The Best Body Scrubs and Exfoliators Are the Secret to Smooth Skin All Year Long

The best body scrub or exfoliator will seamlessly slot into your current routine, working alongside your favorite body wash and lotions to reveal smooth, even-toned skin year-round. Let dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss explain: “[Body scrubs and exfoliators] are used to exfoliate the skin, helping to shed dead skin cells on the superficial layer of the skin to reveal a fresher and brighter base,” she says. “Some exfoliants even work to clear out congested pores, allowing your products to penetrate deeper into the skin. The best part? They work better with other products such as moisturizers to keep your skin baby-smooth and hydrated.”

Though they are often grouped together for their ability to slough away dead, decongested skin, there is a difference between scrubs and exfoliators. Think of them in terms of the age-old physical versus chemical debate: Body scrubs are the physical exfoliants: Per Dr. Idriss, “they usually have small to large abrasive particles, like sugar or salt, that you use before you wash your body.” Chemical body exfoliants are powered by exfoliating acids like AHA, BHA, and PHA. “They work to shed dead skin cells on the superficial layers of your skin by breaking the bonds holding these cells together,” Dr. Idriss says. Below, the best body scrubs and exfoliators to consider adding to your routine.

Our Top Picks

• Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
• Best Scent: Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub, $38
• Best Coffee Scrub: African Botanics Café Noir Body Exfoliant, $100
• Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum, $155
• Best for Daily Use: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion, $14
• Best Multi-Purpose Exfoliator: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, $38
• Best for Travel: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment, $60
• Best for Skin Tightening: Mutha Body Contour Serum, $67
• Best for Preventing Ingrown Hairs: Oui the People Resurfacing Body Serum, $45

In This Story

• How to Incorporate Body Scrubs and Exfoliants
• What to Look for In a Body Scrub and Exfoliator
• What to Keep in Mind When Using a Body Scrub
• What is the difference between a body scrub and an exfoliator?
• Meet the Experts

Best Sugar Scrub: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub

• Why We Love It: Sugar is one of the best natural ingredients to slough away dirt and dead skin, and it’s the star ingredient of True Botanical’s scrub. Inside its glass jar, you’ll find other nourishers like sandalwood, rich camellia, kaolin clay, and jojoba oils to leave you with glowing, soft skin.
• Key Ingredients: Organic sugar, sandalwood powder, organic camellia, hemp seed oil.
• Best For: Physical exfoliation that won’t harm the delicate skin barrier.
• How to Use: Scoop into the palm of your hand, then gently work into skin using circular motions.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 8 oz

Best Moisturizing Scrub: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

• Why We Love It: Osea’s body scrub is designed to be an all-around sensorial experience beyond its fragrant appeal. With mineral-rich salts, wild gigartina seaweed, and shea butter, this scrub naturally reveals silky, smooth skin.
• Key Ingredients: Gigartina seaweed, mineral salts, shea butter.
• Best For: Revealing silky-smooth skin.
• How to Use: Stir to ensure all ingredients are blended together, then massage into skin using circular motions—focusing on rough areas. Rinse with warm water.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 12 oz

Best Two-in-One: Nécessaire the Body Exfoliator

• Why We Love It: As one of the more renowned body scrubs in the market, Nécessaire’s option proves efficacious time and time again. The treatment pairs physical (volcanic pumice and charcoal bamboo) exfoliants with chemical (niacinamide) to not only resurface skin, but also even your skin tone. Plus, its minimalist packaging screams “they know things!”
• Key Ingredients: Bamboo charcoal, glycolic acid, salicylic acid.
• Best For: Evening out rough skin texture with the help of physical and chemical exfoliators.
• How to Use: Apply all over the body and massage to create a rich roam, then rinse. Use up to twice a week.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 180 ml

