10 Best Body Scrub and Exfoliators for Smooth Skin 2024 | Vogue

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Hopping in the shower, grabbing one of the best body scrubs, and sloughing away the dirt and grime that’s accumulated on my skin is a ritual that’s particularly precious to me—after a long day, I crave climbing into my linen sheets feeling extra fresh. But physical exfoliation is an act to be relished in, and choosing the right formula is as important as understanding when your body needs that deeper cleanse. (The answer: it’s not every day.) For those who’ve sought out the best body scrubs, you’ll likely know that some may be too harsh (chunky granules can cause micro-tears in the skin); other formulas can leave a film on skin. I value the sensory experience as much the feeling after, so the right scrub should be something that not only leaves my skin soft but also feels good when massaging it in, and better still, smells incredible.

Keeping skin-care concerns in mind (dryness, keratosis pilaris, eczema, etc.), the best body scrub or exfoliator should seamlessly slot into your current routine, working alongside your favorite body wash and lotions to reveal smooth, even-toned skin year-round. Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, explains: “[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.” Below are the best body scrubs to consider adding to your routine, according to Vogue editors and dermatologists.

Josie Maran

Sugar and Argan Oil Body Scrub

JOSIE MARAN

Body Scrub

BLUEMERCURY

Soft Services

Buffing Bar Microcrystal Exfoliant

SOFT SERVICES

Osea

Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

OSEA

Nécessaire

The Body Exfoliator

SEPHORA

First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

FIRST AID BEAUTY

Herbivore

Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub

HERBIVORE

African Botanics

Café Noir Body Exfoliant

AFRICAN BOTANICS

Youth To The People

10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub

Sephora

Nordstrom

Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub St. Bart’s

SEPHORA

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.

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.”