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Body washes are a shower necessity, but body scrubs are almost like visiting a luxury spa — they take your shower to the next level and leave you feeling especially refreshed. I use a body scrub almost every week to buff away dry, flakey skin and smooth patches of keratosis pilaris. Over the years, I’ve found that, unlike other forms of manual exfoliation (such as dry brushing or loofahs), body scrubs are the most effective because they add moisture while polishing and leave behind firm, glow-y skin that never feels stripped. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hope Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Dermatology, the right body scrub can even “stimulate circulation, improve skin texture, and enhance the absorption of moisturizers and other skin-care products.”
To find the best body scrubs on the (vast) market, I’ve searched high and low for ones that work for a range of skin types and can tackle various issues, including dullness, ingrown hairs, and butt acne. The body scrubs you’ll find below include several formulas endorsed by dermatologists and others backed by a few discerning Strategist staffers. You’ll also find body scrubs that I’ve tested myself and still use in my own skin-care routine. And for more products to level up your everything shower, read our guides to body washes for every skin type, and for exclusive skin-care intel, sign up for our weekly Beauty Brief newsletter.
Update on October 10, 2024: Updated prices and checked stock for all products.
What we’re looking for
Key ingredients
When choosing a body scrub, you should look for ingredients that work for your skin type. According to Mitchell, body scrubs contain physical exfoliators, or “abrasive ingredients,” such as sugar or salt, that slough off dull, rough skin, revealing a smoother, more radiant layer underneath. If you have dry, flakey skin, you’ll need a formula containing moisturizing agents, like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, or fatty acids, which will hydrate your skin barrier during exfoliation. Dull skin can benefit from skin-smoothing glycolic acid and brightening vitamin C. For oily and acne-prone skin, look for salicylic acid and charcoal that can soak up excess oil; meanwhile, you should avoid potentially pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil or cocoa butter. Those with sensitive skin might prefer sugar-based scrubs as they tend to be gentler than formulas with a salt base, which can sting inflamed areas or freshly shaved skin.
Several dermatologists I spoke to advised against scrubs that contain ground-up nut shells or fruit pits (specifically walnut and apricot), as these jagged particles can lead to tiny abrasions or cuts on the skin. None of the formulas below contain these ingredients. (You also won’t find any formulas with plastic microbeads, which have been prohibited since the FDA’s Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015.)
Type of exfoliant
Body scrubs can be either physical, chemical, or a combination of both. All of my picks feature physical exfoliants or small particles that slough off dead skin cells. I’ve also included four formulas that exfoliate both physically and chemically. Chemical exfoliators are typically AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids — like lactic or glycolic acid), BHAs (beta-hydroxy acid — like salicylic acid), or PHAs (poly-hydroxy acids — like gluconolactone or galactose), which are non-abrasive but instead work to lift off dead skin cells and keep pores clear. I’ve called out the type of exfoliant in each body scrub below.
Just note: While the benefits of body scrubs are plentiful, every dermatologist I spoke to for this article warned me about the risks of over-exfoliation. As a general rule of thumb, you should limit your use to once a week, twice max, says Dr. Steve Xu, founder of Sibel Health and head of the Medical Advisory Board at Geologie. Also, be careful not to use too much pressure — lather gently to prevent damaging the skin barrier. If you do notice any discomfort or irritation, it’s best to discontinue usage and consult an expert for more personalized advice.
Best body scrub overall
Key ingredients: Pumice, glycerin, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide | Type of exfoliant: Physical and chemical
I’ve tried many body scrubs over the years, but the one I always return to is The Body Exfoliator from Nécessaire. I truly believe that this powerful formula is the reason why my skin — which tends to be dry — stays smooth and glowing all year round. It offers dual exfoliation (a.k.a. the best of both worlds, both physical and chemical) and the gel-like formula has just the right grit without being overly abrasive. The main ingredients are volcanic pumice and bamboo charcoal, which polish the top layer of skin; meanwhile, a blend of salicylic, lactic, and glycolic acids goes deeper to remove any dirt and oil buildup. After using this scrub consistently, I’ve seen how it buffs away roughness, even improving the appearance of the “chicken skin,” or keratosis pilaris, on my arms and legs.
I’m not the only one who’s had positive results with The Body Exfoliator: Actress Ayo Edebiri, who counts this scrub among her favorite things, says it got rid of all her little strawberry bumps after a couple of washes. Our deals editor Sam Daly also swears by this one, specifically in the bergamot scent, which she likens to “rubbing tea leaves all over your body” (in a good way). She’s been using the formula for over a year, and likes that a little goes a long way: “Other scrubs seem to melt almost instantly, but with this one, I can squeeze a quarter-sized dollop onto my arms or legs and scrub as long as I like,” says Daly. The tube packaging also makes it easier to control how much product you’re using, eliminating the mess that often occurs when scooping from a jar with wet hands.
