The 11 Best Body Scrubs for Silky Smooth Skin
No matter your skin type or texture, exfoliation is a crucial step in any body care routine. By sloughing off dead skin cells, body scrubs help reveal softer, smoother skin while promoting better absorption of moisturizers and other skincare products. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, rough patches, or dullness, the right body scrub can transform your skin’s appearance and texture.
To help you find the perfect match, we researched, tested, and reviewed dozens of scrubs, evaluating them based on their ingredients, effectiveness, and overall feel on the skin. After careful consideration, we’ve narrowed it down to the eleven best body scrubs that deliver serious smoothing power.
Best Overall
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub
Tree Hut’s Shea Sugar Scrub is a cult favorite, and for good reason. Infused with shea butter, sugar crystals, and nourishing oils like avocado and sweet almond, this scrub provides intense hydration while effectively exfoliating. The sugar granules gently buff away dead skin, leaving your body silky smooth without irritation. Plus, it comes in an array of delicious scents, making your shower experience feel like a spa treatment.
Key Ingredients: Shea butter, sugar, avocado oil, sweet almond oil
Why We Love It: Affordable, highly effective, and smells amazing
Best for Dry Skin
Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
If your skin craves deep hydration, this luxurious scrub is a game-changer. Featuring virgin coconut oil and Moroccan rose, Herbivore’s Coco Rose scrub provides both moisture and gentle exfoliation. The finely milled sugar granules polish the skin without feeling too harsh, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. Plus, the subtle floral scent adds a touch of indulgence to your routine.
Key Ingredients: Virgin coconut oil, sugar, Moroccan rose extract
Why We Love It: Hydrating, non-irritating, and beautifully scented
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
If you struggle with keratosis pilaris (aka “chicken skin”), this dermatologist-approved scrub is your best bet. First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser combines chemical and physical exfoliation, featuring glycolic and lactic acids alongside pumice beads to smooth rough, bumpy skin. It’s fragrance-free, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, pumice beads
Why We Love It: Fast-acting, dermatologist-approved, great for stubborn texture
Best for Dull Skin
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
For those who love a little caffeine boost, Frank Body’s Original Coffee Scrub is a must-try. Made with ground coffee beans, this scrub not only exfoliates but also stimulates circulation, helping to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks over time. The addition of almond oil and vitamin E ensures your skin stays hydrated post-exfoliation.
Key Ingredients: Coffee grounds, almond oil, vitamin E
Why We Love It: Invigorating scent, brightens skin, helps improve circulation
Best Multi-Use Scrub
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
This luxurious two-in-one exfoliator from Ouai is perfect for those who want to simplify their routine. Designed for both the scalp and body, it features sugar crystals and coconut oil to gently buff away buildup and dryness. The whipped texture makes it feel extra indulgent, while the light floral scent lingers beautifully on the skin.
Key Ingredients: Sugar, coconut oil, probiotics
Why We Love It: Versatile, gentle yet effective, smells divine
Best Drugstore Option
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish
For those seeking an affordable yet effective body scrub, Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish is a fantastic pick. It features ultra-fine exfoliating particles suspended in a creamy, moisturizing base, making it ideal for those who prefer a milder exfoliation. With ingredients like rice milk and macadamia, it leaves the skin feeling baby-soft and nourished.
Key Ingredients: Rice milk, macadamia, ultra-fine exfoliating beads
Why We Love It: Budget-friendly, gentle, leaves skin ultra-soft
Best Luxurious
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
If you’re a fan of the iconic Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, you’ll love this body scrub. Infused with crushed cupuaçu seeds, coconut oil, and guaraná extract, it offers a rich, nourishing exfoliation while leaving your skin with a radiant glow. The addictive caramel-pistachio scent is a bonus, making your shower feel like a tropical getaway.
Key Ingredients: Cupuaçu seeds, coconut oil, guaraná extract
Why We Love It: Hydrating, smells incredible, and gives skin a luminous finish
Best for Gentle Exfoliation
L'Occitane Almond Exfoliating Paste
L’Occitane’s Almond Exfoliating Paste is perfect for those who prefer a mild yet effective exfoliation. The almond butter and almond shells create a creamy yet grainy texture that polishes the skin without irritation. It’s a great pick for those with sensitive skin who still want to reap the benefits of regular exfoliation.