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

• Why We Love It: The formula made rounds on TikTok last year, acclaimed for its ability to quell small bumps associated with keratosis pilaris on arms and legs (the latter is also referred to as “strawberry legs” sometimes). Dr. Idriss is a fan of First Aid Beauty’s scrub for its 10% AHA and urea, “a hydrating ingredient that also helps with exfoliation, as well as colloidal oatmeal for soothing properties.”
• Key Ingredients: Lactic acid, camellia extract, willow bark extract.
• Best For: Anyone dealing with KP—otherwise known as “strawberry skin.”
• How to Use: Apply to wet skin and use circular motions to target areas of concern. Use up to two times a week after cleansing, and always follow up with a moisturizing lotion.
• Fragrance: No
• Size: 8 oz

Best Scent: Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub

• Why We Love It: Herbivore’s floral-scented scrub works to combat dryness and dullness through vegan, cruelty-free ingredients like virgin coconut oil, pink clay, and shea butter. Plus, its light coconut-rose scent will leave you smelling divine.
• Key Ingredients: Sugar, organic virgin coconut oil, shea butter, Moroccan rose.
• Best For: Deeply moisturizing skin while sloughing away dead skin.
• How to Use: Gently massage a handful of the scrub into skin. Let it sit for up to two minutes to indulge in extra hydration, then rinse.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 8 oz

Best Coffee Scrub: African Botanics Café Noir Body Exfoliant

• Why We Love It: Coffee beans have the ability to resurface skin too—as proven by African Botanics’ scrub. Here, superfine beans combine with volcanic pumice, crushed marula nut shell powder, and a blend of exfoliating acids to provide a gentle refining and firming treatment. Now, your morning cup of joe isn't your only caffeine addiction!
• Key Ingredients: Sugar cane, rose geranium oil, coffee bean.
• Best For: Anyone looking for a non-abrasive exfoliant that also includes AHAs and BHAs.
• How to Use: Apply to wet or dry skin daily. Start at the top of the body, then massage downwards. Rinse well.
• Fragrance: No synthetic fragrance
• Size: 200 ml

Best for Uneven Skin Tone: Tata Harper Resurfacing Body Serum

• Why We Love It: Tata Harper brings its anti-aging expertise to the body category with this resurfacing serum. Vitamin C, vitamin A, AHA, orange peptides, and hyaluronic acid make up the milky formula. Just massage onto dry skin post-cleanse to treat rough, uneven texture. And it absorbs into skin fast, so you won’t have to worry about stains on your clothes.
• Key Ingredients: Barely leaf juice, sugar cane, orange extract.
• Best For: Brightening and evening out rough texture using natural ingredients.
• How to Use: Just massage onto dry skin post-cleanse to treat rough, uneven texture.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 125 mL

Best for Daily Use: AmLactin Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

• Why We Love It: When it comes to chemical exfoliants, Dr. Idriss is a fan of this affordable option that features 12% lactic acid to soften rough skin. The clean formula is great for all types of skin concerns. “I especially recommend this for anyone with keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, or [who wants] just regular exfoliation,” Dr. Idriss says.
• Key Ingredients: Glycerin, lactic acid.
• Best For: Hydrating and relieving dry, rough skin in just one step—all while speeding up cell turnover. Bonus: It’s fragrance-free.
• How to Use: Massage into clean, dry skin.
• Fragrance: No added fragrance
• Size: 7.9 oz, 14.1 oz

Best Multi-Purpose Exfoliator: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

• Why We Love It: When it comes to chemical exfoliants, Dr. Idriss is a fan of this affordable option that features 12% lactic acid to soften rough skin. This body wash exfoliates while removing excess oil and dirt to leave skin looking divinely radiant.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, glycerin.
• Best For: Exfoliating and cleansing skin in just one step.
• How to Use: Lather with this formula, then rinse and finish your body care regimen with the lotion of your choice.
• Fragrance: No
• Size: 6.7 fl. oz

Best for Travel: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Exfoliating Body Treatment

