Which of the following is considered a hand-held exfoliator?

A hand-held exfoliator is a tool or product used to remove dead skin cells from the surface of the skin, enhancing skin texture and promoting a smoother appearance. In this context, sponges are often designed to facilitate gentle exfoliation when paired with a cleansing or exfoliating product. They can physically slough off dead skin and are easy to handle, making them effective for use in both professional and at-home skincare routines.

Sponges are particularly effective when they have a textured surface, which can help with the exfoliation process without being too harsh on the skin. This characteristic makes them an excellent choice for individuals looking to maintain healthy skin through regular exfoliation.

While brushes, scrubs, and cloths can also serve as exfoliation tools, they do not match the typical definition of a hand-held exfoliator to the same extent as sponges in this context. Brushes are usually considered more of a cleansing tool, scrubs are products that contain exfoliating agents rather than being a physical tool, and cloths generally refer to a wider category of materials that may not always have exfoliating properties. Thus, sponges stand out as the most appropriate choice for a hand-held exfoliator.