There’s also the fact that the brand was launched by two beauty veterans: Estée Lauder alum Randi Christiansen and Into the Gloss co-founder Nick Axelrod. According to our writer and resident beauty expert Tembe Denton-Hurst, the brand was designed with sensitive skin types in mind, which is why all of Nécessaire’s products include fragrance-free options.
Best less expensive body scrub
Key ingredients: Glycerin, cocos nucifera (coconut) shell powder, hydrogenated jojoba oil, green tea extracts | Type of exfoliant: Physical
For a more affordable body scrub, try Soap & Glory’s $11 formula, which Daly describes as having a “frappuccino-like texture.” Daly discovered this body scrub during a Target shopping trip and says it’s a gentle drugstore option that she likes to apply directly to her skin and then sud up with water in the shower. The formula contains coconut shell in a powdered form, which mechanically exfoliates — but shouldn’t scratch — the skin. It can leave behind a slight residue (likely from the jojoba beads), but Daly says it’s not sticky or greasy: “If anything, it makes me feel like I can skip the lotion post-shower because the hydration feels locked in.”
After hearing Daly’s rave review, I picked up Magnifi-Coco at my local Target for testing, and I definitely agree with her take. Though I’ve only used the scrub for a few weeks now, I’ve noticed that it lathers effectively and easily polishes the skin, leaving behind softness and moisture. I also think the coconut scent is just right: never overpowering, but I can still smell the light, refreshing aroma even after I’ve toweled off. I also appreciate that I can use a large glob without feeling guilty since the formula is so reasonably priced.
Best body scrub for dry skin
Key ingredients: Gigartina seaweed, mineral salts, shea butter | Type of exfoliant: Physical
I’m a big fan of Osea’s body oil — it’s one of my favorite post-shower moisturizers — so I knew I needed to test the brand’s salt-based scrub, too. For over two months, I’ve applied it from head to toe and been blown away by how delicately it exfoliates, leaving my skin feeling extra silky to the touch. That’s because it contains shea butter and safflower oil to lock in moisture, plus three types of salt exfoliants (sourced from New Zealand, the Himalayas, and Hawaii) and is “free of a lot of irritating preservatives,” according to board-certified dermatologist Sheila Farhang.
Another Osea devotee is journalist and Gather Journal co-founder Fiorella Valdesolo, who uses the scrub when the seasons change or when her “ancient indoor heating kicks on or after continued sun exposure and sunblock usage.” Like Valdesolo, I was impressed by how this one can gently work away multiple layers of sunscreen, which I discovered after bringing the Salts of the Earth with me on vacation. (There’s just one caveat: this does leave behind a bit of a greasy feeling, which, as someone with dry skin, I didn’t mind, but may be something to consider for those who are acne-prone.)
Best less-expensive body scrub for dry skin
Key ingredients: Sugar, glycerin, squalane | Type of exfoliant: Physical
If $48 is more than you’d like to spend, I recommend trying Biossance’s scrub, which a Sephora employee suggested to me when I was conducting some on-the-ground research for this story. Though I’ve only used it a handful of times, I’ve been amazed at how well it’s improved my dry skin’s hydration level, which I attribute to its deeply moisturizing ingredients, including glycerin and squalane. I’ve also found the texture of the sugar crystals to be gritty but not scratchy, and as I’ve slathered on the scrub, the fine grains soften and melt in slowly. When I’ve finished exfoliating, the formula washes off cleanly without any sort of residue.
Best body scrub for sensitive skin
Key ingredients: Glycerin, honey, lactic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide | Type of exfoliant: Physical and chemical
Most dermatologists I spoke to were hesitant to suggest a body scrub for sensitive skin because physical exfoliation can be irritating for some. With that said, Strategist writer Arielle Avila, who has sensitive skin that’s prone to eczema, has kept Naturopathica’s gentle formula in her body-care rotation for over two months. Though the texture is a thick gel, Avila notes that the formula consists of extremely fine silica granules, a natural and hypo-allergenic physical exfoliant. “It’s also made with anti-inflammatory Manuka honey, which I think is why it doesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skin and is packed with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, so I can use it in the winter without drying my skin out more,” Avila says.
Best for dull skin
Key ingredients: Glycerin, lactic acid, coconut oil, glycolic acid, willow bark extract | Type of exfoliant: Physical and chemical
Skinfix’s Resurface+ scrub is the one to reach for if you’re dealing with skin dullness, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Connie Yang of PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank. It contains both physical and chemical exfoliants that work to lift off dead skin cells, smooth texture, and improve discoloration for brighter and smoother skin. “Unlike other scrubs that tend to be thicker with a gritty sand-like texture, this scrub is a more creamy and liquid formulation with small physical exfoliating particles,” Yang says. During my testing, I noticed that the formula was more fluid and lightweight, so I found it easier to apply this to dry skin before mixing it with water in the shower. If you want a scrub that offers a lot of graininess against your skin, this probably won’t be right for you — though, even if it doesn’t feel like you’re rubbing away dullness, ingredients like lactic and glycolic acids will help to fade dark spots and promote a faster cellular turnover. It’s also formulated without fragrance, sulfates, parabens, silicone, and essential oils.
