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The best body scrubs target one of the most underutilized steps in a body-care routine. Exfoliation 101: Dead skin cells are largely to blame for dullness, rough texture, and clogged pores. While physical exfoliants like sugar, salt, and pumice manually buff away buildup, chemical exfoliants like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) penetrate deeper into pores to loosen and shed dead skin cells over time, delivering longer-term refinement.
Whether you use one or both, clearing that surface layer also allows moisturizers to penetrate more effectively, which means your body lotions and serums can actually do their job. The right formula will depend on your specific concerns and skin type—for example, an oil-rich scrub for chronic dryness or a chemical-physical hybrid for skin conditions like keratosis pilaris (otherwise known as KP). Just be mindful not to overdo it, since over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier and lead to irritation rather than the smooth, radiant results you're after.
Our Top Body Scrubs
- Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator, $35
- Best for Rough Texture: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $38
- Best for Dry Skin: OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub, $48
- Best Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Shea Sugar Scrub, $11
- Best Exfoliating Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick, $38
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of a body scrub, and how often should you use them?
- What ingredients should you look for, depending on skin concerns such as keratosis pilaris (KP), dry skin, clogged pores, etc.?
- Is chemical or physical exfoliation better for the skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Ahead, we rounded up the best body scrubs across every skin concern and budget, vetted by Allure editors and recommended by board-certified dermatologists.
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
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Nécessaire
The Body Exfoliator
Amazon
Sephora
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator took home a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award for its layered, chemical-physical-hybrid approach to exfoliation, pairing pumice with a full roster of AHA, BHA, and PHA. Glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and gluconolactone (a gentle acid that exfoliates the skin's surface, making it ideal for sensitive skin) acids work to tackle texture, congestion, and dullness at all levels. Marula oil and niacinamide condition skin, minimizing any potential irritation. Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in LA, notes that it’s "best for those dealing with congestion or keratosis pilaris, as it dissolves cellular bonds while manually sweeping away surface debris." She recommends clients "massage it onto wet skin in circular motions twice weekly, focusing on high-friction areas like the elbows, arms, and knees to maintain smoothness."
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Ever since a publicist grabbed my dry, ashy arm and slathered body oil on it—rude but helpful?—I’ve been diligent about my body-care routine. This scrub is a big part of it. I love that it combines chemical and physical exfoliators to deal with roughness and the occasional body acne alike, and it always leaves my skin smooth and soft. Plus, it builds to a really nice lather that’s easy to rinse, and the pumice doesn’t leave any residue in my shower.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical and chemical
- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, salicylic acid, pumice
- Who it’s for: keratosis pilaris, uneven texture, all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Eucalyptus and Santal (pictured above)
Best for Rough Texture: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
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First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Ulta
Why we love it: A two-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has been a mainstay in our showers for years. (And despite its branding makeover, the beloved formula hasn't changed a bit.) The main reason: It targets keratosis pilaris, a skin condition caused by a buildup of keratin that blocks hair follicles, creating small bumps on the upper arms and legs. While there's no cure for KP, consistent exfoliation with the right ingredients can maintain smoother, more hydrated skin.
First Aid Beauty’s approach is two-pronged: Pumice buffing beads physically lift and sweep away dead skin, while a 10% AHA blend of glycolic and lactic acids goes deeper to accelerate cell turnover and refine texture over time. Bisabolol and vitamin E round out the formula with calming, antioxidant-rich support, so the exfoliation process doesn't leave skin feeling raw or reactive. Use it two to three times a week on problem areas such as the upper arms, thighs, and calves, then follow immediately with a moisturizer to lock in softness.
Allure content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Kara McGrath
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor using the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —Kara McGrath, former content director
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“The First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is hands down the best at flattening my KP. Here's the thing: I love a pumice stone for the rough patches on my feet, but I know that level of abrasion would wreck the rest of my skin. This scrub hits the sweet spot—gritty enough that I can feel it working but not too harsh that my skin feels raw or irritated afterward. After a few weeks of consistent use, the texture I've spent years trying to buff away is genuinely smoother. And the warm, toasted coconut scent is also an added bonus within the sensorial experience.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical and chemical
- Key ingredients: pumice beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid
- Who it’s for: keratosis pilaris, rough or bumpy skin
- Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Toasted Coconut, Juicy Peach, and Fresh Strawberry
Best for Dry Skin: OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
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Osea
Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Taylor applying the OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: If you know OSEA, you know their products are built around one star ingredient: seaweed. The Malibu-based brand uses it as the key ingredient across its lineup for its nutrient-dense blend of amino acids, antioxidants, and minerals, and the Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is no exception. Specifically, there’s gigartina seaweed, a species of red marine algae found in cold coastal waters, such as Patagonia—and it’s a fantastic ingredient that softens and revives dry skin. A blend of mineral salts (such as sea salt) does the heavy lifting in terms of exfoliation, sloughing away dead skin, while shea butter, safflower oil, and avocado oil flood the skin with moisture to prevent dryout. The result is deeply exfoliated and hydrated skin, all wrapped in the brand's dreamy lavender scent. Apply in circular motions on damp skin, paying extra attention to elbows, knees, and heels, then rinse—no lotion chaser needed.
