I've tested hundreds of skincare products as a beauty editor and this facial exfoliator is still my
When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more
- Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Treatment ($88) has been a beauty cult classic for more than a decade.
- It's been called the "Hollywood 2-minute facial," and it's totally deserving of the title.
- In my experience, the results are worth the relatively steep price tag.
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment Check price at Nordstrom Check price at Sephora Check price at Kate Somerville Throughout my years as a beauty editor, I've scrubbed my face with hundreds of exfoliating treatments — both physical (which use tiny granules to get rid of dead skin) and chemical (which use acids).
Some worked, others didn't. A few left my sensitive skin red and irritated, but most failed to leave any impression whatsoever.
Well, one afternoon more than a decade ago, I was invited to Kate Somerville's spa in Los Angeles where I was introduced to the skincare guru herself, as well as one of her trademark products that would change my facial regimen forever — the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment.
In case you don't understand the importance of exfoliating, Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of the Laser Surgery and Cosmetic Center, explains that it's a crucial step in helping the skin rid itself of the dead cell debris, which allows for skin renewal and regrowth.
This tube of green, pumpkin-scented scrub was — and still is — the best exfoliating treatment I have ever used. It works in just two minutes to transform my rough and dry skin to baby soft without any irritation — and without visiting the LA spa.
What it is
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.
Somerville created the product back in 2006 for her celebrity clients because they weren't able to get into the spa for regular facials — like when they were on extended trips for work — and this concoction basically served as a facial in a bottle. In 2007, she started selling the product at her spa and on QVC, where it sold out in just six minutes. It's still currently her bestselling product with reportedly double-digit growth every year.
The exfoliator is free of all parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin enzymes naturally smooth skin without overdrying, while lactic acid offers the "chemical" component as a natural alpha hydroxy acid that exfoliates. The combination of rosewood and cinnamon extracts work to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E smooth and soften skin.
How to use it
The brand recommends using the product once or twice a week, either in the morning or at night.
The treatment is really easy to use. All you have to do is apply a thin layer to clean, wet skin, and then gently massage it into your skin for about 30 seconds. You might feel a slight tingling on your face, which means the product is starting to work its magic. Leave it on for one minute if you have sensitive skin, or up to two for other skin types. Your skin will continue to tingle slightly as you wait. Once you're ready, rinse off the product and pat dry — and that's it.
My favorite part of the process is feeling the results. After more than a decade of use, the product never fails to impress. My skin always feels like it just spend an hour in the hands of a facialist — soft, smooth, and silky.
Other considerations
Even though you might become totally obsessed with this product and its instant results, make sure not to overuse it.
"I think the biggest issue with exfoliation is that people like to do it too often," Dr. Saedi explains. "If you over-exfoliate, you're stripping natural oils from your skin and that can lead to overproduction of oil." She recommends just using it two to three times a week.
If your skin damage is next level, board certified plastic surgeon Jason Bloom, MD suggests looking into something a little more powerful, like a chemical peel or lasers. Treatments such as PicoSure can penetrate deeper within your skin in order to kickstart collagen growth, helping to alleviate dark spots, acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and even fine lines and wrinkles. Obviously these sort of treatments are going to cost a whole lot more than a tube of ExfoliKate, so you want might want to try this product first — and definitely consult with your dermatologist.
And if you're currently using retinol products, or are getting laser or any other resurfacing treatments, you might want to speak with your dermatologist or esthetician before using any sort of exfoliating products too. I've made this mistake, and my skin ended up red and irritated.
The bottom line
Without a doubt, this is the best facial exfoliator that I have ever used.
While the price is steep — $88 for 2 oz or $185 for 5 oz — you get what you pay for in results. My experience is that a tube lasts a long time — six months to a year — but obviously that depends on how often you use it. If you aren't willing to invest in a full-size tube, you can try out the 0.5 ounce travel-size for just $25.
Check price at Nordstrom Check price at Sephora Check price at Kate Somerville
Leah Groth Freelance Writer Leah is a Philadelphia-based writer, editor, mother and product junkie. Her obsessions include old houses, home design, fashion, beauty, books and anything that makes her life — which includes working full-time and taking care of two “spirited” children and a Vizsla puppy — a little bit easier. Her work has appeared on a variety of publications and websites, including Glamour, Prevention, LiveStrong, Mindbodygreen, Fatherly, Scary Mommy, and Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram @leahgroth, or say hello at leahsgroth@gmail.com Read more Read lessncG1vNJzZmivp6x7o8HSoqWeq6Oeu7S1w56pZ5ufonyowcidnKxnkpqutsDYaKKarJViwLC5xKutoqScmnqmxMWoo6KjkamybrXNrZynq5mrsm6x15%2BmpaGRqbavs4ytqZ6ZpKKyr8CMq5yvoZWs