Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Review: Best Exfoliant for Oily Sensitive Skin

My skin is both oily and sensitive, a combination that requires care and intention. I’m especially oily across my t-zone while my cheeks tend to flare up easily if something is too harsh or active. That balance between overproduction and reactivity is what makes exfoliation tricky.

I first discovered Jackie Aina Harper’s Bazaar, "Go to Bed With Me" episode

I first discovered the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant through a video Jackie Aina did for Harper’s Bazaar one of their "Go to Bed With Me" episodes. At the time, I had no idea what a microfoliant even was. I wasn’t in esthetics yet and didn’t understand the mechanics behind exfoliation. She discussed having oily skin and hyperpigmentation and I was like is this the best exfoliant for oily sensitive skin and then Jackie shared a tip that stuck with me: she mentioned leaving the product on for about five minutes to let the enzymes really work and how that gave her visible results. She also clearly stated to use that method at your own risk, because what works for her skin may not work for everyone. I loved that honesty, and that moment of exploration and individuality. Nuance and context matter.

Later, when I began studying esthetics, I came back to the microfoliant with new eyes. I finally understood what it was doing; how the rice-based powder activates with water to create a gentle but effective exfoliation, using enzymes and mild acids to smooth the skin without disrupting its barrier. It made sense why it worked so well for my oily but reactive skin.

That journey also led me into understanding how brands position themselves. I started paying more attention to marketing tactics, ingredient education, and the companies I might want to partner with professionally.

my tried and true daily exfoliants my oily, reactive skin can trust.

Which brings me to Dermalogica as a brand. I don’t fully align with their professional model. I have felt that their ordering system feels restrictive, their education feels more profit-driven than transparent, and reps haven’t always made ingredient clarity a priority unless it’s tied to a paid training, from my experience. That matters to me. I value transparency and support both for clients and for estheticians.

But here’s the thing: that doesn’t take away from the performance of this product. Duality again. Two things can be true. Dermalogica may not be a brand I choose to use in my treatment room but this microfoliant still earns a place in my personal routine. It works, and it’s taught me a lot about how to evaluate both product and brand with context.

I continue to use it, but I do so with an informed, measured approach.

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