Best body scrub for ingrown hairs
Key ingredients: Mineral microcrystals, glycerin, shea butter, aloe | Type of exfoliant: Physical
The bar form may make this one an untraditional pick for a body scrub, but I think the Soft Services Buffing Bar deserves a place on this list because its main purpose is exfoliation. Or, as Kirbie Johnson, journalist and co-host of the beauty podcast Gloss Angeles, puts it, “Soft Services Buffing Bar takes the experience of a salt scrub and compacts it into a soap so that you up the ante on your exfoliation.” As someone who has struggled with painful ingrown hairs (basically in any area where I shave or wax), I knew I needed to test the Buffing Bar myself — especially after former Strategist editor Maxine Builder described it as feeling “like rubbing sandpaper on my skin, in the best way.”
Formulated with two mineral microcrystals (magnesium oxide and alumina), the non-messy bar works to polish away dead skin, releasing ingrown hairs that have been trapped underneath. After only a few uses, my skin looked smoother and had fewer swollen bumps. Thanks to the ultramoisturizing ingredients — including shea butter, glycerin, and aloe — it has never dried me out. I found it super-easy to control the intensity of the exfoliation by applying more or less pressure to the Buffing Bar while sliding it across my skin. I also love that I can use the corners instead of the flat side of the bar to increase its sluffing power.
Best body scrub for keratosis pilaris
Key ingredients: Pumice, glycolic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract, vitamin E | Type of exfoliant: Physical and chemical
When my go-to AmLactin body lotion isn’t cutting it for the keratosis pilaris on the back of the arms, I turn to the KP Bump Eraser from First Aid Beauty. I like to put it directly on my skin — no loofah necessary — and gently work it in with circular motions. It’s one of the grittier options on this list, but for good reason: The tiny pumice buffing beads work to brush away dead skin cells that have been loosened by a 10 percent blend of glycolic and lactic acids. I’ve also noticed that this formula is very effective at clearing up my buttne (butt acne) and loosening ingrowns along my bikini line (just be careful not to overdo it in areas that are sensitive or sore). Though Builder doesn’t have keratosis pilaris, she says this First Aid Beauty scrub also works for prepping her skin for shaving.
Best scented body scrub
Key ingredients: Glycerin, sugar, coconut oil, almond oil | Type of exfoliant: Physical
Ouai’s sugar-based scrub in this St. Barts scent was so popular in limited-edition form that the brand decided to add it to its permanent assortment of products. After hearing this detail from Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Sherber + Rad, who recommends the formula, I quickly tracked down this scrub for testing. The St. Barts scent is bursting with tropical florals and notes of dragon fruit, amber, and orange, so smelling it honestly made me feel like I was being transported to my favorite beach. But the scent isn’t the only thing to love. It’s also packed with some extra nourishing ingredients, such as hydrating glycerin and skin-softening coconut oil. Sherber says that it’s “more clean-rinsing” than other options on the market since it’s designed for dual use on the body and scalp, and I also found this to be true.
Best “clean” body scrub
Key ingredients: Brown sugar, coconut oil, almond oil, jojoba seed oil, castor oil | Type of exfoliant: Physical
If you’re looking for a “clean” or natural product, look no further than this body scrub from Malibu-based brand C & The Moon that contains just nine ingredients. Formulated with a base of all-natural brown sugar, it comes recommended by Sherber for its ability to gently remove dead skin cells and restore the skin barrier thanks to a nourishing blend of coconut, sweet almond, jojoba seed, and castor oils. “This moisturizing plant-based formula is very popular with my patients who are pregnant or nursing since it is formulated with food-grade ingredients and doesn’t contain synthetic fragrance,” Sherber says. According to our beauty columnist Rio Viera-Newton, it’s so hydrating that “you don’t step out of the shower feeling dry or stripped,” plus she says it has a pleasant coconut-y scent. Another fan is fitness guru Tracy Anderson, who told us it’s the most brilliant scrub she’s ever come across in her life because it gives her “beyond baby skin.”
Some more shower essentials we’ve written about
Our experts
• Arielle Avila, Strategist writer
• Maxine Builder, former Strategist editor
• Sam Daly, Strategist deals editor
• Dr. Hope Mitchell, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology
• Dr. Noëlle S. Sherber, co-founder of Sherber + Rad and clinical associate professor of dermatology at George Washington University
• Rio Viera-Newton, Strategist beauty columnist
• Dr. Steve Xu, founder of Sibel Health and head of the medical advisory board at Geologie
• Dr. Connie Yang, board-certified dermatologist at PFRANKMD by Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank
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