15 Best Body Scrubs & Exfoliators for Renewed Skin

Our top pick is a complex, multi-action body scrub that delivers on nearly every front. From the brand Skinfix, it’s a scrub designed for overall exfoliation as well as for helping to fade keratosis pilaris bumps.

It’s incredibly thorough, thanks to a blend of exfoliating alpha-hydroxy acids, like glycolic and lactic acids, as well as physically exfoliating bamboo bits. The polishing bamboo bits in the scrub are incredibly gentle, so they don’t feel scratchy, but there’s enough of them in the blend for you to feel like they’re exfoliating well.

To really benefit from the exfoliating action of the AHAs, we do recommend leaving the scrub on your skin for a few minutes, almost like a peel or body mask.

These exfoliants sit in a super-moisturizing lotion-like base with glycerin, grape seed oil, and coconut oil. It’s not overly rich or greasy, though, so it’ll work just as well for oily skin as it will for dry skin. It’s available at Sephora.

Key Features:

• Size: 8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, bamboo bits
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Lime
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

You don’t have to spend a ton to get a good exfoliation. This body scrub from Dove really proves that, with a really lovely formula that works well for a wide range of skin types. This scrub has a creamy texture, but it also includes a few surfactants that guarantee that it’ll rinse away easily in the shower. It features glycerin, which helps to directly hydrate the skin as you exfoliate.

The exfoliant in this scrub is hydrated silica, which is very gentle but still effective at removing dead skin. It’s not scratchy or harsh, so you can happily use it a few times a week, even if you have sensitive skin. Those who want a really intense exfoliation, however, may find it a little too gentle. Order it online from Amazon!

Key Features:

• Size: 10.5 oz.
• Exfoliant: Hydrated silica
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Nutty-floral
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/No

This is another wonderful scrub to try if you’re on a budget and looking for something well-formulated with a gorgeous smell. This sugar scrub also contains some silica for a comprehensive exfoliation that can work even for sensitive skin.

The sugar and silica sit in a very moisturizing base of oils and glycerin, although there’s also a surfactant in here that guarantees easy cleaning. Your shower will be totally scrub-free when you’re done, but your skin will still feel soft and lightly nourished. This makes it a solid option for all skin types! 

The only thing we don’t love about this scrub has less to do with the formula and more to do with the marketing. Tree Hut presents itself as a very ‘natural’ beauty brand, but this formula includes some synthetics that green beauty enthusiasts may not appreciate. 

This range of scrubs from Tree Hut comes in many other scent options, and you can find them all on Amazon.

Key Features:

• Size: 18 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar, silica
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Mango, other fragrances available
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

If you’re looking to pamper yourself, this scrub from Elemis is our favorite splurge. This luxurious scrub is made with mineral-rich salt to remove dead skin while also providing a purifying effect. The salt is finely ground, so the exfoliation from it isn’t too harsh on the skin.

Salt does have the potential to dry out the skin, but thankfully, this base is incredibly moisturizing, thanks to a whole range of silky emollients as well as coconut oil. The real element that makes this scrub smell so luxurious is the tropical floral scent. It’s a luxurious and complex fragrance blend that stays behind after you shower. Whether the price is justified or not is debatable, but for many, the sensorial experience might be worth it. Pick it up at Nordstrom!

Key Features:

• Size: 17 oz.
• Exfoliant: Salt
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Tropical flowers
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

Palmer’s is a staple drugstore brand that’s even a little underrated. While this scrub may not come in the most beautiful jar, it’s a great product at a very affordable price point. First, it comes in a squeeze tube, which is one easy way to win us over from the start since it’ll be so much easier to dispense it even in the shower.

The recipe is incredibly moisturizing, with coconut oil and glycerin working as a hydrating power duo. Sugar also adds some hydration, but primarily, it’s responsible for the scrub’s exfoliating action. The sugar grains are small and not overly aggressive, though, for some, it might not be enough.

It has a bit of peppermint essential oil in it, which gives it a minty smell and some skin-cooling effects. However, it can be irritating for some, so watch out. Get it from Amazon!

Key Features:

• Size: 7 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Mint
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: No/No

Keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. KP) is a skin condition that causes the skin to overproduce keratin, which ends up clogging the hair follicles and leading to tiny bumps. It usually shows up over the upper arms, thighs, or cheeks, but it can also pop up over other parts of the body. Exfoliation is the best way to deal with those bumps and keep the skin smooth, and the KP Bump Eraser is the best product for the job, despite the slightly high price tag. 

