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The Best Body Scrub
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Body Scrubs
The skincare craze is here to stay, but taking care of our faces is only one part of the equation. Knowing how to keep your body healthy and fresh from head to toe is just as important if we want to achieve truly glowing skin overall.
Having a body scrub in our shower routine is one way to keep our skin naturally soft and smooth. Plus, it helps get rid of unwanted textures, dull skin, dark spots, and all those other pesky problems that need our extra attention.
Without further ado, here are our favorite body scrubs that can make your skin glow and get rid of that strawberry skin that doesn’t look good at all.
Best Body Scrubs
Editor's Choice  Best Overall |  Best Drugstore |  Best for Sensitive Skins |
First Aid Beauty KP Body Scrub with 10% AHAIf you want a body scrub that helps with your chicken skin, is good for sensitive rebuffing, and frees ingrown hair, First Aid Beauty KP Body scrub is the one for you! | Dove Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body PolishThis affordable and easily accessible body scrub helps with cleaning of excess oil and dirt. Dove Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish leaves a moisturizing feel after use. | Necessaire The Body ExfoliatorNecessaire The Body Exfoliator is a gentle body scrub perfect for sensitive skin. It delicately buffs dead cells; you won't break out after using it! |
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Let’s Go Over Each Body Scrub
#1: First Aid Beauty KP Body Scrub with 10% AHA
Chicken skin, also known as keratosis pilaris, is a common skin condition that causes rough, bumpy patches of skin to appear due to clogged pores or hair follicles. These rough patches are benign and not itchy or irritating, but they can be a cause of self-consciousness.
If KP is something you struggle with, try the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser body scrub with 10% AHA. The dual exfoliant contains both chemical and physical scrubs to ensure smooth, bump-free skin in a safe way, making it ideal for those who also happen to have reactive skin.
Also, the internet loves this product. Just give the name a search on TikTok, and you’ll find thousands of users absolutely raving about how the scrub freed their ingrown hairs or got rid of particularly bad rough skin.
If we had to guess, the 10% AHA concentration — which includes glycolic acid and lactic acids — is a huge factor. It helps melt off the “glue” that binds dead skin and coupled with pumice buffing beads that scrub it all away, what you get is a fuss-free and highly effective exfoliation, even for textured skin with ingrown hairs.
This is a double-edged sword, though, because AHAs leave skin more photosensitive. You can check out some sensitive skin photo samples to see if they are similar to yours. Better yet, you can seek out a board-certified dermatologist to recommend a product just for you.
Pros and Cons of the First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Made with clean ingredients ✔️ Dual-exfoliant that uses mechanical and chemical components ✔️ Highly effective at exfoliating dead skin cells ✔️ Perfect for rough skin ✔️ Best for those with ingrown hairs | ✖️ AHAs can leave skin more sensitive to the sun |
#2: Dove Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Scrub
Who says exfoliating has to be a chore? The Dove Macadamia & Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Polish is the perfect addition to your at-home pamper nights and one that won’t burn a hole through your wallet, either. Plus, we can’t get enough of its lavender scent, making it the perfect pre-bedtime ritual.
The Dove Exfoliating Body Polish isn’t like other body scrub products that will leave your skin feeling a little tight and maybe even raw.
Instead, this luxurious magic in a tub possesses a creamy whipped texture that feels moisturizing even as it’s scrubbing away dead skin cells from your very pores.
Pros and Cons of the Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Leaves skin silky smooth ✔️ Affordable ✔️ Creamy moisturizing texture ✔️ Great for dry skin | ✖️ Contains microbeads that are harmful to the environment |
#3: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Glowing skin from head to toe? Oui, s’il vous plaît. Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator is another dual exfoliant that delicately buffs dead cells without damaging the skin barrier or stripping it of natural oils.
Albeit a little bit pricey, this is the ideal body scrub for anyone with both acne-prone and sensitive skin — the bamboo charcoal and pumice beads help physically scrub off dead cells while the salicylic acid removes excess oil.
