Daily Microfoliant vs Milkfoliant vs Superfoliant: Which one should you be using?
As the years add up, the natural rhythm of our cellular turnover begins to slow. By the same token, this ushers in unwelcome guests such as skin dullness, congestion, and also, dryness. Nonetheless, there exists a transformative secret – exfoliation, the guardian of vibrant skin. There are 3 Dermalogica Daily Exfoliant products that act as physical exfoliants. Through this invigorating process, exfoliation sweeps away those lacklustre skin cells, unveiling a fresher, livelier facade that emanates healthiness. Picture it as a gentle unveiling of your skin’s hidden radiance. Akin to lifting a curtain to reveal an amazing performance.
Traditionally, one might envision a physical exfoliator or face scrub that obliterates the reign of dead skin cells. Nevertheless, in a conscious departure from the abrasive past, Dermalogica champions a kinder approach. Bid farewell to nut shells and fruit pit scrubs that tend to aggrieve the skin. Comparatively, they feature ingredients like Rice Bran, Charcoal, and Oat Powder. A trio dedicated to the art of skin polishing and refinement.
| Feature | Daily Microfoliant | Daily Milkfoliant | Daily Superfoliant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Texture / Format | Powdered exfoliant that becomes a paste when mixed with water. | Powder exfoliant, similar activation with water to form exfoliating paste. | Powder exfoliant (activated by water); more coarse / heavy-duty relative to the others. |
| Key Active Ingredients | • Rice enzymes, papain (from papaya) • Salicylic acid (BHA) • Brighteners like licorice, grapefruit • Soothing agents: colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, etc. | • AHA + BHA + enzymes—gentler acids/enzymes than in Superfoliant. • Oat, coconut-milk, gentle skin-soothers. | • AHAs (like lactic, malic), enzymes • Activated Binchotan charcoal (for pollution, deep cleansing) • Niacinamide, red algae, tara fruit extract for antioxidant / barrier support and anti-pollution effects. |
| Suitability / Skin Types | Suitable for most skin types; especially for dullness, uneven tone, mild congestion. Also often recommended for those wanting a brightening but gentle exfoliation. | Best for sensitive skin, or for those new to exfoliating, or when skin is feeling irritated / post-stress. Also good for redness. | More appropriate for skin exposed to pollution, ageing concerns; for those needing stronger exfoliation, dealing with pores, texture, dullness. Less gentle, so usage frequency may need to be lower or used on alternate days. |
| Frequency of Use / Intensity | Daily possible (hence “Daily”) if skin tolerates; gentle but still active. | Likely daily or near-daily but gentler, less irritating; can be used more frequently especially for sensitive skin. | Less frequent for many users (not always daily), due to stronger exfoliants + charcoal; often recommended for alternate days or as needed. |
| Primary Benefits / Results | • Brightens skin, evening out tone. • Smooths texture; removes dulling buildup. • Gentle enough to maintain glow without over-exfoliation. | • Soothes and calms redness; supports barrier health. • Gentle exfoliation + smoothing. • Redness-reduction and less irritation. | • Deeper detoxification / cleansing of pores (particularly pollution particles). • Helps reduce visible signs of aging from environmental stress. • More intense exfoliation—improving texture, minimizing pores, targeting unevenness. |
| Things to Watch / Potential Sensitivities | Could irritate very sensitive skin, especially if over-used or paired with other strong actives. Needs good post-care (hydration, barrier support). | Despite gentleness, still contains exfoliating acids and enzymes — patch test recommended. Avoid over-rubbing. | Stronger ingredients: more risk of irritation, especially for those with compromised barrier or sensitive skin. Use sunscreen after use as exfoliation increases UV sensitivity. Possibly not suited alongside multiple other exfoliants / acid peels concurrently. |
| pH / Feel / Other Notes | Slightly acidic, helps with brightening and pore tightening. | Likely milder pH; creamy / soothing feel (due to oat + coconut milk). Feel is gentler, more “comfort” oriented. | Might feel more intense, more “bite” in terms of exfoliation; texture more coarse; may “open pores” temporarily for deeper cleansing. Strong anti-pollution component. |
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
What It Does: Indulge in the allure of one of the globe’s most beloved exfoliants, crafted to unveil skin that gently boasts a velvety smooth, a tender soft, and an enviable luminosity.
What’s In It: Guided by the prowess of rice enzymes and papain, this dynamic duo orchestrates the removal of surface-level deceased skin cells, a symphony of enzymatic exfoliation. Salicylic acid takes charge, meticulously disassembling oils lurking within the recesses of your pores. As if that weren’t enough, a chorus of white tea, licorice oatmeal, and allantoin assembles to cocoon your skin in a blanket of serenity, pacifying, harmonising, and reinstating equilibrium to skin that craves balance.
Who Is It Best For: Except for those with sensitive skin, the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant extends an invitation to all, a promise of glowy skin is waiting for your embrace.
Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant
What It Does: Among all the options available, this variant stands out as the most gentle. All-in-all, it doesn’t merely polish your skin but additionally, it also takes the additional step of soothing your precious skin barrier.
What’s In It: Much like a skilled orchestra, this powder exfoliant orchestrates the symphony of AHAs, BHAs, and enzymes, rendering chemical exfoliation a refined art. The addition of oat bran extract imparts that delicate sensation akin to a soothing scrub, a symphony of sensations that dances across your skin.
Who Is It Best For: Tailored meticulously for those who’ve found exfoliation to be an ordeal, a good pick even for sensitive skin types that seek gentle care.
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant
What It Does: This scrub targets multiple concerns. These concerns include stubborn blackheads and pesky breakouts, addressing them perfectly. Moreover, it focuses on treating uneven skin tone and texture. This treatment implements measures to facilitate the achievement of a noticeably smoother complexion. Likewise, it visibility reduces the look of pores, sun spots, age spots, and scars. Through the application of this all-encompassing approach, a holistic transformation for the skin’s overall appearance is achieved. This multifaceted approach offers a comprehensive solution for a wide range of skin imperfections.
What’s In It: A trio of Binchotan charcoal, AHAs, and enzymes work harmoniously, absorbing and eliminating surplus oil, pollutants, and spent skin cells from the skin’s surface. Niacinamide, the virtuous vitamin B3, steps in to illuminate the complexion, pacify irritation and redness, whilst the dynamic duo of red algae and tara fruit extract form a protective shield against the nefarious effects of free radicals, epitomising the essence of antioxidant fortification.
Who Is It Best For: Ideal for those concerned with early ageing or oily skin types. Not recommended for users of medically prescribed exfoliation products.
Shop Dermalogica products at My Haircare & Beauty or browse our other exfoliants.
See also:
Dermalogica Active Clearing Skin Wash vs UltraCalming Cleanser
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream vs Intensive Moisture Balance
Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream vs Active Moist
Dermalogica Circular Hydration Serum Just Landed
Dermalogica Smart Response Serum Revolutionises Skincare
Mel is a former Hair Stylist with over a decade of industry experience.
She enjoys writing about all aspects of the hair & beauty world including, trends, new products & best-sellers.