This wonderful scrub combines chemical exfoliants (namely, glycolic and lactic acids) with a physical one (in this case, pumice). Pumice stone is a classic choice because it’s solid and firm, but in this scrub, it was ground into smooth, rounded beads that remove dead skin easily but don’t scratch or irritate. It’s definitely more intense than Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator, which is exactly what those with KP need.

There are a few other things we really like about this scrub. First, it comes in a squeeze tube, which we always prefer. Additionally, it contains quite a few skin-loving ingredients beyond the exfoliants, like soothing colloidal oatmeal and moisture-binding dimethicone. Shop for it at Sephora, Nordstrom or Ulta!

Key Features:

• Size: 8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and pumice
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo
• Scent: Fragrance-free
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

This scrub may be absurdly expensive, but you’ll feel like a nature goddess every time you use it. It’s a luxurious, purple body scrub with an all-natural formula that contains (we kid you not) actual amethyst gemstone powder.

The actual exfoliating elements in this scrub are sugar and Epsom salts, which remove dead skin thoroughly and then dissolve in your shower for a mess-free experience. They sit in a moisturizing base of coconut oil, shea butter, and some very exotic-sounding, antioxidant-rich plant extracts. It’s the kind of scrub that’ll leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Is this scrub better than any of the more affordable options on our list? Almost certainly not. But it’s a gorgeous, luxurious product that’ll definitely make you feel a little more pampered. You can purchase it from Sephora or Nordstrom.

Key Features:

• Size: 6.6 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar, Epsom salt
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Floral
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

Nécessaire is a brand that doesn’t play around. This scrub might be pricey, but it’s designed with the same level of care and with the same kind of ingredients as you’d find in the best facial care products for oily or acne-prone skin.

It’s a multi-action exfoliant. It contains gentle bamboo charcoal pieces that remove dead skin physically, as well as salicylic and glycolic acids for chemical exfoliation. There’s a touch of niacinamide, which offers balancing benefits to all skin types.

In general, we’d say this scrub is best for oily skin since it has a cleansing base rather than a moisturizing one. The ingredients in it could even help with body acne! Those with dry skin may find it a little drying, but it’s a good choice for sensitive skin since there’s a fragrance-free version.

As a final note, we love that it comes in a squeeze tube, which makes it a lot easier to use without a mess, even in the shower. Buy it at Nordstrom or Sephora!

Key Features:

• Size: 6.1 oz.
• Exfoliant: Bamboo charcoal, salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acid
• Skin Type: Normal, combo, oily
• Scent: Multiple options, including fragrance-free 
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

We love a brand that’s not afraid of getting cheeky, so we’re happy to feature frank body in this list. This brand is quite possibly responsible for the coffee scrub craze, so why not try the OG?

As far as body scrubs go, it’s a simple recipe: coffee grounds, brown sugar, and salt sit in a base of almond oil to exfoliate and moisturize all at once. It’s a refreshing and skin-smoothing experience that’ll make your shower smell like your favorite coffee shop.

This scrub is often said to help reduce cellulite, but this is a myth we want to debunk real quick. While caffeine can reduce the look of cellulite, a wash-off scrub made of coffee grounds is not even remotely effective at delivering caffeine to the skin.

That said, it’s a wonderful scrub that’s pleasant to use, and it’s not too expensive. Just make sure to give your shower a good rinse since the coffee grounds like to stick around rather than go down the drain. Find it at Ulta!

Key Features:

• Size: 3.5 oz.
• Exfoliant: Coffee grounds, salt, and brown sugar
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Coffee
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

Kylie Skin was one of the most controversial recent skincare launches, and for the most part, we weren’t too excited about the line. However, this scrub is delightful even if it’s not ground-breaking.

It comes in a really clean white squeeze tube, so definitely pick it up if you’re all about the aesthetic. The formula itself is simple – a mix of sugar and silica in a moisturizing yet cleansing base. It’s a nice choice for most skin types that’ll offer smoother, more hydrating skin but without a greasy residue. 

Price-wise, it’s on the lower end of high-end pricing, so it’s a nice little luxury, especially if you’re a fan of Kylie Jenner. Get it at Nordstrom!

