19 Best Body Scrubs and Exfoliators 2025, Tested and Reviewed
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Iâll let you in on a little secret: my journey for glowy and smooth skin (even during the depths of winter) starts with the best body scrubs. While our skin naturally exfoliates itself, physical exfoliators jumpstart the process by sloughing away dead skin cells. This helps your skin look more radiant and velvety-to-the-touch, a far cry from the sometimes dry, cracked and chalky skin that can build up all year round. And donât worry, there are a slew of body scrubs on the market that contain hydrating ingredients so your skin wonât feel raw or stripped post-application.
Here, with the help of dermatologists and Glamour editors, weâve rounded up our favorite scrubs. TLDR; our best overall pick was NĂ©cessaire The Body Exfoliator, because itâs gentle enough to use on sensitive skin types, leaves skin looking glowy and rejuvenated, and smells glorious in the shower. After testing dozens of scrubs, trust us when we say, these are the ones that will change your body care routine for the better.
The best body scrubs, at a glanceBest Overall: NĂ©cessaire The Body Exfoliator, $30Best for Ingrown Hairs: Fur Silk Scrub, $54Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA, $12Best Drugstore: Tree Hut Sugar Scrub, $8Best for Sensitive Skin: Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $35Best for Dry Skin: Soft Services Buffing Bar, $28Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub, $8Best Scent: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Scrub, $42How we picked the best body scrubsHow we tested body scrubs
We tested over 20 body scrubs on various skin types, and paid close attention to the particles within the scrub (only using formulas with soft particles). We checked to see if they were gentle or more abrasive when buffed onto the skin. We also took note of how our skin felt after scrubbing and if it looked calm and more radiant (as opposed to red and irritated). Finally, we also considered scent (because letâs be real, thatâs half the fun), and took into account how often we found ourselves reaching for it over a series of weeks.
Best Overall: NĂ©cessaire The Body Exfoliator
NĂ©cessaire The Body Exfoliator
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
This gentle exfoliator does more than just physically slough away skin cells, it also contains alpha-hydroxy-acids (AHA) and beta-hydroxy-acids (BHA) chemical exfoliants to make skin look extra glossy and smooth. âThose with very sensitive skin should choose a gentle chemical exfoliant or a very fine-particle exfoliant that wonât be overly harsh or abrasive,â says Dr. Engelman, and this pick combines the best of both worlds. âI like that this body scrub helps address uneven skin texture, KP, ingrown hairs and more without stripping the skin of moisture thanks to niacinamide, and itâs also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic,â she says.
Glamourâs commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary has been a fan of this scrub for years because itâs gentle enough to not overly exfoliate or harm the skin, but potent enough to actually see a difference. âWhenever my skin is looking dull or flat, I always reach for this gentle scrub to get rid of dead skin cells. Iâve never felt dried out or stripped when using this, rather, it really helps my skin retain moisture post-shower. I always finish with a moisturizing cream to lock it all in, but I never felt that dreaded skin tightness that sometimes happens post-exfoliation with this pick. My favorite part is also how luxurious the scents are, and that it comes in a fragrance-free option thatâs perfect for days your skin might be feeling extra sensitive.â
Key Ingredients: AHAs, BHAs, volcanic pumice and niacinamideScents: 3 optionsWho Itâs Best For: Those looking to level up their exfoliant routine with something effective yet gentleFragrance: Eucalyptus, Sandalwood, Fragrance-FreeBest for Ingrown Hairs: Fur Silk Scrub
Fur Silk Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
According to the dermatologists we spoke to, body scrubs can do a thing or two about ingrown hairs. By sloughing away dead skin cells in these areas, youâll be left with bump-free and more even-textured skin, says Dr. Engelman. Thatâs why Glamourâs Kilkeary is obsessed with this silky scrub: It helped solve her ingrown hair bumps along her bikini line. âI always dealt with unsightly, uncomfortable razor bumps (or the occasional ingrown hair) along my bikini line, and it took me years to figure out that an exfoliator can actually help minimize their appearance. I now donât shower or shave without using this scrub thatâs super gentle for any intimate area, and makes all the difference when it comes to wearing a bikini. If you struggle with skin texture in this area, Iâd highly recommend adding this one to your shave routine, STAT.â
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, jojoba beadsScents: N/AWho Itâs Best For: Those looking to improve post-shaving bumpsFragrance: Fragrance-freeBest for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
âThis scrub combines both physical exfoliants (pumice buffing beads) and chemical exfoliants (glycolic and lactic acids) to effectively help reduce KP and uneven texture,â says Dr. Engelman. She likes that itâs allergen-free and formulated with artificial fragrances, so itâs an ideal option for those with sensitive skin.