It also comes in three different scent choices: sandalwood, eucalyptus, and fragrance-free for sensitive skin.
Pros and Cons of the Necessaire Body Exfoliator
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Gentle chemical exfoliant ✔️ Perfect for combination skin ✔️ Contains clean, environmentally-friendly natural ingredients | ✖️ Expensive |
#4: Soft Services Buffing Bar
The Soft Services Buffing Bar is a relatively new body scrub and yet a game-changing physical exfoliant that has become a favorite for tackling rough skin and keratosis pilaris (KP).
Packed with superfine magnesium oxide microcrystals, this bar works on providing gentle exfoliation to effectively slough away skin cells, keeping skin smooth.
Designed for targeted use on rough areas like elbows, knees, and even KP-affected arms, the Buffing Bar’s effectiveness lies in its perfect balance of grit and gentleness, making it a gentle scrub. It’s an excellent scrub for those looking for a more polished skin texture with consistent results.
In addition to its exfoliating prowess, the Buffing Bar’s formula includes hydrating ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera to counteract dryness often associated with physical exfoliants.
The moisturizing components ensure that the skin feels nourished and refreshed post-exfoliation without a greasy residue. It also gives your skin that smooth shave.
Plus, its sleek, minimalist design and recyclable packaging make it an appealing choice for eco-conscious skincare enthusiasts, combining functionality with sustainability.
However, like most physical exfoliants, this product comes with a caution: overuse can lead to skin irritation, especially for sensitive skin classifications. It’s recommended to use it 2-3 times a week, applying gentle pressure to avoid potential microtears or discomfort.
Proper storage is also essential, as it needs a well-draining soap dish to maintain its integrity. With its thoughtful design and proven results, the Soft Services Buffing Bar is an excellent addition to any body care routine, as long as it’s used wisely.
Pros and Cons of the Soft Services Buffing Bar
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Effectively smooths rough skin and improves texture ✔️ Contains hydrating ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera ✔️ Ideal for addressing keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs ✔️ Sleek, recyclable packaging appeals to eco-conscious users ✔️ Easy to incorporate into a weekly skincare routine | ✖️ Overuse can lead to irritation, especially for sensitive skin ✖️ Requires proper storage to maintain hygiene and longevity |
#5: Nopalera Cactus Flower Exfoliant
This exfoliating body scrub is a gentle yet effective exfoliator that brings the essence of nature into your skincare routine. Made with prickly pear cactus and tangerine oil, it delivers a delightful citrusy fragrance that instantly uplifts your mood.
Unlike the previous product, this does not contain glycolic and lactic acids. Instead, it utilizes natural exfoliants such as hibiscus flower extract, which is rich in alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid (a beta-hydroxy acid) to gently exfoliate dry skin. Still, it’s a good choice, even if it doesn’t contain glycolic acid.
These ingredients help remove dead cells and promote a smoother complexion without the use of synthetic acids. The exfoliant features fine natural particles that slough away dead skin without causing irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
It also contains nourishing oils like safflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and essential oils to ensure your skin feels soft and hydrated post-scrub.
On the downside, the packaging is minimalist but not always practical. It makes it hard to control the product during application. Still, its hydrating and brightening effects make it a must-try for those looking to refine their skin texture gently. Many users swore how their skin looked good after use.
Pros and Cons of the Nopalera Cactus Flower Exfoliant
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Contains natural, skin-nourishing ingredients ✔️ Gentle enough for eczema-prone skin ✔️ Refreshing citrus fragrance | ✖️ Packaging can make it tricky to dispense the right amount ✖️ May not provide enough exfoliation for very rough or flaky skin |
#6: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub might just be your new favorite indulgence. Enriched with mineral salts from New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Himalayas, combined with nourishing shea butter and wild gigartina seaweed, this scrub promises to leave your skin with a baby-soft feeling and radiance.
