A body exfoliator slots seamlessly into your routine as a year-round shower staple, and the best body scrubs gently exfoliate to reveal smooth, even-toned skin. Our top pick is the Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator thanks to its rich lather and gentle exfoliation, while our favorite budget option is the Athena Club Gentle Sugar Scrub made with fine grains of sugar.
The best body scrubs gently buff away dirt and impurities, revealing the smoother, softer skin … [+] underneath.
Just like a good face exfoliator, these granular body products are designed to remove a buildup of dead skin cells that form a barrier on the skin. But beyond just scrubbing, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick says, “Body scrubs can help to address clogged pores, improve the appearance of keratosis pilaris and generally help the skin appear brighter, more radiant, softer and smoother.” Below, find our expert-approved list of the best body scrubs for every skin type and budget.
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Best Budget Body Scrub: Athena Club
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Best Body Scrub For Dry Skin: Osea Salts Of The Earth
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Best Body Scrub For Bumpy Skin: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser
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Best Body Scrub For Sensitive Skin: Aesop Geranium Leaf Scrub
Sephora
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
This dual exfoliator features tiny granules of volcanic pumice suspended in a liquidy gel that resembles a body wash. Rather than scratching the surface of the skin and potentially causing irritation, the real powers come courtesy of the glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids that provide chemical exfoliation. The formula comes in four scent options—eucalyptus, sandalwood, bergamot and fragrance-free—to transform your daily shower into a luxury spa.
This fine sugar scrub is gentle enough to be used on all skin types, and its argan oil-infused formula moisturizes as well as exfoliates. Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid work to further support your skin’s moisture barrier, while fermented papaya fruit delivers a range of vitamins and antioxidants. It also features the brand’s lovely Super Bloom scent with notes of lychee, rosewater and vanilla.
Tata Harper Skincare
Tata Harper Smoothing Scrub
Formulated with five sources of exfoliation, this smoothing body scrub from Tata Harper is perfect for those who want to give their skin the royal treatment. The multi-particle scrub is made with natural ingredients such as calendula flower extract, apricot seed powder and sunflower seed oil, all of which work together to moisturize and brighten skin. It may be more of an investment, but the results are worth it.
Osea
Osea Salts Of The Earth
Seaweed is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that are good for skin, so it’s no surprise that it’s one of the key ingredients in this rejuvenating body scrub from Osea. Along with shea butter and wild gigartina, it leaves skin feeling baby soft while imparting a youthful glow.
Sephora
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser
Although keratosis pilaris is common, that doesn’t make it any less annoying for those with bumps on their arms or thighs. The condition is cause by an overproduction of keratin in the body, and an exfoliator is the best way to keep the bumpy texture at bay. Combining glycolic and lactic acid, in addition to a physical exfoliant, this scrub from First Aid Beauty helps to smooth skin, reducing bumps and roughness. While it may be tempting to scrub every day, Dr. Garshick recommends using this formula once or twice per week.
Dermstore
Aesop Geranium Leaf Scrub
This gel-based body scrub from Aesop is ideal for sensitive skin types, as the fine pumice and bamboo stem particles are gentle, not aggravating. Geranium extract tightens and soothes skin while giving the formula a light, lush fragrance. In addition, a blend of botanical oils work to further calm skin for a radiant, smooth finish.
Credo Beauty
Natureofthings Body And Scalp Polish
Suitable for both the body and scalp, this polishing, cleansing scrub from Natureofthings is great for those wishing to exfoliate from head to toe. Moroccan rhassoul clay draws out dirt while a combination of Himalayan salt and volcanic ash slough away dead skin cells. There are also a few key ingredients that specifically benefit hair: cinnamon oil stimulates follicles to promote new growth, and argan oil strengthens and moisturizes strands.
MOST POPULAR
Oak Essentials
Oak Essentials Perfecting Scrub
The key ingredients in this skin-softening scrub from Oak Essentials are coconut shell powder and coconut oil—the former gently exfoliates while the latter provides a dose of hydration. Baobab seed oil further strengthens skin’s moisture barrier, resulting in smoother, more supple texture overall. Customers particularly like the subtle fragrance that smells like a luxurious spa.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- The Forbes Vetted team has years of collective experience researching and testing products for our wide catalog of skincare stories.
- To gain more insight into what to look for in a body scrub, we tapped three board-certified dermatologists: Dr. Marisa Garshick, Dr. Brendan Camp and Dr. Azadeh Shirazi. These experts also shared tips for getting the best results from your product.
- All product selections are overseen by deputy editor Jane Sung, who helms Forbes Vetted’s beauty and grooming vertical.
- We consistently update this story to ensure our product picks are still the best in their respective categories. In February 2024, beauty writer Claire Epting refreshed our list with several new products, including the Nécessaire Body Exfoliator and the Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub.
What Is The Most Effective Body Scrub?
A formula that combines a physical exfoliant with a chemical exfoliant is the most effective when it comes to sloughing away dead skin cells. Our top pick from Nécessaire uses volcanic pumice granules as well as glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids to resurface the outermost layer of the dermis. However, keep in mind that a treatment with multiple exfoliants should be used sparingly, once or twice a week.
What Is The Difference Between A Physical And Chemical Exfoliant?
Both physical and chemical exfoliants work to slough off dead skin and debris, but they work in two completely different ways. Chemical exfoliation leverages enzymes and acids to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together, breaking their bonds and gently washing them away. Physical exfoliation is manually conducted using granular scrubs of varying particle sizes to scrub away rough patches. Dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi says, “Physical exfoliants like body scrubs offer immediate results, making them more gratifying, whereas chemical exfoliants can take time to work and yield results.” She also adds, “I prefer chemical exfoliants if you have skin conditions like keratosis pilaris, razor bumps or if you are prone to breakouts.”
Do Dermatologists Recommend Body Scrubs?
Yes, dermatologists recommend body scrubs—as long as they’re used properly. According to dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, skin cells have a normal life cycle of about five to six weeks. When you use a body scrub, Camp says you accelerate the skin cell cycle, “replacing dull, dry skin cells with healthy, bright skin cells, which can improve the overall appearance of your skin.” Before using a body scrub, Dr. Shirazi says, “It’s important to cleanse the skin first, as scrubbing allows bacteria or yeast to get into the skin.” Always follow an exfoliating session with a body lotion to keep skin hydrated and avoid drying.
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