Key Ingredients: Almond butter, almond shells, shea butter
Why We Love It: Nourishing, non-abrasive, and has a warm, nutty fragrance
Best for a Spa-Like Glow
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Fresh’s Brown Sugar Body Polish is a luxurious sugar scrub that not only exfoliates but also deeply hydrates. It’s packed with real brown sugar crystals that naturally retain moisture, along with jojoba, sweet almond, and primrose oils to soften and nourish the skin. If you love rich, spa-quality treatments, this one’s a winner.
Key Ingredients: Brown sugar, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil
Why We Love It: Leaves skin silky soft with a luminous glow
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Neutrogena Body Clear Acne Body Scrub
If you struggle with body breakouts, Neutrogena’s Body Clear Acne Scrub is a lifesaver. Formulated with salicylic acid, it helps unclog pores, reduce acne, and prevent future breakouts while gently exfoliating. It’s an excellent option for those dealing with back or chest acne.
Key Ingredients: Salicylic acid, glycerin
Why We Love It: Fights breakouts while keeping skin smooth and refreshed
Best for Deep Exfoliation
Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
For those who need serious exfoliation, Osea’s Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is an excellent choice. Made with mineral-rich sea salt and botanical oils, it deeply polishes the skin while replenishing moisture. Ideal for rough patches like elbows, knees, and heels, this scrub provides a thorough yet invigorating treatment.
Key Ingredients: Sea salt, shea butter, botanical oils
Why We Love It: Detoxifying, deeply exfoliating, and spa-like in feel
How to Choose the Right Body Scrub for Yourself
Finding the perfect body scrub depends on your skin type and concerns. Here are some tips to guide you:
Dry Skin: Look for scrubs with hydrating oils like coconut, shea butter, or almond oil.
Sensitive Skin: Opt for sugar-based scrubs with gentle, natural ingredients to avoid irritation.
Rough or Bumpy Skin (Keratosis Pilaris): Chemical exfoliants like glycolic or lactic acid work wonders.
Dull Skin: Coffee-based scrubs can help brighten and invigorate the skin.
Everyday Use: Mild, creamy scrubs like Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish are a great choice.
How Often Should You Use a Body Scrub?
Exfoliation frequency depends on your skin type and the intensity of the scrub.
Sensitive Skin: 1-2 times per week
Normal to Dry Skin: 2-3 times per week
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: 3-4 times per week, depending on tolerance
Over-exfoliating can strip the skin of essential oils and lead to irritation, so it’s crucial to listen to your skin and adjust accordingly.
What are the benefits of using a body scrub?
Body scrubs help remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote smoother, softer skin. Regular exfoliation can also help reduce the appearance of rough patches, improve circulation, and enhance the effectiveness of moisturizers by allowing them to penetrate the skin more effectively. Some scrubs also contain ingredients that target concerns like dryness, acne, or dullness.
Can I use a body scrub on my face?
No, most body scrubs are too harsh for facial skin, as the exfoliating particles are often larger and more abrasive. Facial skin is much more delicate, so it’s best to use a separate exfoliator specifically formulated for the face, with finer, gentler exfoliating agents.
Should I use a body scrub before or after shaving?
It’s best to use a body scrub before shaving. Exfoliating beforehand helps remove dead skin cells and lifts hairs, allowing for a closer, smoother shave while reducing the risk of ingrown hairs. After shaving, be sure to follow up with a soothing moisturizer to keep skin hydrated and irritation-free.
Are there any side effects of using a body scrub?
Over-exfoliation or using a scrub that’s too harsh for your skin type can lead to irritation, redness, and dryness. If you experience sensitivity, reduce the frequency of use or switch to a gentler formula. Avoid using scrubs on broken or irritated skin, as they can worsen the condition.
Can body scrubs help with cellulite or stretch marks?
While body scrubs won’t completely eliminate cellulite or stretch marks, they can help improve skin texture and circulation. Scrubs with caffeine, like coffee scrubs, may temporarily tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Regular exfoliation can also promote cell turnover, which may slightly diminish the appearance of stretch marks over time, especially when used in combination with moisturizing treatments.