• Why We Love It: Fans of Dr. Dennis Gross’s high-performance daily face peel should consider trying this body variant from the same collection. It uses AHAs, BHAs, and bakuchiol (the plant-based retinol alternative) to exfoliate and promote cell turnover, while sqalane and hyaluronic acid provide necessary hydration. It uses AHAs, BHAs, and bakuchiol (the plant-based retinol alternative) to exfoliate and promote cell turnover, while squalane and hyaluronic acid provide necessary hydration. Since each towel is individually wrapped, it’s perfect for travel.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid.
• Best For: Anyone looking to exfoliate and brighten skin on-the-go.
• How to Use: Apply towel to clean, dry skin, then massage using circular motions. Use two to three times a week. Pro tip: Start with it folded, then unfold as each section gets dry.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 8 textured towels

Best for Skin Tightening: Mutha Body Contour Serum

• Why We Love It: If firmer skin is your ambition, Mutha’s Body Contour Serum is worth your while. Not only does it resurface skin thanks to fruit enzymes, but it also promotes tighter, more nourished skin through its M-Tight technology, botanical oils, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Follow up with the brand's body butter for the ultimate night-in treat.
• Key Ingredients: Aloe leaf juice, squalane, glycerine.
• Best For: Simultaneously tightening skin while exfoliating.
• How to Use: Apply in the a.m., focusing on any areas of concern. Be sure to follow up with sunscreen.
• Fragrance: No added fragrance
• Size: 100 ml

Best for Preventing Ingrown Hairs: Oui the People Cheat Sheet Resurfacing Body Serum

• Why We Love It: This serum helps to keep skin smooth and free of bumps and in-growns by removing build-up before it can clog pores. Well-paired with the best razors for women, Oui the People’s body serum works to resurface and quell ingrown hairs—all for a smooth shave and even smoother skin. Apply the serum before bed a few times per week to allow its blend of AHA, BHA, PHA, amino acids, and proline to work while you sleep.
• Key Ingredients: Atlantic sea kelp, proline, salicylic acid.
• Best For: Preventing painful in-grown hairs.
• How to Use: Apply the serum before bed a few times per week to allow its blend of AHA, BHA, PHA, amino acids, and proline to work while you sleep.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 100 ml

Best Exfoliating Lotion: Paula’s Choice Resist Skin Revealing Body Lotion

• Why We Love It: If an exfoliating lotion is more your speed, Paula’s Choice offers an AHA-infused exfoliant that helps shed rough, dead skin. Massage in this lightweight cream (except after shaving) anywhere that needs extra attention—just be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterwards during the day. Expect skin to continuously glow for as long as you use it.
• Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, shea butter, green tea
• Best For: Giving skin an everlasting glow.
• How to Use: Massage in this lightweight cream (except after shaving) anywhere that needs extra attention—just be sure to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen afterwards during the day.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 7 oz

Best Chemical Exfoliator: Youth To The People 10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub

• Why We Love It: Unlike many body scrubs that require digging into a pot of gooeyness with wet hands, this easy-to-use scrub comes in a convenient squeeze bottle, allowing for effortless application in the shower. Packed with the holy trinity of gentle chemical exfoliants—lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acid—along with physical exfoliators (coffee), this body scrub guarantees results. Plus, it boasts a delightful fragrance, Energy Shift, featuring notes of black pepper, ginger, and velvet woods that can perk you up in the morning. That’s that me, yerba mate.
• Key Ingredients: Yerba mate, lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, caffeine, olive seed powder, jojoba beads
• Best For: Suitable for KP and sensitive skin
• How to Use: Apply to wet skin, massage in circular motions, and rinse off. Use twice a week, or as needed, all over your body.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 237 mL

Best for Scalp: Ouai Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub

• Why We Love It: A scrub that’s good for scalp and body? Mais, ouai! This one is a favorite for cleansing and replenishing: when applied to your scalp, it reduces buildup, resulting in a cleaner, fresher feeling. On your body, it leaves your skin smoother and softer. You can choose between Melrose Place, which offers a clean, fresh scent, or St. Barths, with its beachy citrus aroma perfect for when you want to pretend you’re OOO.
• Key Ingredients: Sugar crystals, panthenol, glycerin, coconut oil
• Best For: Dry skin and scalp buildup
• How to Use: If you’re using this sugar scrub on the scalp while showering, section wet hair to reveal the scalp. Apply a quarter-size amount directly to the scalp and rub in circular motions to activate lather, then rinse and follow with conditioner. For the body, apply to damp skin and rub in circular motions to gently exfoliate, either with your hands, a loofah, or a body brush.
• Fragrance: Yes
• Size: 8.8 oz

