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

A hand-held exfoliator is a tool designed for physically removing dead skin cells from the surface of the skin during a cleansing or exfoliation process. In this context, sponges serve as effective hand-held exfoliators because they can be used by the esthetician to gently scrub the skin, providing both texture and flexibility.

Sponges can vary in density and surface texture, making them versatile for different skin types and exfoliation levels. They can be used wet or dry, often being soaked in a cleansing solution to enhance their exfoliating properties. Additionally, sponges can reach various areas of the body, making them practical for targeted exfoliation.

Other options like loofahs, brushes, and cloth rags may also have exfoliating properties, but they do not fall under the specific category of hand-held exfoliators based on their common use or texture when compared to sponges. Loofahs, while hand-held, are typically rough and used differently; brushes often have a handle and are structured for scrubbing rather than gentle exfoliation, and cloth rags usually provide a softer texture that does not exfoliate as effectively as sponges do.