âThis body scrub is a total lifesaver when it comes to renewing my sometimes bumpy upper arms and acne-prone shoulders. With the help of both glycolic and lactic acids, this scrub works overtime to erase dead skin and oil buildup whenever my skin needs a pick-me-up,â says Glamour contributor Talia Gutierrez.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acidScents: N/AWho Itâs Best For: Those dealing with keratosis pilaris or strawberry skinFragrance: Fragrance-freeBest Drugstore: Tree Hut Sugar Scrub
Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
While some scrubs can be hard to remove, leaving a sticky feeling, this one rinses off easily and provides lasting hydration thanks to the avocado and almond oils, and is a crowd favorite amongst Glamour editors and reviewers. âI always keep the Tree Hut exfoliating scrub in my shower because I like that it has all-natural ingredients and doesnât leave skin feeling stripped, thanks to the shea butter in the formula. It has a dreamy sandalwood/vanilla scent that Iâm in love with,â says style blogger and Glamour reviewer Stephanie Pernas.
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, shea butterScents: 30Who Itâs Best For: A body scrub rookie who doesnât want to break the bank when shoppingFragrance: Favorites include Vanilla, Cherry Rave, Pink Champagne and WatermelonBest for Sensitive Skin: Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
Skinceuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub
Original image by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
Dr. Spearman highly recommends this scrub because the beads are super fine, meaning thereâs no chance of microtears. âI really like this mild exfoliating gel because itâs one that you can actually use everyday, unlike other scrubs,â she says. It contains hydrated silica plus glycerin and aloe vera for a very gentle (yet worthwhile) exfoliation.
âThough it’s technically a face exfoliator (the directions make no mention of the body), I like that, as the name suggests, this formula has really fine scrubbing particles that are great for sensitive skin,â says Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley. âIt’s great for my dry skin, too, since it’s not too abrasive or stripping. I found it left both the skin on my face and my body nice and soft. Plus, at this price point, I appreciate that itâs a multi-tasking product that saves space in the bathroom. The only downside? You don’t get that same sensory experience you get from body washes with delicious scentsâthis one is pretty basic in that department.â
Key Ingredients: Hydrated silica, glycerin, aloe veraScents: N/AWho Itâs Best For: Someone who has sensitive skin and is looking for a derm-backed pickFragrance: Fragrance-freeBest for Dry Skin: Soft Services Buffing Bar
Soft Services Buffing Bar
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs
If you dry skin year-round, youâll definitely want a scrub with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and shea butter. This buffing bar has both of these moisturizing ingredients, plus microcrystals that help visibly brighten the skin, and even out texture.
âI don’t exfoliate regularly in the shower, though I do hate dealing with the dead skin that builds up from lotion and grime. My skin is quite sensitive, so that’s why I generally avoid harsh exfoliants. Still, I was curious to try this body bar, which is essentially a bar of soap with mineral microcrystals in its formula,â says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. âI used it on wet skin, and at first, it was quite gentle and slippery but then quickly turned rough like sandpaper. I can’t say the feeling is entirely pleasant, but if you’re someone who likes the sensation of scrubbing, it definitely fulfills that. The bar doesn’t have a strong scent (in fact, almost none at all), which I appreciated. After using it, my skin did feel smoother and not too dry (perhaps thanks to its hydrating shea butter)..â
Key Ingredients: Microcrystals, glycerin, shea butterScents: N/AWho Itâs Best For: Those with sensitive and drier skin who could use more glow without drying or stripping it outFragrance: Fragrance-freeBest for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Neutrogena Body Clear Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
If you deal with pimples, look to this favorite scrub of Dr. Spearmanâs. âThis one has a blend of salicylic acid, glycerin and vitamin E, a great combination to help address acne on your chest or back,â she says. Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, also recommends it because it doesnât compromise ingredients for affordability. âThe best OTC cleansers for oily and acne-prone skin are oil-free and contain BHAs (like salicylic acid) that travel deep inside the pores to keep them clean and to reduce sebum buildup,â she notes.