Tester feedback from Taylor
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“As someone with keratosis pilaris, I'm always skeptical when a scrub promises smooth skin because, in my experience, exfoliation alone leaves my arms irritated and dry. But OSEA's Salts of the Earth Body Scrub has been my favorite for years because it buffs away the rough, sandpapery texture on the backs of my arms and thighs without stripping my skin, and somehow I step out of the shower feeling like I already moisturized—I can skip lotion entirely. My KP bumps are noticeably smoother, and my skin stays hydrated well into the next day.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical
- Key ingredients: mineral salts blend, gigartina seaweed, shea butter
- Who it’s for: dry skin, dull skin
- Fragrance-free: no; contains lavender oil
Best Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Shea Sugar Scrub
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Tree Hut
Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Walmart
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
Lexi Herrick
Why we love it: Tree Hut is one of the first body scrubs we remember ever reaching for, and with an 18-ounce jar for under $10 available practically everywhere, it's easy to see why this Best of Beauty winner remains the entry point to body exfoliation for so many. As one might deduce, the Shea Sugar Scrub line is built on a base of sugar and shea butters that refines skin texture, while Moroccan argan oil and rosehip oil visibly hydrate, smooth, and boost radiance. And just when you thought we were done with oils, avocado, macadamia, evening primrose, safflower, sweet almond, and sweet orange oils sweep in to add extra nourishment to keep skin from feeling stripped after exfoliation.
The best part? The scent lingers well beyond the shower, which is a big part of why this scrub has built such a loyal following. The harder part is choosing which of the 20-plus options, from tropical fruit to cozy vanilla, to buy.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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"Exfoliating but gentle, this scrub gives you a bubbly, rosy clean that allows you to create a spa experience in your own bathroom. I love the sweet scent and soft texture, and find myself using this for every shower!" —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical
- Key ingredients: sugar, shea butter, Moroccan argan oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types, body scrub beginners
- Fragrance-free: no
Best Exfoliating Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
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Flamingo Estate
Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
Flamingo Estate
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Body scrubs don't always come in jars, and Flamingo Estate’s Morning Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick, an Allure 2025 Best of Beauty winner, makes a strong case for the bar format: less mess and better for travel. Three exfoliants do the heavy lifting here. Big Sur sea salt buffs away buildup while helping draw out impurities, black poppy seeds deliver a gentler physical exfoliation, and French blue clay works like a luxe mask to help pull debris and excess oil from pores. Organic olive and babassu oils seal everything back up, so all that exfoliation doesn't leave skin feeling stripped or tight. From the moment the bar hits hot water, the peppermint, juniper berry, and Douglas fir scent fills the whole shower, and one bar lasts about six weeks with daily use.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“This bar of soap is extraordinary. The peppermint is simultaneously invigorating and soothing, and the poppy seeds exfoliate just enough. Whether you proudly display it on your vanity or try to hoard it, the fragrance will make itself known; truly, the peppermint scent wafts out of the shipping box before you even open it. Keep it whole—or maybe cut it into smaller pieces for your own slice of minty heaven.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Big Sur sea salt, French blue clay, black poppy seeds
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: no; contains essential oil-based fragrances
Best Oil-Based Scrub: Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub
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Josie Maran
Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Josie Maran built its reputation around argan oil, and the Argan Oil + Sugar Balm Exfoliating Body Scrub channels that expertise into a body scrub. Sugar granules—which are gentler than salt and far less abrasive than crushed nuts or shells—do the exfoliating work, while argan oil, shea butter, and coconut oil flood skin with essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamin E to hydrate and nourish the skin as you scrub. The scrub comes in eight delicious scents, including Topless Tangerine, Bohemian Fig, Golden Hour, Vanilla Vibezzz, Vanilla Apricot, Vanilla Bean, and Sweet Citrus, plus an unscented option. The packaging is worth noting, too: The glass jar is designed to be purchased once, with the option to buy 13.5-ounce pouch refills.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"Look, I’m guilty of not giving my body as much love as my face when it comes to skin care, but when a body scrub smells like I’m sipping on a tall glass of chilled, freshly-squeezed juice somewhere tropical and extra vibey, I go all in. I love that I get the satisfaction of sugar granules literally polishing away texture, but there’s Josie Maran’s signature argan oil (and shea butter) making sure my skin is moisturized and buttery-soft, never stripped.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical
- Key ingredients: argan oil, pixie tangerine, pink grapefruit, brown sugar
