beauty
Including Tree Hut, Dove and more
By Chelsea Candelario
•
Published May 8, 2024
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Dasha Burobina/PureWow
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
2
Internet Favorite
Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
read more
$10 At Ulta
3
Best Budget
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Hand & Body Scrub
read more
$13 At Ulta
4
Best for Sensitive Skin
Versed Buff It Out Body Scrub
read more
$20 At versed
5
Best for Dull Skin
Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Polish Scrub
read more
$28 At sephora
6
Best 2-in-1
Ouai St Barts Scalp & Body Scrub
read more
$40 At Sephora
8
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
read more
$30 At Sephora
10
Best for Hyperpigmentation
Skinfix Resurface+ Renewing Body Scrub
read more
$32 At Sephora
Show More
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Harold Lancer is a board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience in the industry. He also has his own dermatology practice in Beverly Hills and is founder of Lancer Skincare. His celebrity clients include Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah and Margot Robbie.
- Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker is a board-certified dermatologist with the U.S Dermatology Partners in Phoenix. She practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on skin cancer, acne, skin aging and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Watchmaker is also a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.
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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Best Overall
1. Dove Macadamia and Rice Milk Exfoliating Body Scrub
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- spreads evenly
- great for sensitive skin
What We Don't Like
- thick texture
Dove
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: crushed macadamia, rice milk
- Scent Notes: macadamia, floral
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
Ulta
Internet Favorite
2. Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
What We Like
- long-lasting fragrance
- nourishing ingredients
- offers a nice glow
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experienced a sticky texture
Tree Hut
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: sugar, shea butter, argan oil, rosehip oil, evening primrose oil, avocado oil, macadamia oil, sweet almond oil, safflower oil, orange oil
- Scent Notes: bergamot, tea rose, amber
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$10 At Ulta
Ulta
Best Budget
3.
What We Like
- good for dry skin
- lightweight formula
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
SheaMoisture
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.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E, jojoba oil
- Scent Notes: coconut
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$13 At Ulta
Versed
Best for Sensitive Skin
4. Versed Buff It Out Body Scrub
What We Like
- good for acne-prone skin
- easy to use
- lightweight formula
What We Don't like
- little to no lather
Versed
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, pumice, pomegranate enzymes
- Scent Notes: fragrance-free
- Type of Exfoliant: chemical
$20 At versed
$18 At revolve
Sephora
Best for Dull Skin
5. Isle of Paradise Brilliantly Bright Body Polish Scrub
What We Like
- offers a creamy lather
- pleasant scent
- gentle exfoliant
What We Don't Like
- may feel drying for some skin types
Isle of Paradise
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
- Scent Notes: grapefruit, pineapple, apple blossom
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$28 At sephora
$22 at kohl's
Sephora
Best 2-in-1
6.
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- gentle exfoliant
- offers a creamy lather
What We Don't Like
- expensive
- grainy texture
Ouai
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: sugar, panthenol, glycerin, coconut oil
- Scent Notes: dragon fruit, orange blossom, tuberose, Baltic amber
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$40 At Sephora
$40 at kohl's
Best Hybrid
7. Lancer The Method: Body Polish
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- softens skin
- good for mature skin
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Lancer Skincare
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: quartz crystals, bamboo stem powder, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid, retinol, shea butter
- Scent Notes: n/a
- Type of Exfoliant: physical/chemical
Sephora
Best for Keratosis Pilaris
8. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
What We Like
- helps calm skin
- good for sensitive skin
- good for razor bumps
What We Don't Like
- thick texture
First Aid Beauty
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, bisabolol
- Scent Notes: n/a
- Type of Exfoliant: chemical
$30 At Sephora
$30 at ulta
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
9. Differin Acne-Clearing Body Scrub
What We Like
- good for oily, combination and acne-prone skin
- gentle formula
- helps prevent breakouts
What We Don't Like
- strong scent
Differin
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!”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: vitamin E, salicylic acid
- Scent Notes: n/a
- Type of Exfoliant: chemical
$9 AT TARGET
Sephora
Best for Hyperpigmentation
10. Skinfix Resurface+ Renewing Body Scrub
What We Like
- good for dark spots
- fragrance-free
- contains clean ingredients
What We Don't Like
- not good for those with eczema or very sensitive skin
Skinfix
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, willow bark extract
- Scent Notes: n/a
- Type of Exfoliant: chemical
$32 At Sephora
$32 at kohl's
Sephora
Best Scent
11. Herbivore Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- good for dry skin
- easy to rinse
What We Don't Like
- small jar
- oily texture
Herbivore
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: virgin coconut oil, Moroccan rose, sugar
- Scent Notes: coconut, Moroccan rose
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$40 At Sephora
$40 at dermstore
Ulta
Best Coffee Scrub
12. Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- softens skin
- gentle texture
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experienced messy application
Frank Body
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: robusta coffee grinds, sweet almond oil, vitamin E, sea salt
- Scent Notes: coffee
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$20 At Ulta
$17 at revolve
Sephora
Best for Dry Skin
13. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish Exfoliator
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- moisturizing
- nourishing ingredients
What We Don't Like
- expensive
Fresh
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: brown sugar, camelina satvia seed oil, apricot kernel oil
- Scent Notes: brown sugar, citrus
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$69 At Sephora
$39 at ulta
Sephora
Best Glow
14. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
What We Like
- pleasant scent
- nourishing ingredients
- provides a shimmer finish
What We Don't Like
- hard texture to scoop out
Sol de Janeiro
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: crushed cupuaçu seeds, sugar crystals, coconut oil, guaraná
- Scent Notes: warm, spicy
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$42 At Sephora
$42 at ulta
Best Formula
15. Sunday Riley Charcoal Smoothie Jelly Body Scrub
What We Like
- good for dry skin
- moisturizing
- gentle exfoliant
What We Don't Like
- difficult to rinse out
Sunday Riley
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.
