Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste — 75 mL cream exfoliant with fine quartz & lactic acid for dry skin

Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste is a cream-based facial cleanser that gently buffs away dead skin using fine quartz and lactic acid while leaving skin feeling soft and refreshed.

This exfoliant paste combines mechanical and chemical gentle action to cleanse and refine skin texture. Formulated to suit drier complexions and those who experience seasonal dryness, the paste mixes a creamy base with fine quartz particles and lactic acid to lift surface buildup without stripping. Lightweight rosemary leaf adds a botanical signature to the scent profile while the formulation remains vegan, paraben-free and packaged using primarily recycled plastics.

How does this product exfoliate without over-drying?

The Paste uses a dual-action approach: tiny quartz particles provide mild physical exfoliation while lactic acid offers a subtle chemical sloughing of surface cells. The cream base cushions the grains so they polish rather than abrade, reducing the risk of irritation commonly seen with harsher scrubs.

• Fine quartz granules for gentle mechanical polishing.
• Lactic acid to encourage natural surface cell turnover.
• Creamy formulation that preserves moisture during use.

How should I use the exfoliant in my skincare routine?

Dispense a small amount into your palm, then gently massage over damp face and neck using minimal pressure, avoiding the eye area. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with a hydrating toner or serum to restore moisture balance; use frequency depends on your skin sensitivity.

• Use 1–3 times weekly based on tolerance.
• Massage lightly; do not rub aggressively.
• Rinse fully and follow with moisturizer or sunscreen.

What are the standout ingredients and why do they matter?

Fine quartz delivers the physical exfoliating action while lactic acid (an alpha hydroxy acid) gently loosens dead cells for a smoother surface. Rosemary leaf contributes an aromatic, plant-derived note and a traditionally clarifying feel, complementing the formula’s overall sensorial experience.

• Fine quartz: controlled abrasive for polished skin texture.
• Lactic acid: mild AHA that supports gentle resurfacing.
• Rosemary leaf: botanical character and cleansing impression.

Who is this for? The Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste is designed for people with dry or seasonally dry skin who want a refining cleanser that softens rather than strips. It's also suitable for travelers and those who shave frequently and need a product that cleanses thoroughly while maintaining skin comfort. If you have very sensitive or compromised skin, patch-test first and adjust frequency to avoid over-exfoliation. All Aesop formulations are vegan and crafted with ingredients selected for safety and effectiveness, presented in bottles made primarily from recycled plastics to reduce environmental impact.

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), Quartz, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Glycerin, C12-16 Alcohols, Lactic Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Ormenis Multicaulis Oil, Sodium Hydroxide, Coconut Acid, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Pullulan, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Isethionate, Silica, Limonene, Linalool"