Body scrubs have ascended the ranks in skincare, moving beyond just a simple exfoliating agent to an essential regimen component. These gritty wonders not only slough off dead skin cells but also rejuvenate, hydrate, and prepare the skin for deeper absorption of subsequent products.
In the realm of skincare, the importance of exfoliation cannot be overstated. Body scrubs, particularly, offer a transformative experience. Not merely a cleansing ritual, they act as an essential reviving step. Just as a fresh coat of paint requires a smooth canvas, radiant and moisturized skin demands the regular elimination of its dull, dead layer.
Imagine a body scrub as your skin’s renewing elixir. While the granules tackle rough patches and banish dead skin, the infused oils and nutrients replenish moisture and restore a youthful glow. Even when your skin feels lifeless or dry, a good scrub session can restore its vitality and suppleness.
When selecting the perfect body scrub, it’s crucial to consider the granule size, ingredient quality, and added benefits. Are you looking for deep exfoliation or a gentle polish? Would you prefer an oil-based formula for added hydration or something more clarifying for oily skin? These are essential questions to ponder.
We have scoured the world of skincare for the best body scrubs — 10 of them, to be precise — and put them through rigorous testing to find the top-tier selections that stand out from the rest. We evaluated the products based on their exfoliation capability, hydration level, ingredient quality, and overall feel on the skin. A few emerged as clear winners due to their exceptional performance, innovative formulas, and sheer pampering luxury.
- Hydrating
- Skin calming
- Skin softening
When you’re ready to take your chemical peels and skin softeners to the next level, you need Peach & Lily’s KP Bump Boss Microderm Body Scrub. This scrub delivers the benefits of both in one.
Its 10% AHA, PHA, and micro-crystals smooth bumps and unclog pores, while mugwort, barley, cica, and tea extracts visibly calm redness and nourish the skin. Hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and squalane deeply hydrate your skin for a lightweight experience.
If you’re looking for a product that will transform your KP bumps, ingrown hairs, flaky skin, and body breakouts—you name it—into a wondrously smooth experience that leaves your skin glowing from within (and without), this is the product for you!
“My bumps have gone down a lot, and my skin feels insanely soft as if I just got out of a spa,” explained one tester.
- Brightening effect
- Refreshing scent
- Triple action formula
Fenty Skin’s Cherry Dub Triple Action AHA Body Scrub is the perfect way to get softer, smoother skin throughout the year.
Powered by AHAs, fruit enzymes, and sugar, this triple-action scrub retexturizes, smoothes, and conditions from head to toe for a brighter, more even complexion. The tropical scent of Barbados cherry will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything!
This scrub is a must-have product if you’re looking to fight against rough, bumpy skin as it rinses clean without leaving any residue behind. It also conditions and nourishes your skin for healthy skin!
“It smells and feels incredible! The scent is not overwhelming, but the whiffs of cherry you do get smell so good,” explained one reviewer. “A little goes a long way!”
- Effective exfoliation
- Niacinamide infusion
- Multi-benefit formula
If you’re looking for an exfoliation treatment that will leave your skin feeling softer than a baby’s bottom, Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator.
This product uses volcanic pumice as well as AHAs and BHAs to help strip away dead skin cells, unclog pores, and treat keratosis pilaris. In addition, it contains niacinamide to treat and prevent keratosis pilaris.
Its unique formula also includes complementary ingredients that work to remove rough, dry patches and release ingrown hairs to reveal smoother, softer skin.
Plus, you can use this product 1-2 times weekly without worrying about stripping your skin of its natural oils—it’s non-stripping!
- Subtle shimmer
- Nourishing ingredients
- Effective exfoliation
Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Body Scrub is a spa-worthy treat that gently exfoliates and nourishes your skin.
It contains a microbead-free blend for soft, summer-ready skin. The formula is infused with crushed cupuaçu seeds, sugar crystals, caffeine-rich guaraná, and nourishing coconut oil. Notably, it has a soft touch of shimmer that makes it suitable for any occasion.
This affordable product is available in two sizes: A small jar is perfect for travel, while the larger size will last you longer and can be used on both hands and feet.
“With this one, you just scoop out your desired amount as you go. It’s got a concentrated scrubbing power, and it leaves my skin soft and smooth,” stated one user. “Needless to say, the fragrance is divine.”
- Gentle exfoliation
- Hydrating coconut oil
- Dual-purpose
OAUI’s Sugar Scalp and Body Scrub helps you get a fresh start on your scalp and skin.
The foaming formula contains gently exfoliating sugar crystals that work to remove buildup while softening and balancing your skin’s moisture level. It’s powered by coconut oil to hydrate. And it’s so easy to use!