However, those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution when using Salts of the Earth Body Scrub due to the potentially abrasive nature of the salt base.
The chunky texture provides excellent exfoliation, and although it may leave a slight oily residue, the hydration it provides is a bonus for dry skin and sensitive skin types. Despite this, Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is still ideal for those with rough patches. Check out some rough skin photo samples to see if this product will work for you.
Pros and Cons of the Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Enriched with mineral salts and nourishing ingredients ✔️ Effective exfoliation without being overly harsh ✔️ Generous 12-ounce size | ✖️ May be too abrasive for sensitive skin types |
#7: Tree Hut Sugar Scrub
If you’re looking for an affordable and effective skin body scrub that delivers results without breaking the bank, the Tree Hut Sugar Scrub is the way to go.
This mega-sized tub is packed with skin-loving ingredients like mango puree, shea butter, and sugar crystals to give you the ultimate pampering experience.
We found that just a tablespoon of this stuff goes a long way, making it perfect for pre-shave prep or just indulging in some self-care after a long day.
That means you’re getting plenty of mileage out of your purchase, with each session covering your skin in a rich, moisturizing formula that’s thick enough to stay put without making a mess all over your shower.
Pros and Cons of the Tree Hut Sugar Scrub
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Mega-sized tub (18 oz.) ✔️ Thick, creamy texture ✔️ Ideal for pre-shave prep ✔️ Budget-friendly | ✖️ Granules can get stuck on the rim |
#8: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
For a spa-like experience at home while achieving silky smooth skin, the Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish is definitely worth the splurge.
This award-winning scrub is packed with real brown sugar crystals and a nourishing blend of oils to give you the ultimate spa-like experience right in your shower.
The star ingredient, brown sugar, gently buffs away dead cells while locking in moisture, leaving your skin feeling silky, soft, and rejuvenated. We found it particularly effective for prepping the skin before applying self-tanner, as it creates a smooth canvas for an even application.
Its texture is also truly unique—it starts grainy and exfoliating, but as soon as the brown sugar crystals come into contact with water, it transforms into a smooth, syrupy consistency that glides effortlessly over your skin.
The scent of this scrub is another standout, with natural ginger and lemongrass fragrance that is fresh, warm, and absolutely intoxicating—like a mini getaway to a tropical paradise.
Pros and Cons of the Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Contains a blend of nourishing oils ✔️ Unique texture transitions ✔️ Leaves skin feeling silky soft | ✖️ Slightly on the higher price end |
#9: Oui the People Full Disclosure
Dry and dull skin can be a real hassle to deal with, but fear not – Oui the People Full Disclosure Body Polish is here to save the day! It works wonders on areas prone to dryness, such as elbows and knees, leaving them feeling clean, moisturized, and rejuvenated. We even noticed that it helped brighten and even out hyperpigmentation.
Its unique consistency starts off as a thick body lotion and transforms into a hydrating scrub as you lather it onto your skin. We found that it can effectively remove dead skin cells while simultaneously replenishing moisture, thanks to its thick, creamy texture.
With its blend of bamboo powder, lactic acid, and olive-derived squalane, it’s sure to leave your skin feeling smooth, hydrated, and oh-so-silky.
Pros and Cons of the Oui the People Full Disclosure
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Delicate blend of body lotion and exfoliator ✔️ Effective at removing dry flakes ✔️ Brightens and evens out hyperpigmentation | ✖️ Price may be higher |
#10: Biossance Squalane + Enzyme Body Scrub
Biossance Squalane + Enzyme Body Scrub is like a spa day in a tube. When you squeeze a dollop of this scrub into your hand, you’ll immediately feel its gritty yet goopy texture.
The key ingredients in this scrub, including pomegranate enzyme, sugar crystals, and squalane, work together to gently exfoliate the skin while leaving it feeling hydrated and refreshed.
