Exfoliation shouldn’t be solely reserved for the face, with body scrubs and exfoliants a crucial part of your neck-down skincare routine. The best body scrub or exfoliant will slot into your current body care routine and can be used alongside your favourite body wash and lotion or cream to achieve silky soft limbs.
Regular body exfoliation is necessary to achieve smooth skin, with body scrubs and exfoliators working to slough off dead skin that accumulates on the epidermis (surface of the skin) which leaves your limbs looking dull, dry, and even scaly. Exfoliation improves the appearance of your skin and also aids your other products in penetrating the skin better, meaning the body serums, oils, and lotions you use afterwards are able to work harder.
When it comes to body exfoliation, both physical scrubs and chemical exfoliants are viable options, with some products even combining the two mechanisms. While choosing between a physical scrub or chemical exfoliant largely comes down to personal preference, the latter can be particularly helpful in targeting specific skin concerns like bumpiness and uneven texture, as well as body acne.
Keen to start exfoliating your body? These are our 16 favourite body scrubs and exfoliants to use. Oh, and don’t forget to follow up with a body moisturiser or oil afterwards.
1. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser
If you’ve ever had keratosis pilaris (bumpy, rough skin that appears as a result of a keratin buildup), you’ll likely be familiar with the First Aid Beauty FP Bump Eraser. Combining chemical and physical exfoliants, it works to dissolve dead skin cells using glycolic and lactic acids, while pumice beads provide a satisfying physical exfoliation.
2. Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator Bergamot
Glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids work alongside pumice stone and bamboo to soften and smoothen skin. The combination of AHA and BHA chemical exfoliants targets the surface layer of the skin while also unclogging and decongesting pores; ideal for those who experience rough patches and body acne. The bergamot scent elevates the shower experience and makes it a sensory pleasure to use.
3. Fenty Skin Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub
Salt, sugar, and sand are three of the most commonly used exfoliating ingredients — the Buff Ryder Exfoliating Body Scrub contains all of them, as well as fruit enzymes that work to break down the keratin protein that binds the superficial layer of the skin. Coconut oil and shea butter nourish and soften the skin while the scent of guava and caramel leave your skin smelling positively delectable.
4. Biossance Squalane + Enzyme Sugar Body Scrub
Sugar crystals and pomegranate enzymes exfoliate, while Biossance’s signature sugarcane-derived squalane delivers moisture to the skin.
5. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Fresh is a pioneer when it comes to the humble sugar scrub, with the Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish delivering soft, touchable skin every time. Brown sugar crystals physically exfoliate while their humectant properties lock hydration into the skin. A combination of jojoba, evening primrose, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils moisturise the skin and safeguard against dryness.
6. Mecca Athletica Enzymatic Body & Scalp Scrub
Combining exfoliating fruit enzymes with raw cane sugar, this scrub serves double duty, working for both the body and scalp. Panthenol hydrates the skin while sweet almond and moringa oils condition and moisturise.
7. Clarins Tonic Body Scrub
Worth it for the spa-like botanical scent alone, the Clarins Tonic Body Scrub uses sugar crystals and hazelnut oil to exfoliate and moisturise the skin, while rosemary, mint, and geranium essential oils energise and invigorate the senses.
8. Frank Body Glycolic Body Scrub
Highly effective at eliminating breakouts, bumpy skin, and rough texture, the Frank Body Glycolic Body Scrub uses glycolic acid to dissolve dead skin cells before ground pumice stone buffs them away. Witch hazel helps refine pores and prevent breakouts, while niacinamide soothes the skin and mitigates any irritation or redness.
9. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
The perfect fit for fans of the ever-popular Bum Bum Cream, the Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub uses sugar crystals to exfoliate, while guarana energies and cupuaçu seeds moisturise the skin. The divine scent of caramel, pistachio, and vanilla makes it a sweet addition to any bodycare routine.
10. L’Occitane Almond Shower Scrub
Almond takes centre stage in this scrub. Finely crushed almond shells and sweet almond oil are encased in a gel-like texture that’s perfect for use in the shower. Post-use, skin is left smelling like — you guessed it — almonds.
11. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser
So this one isn’t technically a scrub. Intended for daily use, this chemical exfoliant should be used as a body wash or cleanser; powered by salicylic acid, it helps eradicate acne, breakouts, and dry patches while ceramides support the skin’s moisture barrier.
12. Avène Gentle Exfoliating Gel
Formulated for use on sensitive skin, cellulose beads and jojoba wax provide gentle manual exfoliation without the risk of microtears to the skin. The
13. Frank Body Rosehip Body Scrub & Cleanser
This innovative formula is a scrub-to-cleanser product, with sugar crystals exfoliating the skin before melting into a foaming wash. Vitamin E and rosehip and jojoba oils keep skin feeling soft and moisturised, while lavender and rose essential oils provide an addictive scent. Due to its gentle nature, this scrub can be used every couple of days in place of body wash.
14. Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Wash
Another non-scrub formula, this daily body wash uses a combination of glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids as well as fruit enzymes to exfoliate the skin. The nuanced, fragrance-worthy scent of rose, orange flower, vanilla, sandalwood, and vetiver make it a pleasure to use.
15. Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub
Aesop never fails to deliver when it comes to luxurious botanical-based products, and the Geranium Leaf Body Scrub is no exception. Bamboo stem and pumice deliver an intense body exfoliation, while citrus and green notes provide a refreshing, invigorating scent. Best used in the morning to wake up the skin and mind.
16. Skinstitut Glycolic Scrub 14%
An effective, fuss-free solution. 14% glycolic acid works alongside jojoba beads to provide chemical and physical exfoliation. Ideal for those with keratosis pilaris, acne, and uneven skin tone, this body scrub addresses congestion, refines the skin, and helps promote healthy cell renewal.
Words by Arabella Johnson
