Exfoliation is an important part of your skin-care routine and it can be done in a variety of ways. Whether it's physically with scrubs and cleansing brushes [1] or chemically with AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs, each type of exfoliation method can vary from gentle to potent. Strong exfoliators can sometimes be counterproductive, especially if you have sensitive skin [2] or are prone to irritation.
The chemical exfoliator that leans more on the gentler side are fruit enzymes. Most of these enzymes work by breaking down the top-most layer of dry, dead skin cells and their bonds to reveal brighter and softer skin. Fruit enzymes are derived from a variety of fruits — most commonly, pineapple and papaya — and are formulated to be gentle yet effective on your skin.
We rounded up the best fruit enzyme masks and exfoliators on the market so that you can have radiant and smooth skin [3], without irritation.
Papaya Enzymes: Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser
Just add water to activate the Amorepacific Treatment Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Cleanser [5] ($60). All you need is a dash of this to gently cleanse and exfoliate your face. It's so gentle you can use it every day!
Papaya Enzymes: Kinship Naked Papaya Enzyme Cleanser
The Kinship Naked Papaya Enzyme Cleanser [6] ($22) smells like a tropical fruit smoothie! It's a hydrating formula that softens and exfoliates the skin without stripping it.
Papaya and Pomegranate Enzymes: alpyn beauty PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser
If you have oily skin, you'll love the alpyn beauty PlantGenius Creamy Bubbling Cleanser [7] ($36). It exfoliates and brightens while preventing blackheads.
Papaya Enzymes: Golde Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask
The Golde Papaya Bright Superfood Face Mask [8] ($34) is a great way to give yourself a mini-facial at home. It's hydrating and gives boost of radiance with vitamin C.
Pineapple Enzyme: Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme Pore Clearing Cleanser
The gentle yet effective Josie Maran Pineapple Enzyme Pore Clearing Cleanser [9] ($28) can be used as a daily cleanser or as an every-other-day exfoliator. Your skin will look less congested and smoother with just one use of this.
Pineapple Enzyme: Herbivore Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask
Refresh and nourish your skin with the Herbivore Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask [10] ($48). You'll have a radiant glow from this physical and chemical exfoliator.
Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes: Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing + Exfoliating Energy Facial
The Youth To The People Yerba Mate Resurfacing + Exfoliating Energy Facial [11] ($54) is truly a facial in a jar. A thin layer is all you need for this multiple exfoliator treatment to work. It even has rice micro-foliants to physically remove the dead skin cells and reveal a radiant glow.
Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes: Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub
The lightweight Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub [12] ($39) will gently buff your skin for a smooth canvas. This is the perfect treatment to prep your skin for makeup application.
Pineapple and Papaya Enzymes: Sun + Moon Sunny Daze Gel Enzyme Scrub
Rich in enzymes and antioxidants, the Sun + Moon Sunny Daze Gel Enzyme Scrub [13] ($19) is great for gently diminishing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.
Pineapple, Pumpkin and Pomegranate Enzymes: Tula So Smooth Resurfacing & Brightening Enzyme Mask
Fueled by a variety of fruit enzymes, theTula So Smooth Resurfacing & Brightening Enzyme Mask [14] ($36) brightens your skin in just ten minutes. It even has probiotics & prebiotics help maintain skin balance.
Pumpkin Enzymes: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer
If you have stubborn hyperpigmentation or dark spots, the Pumpkin Enzymes: Peter Thomas Roth Pumpkin Enzyme Mask Enzymatic Dermal Resurfacer [15] ($60) is the pumpkin spice latte you're face will love. Polish and buff your skin with this physical and chemical exfoliator.
Pumpkin Enzymes: Bliss Powerhouse Pumpkin Face Mask
The Bliss Powerhouse Pumpkin Face Mask [16] ($15) will leave your skin radiant but hydrated. It's a gentle resurfacing mask that is filled with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and shea butter.