One of our favorite these about this product is gentle enough on a weekly basis but also has enough power to help remove stubborn buildup from your scalp.
According to reviews, “Smells great, lathers amazingly. I was surprised with how good it feels on my skin.”
- Natural ingredients
- Refreshing tropical scent
- Exfoliating
Our budget-friendly pick is Tree Hut’s Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub.
Much like the name hints, this product has a coconut lime scent and a formula that’s made with sugar, shea butter, lime, and an array of natural oils. It’s also infused with other skin-loving ingredients such as evening primrose, avocado, macadamia, and sweet almond oils.
This particular scrub is keyed in on removing dull, dry skin and revealing glowing skin. It’s a great option for those who want to deeply nourish and balance their skin’s hydration, thanks to orange oils and safflower.
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Smoothening
- Repairs rough bumps
It’s time to get rid of your KP and booty bumps. We’re talking about the dry, rough bumps that can form on your skin when you have keratosis pilaris or strawberry skin—and they’re not fun.
But now, you can say goodbye to all of that with First Aid Beauty’s Body Scrub. It sweeps away dry, rough bumps associated with KP and strawberry skin, revealing healthier-looking skin underneath. And it works safely for sensitive skin.
And if that wasn’t enough to get you excited about this product, we’ll tell you one more thing: it contains pumice to physically exfoliate! So don’t forget to follow up with a moisturizer after using this product—your skin will thank you for it!
8. Biossance Squalane + Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub
After a long, hard week at work, there’s nothing like a good body scrub to make you feel like you’re getting a fresh start. But which one should you choose?
Biossance’s Squalane + Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub is the answer for anyone who wants visible results for all skin types. This supercharged formula combines both enzymatic and physical exfoliators (sugar crystals and pomegranate enzyme) that gently slough off dead skin while leaving your moisture barrier intact.
With its microbead-free formula and natural essential oil scents, the scrub is gentle enough to use every day—and potent enough to deliver visible results.
- Brightening and nourishing
- Antioxidant
- Multi-exfoliation
Kopari’s Body Polish is a great way to exfoliate and resurface your skin.
It combines three types of gentle exfoliation and then adds AHAs and PHAs to resurface the skin for a smoother, renewed appearance. Pomegranate enzymes are rich in antioxidant-rich with high Vitamin C content to help protect and brighten.
The scrub also boasts coconut oils and golden peptides—all of which work together to make your skin look brighter, clearer, and more beautiful than ever before!
- Hair benefits
- Nourishing ingredients
- Effective exfoliation
Tata Harper is the ultimate splurge for your skin.
This skin treatment contains a multi-particle scrub that buffs away dead skin cells and leaves your skin smooth, glowing, and hydrated. Meanwhile, the micro-polishes help open up the root of your hair, soften it, and give you smooth, shiny strands.
It contains cranberry fruit extract, which is rich in vitamin C. Other ingredients provide six sources of vitamins and minerals that nourish your skin from within.
What to Look for in Body Scrubs
Exfoliating Elements
Body scrubs primarily work due to their exfoliating components. These could range from natural ingredients like sugar, salt, or coffee grounds to synthetic microbeads. Depending on your skin type and preference, you’ll want to choose a scrub with the right exfoliating agent. Natural ingredients are often gentler on the skin, while certain synthetic elements can offer a more uniform exfoliation.
Moisturizing Properties
While the primary purpose of a scrub is to exfoliate, a good body scrub also replenishes the skin’s moisture. Look for ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or jojoba oil. These components ensure that after sloughing off the dead skin cells, the fresh layer beneath remains hydrated and soft.
Fragrance and Essential Oils
The aroma of a body scrub can elevate the entire scrubbing experience. Whether you’re a fan of fruity notes, calming lavenders, or invigorating mints, there’s a scent out there tailored for your olfactory pleasure. However, for those with sensitive skin, it might be wise to gravitate towards fragrance-free options or products with natural essential oils, avoiding potential skin irritants.
Ingredient Purity
In the age of conscious consumerism, many are opting for products with cleaner ingredient profiles. This means fewer chemicals, parabens, and sulfates, and more natural and organic ingredients. Checking the ingredient list can give insight into the product’s formulation and its compatibility with your skin type.
Packaging and Sustainability
A product’s packaging can offer clues about the brand’s eco-consciousness. Biodegradable or recyclable containers are becoming increasingly popular. Additionally, body scrubs with environmentally friendly exfoliants (i.e., not plastic microbeads) ensure you’re giving your skin—and the planet—a treat.
