Body Scrubs Are the Key to Soft, Glowing Skin—Here Are the 10 Best Ones to Try
Buff out skin imperfections with these tried-and-true scrubs.
While we tend to give a lot of time, love, and money to the products we put on our face, we often forget to pay the same level of attention to our bodies. News flash: Skin is the body’s largest organ, and only a small percentage of it is on the face! So, a good skincare routine should extend to taking care of the skin on our bodies, too. This means regular cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating below the neck, too.
According to certified dermatologist Anne Allen, M.D., of FirstDerm.com, “Quality exfoliation is key to youthful-looking skin and age prevention.” She explains that the process of exfoliation removes dead skin cells, dirt, and oils that accumulate on the skin, allowing products such as retinoids, azelaic acid, and alpha and beta hydroxy acids to better penetrate the tough outer layer of the skin, making them more effective. Dr. Allen says that, over many months, exfoliation can even boost collagen growth and prevent the clogging of pores.
To start preparing for the benefits of exfoliation on your body, you'll want to invest in a good body scrub. These spa-like scrubs aid in removing dead skin cells through something known as physical exfoliation, meaning they use abrasive particles like sugar or salt to get rid of cell buildup through friction. Along with skin-smoothing benefits, they also promote a more glowing complexion by sloughing off dry skin to reveal the softer layer underneath. They're great to use regularly but can be especially helpful to apply before showering to get a closer shave or before applying self-tanner for a more even application. After just a few uses, you’ll notice fewer rough patches, dry spots, and overall flakiness. Then, follow up with your favorite body lotion for an all-around glow.
Best body scrubs:
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1 Dr. Teal's Epsom Salt Body Scrub
Rub on this exfoliating body scrub while you're in the bath or shower to remove dead skin cells and refresh skin. It's made with shea butter and jojoba oil to deeply moisturize. Plus, the lavender scent is truly spa-worthy.
2 Skinfix Resurface + Glycolic Renewing Scrub
This double-duty body scrub and peel smooths and retexturizes crepey, rough skin thanks to glycolic and lactic acids. These AHAs work together to loosen dead skin cells while bamboo polishers gently exfoliate to reveal the smoother skin beneath. For best results, use the creamy, non-drip scrub on dry skin before stepping into the shower.
3 Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
Scrub yourself pretty with this brown sugar-based exfoliator that's infused with small pieces of crushed Tahitian coconut shells to buff out dry skin. It contains coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera to rehydrate the skin and give an all-over flawless complexion. It gets bonus points for the smell, too, which reminds us of a beach vacation.
4 Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Banish body breakouts with this gentle yet effective scrub that contains the hero acne-fighting ingredient salicylic acid. The exfoliating scrub gets deep into pores to sweep away dead skin cells and reveal smoother, clearer skin. It's non-comedogenic, too, meaning it won't clog your pores. Instead, you'll feel cleaner and your skin will be clearer after continued use.
5 Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Dull and dry skin are no match for this OG natural scrub that's made of real brown sugar crystals. The crystals both buff away dead skin and act as natural humectants, meaning they draw in moisture to replenish the skin. The addition of citrus oils and jojoba hydrate and brighten, too.
6 First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Rough bumps and dry spots are swept away with this powerful exfoliator that contains glycolic and lactic acids. The combination of alpha hydroxy acids with buffing beads decongests pores and loosens the top layer of skin. It's also formulated with vitamin E to calm and soothe skin.
7 Thisworks Perfect Legs Scrub
Don't be fooled by this scrub's name—it absolutely can be used on your entire body. The buttery exfoliating balm uses pink Himalayan salt and a blend of almond, blackcurrant, and Crambe oils to renew lackluster skin. Massage it in circular motions before you set foot in the shower, then rinse to reveal softer, more supple skin.
8 Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hand & Body Scrub
Emollient-rich hibiscus flower, nourishing coconut oil, and moisturizing vitamin E make this all-natural, sugar-based scrub gentle yet effective. Buff it on in the shower daily to reveal more youthful-looking skin over time, or use on cracked, over-washed hands to show them a little extra TLC.
9 Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
Treat yourself to a body scrub that smells so good you'll wish you could eat it for dessert. It's infused with hydrating coconut oil, sugar crystals, and caffeinated guarana that temporarily plump the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
10 Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Calling all clean beauty enthusiasts! This body scrub uses both chemical and physical exfoliants to gently buff the skin and make it smoother and softer. We love using this eucalyptus-scented one in the mornings to wake up our senses and get us ready for the day, but it also comes in fragrance-free and sandalwood-scented versions, too.