The 17 Best Body Scrubs for Soft and Glowing Skin, Vetted by Editors, Experts and Reviewers
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It’s been a long week and your skin is calling for some much-needed TLC. And one of the best ways to do that is by adding a body scrub to your shower routine. Per skincare experts, exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells, reduce breakouts and promote soft, smooth skin. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dullness or bumps, there’s a scrub for you.
Below, I compiled a list of the best body scrubs for glowing skin all year long, from my all-time favorite pick Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub to dermatologist-approved products like First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. But a good scrub is no use if you don’t know how to use it properly, which is why I also tapped the experts to share their tips and tricks for implementing a weekly scrub into your regimen.
The Best Body Scrubs at a Glance
Meet the Experts
How I Chose the Best Body Scrubs
Aside from testing a few myself, I also asked editors and experts to recommend the best body scrubs on the market. They were happy to share their honest reviews of the products, including pros and cons of each product. I also spent hours of research scrolling through popular retailers and scanning reviews of brands that our readers love. From there, I took a closer look at each scrub’s key ingredients, scent notes and exfoliant type. Ahead, a list of the 17 best body scrubs in 2024 vetted by dermatologists, editors and reviewers.
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1. Dove Macadamia and Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Scrub
With over 25,000 five-star reviews, it’s no surprise that this body scrub is a fan-favorite. I’ve tested countless body scrubs, but this one comes out on top each time. The creamy formula helps remove any dead skin cells and leaves my skin silky smooth. Formulated with macadamia and rice milk, it’s gentle and spreads on nicely without being too rough on my dry, sensitive skin. Plus, the sweet macadamia and flora scent is enough to make it a staple in my daily routine.
2. Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
You can’t scroll through TikTok without seeing this Internet gem and I get the hype. Its key ingredient is sugar, which acts as a natural exfoliant to remove dead skin cells and boost circulation. The formula also includes shea butter to nourish and soften the skin, as well as an oil blend (featuring rosehip, argan and avocado) to improve skin texture and elasticity. “I like that you don't have to do a lot of stirring before digging into this scrub (many on the market separate into an oily layer),” shares Candace Davison, VP of Editorial at PureWow. “It has a very fine texture, so I can rub it on freshly shaven legs without wincing. The Moroccan rose is also a nice, soft floral scent,” she adds.
3. SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hand & Body Scrub
This SheaMoisture scrub is another favorite of Davison as it gets the job done without breaking the bank. It’s formulated with coconut oil, shea butter and jojoba oil, which nourishes and tones the skin. As Davison shares, “I love the light coconut/tropical scent and how moisturizing it is [on my skin]. It's worth noting that this has a coarser texture than the typical scrub, which is great for smoothing callouses—though it can feel rough on more delicate skin.”
4. Versed Buff It Out Body Scrub
This chemical exfoliant was made for dull, rough and/or irritated skin. It contains our favorite AHAs (aka glycolic and lactic acid) to treat bumps, dry patches and dullness. You’ll also find pumice and pomegranate enzymes to polish, smooth and brighten skin. This one was highly recommended by Associate SEO Editor Marissa Wu, which she says feels nice on her skin while she’s exfoliating in the shower. “I use it once a week to get rid of dead skin cells since my skin is very dry, but you can use it up to three times if you want,” she says.
5. Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Polish Scrub
Looking for a glow up? This body polish is ready to brighten your skin. It has all the heavy hitters to get the job done: vitamin C, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. The trio work together to even skin tone, smooth texture and deeply hydrate for a radiant glow. According to Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera, this scrub doesn’t feel too harsh on her skin, so she relies on it multiple times a week in the shower. And don’t forget that the citrusy scent has notes of grapefruit, pineapple and apple blossom, to add an invigorating boost of energy to your day.
6. Ouai St. Barts Scalp & Body Scrub
This 2-in-1 does a great job at cleansing and exfoliating from head to toe. I’ve been using this religiously for the past few months (mainly on my body), but I’m excited to try it on my scalp the next time wash day rolls around. The gentle formula features sugar, panthenol, glycerin and coconut oil, which spreads nicely on my skin and offers a creamy lather. I also think the fragrance is just out of this world. It has notes of dragon fruit, orange blossom and amber, so it feels like I stepped into a tropical vacation right in my bathroom.
7. Lancer The Method: Body Polish
This body polish leans on both physical and chemical exfoliants to smooth skin (more on the difference between the two below). Dr. Lancer stands by his own scrub as it has an impressive laundry list of ingredients for a soft, radiant finish. It has ultra-fine quartz crystals and bamboo stem powder for light exfoliation that’s not too abrasive on your skin. On the flip side, the formula includes chemicals (like salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and retinol) to brighten and boost circulation. There’s also shea butter and marula oil to lock in moisture after a hot shower.
8. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Keratosis pilaris can result in bumps, dry patches or rough skin, so Dr. Watchmaker suggests this scrub to help soothe these irritated areas. It combines glycolic and lactic acid to gently exfoliate and improve skin’s texture, as well as pumice buffing beads to clear out any bumps or scaly areas and bisabolol (an oil derived from chamomile) to soothe and calm skin. Reviewers say consistency is key, so using it about three times a week is essential for silky smooth skin. “The only constant thing in my life. I've had KP on my arms since I was a kid and this is the only thing that works (I'm in my 30s, trust me),” says one Sephora shopper.
9. Differin Acne-Clearing Body Scrub
This body scrub aims to prevent breakouts without stripping away your natural oils. Its combination of glycolic and salicylic acid helps clear up pores and reduce the appearance of acne scars. There’s also shea butter and blue tansy extract, which works to calm and nourish skin. Shoppers experience a deep clean after using this body scrub, using it primarily where acne is the most prominent (i.e., shoulders, chest and back). One Amazon shopper raves, “I’ve had bad body acne for a long time and this absolutely helped that! I’m so glad I have something that sticks and works!”
10. Skinfix Resurface+ Renewing Body Scrub
Dr. Watchmaker recommends this body scrub, especially for her clients with keratosis pilaris. Part exfoliator, part body peel, the scrub aims to improve discoloration, minimize bumps and smooth textured skin. Thanks to the glycolic and lactic acid blend, shoppers notice an improvement to their skin’s appearance. Plus, the addition of willow bark extract also clears up clogged pores and overall promotes healthier skin.
11. Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
If you’re searching for a scent-worthy scrub, look no further than this Herbivore pick. It has coconut oil to provide deep moisture to the skin and sugar to gently exfoliate for a glowy finish. But what reviewers really love about this scrub is its sweet floral scent, featuring Moroccan rose and coconut. “The rose scent is amazing and the scrub is just the right amount of coarseness. [It’s] great for smoothing before you shave, too,” says one Sephora reviewer.
12. Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
We all love a good salt or sugar scrub, but have you ever considered using coffee grounds instead? The natural ingredient has a ton of skincare benefits for soft, even skin—and luckily, this scrub is chock full of it. The blend also includes sweet almond oil and vitamin E to protect and hydrate skin. Add some sea salt and you have yourself a gentle exfoliator worthy to be on the list. Shoppers say it’s definitely a great choice for scars, breakouts or dull skin. “My skin is super soft and my acne scars and marks are fading away. [It’s] great for dry skin and [it] smells yummy!,” shares one Ulta fan.
13. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator
Need a boost of hydration? Check out this exfoliator that wants to leave dryness behind. Infused with brown sugar, camelina seed oil and apricot kernel oil, it gently exfoliates and prevents moisture loss while nourishing your skin. It has a strong fan base as one Sephora shopper shares, “This scrub has been a staple in my shower since 2007! The scent is subtle, the polish is just right, and leaves the legs and bum silky- not sticky or dried out.” Note: The brand recommends mixing the product in the jar before applying it to your skin in order for the oils to be evenly distributed.
14. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
This body scrub has crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals to gently buff and smooth skin, while the coconut oil locks in moisture. You’ll also find hints of guaraná, a plant seed known to contain five times caffeine found in coffee beans in order to boost circulation and energy. Shoppers say the scrub offers a soft shimmer and includes the brand signature scent that’s a match made in bodycare heaven. “It is heavenly! It feels so good in the shower; the results are impressive, super smooth skin! Let's not forget the smell; it smells incredible, and the scent stays on you all day. As you go about your day, heads will turn your way,” shares one Sephora shopper.
15. Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
PureWow editors and readers alike appreciate Sunday Riley products, so this body scrub should definitely be on your radar. Salicylic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid work to treat and soothe bumps and any rough patches, while activated charcoal, coconut water and manuka honey help cleanse, nourish and balance for softer, smoother skin.
16. Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
The second you rinse this scrub off you’ll notice a difference in your skin, say happy customers. Formulated with brown sugar and crushed Tahitian coconut shell, it buffs away dryness and brings back moisture. The coconut scent is also a nice touch. As one shopper shares, “This is my favorite scrub that I've ever used. It smells yummy and leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated.”
17. OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Move over, sugar scrub. This OSEA find has mineral salts, which help clear up skin, leaving a silky-smooth finish. The formula also includes gigartina seaweed and shea butter to deeply moisturize and prevent dryness. One reviewer shares, “I have been using this scrub for close to two years now (1-2 times a week). The days I use this scrub are my absolute favorite. It's gentle exfoliation helps soothe sore/tired muscles (especially when I was pregnant). Or leaves a nice hydrating dew on my skin and I swear my skin has never been softer or more hydrated. I have encouraged a bunch of my friends to buy it and try! I can't sing this scrubs' praises more. It's my favorite skin care item.”
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Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