Key Features:

• Size: 8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar and silica
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Coconut
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

This affordable salt scrub is a dream to use. Despite being salt-based, it’s a fairly moisturizing option with glycerin, almond oil, and grape seed oil. While the formula does contain lychee oil, the actual scent is light, so it doesn’t do a great job of camouflaging the scent of the oils.

The salt in here is pink Himalayan salt, which is very pretty and also said to have added health benefits (although we think that’s slightly dubious). If you love the idea of a very oily scrub, but you also have oily skin, it’s a nice choice since the oil blend is light and quite sparse.

The scrub has a slightly crumbly, sandy texture and is less likely to make your shower slippery. It’s best used right before you shower when your skin is still dry. It’s sold on Amazon.

Key Features:

• Size: 10 oz.
• Exfoliant: Pink Salt
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Lightly floral
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

This nourishing scrub was designed both for the body and scalp, so if you need a real head-to-toe remedy, it’s a great choice. It’s a moisturizing yet slightly foaming scrub that will work for anyone that doesn’t like a greasy formula.

The exfoliation here comes from sugar that sits in a nourishing and creamy base. It’s very moisturizing, but once you start massaging it into the skin or scalp, it lathers up, so rinsing is easy. It leaves the skin feeling both clean and soft.

Overall, it’s a great product at a slightly higher than average price point. It smells beautiful (a complex floral scent with rose, bergamot, cedarwood, and a few other essential oils), but it may not work for those with sensitive skin or noses. Order it from Sephora!

Key Features:

• Size: 8.8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Floral but complex
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

Kopari is famous for its coconut oil-based products. If your skin can’t get enough of this wonderful oil, you’ll enjoy this vegan scrub. Made with brown sugar, it’s a gentle, moisturizing formula that binds water to the skin as you exfoliate. A blend of coconut oil and other emollients helps to keep the skin barrier strong and nourished.

This scrub will work best for those with dry skin since coconut oil is a little heavier than other oils. Despite that, we do find that this formula still rinses away nicely, leaving the skin soft and moisturized but not greasy. Sadly, the same isn’t always true for your bathtub, which might be a little greasy after your shower. 

This scrub has a tropical smell rather than a coconut smell, and it’s quite lovely, leaving behind a very slight whiff of sweetness. You can buy it at Sephora or Nordstrom.

Key Features:

• Size: 8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Brown sugar, coconut shell powder
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Sweet and tropical
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

A lot of the scrubs on this list smell incredible (while a few are fragrance-free for those with sensitivities), but this one is our favorite of the bunch. If you’re into sweet, warming scents and you’re not familiar with Sol de Janeiro’s signature fragrance, this is your chance. The fragrance is sweet but not cloying, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and pistachio.

As for the scrubbing action, this scrub definitely delivers a nice exfoliation. It’s made with both sugar and cupuaçu seed powder, which do the job beautifully. They sit in a creamy blend of plant oils and butters, but the ratio of the exfoliant to the base is quite high, so it looks a little sandy and dry in the tub. Despite that, the combination is very moisturizing to the skin.

This scrub is also infused with a bit of synthetic fluorphlogopite, which leaves the skin with a glow after you use it. Price-wise, this scrub is definitely a luxury product, but if you’re all about sensorial experiences, it’s worth the cost. Shop for it at Sephora!

Key Features:

• Size: 7.8 oz.
• Exfoliant: Sugar and cupuaçu seed powder
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, combo, oily
• Scent: Sweet and warm
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/Yes

It’s called a body wash, but this is a body scrub through and through. From Murad, this scrub helps to remove dead skin while also fighting body breakouts. It’s made with 1% salicylic acid, which helps to unclog pores and calm down redness from breakouts.

This scrub exfoliates very lightly with jojoba esters, so it shouldn’t cause issues even if you have active acne. The base itself is a gel that cleanses the skin well and foams up easily, so you’ll definitely want to moisturize after your shower to avoid dryness. All-in-all, it’s a fantastic scrub for those dealing with body acne and oily skin, even if it’s a little expensive. Find it at Sephora!

Key Features:

• Size: 8.5 oz.
• Exfoliant: Jojoba esters, salicylic acid
• Skin Type: Normal, dry, oily, combo
• Scent: Clean
• Cruelty-Free/Vegan: Yes/No