When you consider adding one of these to your routine, it’s important to consider how they work with your pre-existing products. Idriss recommends using a scrub in the shower pre-cleanse. On the chemical exfoliant front, she notes it depends on the type. It’s best to stick to the product’s specific instructions, though serums and lotions will likely come into play post-shower—just as you would apply a moisturizer.

Just as you would for your face, avoid over-exfoliating. "[This] can dry out your skin, cause irritated or inflamed skin, and can even be itchy,” Dr. Idriss notes. “Not all skin is created equal, meaning not all skin will react positively to all products.” She advises spot-testing to see how your skin reacts. If you don’t experience any irritation, you can start working it into your routine two to four times a week, depending on your skin type.

“Depending on the type of body scrub or exfoliant you’re using, it is usually best to slather moisturizer onto the area that you applied the product to, as well as your whole body to help lock in moisture,” Dr. Idriss explains.

Before deciding on a product, it’s important to understand your main skin concerns. For example, if you’re someone with visibly flaky skin, a scrub may be more beneficial. When dealing with dullness, a chemical exfoliant can help reveal your natural glow. For those with hyperpigmentation, you’ll want to ensure ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide are blended in the formula. But regardless of what you choose, you’ll want to go with a product that nourishes while helping with cell turnover in order to avoid irritation. This could include ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, or rose water.

• Skin Type: For those with sensitive skin, board-certified dermatologist Marissa Garshick suggests opting for gentle physical exfoliants like polishing powders or scrubs containing small particles such as sugar. It's important to avoid products with large, irregularly shaped granules, as these can exacerbate skin irritation. Dr. Garshick also notes that individuals with sensitive skin can benefit from scrubs containing gentle chemical exfoliants such as lactic acid. For those with skin conditions such as keratosis pilaris or eczema, Dr. Garshick recommends choosing scrubs specifically designed for these issues. These specialized scrubs often contain soothing and moisturizing ingredients in addition to exfoliating agents and are less likely to be harsh on the skin. “For example, those with keratosis pilaris may benefit from an exfoliant, but it should not be too abrasive, as that can lead to skin irritation,” she adds.
• Scent: While the scent of a body scrub can be soothing, it’s important to consider sensitivities. Dr. Garshick advises that if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies, opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented scrubs to minimize the risk of irritation. Alternatively, if you prefer a scented option, choose scrubs with essential oils such as lavender or eucalyptus, which not only provide a relaxing aroma but also offer additional skin benefits.
• Type of Exfoliant: The type of exfoliant in a body scrub can significantly impact its effectiveness and suitability for your skin. Dr. Garshick explains that physical exfoliants like sugar or salt are effective for removing dead skin cells but can be too harsh for sensitive or damaged skin. On the other hand, chemical exfoliants, such as those containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), can provide a gentler exfoliation by dissolving dead skin cells, making them ideal for sensitive skin or those with conditions like KP.

A body scrub may be considered a type of exfoliator, but there are also other options for removing dead skin cells. Dr. Garshick explains that a body scrub typically acts as a physical exfoliant, manually sloughing off dead skin when massaged onto the skin. These scrubs often include moisturizing ingredients like oils or butters, providing a dual-action treatment of exfoliation and hydration. Additionally, some body scrubs may contain chemical exfoliants. The term exfoliator encompasses both mechanical or physical and chemical means of exfoliation. Chemical exfoliators contain active ingredients that dissolve dead skin cells without the need for manual scrubbing. Dr. Garshick notes, “While body scrubs mainly provide exfoliation through physical action, exfoliators include a wider variety of products that achieve smooth skin through different techniques.”

• Dr. Shereene Idriss is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.
• Dr. Marisa Garshick is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.