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: activated charcoal, salicylic acid, niacinamide, coconut water, jojoba seed oil
- Scent Notes: charcoal
- Type of Exfoliant: chemical
Ulta
Best for Softness
16. Kopari Coconut Crush Scrub
What We Like
- deeply moisturizes
- softens skin
- pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- some reviewers experienced greasy residue
Kopari
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.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: brown sugar, vitamin E, coconut oil
- Scent Notes: coconut
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$39 At Ulta
Ulta
Best Salt Scrub
17. OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
What We Like
- good for dry and dull skin
- gentle exfoliant
- softens skin
What We Don't Like
- not good for sensitive skin
- strong scent
OSEA
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.”
Fast Facts
- Key Ingredients: gigartina seaweed, mineral salts, shea butter
- Scent Notes: lavendar, eucalyptus
- Type of Exfoliant: physical
$48 At Ulta
What to Consider When Buying a Body Scrub
- Consider if you need a physical exfoliator. Also known as mechanical exfoliation, these body scrubs physically remove dead skin cells through sugar or salt crystals, pumice or micro-beads. They are typically best for normal, oily and dry skin. Note: If you have sensitive skin, some physical exfoliants might be too harsh and may cause some irritation.
- Or a chemical one. A dermatologist previously told PureWow that a chemical exfoliant can provide a powerful dose of acids to remove "dead dull-looking skin cells, reveal healthy cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture." Their formulas typically have AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid and/or salicylic acid. Overall, a chemical-based body scrub can help those prone to breakouts, dark spots and/or clogged pores.
- Check for other key ingredients. Whichever you choose, other ingredients might make for nourishing experience in the shower. Most common include shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter. As previously mentioned, these emollients can help protect the skin barrier during and after exfoliation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Should You Use a Body Scrub?
According to Dr. Watchmaker, use about a quarter-size amount of body scrub and gently rub it in a circular motion onto damp skin before rinsing out with warm water. For the best application, the dermatologist suggests using your hands or a silicone brush over towels and loofahs, which she says can be filled with bacteria due to sitting in your bathroom.
As for how often you should use a body scrub, both experts we interviewed recommend using a body scrub once or twice a week. “Body scrubs are best for people with more resilient skin, who are looking to exfoliate, brighten and smooth the skin," says Dr. Watchmaker. "Less is typically more with body scrubs, however, even for patients with normal to resilient skin I only recommend using scrubs once or twice a week.”
What Are the Benefits of a Body Scrub?
The main benefit of a body scrub is removing dry and dead skin cells. As Dr. Watchmaker explains, “Body scrubs help with exfoliation, which is the removal of dead skin, and can help to smooth and brighten the skin. Topical products like moisturizers can also be better absorbed into the skin. Plus, body scrubs can help unclog pores and prevent ingrown hairs.”
Call All Skin Types Use a Body Scrub?
While most skin types can try out a body scrub, Dr. Watchmaker suggest those with eczema, psoriasis and/or very sensitive skin should be cautious about using them. “I typically recommend against body scrubs for people with sensitive skin or dry skin as they can be too harsh. For these patients, I just recommend gentle body washes like Vanicream Gentle Body Wash or Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser,” she says.
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Chelsea Candelario
Beauty and Cultures Editor
- Writes trend stories, product reviews and how-tos across beauty, cultures, fashion and entertainment
- Over 5 years of experience as a Beauty Editor
- Studied journalism with a minor in creative writing at SUNY New Paltz
read full bio
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