Glamourâs Kilkeary is also a big fan of this scrub, and she often reaches for it when she has a breakout on her back. âSometimes Iâll get these stubborn, painful pimples on my back in the summer when itâs really hot or Iâm sweating a little bit more than usual, so I always like to reach for a salicylic acid scrub to help exfoliate and unclog the area. Itâs not sticky and doesnât overly strip my skin. I usually feel like Iâm getting a pretty deep clean with this one because it minimizes pimples really quickly, but I never feel like itâs too harsh or abrasive.â
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin, vitamin EScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Those who struggle with body acneFragrance: Clean, freshBest Scent: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Scrub
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Sometimes you just want a body scrub that smells as good as it feels. This Bum Bum Scrub does just that and more because it has an addicting pistachio caramel scent and contains effective exfoliants like crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals. Fear not, as it also does contain moisturizing coconut oil and glycerin to give skin lightweight, silky moisture. âThis iconic body scrub is one of my top favorites because the scent is just so yummy, and the added caffeine and coconut oil leaves my skin feeling and looking more firm and glowy compared to other scrubs Iâve used,â says Pernas.
Key Ingredients: Cupuaçu seeds, sugar, caffeineScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Someone looking for a body scrub that both smells delicious and leaves skin radiant and tautFragrance: Pistachio and salted caramelBest Budget: Daise Beauty Exfoliating Body ScrubDaise Beauty Exfoliating Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour reviewer Brigitt Earley
If you want to spoil yourself with a sweet-smelling scrub that wonât break the bank, might we recommend this exfoliating pick that softens the skin and makes your shower smell like candy. Earley shares the sentiment, and loved the experience using this pick. âIt’s hard not to love this packaging (except for the fact that the top is a little hard to screw off if your hands are wet), and talk about a delicious scent! The second you open this jar, you feel like you’re on a tropical vacation. And I’m pleased to say the scent lingered for some time after my shower. The scrub is on the more abrasive side and even skews a little bit sticky, so you need to mix it with plenty of water. It’s great for problem areas like the elbows, but some people with more sensitive skin may find it a little too rough for all-over use.â
Key Ingredients: Glycerin, walnut shell powderScents: Six optionsWho Itâs Best For: The rookie body scrub userFragrance: Vanilla, Coconut, Melon, CherryBest Face and Body Scrub: Lush Ocean Salt Face And Body ScrubLush Ocean Salt Face And Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce editor Jake Smith
Weâll be the first to say that sometimes multitasking skin care products take the cake. This is certainly the case for this ocean-inspired salt scrub that can be used on both the body and face. It combines sea salt crystals with glycerin and avocado butter for a deliciously pleasant scrub that feels invigorating and refreshing.
âIf youâve ever had the pleasure of walking by a Lush store, you already know what the brandâs Ocean Salt scrub smells like: light and fresh with a bright citrus edge. It spreads easily onto my skin, and a little goes a surprisingly long way. This isnât one of those body scrubs that disappears after a few rubs; the coarse salt holds its shape, meaning you can get as deep of a scrub as you want. (I could almost see going too far with it, so be careful if you have especially sensitive skin.) My skin immediately felt smoother, and not just from the exfoliationâthe coconut oil and avocado butter also seemed to help soften the area I tested. Iâd recommend this to anyone who wants a fragranced, plastic-free scrub, although I will note that itâs a little steeply priced for the amount in the pot,â says Glamour commerce editor Jake Henry Smith.
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, mango butter, avocado butterScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Someone looking for a multitasking scrub that you can use all over the body and on the faceFragrance: Ocean water and sandBest for Legs and Feet: Youth To The People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body ScrubYouth To The People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
âDaily exfoliation (if your skin can tolerate it) can improve radiance and texture, and it can also boost circulation which makes the skin brighter,â says Dr. Spearman. Ingredients like caffeine in a scrub can give the skin a boost in its appearance, making it look smoother, younger and glowing.
âWhenever I feel like my skin is looking dull and needs a bit of a boost, I always reach for this body scrub because it has yerba mate and 10% AHAs that actually make my skin look not only smoother, but noticeably brighter. The texture of this scrub is also fantastic, because itâs not ultra gritty. Instead, the exfoliating beads are suspended in a cloud-like gel that makes scrubbing more comfortable. I like to use this in the morning before body wash to really wake my skin up, just like you would when you drink your daily cup of coffee,â says Kilkeary.
