Various embodiments provide compositions for exfoliating particles and methods for their manufacture. In one exemplary embodiment, the exfoliating particles may comprise a derivative of a botanically-sourced emollient, stearyl stearate, and at least one of: candelilla wax, is bran wax, sunflower wax, jojoba esters, carnauba wax, bees wax, corn wax, a saturated wax-ester, castor wax, ouricury wax, hydrogenated lanolin, and a hydrogenated triglyceride wax, Exemplary methods for producing the exfoliating particles may comprise melting, combining, and/or homogenizing the components of the exfoliating particles and cooling the resultant mixture in a process to form particles of a desired shape and/or size. The exfoliating particles may be for topical use and may be stable in personal care compositions.