With its scent, you’re stepping into a shower that smells like a sunny day at the farmer’s market – that’s the vibe you get with this scrub. It’s clean, it’s fresh, and it lingers on your skin long after you’ve rinsed off.
Now, don’t get us wrong, we adore this scrub, but there’s one tiny hiccup. Some folks find it a tad challenging to squeeze out of the bottle. Those crystal goodies can sometimes clog the top, causing a bit of a struggle. But a little elbow grease in exchange for baby-soft skin? Totally worth it.
Pros and Cons of the Biossance Squalane + Enzyme Body Scrub
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Mess-free application ✔️ Easy to work across the skin ✔️ Soft texture while effectively exfoliating the skin ✔️ Clean scent that lingers | ✖️ Slightly on the higher price side |
Is A body scrub good for your skin?
Our body is exposed to dust and dirt daily. Not only that but with the summer heat at an all-time high, it’s hard to avoid dark spots and even dehydration.
Apart from practicing basic personal hygiene, regular exfoliation is a must. It helps get rid of dirt, dust, and pollutants that may block the nutrients in moisturizers and body creams from fully penetrating and nourishing our skin. Also, always make sure to do a gentle scrub.
Now, everyone has their own taste when it comes to personal products, which is why we present different products. But generally speaking, it’s important to make time for exfoliating our body from the chin down, and the good news is that finding the right body scrub isn’t all that hard or expensive. Most body scrubs are quite affordable, especially if you won’t be using them on a daily basis. As always, check with a board-certified dermatologist if you would benefit from a body scrub to give you radiant skin.
WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE BODY SCRUB?
For a top-notch scrub that’ll leave your skin feeling silky smooth, consider using an exfoliating body scrub. These gems work wonders at sloughing off skin cells, leaving you with a radiant glow!
Look for scrubs with a mix of physical and chemical exfoliants, like lactic and glycolic acid, as well as hyaluronic acid. They’ll shed dead cells like a charm, revealing your skin’s natural beauty. In some cases, the best body scrubs also help in dealing with ingrown hairs as they can be used as a scalp scrub. For chemical scrubs formulated with an enzyme, you may want to check with your board-certified dermatologist.
WHICH PRODUCT IS BEST FOR BODY SCRUBS?
The best for body scrub is a scrub that’s packed with exfoliating lotion goodness. Think exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, lactic, or salicylic acids, which work wonders at shedding skin cells. Whether you prefer a chemical exfoliant or a physical scrub, aim for one that suits your skin concerns.
Consult with a board-certified dermatologist if you think you have highly reactive skin. Some scrubs even double as body wash, making your routine a breeze!
WHAT KIND OF BODY SCRUBBER IS BEST?
That should depend on your skin’s needs! For a gentle yet effective scrub, consider a mix of physical and chemical exfoliators. No matter which you choose, make sure you’re using a scrub mitt, and you gently rub it on your skin.
Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycolic and lactic acid to dissolve dead skin cells, paired with soothing additions like coconut oil, shea butter, or safflower seed oil. This combo helps buff away rough patches while keeping your skin happy and hydrated.
Whether you prefer a loofah, scrubbing brush, or exfoliating gloves, just remember to be gentle and let your skin shine!
DO DERMATOLOGISTS RECOMMEND BODY SCRUBS?
A board-certified dermatologist often recommends using body scrubs to slough off skin cells and reveal fresher, smoother skin underneath.
But here’s the key: choose body scrubs that suit your skin concerns. Chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids, beta hydroxy acids, and salicylic acids can dissolve skin cells effectively, while physical body exfoliators with gentle ingredients like shea butter can buff away roughness without irritating very sensitive skin.
WHICH BRAND OF BODY SCRUB IS BEST?
Before choosing what brand of body scrub is the best for you, you need to keep in mind that it depends on your skin type, concerns, and preferences. It would also help if you can get advice from a board-certified dermatologist. Here are some factors to consider before buying a body scrub:
- Skin type: If you have sensitive skin, you may want to choose a gentle scrub with natural ingredients. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to look for a scrub with salicylic acid or other exfoliating agents.