Key Ingredients: Yerba mate, olive seed powder, glycolic acid, caffeineScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Those looking to brighten dull skinFragrance: Black pepper, ginger and velvet woodsBest Natural Scrub: Kopari Beauty Coconut Exfoliant Crush ScrubKopari Beauty Coconut Exfoliant Crush Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
This scrub is packed full of natural ingredients to help nourish and protect the skin. âIt’s made with an emulsion of crushed Tahitian coconut shells and grainy brown sugar that creates the perfect combination to both hydrate and revive dullness, leaving nothing but a sweet coconut scent and glowing skin after rinsing off,â says Gutierrez, whoâs a huge fan of this pick. The natural particles in this scrub also dissolve in your shower, so you wonât be left with any residue that you need to clean.
Key Ingredients: Coconut shells, brown sugar, aloe veraScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Those looking for a natural exfoliatorFragrance: Sweet brown sugarBest Scalp and Body Scrub: Ouai Scalp & Body ScrubOuai Scalp & Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
Scalp scrubs are a great way to help detox buildup and refresh the delicate skin in this area, and we love that this scrub does just that and more. It has sugar crystals that slough off dead skin, plus glycerin and coconut oil to moisturize. âAfter using this as a scalp scrub, I use it all over my skin for a full body exfoliation. I appreciate a two-in-one product that gets the job done. The scent of this scrub (bergamot, lychee, cedarwood and white musk) is amazing, too,â says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Key Ingredients: Sugar crystals, coconut oilScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Those looking for a scrub that can be used from head to toe (literally)Fragrance: Bergamot, lychee, white musk, champagneBest Scrub for Glowing Skin: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish ExfoliatorFresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
This sugary scrub will not only make your skin look and feel brighter and smoother, it also polishes, making the skin look and feel like velvet. âNo joke, I crave homemade cookies every time I swipe this Brown Sugar Body Polish from Fresh along my body. It melts into my skin after just a few motions, making it an irresistible choice when my body craves a little refresh,â says Gutierrez.
Key Ingredients: Brown Sugar, apricot kernel oilScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Dull, rough skin that could use something to smooth, soften and moisturizeFragrance: Sweet brown sugarBest Luxury: Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand and Body ScrubMalin + Goetz Eucalyptus Hand and Body Scrub
Original image by Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary
If you already love a good body scrub but want to elevate your everything shower routine, let us point you to this sweet-smelling hand and body scrub that restores the skin with lactic acid, pumice and eucalyptus to help you rejuvenate.
âI like to use this scrub whenever Iâm in the mood for turning my bathroom into a mini spa,â says Glamourâs Kilkeary. âIt does a nice job of making the skin look and feel soft and radiant, but the fact that it also provides a moment of aromatherapy during your shower is what really makes it special. Will I be using this every time I need some extra TLC? Absolutely, and I think my skin will thank me for it, too.â
Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, mandelic acid. pumiceScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Someone who wants to level up their everything shower routineFragrance: EucalyptusMost Exfoliating: Versed AHA Buff It Out Body ScrubVersed AHA Buff It Out Body Scrub
To get the most out of your exfoliation routine, Dr. Engelman recommends adding a chemical exfoliant into the mix. âChemical exfoliants (like AHAs and BHAs) sometimes pose less of a risk of damaging the skin, as they break down the bonds between dead skin cells without requiring any rubbing or scrubbing of the skin,â she says. But if youâre still looking for that âdeep cleanâ feeling that you get with a physical scrub, itâs best to look for one that has chemical exfoliants and very soft particle physical exfoliants. This body scrub does both, thanks to its microfine pumice stones that smooth out rough texture, plus lactic and glycolic acid to improve skin brightness and tone.
âUnlike other body scrubs that leave some redness on my skin, this one didnât feel harsh post-shower. I used this one before shaving to get a perfect smooth canvas. Itâs also great to use before self-tanning,â says Glamour’s Calle.
Key Ingredients: Pumice, lactic acid, glycolic acidScents: N/AWho Itâs Best For: Someone looking for an affordable body scrub option that exfoliates physically and chemicallyFragrance: Fragrance-freeBest Moisturizing Scrub: Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body ScrubSunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
âSometimes pretty packaging makes me question a product’s efficacy, but the unusual (and amazing!) formula of this jelly scrub lives up to its festive outer shell,â says Glamour contributor Erin Parker. And sheâs not wrong, as this pick has a blend of AHAs and exfoliants to help buff away dead skin. â I’m not huge on body scrubs, but this one has activated charcoal and salicylic acid for added impact, and I love how luxurious the application feels. It’s not too rough!â In fact, this pick also has a potent blend of manuka and avocado oils that make it one of the most moisturizing picks on this listâyour skin wonât feel stripped or raw post-scrub.