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Bohemian Fig and Vanilla Vibezzz
Best for Dull Skin: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub
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Naturium
The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate director of social media Kassidy Silva applying the Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub
Kassidy Silva
Why we love it: Naturium has built a reputation around affordable, no-frills body care, and The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub is one of many editor faves that prove its mission. Because the wrong exfoliator can leave skin feeling raw, Naturium paired sugar crystals with a 20% glycerin base that really helps pull moisture into the skin. Additionally, a blend of five botanical oils, coconut, rosehip, sea buckthorn, safflower, and jojoba, replenishes the skin barrier as you scrub. Dr. Moy loves it for exactly this reason, calling it "the ideal choice for patients with chronically dry or lackluster skin who need to exfoliate without the 'stripped' feeling that traditional scrubs often cause. Infused with a vanilla coconut scent, it's the type of sensorial, wind-down scrub you'll actually look forward to using.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“I have a love-hate relationship with exfoliating due to my psoriasis. This little tub from Naturium has become a go-to for my sensitive skin. The sweet coconut smell isn't overpowering or irritating, plus the crystals help polish me up without causing me irritation. At less than $20, it's an everything shower steal.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical
- Key ingredients: sugar crystals, multi-oil botanical blend, glycerin, squalane
- Who it’s for: dull skin, dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no; contains vanilla and coconut fragrance
Best for Head-to-Toe Exfoliation: Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
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Ouai
Scalp & Body Scrub
Amazon
Sephora
Why we love it: Most body scrubs stop at the neck, but the Ouai’s Melrose Place Cleansing Scalp & Body Sugar Scrub goes further. Sugar crystals gently exfoliate the scalp and skin simultaneously, clearing away product buildup, dead skin cells, and excess oil, while panthenol and glycerin work to restore moisture. Coconut oil and aloe bring nourishing, soothing benefits to the formula, leaving both scalp and skin feeling clean and conditioned.
When using on the scalp, section wet hair, apply a quarter-size amount directly, and massage in circular motions before rinsing and following with conditioner. Jodi LoGerfo, DNP, and dermatology practitioner based in New York City, loves that it leaves her skin feeling "unbelievably soft and smooth” and leaves a nice dewy finish.
More to know
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- Type of exfoliation: physical
- Key ingredients: sugar crystals, glycerin, aloe, coconut oil
- Who it’s for: all skin types
- Fragrance-free: no; scents include St. Barts and Melrose Place
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a body scrub, and how often should you use them?
Body scrubs physically accelerate the removal of dead skin cells, which Dr. Moy explains "can help reveal smoother skin and improve the efficacy of post-shower moisturizers." Regular exfoliation also helps stimulate blood circulation and, as Dr. LoGerfo points out, can "help reduce ingrown hairs by keeping pores and follicles clear." As for frequency, Dr. Moy recommends two to three times per week as the sweet spot, though those with sensitive skin should limit use to once weekly, since over-exfoliating can compromise the skin barrier and lead to water loss and inflammation.
What ingredients should you look for, depending on skin concerns such as keratosis pilaris (KP), dry skin, and clogged pores?
For KP, Dr. Moy recommends scrubs that "pair physical granules with chemical exfoliants like lactic or glycolic acid," as this dual-action approach provides "instant smoothing while significantly improving skin texture over time." Dr. LoGerfo also points to urea and sugar as effective options for KP. For dry skin, both experts point to oil-rich, nourishing formulas. Dr. Moy specifically calls out "shea butter, ceramides, or squalane to replenish lipids," while Dr. LoGerfo highlights hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and glycerin. When it comes to clogged pores or body acne, Dr. Moy recommends "formulas featuring salicylic acid (BHA), which is oil-soluble and can penetrate deep into the pores to clear out sebum,” a recommendation Dr. LoGerfo echoes, also adding tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide to the mix.
Is chemical or physical exfoliation better for the skin?
It depends on your skin type and sensitivity level. "Chemical exfoliation can offer a physically gentler and long-term benefit, while physical exfoliation provides immediate tactile change," explains Dr. Moy, with the best choice ultimately depending on "your skin's tolerance and the specific thickness of the skin in the area you are treating." Dr. LoGerfo leans toward physical exfoliation "for more immediate results," noting it delivers "instantaneous polishing, smoothness, and improvements," but acknowledges that chemical exfoliants like glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids are effective options as well for improving skin over time with prolonged use.
Meet the experts
- Lauren Moy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago
- Jodi LoGerfo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of best body scrubs, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists we interviewed for the piece. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