- Ingredients: Look for body scrubs with natural ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oils, almond milk, aloe vera, sugar, salt, sweet almond oils, citrus oils, or coffee grounds. If you have sensitive skin, avoid scrubs with synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, or microbeads. Most body scrubs tend to have natural ingredients, but still, you might want to recheck if it’s the best one for you.
- Texture: Some scrubs are more abrasive than others, so choose one that suits your skin and preferences.
- Brand reputation: Check the reviews and reputation of the brand before making a purchase.
How do I choose the best body scrub to remove dead skin cells?
Some factors to consider when selecting your body scrub are ingredients, frequency of use, and even your own skin type. Whether it’s dry, oily, or sensitive, there’s a scrub out there that can suit your needs.
Ingredients
Recently, there’s been a negative connotation attached to body scrubs; some say they’re too abrasive or ultimately make the skin worse. While there are plenty of abrasive scrubs out there, a lot of negative experiences might have to do with the ingredients, particularly the granule size, and chemical ingredients (if you’re looking at an exfoliator-scrub hybrid).
A board-certified dermatologist recommends looking for scrubs that contain fine granules. Some great examples are sugar, sea salt or dead sea salts, coffee, bamboo charcoal, crushed macadamia, etc. Not only do they prevent micro-tears caused by large granules (i.e., walnuts and apricots), but they nourish the skin in different ways. Also, look for those with hyaluronic acid to give you that hydration.
Sugar is a humectant, so you get extra hydration. Coffee has antioxidant properties, too. These fine granules prevent over-exfoliation, so they make body scrubs safe to add to your beauty routine.
Skin Type
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when buying almost any skincare product. Those with oily skin should look for scrubs that have chemical exfoliants — think salicylic acid, glycolic and lactic acids, and other AHAs. This helps immensely with body acne.
On the other hand, those who suffer from chronically dry skin will benefit from buying scrubs with ingredients like jojoba oil, virgin coconut oil, sweet almond oil, and rosehip. Olive oils are great ingredients to have, too.
Frequency
Your skin classification will also affect how often you actually need to use a body scrub. Those who tend to lean towards oily, acne-prone skin can get away with thrice a week scrubbing as excess oil will clog your pores faster, especially if the scrub contains coconut oil.
Those with eczema-prone skin or flaky skin should do the opposite and limit the frequency of their exfoliation to once a week. For dehydrated skin, always follow up your body scrub with a moisturizer to seal in hydration.
When to avoid body scrubs
Over-exfoliation can lead to a whole host of skin problems like darker skin, irritation, and even excess oil — the very problems we’re trying to treat in the first place. So, which body scrubs should we steer clear of?
As we mentioned above, it’s wise to avoid scrubs that contain large granules. These will cause micro-tears on the skin and, in many cases, hyperpigmentation because of too much friction. This will only lead to dry skin. Only use the scrub according to the recommended use.
Conclusion
Body scrubs are the perfect way to unwind after a long day, and the benefits they have for your skin are countless. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for you to choose from if you’re unsure what product to buy.
Editor’s Choice
First Aid Beauty KP Body Scrub with 10% AHA
TikTok is responsible for popularizing a ton of skincare products, and the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is one of them.
Formulated with 10% AHA, the scrub is perfect for those who suffer from keratosis pilaris, a.k.a. chicken skin.
Instead of using giant beads to scrub off dead skin cells, the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub uses a mixture of glycolic acid and lactic acid to melt off dust and dirt from within the clogged pores.
Because it’s a chemical exfoliant, there’s no risk of being too harsh on the skin and irritating it further.
Joey is an AB Psychology graduate of the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod. Her life’s passions include writing, film, and spending hours on end binge-watching fashion vloggers on Youtube.
