinol? ›

That's fine too: "You can use a retinol-containing cream around the eye area," says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Try layering your moisturizer on before you put retinol on the area or mix it with your moisturizer. This will help to shield you from the intensity.

What is best paired with retinol? ›

Good mix: Retinol pairs great with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine and ceramides, and calming ingredients such as niacinamide and Centella asiatica.

Why can't you use retinol every night? ›

So if you start using retinol every day out of the gate, you can end up with some painful inflammation and a damaged skin barrier, negating any potential positives. One way to avoid that irritation is to start slow, explains Ranella Hirsch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Boston.

How long should you wait to put moisturizer on after retinol? ›

Retinol (leave to absorb for 10-20 minutes)

Retinol is also an ingredient that should be left to absorb sufficiently into the skin before following up with another product. “It is important to leave a 10-20 minute wait time before applying the next product.

Do you put moisturizer before or after retinol? ›

You should always apply retinol at night, after cleansing, and before your nighttime moisturizer. Five minutes is enough to wait for your retinol to sink in before applying moisturizer; you want to layer them, not mix them.

How do you get skin like glass? ›

Your step-by-step glass skin routine
  1. Double cleanse. ...
  2. Exfoliate. ...
  3. Use a toner. ...
  4. Try an essence. ...
  5. Get a serum or face oil. ...
  6. Layer on your moisturizer.
  7. Protect your skin from the sun. ...
  8. Make sure you're using the right face masks.

Can I exfoliate in the morning and use retinol at night? ›

Split up the two ingredients/use one in the morning and the other at night: If you have sensitive skin and/or are worried about irritation, you can use the peel in the morning and the retinol at night.

Do I still need to exfoliate if I use retinol? ›

Q: Why do I need an additional exfoliant with my Retin-A or retinol serum? A: Because retinol and tretinoin (the active ingredient in Retin-A and Renova) do not exfoliate. A common misconception of retinol is that it exfoliates your skin. Vitamin A/retinol in any of its forms does not do the same thing as AHAs or BHA.

How long does it take to see results from Dr Dennis Gross? ›

I feel like you start to notice the difference in your skin by the second or third day after application. There's such an instant and immediate glow to your skin. Since it is packed with 7 AHAs & BHAs, the smoothened texture is the first and most significant difference you'll notice.

What should I put on my face after Dennis Gross peel? ›

Follow with a hydrating serum and moisturizer (like Dr. Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum). A chemical peel exfoliates dead skin cells, allowing moisturizing ingredients or antioxidants like vitamin C to absorb and work better!

Can you apply vitamin C and retinol at the same time? ›

There's no problem with using both retinol and vitamin C as part of your skincare routine, dermatologists say. In fact, Shirazi calls this combo a "power couple" when it comes to aging well.

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