Key Ingredients: Charcoal, manuka, avocado oilScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Those looking for a scrub that wonât make them feel stripped or dryFragrance: Sweet and cleanMost Splurge-Worthy: Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body PolishBeauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Nourishing Body Polish
So you already swear by body scrubs? Level up your routine even more with this splurge-worthy pick that combines mango and papaya enzymes and salt to exfoliate with Omega 3 and Omega 6 oils to hydrate, which makes this one of the most skin softening scrubs on this list. The texture of this scrub is jelly-like and fun to use, and is a treat every time Kilkeary showers.
âI love the clean scent of this pick and how smooth my skin feels post-shower whenever I use it. The oils in it are no joke, as my skin usually feels so moisturized by the time Iâm done, I almost donât even feel the need to actually use body lotion after the shower. This definitely a great pick if youâre wanting to enhance your routine with something luxurious-feeling and effective.â
Key Ingredients: Omega 3, omega 6, papaya enzymes, coconut milkScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Someone looking for a luxury scrub that makes them feel like they just stepped out of a spaFragrance: Orange, lemon and tonka beanBest Coffee Scrub: Frank Body Original Coffee ScrubFrank Body Original Coffee Scrub
âI love this 100% natural and vegan body scrub, made with coffee grounds, sea salt, vitamin E and cold-pressed almond oil. The nourishing blend gently exfoliates and smooths the skin, helping to soften while reducing the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, breakouts and more,â says Dr. Engelman. But sheâs not the only one whoâs a fan, as Glamour contributor Mia Uzzell calls this one of her favorite scrubs ever. âThanks to its perfect combination of gritty robust coffee beans and essential oil, the postapplication radiance (and fragrance) is out of this world,â she says.
Key Ingredients: Coffee, sea salt, vitamin EScents: One optionWho Itâs Best For: Someone looking for an energizing scrub that makes skin feel fresh and radiantFragrance: Coffee beansYour body scrub questions, answeredâA body scrub is a mechanical exfoliant that physically removes dead skin cells from the outermost layer of the skin with abrasive substances,â says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates. These substances are typically beads, salt, or sugar, and work to buff away these cells for a smoother, more radiant look. âIn addition to softening the skin, body scrubs can address acne and minimize the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation and bumps like KP (keratosis pilaris),â says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC.
What should you look for when you’re buying a body scrub?
When shopping for a body scrub, dermatologists recommend avoiding ones with large, abrasive particles that can be too harsh on the skin (like crushed shells, or large flakes) and cause microinjuries. âI recommend looking for scrubs with soft particles, like jojoba beads, salt, sugar and coffee grounds, as these are gentler on the skin,â says Dr. Engelman.
How often should you use a body scrub?
The dermatologists recommend using a body scrub 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type. âThose with sensitive skin may want to stick to only once per week, while those with a ânormal,â skin type may be able to use it up to three times a week, as long as theyâre not scrubbing aggressively,â Dr. Engelman notes.
Is it better to exfoliate in the morning or at night?
Dr. Spearman recommends using a body scrub at night tohelp cleanse the skin more thoroughly (after a day of wearing makeup or catching pollution), and to protect it from being exposed to environmental stressors. Plus, itâll allow any skin care products to penetrate deeper into the skin and increase their effectiveness.
How to choose a body scrub based on your skin type
Finding the right body scrub for you also comes down to your skin type. âIf you have sensitive skin, be careful to not overly exfoliate, which may increase sensitivity and irritation,â says Dr. Spearman. For sensitive skin types, she recommends using a body scrub 3-4 times per week.
If you have acne-prone skin, the dermatologists recommend exfoliating 1-2 times per week with caution. âScrubbing the skin âclean,â might cause excess irritation and inflammation which will exacerbate the acne,â says Dr. Spearman.
For dull and dry skin, you can use a more abrasive scrub regularly (every other day) to help prevent dead skin cells from building up and forming a thicker scale, but look for scrubs that also contain hydrating ingredients like ceramides, aloe vera, or hyaluronic acid to ensure that your skin doesnât get stripped. Dr. Spearman, again, notes to proceed with caution when exfoliating dry skin types: âBe careful not to use a scrub on damaged or traumatized skin, as this will increase irritation and may delay wound healing,â she says.
