Whether you’re smoothing a patchy tan or buffing away dull winter skin, a good body scrub is your shower caddy’s secret weapon to baby-soft, glowing skin. Below, our beauty desk reveals the formulas that actually work – tried, tested, and editor-approved
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We’ll lavish our faces with seven serums, yet the best body scrub barely gets a look-in. Unlike chemical options, a body scrub is a hands-on physical exfoliator: a thick, grainy blend that sweeps away spent skin cells in under two minutes. Unflashy as it seems, a good scrub is the quiet workhorse of your shower routine, revealing silky-smooth, touch-me-now limbs. And when cold snaps and seasonal shifts leave us looking more greige than beige, a quick scrub lifts the gloom.
Below, explore the dos and don’ts of body scrubbing and the formulas our editors have tried, tested and happily reordered.
The best body scrubs to buy in 2025:
Best overall body scrub
What it is: A dual-use sugar scrub designed for both scalp and body. Contains coconut oil, fermented rice water, and sugar crystals. Lightly foams on contact and scented with Ouai’s tropical St Barts fragrance.
Why we love it: There’s something addictive about this sugar-meets-foam texture. It melts just fast enough for a thorough massage but is never scratchy nor overly greasy. Best of all? It frees up shower clutter (one jar, head to toe) and leaves a lingering scent that’s basically a vacation in a bottle.
Best body scrub for keratosis pilaris
What it is: A derm-designed dual-action scrub that combines fine pumice with 10 per cent glycolic and lactic acid to clear KP bumps and texture fast without fragrance or harsh surfactants.
Why we love it: This one's earned its cult status: it’s clinical without feeling clinical. The acid-grit duo works double time, meaning you'll get the satisfying scrub feel with the long-game results of a pore-plug busting acid. Arms look clearer, feel softer, and the no-nonsense formula doesn’t mess with sensitive skin. It's the one scrub derms actually recommend, and rightly so.
Best coffee body scrub
What it is: A gritty, no-nonsense scrub made with roasted Robusta grounds, sweet almond oil, vitamin E and sea salt. 100 per cent natural, cruelty-free and unapologetically messy.
Why we love it: Yes, it’s messy. But that’s half the fun. The coffee scent is strong (in a good way), and the scrub leaves limbs properly buffed and lightly moisturised thanks to the almond oil base. Especially great pre-tan or post-hike, when your skin needs a proper reset – Plus, one re-sealable sachet lasts ages!
Best sugar body scrub
What it is: A blend of raw sugar, shea butter and almond oil, scented with soft coconut and a subtle undercurrent of cedar. Housed in a good-looking jar with recyclable credentials.
Why we love it: Everything about this feels considered, from the melt-on-skin sugar granules to the grounding (not to sweet) scent. The finish is milky, not oily, and skin stays soft for hours. It's proof that gentle and effective don't have to be opposites. Bonus: you’re supporting local, female-founded beauty that’s good for skin and planet.
Best body scrub for sensitive skin
What it is: A fragrance-free, cream-based scrub with ultra-fine polyethylene beads (yes, safe and rounded) suspended in an aloe-rich base. Non-acnegenic and allergy-tested, as you’d expect from Clinique.
Why we love it: This is what you reach for when everything else feels like too much. The beads are barely there but somehow still get the job done, and the formula leaves skin polished without a trace of redness. Ideal for post-waxing, post-shaving, or just skin that needs a gentler touch.
Best body scrub for dry skin
What it is: A dense, buttery scrub packed with sugar crystals, crushed cupuaçu seeds and guaraná extract. Enriched with coconut oil and scented like the brand’s iconic Cheirosa 62 fragrance (pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla).
Why we love it: This one turns dull winter skin glow and dewy on contact. The grains are coarse but never harsh, and the oil-rich base clings just long enough to deeply hydrate. Plus, that scent? It sticks around in the best way, leaving you smelling like a sun-drenched Brazilian beach day.
Best smelling body scrub
What it is: A sugar-based scrub infused with cherry blossom, rice milk, camellia oil, and jojoba oil. Contains 91 per cent natural origin ingredients.
Why we love it: This is for those scent-sational shower moments as the sakura notes are floral but not heady, and the oils linger lightly on the skin for hours. The process that reads vaguely ceremonial, as the sugar granules offer a satisfying polish only to dissolve mid-rinse into a soft silky-smooth veil.
Best affordable body scrub
What it is: A vegan, lightly scented sugar scrub enriched with oat, sunflower, and rapeseed oils.
Why we love it: It feels (and smells) like a much pricier product. The texture is like soft sorbet, and the oils rinse clean without leaving skin squeaky. We’d use it even if it wasn't considered budget, and the fact that it is just makes it even easier to recommend. Plus, it’s made locally – good for your carbon conscience and your limbs.
What are the benefits of a body scrub?
Think of body scrubs as a shortcut to glow. They buff away dead cells, smooth out rough spots, and get blood flowing for that post-shower pinkness we all chase. Over time, they help moisturiser sink in deeper, fake tan go on smoother, and skin feel... well, like skin again. If your limbs look a little grey around February? This is your fix.
How do you use a body scrub?
Start with clean, damp skin as warm water softens the surface. Take a small scoop and massage in gentle circular motions, working upward from feet to heart. If you’re shaving afterwards, scrub first and shave second; otherwise rinse and pat dry. Moisturise immediately to lock in hydration.
How often should you exfoliate your body?
For most of us, two to three times a week is the sweet spot. Sensitive skin? Once is plenty. If you’re oilier, or dealing with things like keratosis pilaris, you might get away with more. The trick is finding your rhythm. Remember, scrubbing shouldn’t sting, and your skin should never feel tight. Listen to it, and adjust as needed.
Can body scrubs help with keratosis pilaris?
Yes, and when used regularly, they really can make a difference. Look for ones that combine fine physical exfoliants with acids like glycolic or lactic. Together, they help shift the keratin build-up behind those tiny bumps. Skip anything with sharp chunks or heavy fragrance; gentle and steady is the way to go when whisking away chicken skin.
Is salt or sugar better in a scrub?
Sugar’s the softer option and great if your skin’s sensitive or easily overwhelmed. Salt’s a little punchier, better for rougher patches or when you want a bit more “grit”. The real trick is texture: grains that melt away gently beat anything sharp or scratchy.
Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?
Always before. Exfoliating lifts dead skin and clears the way for a smoother, closer shave. It also helps ward off ingrown hairs. Scrub first, shave second, moisturise after. Just go easy and your razor (and your legs) will thank you.
Do you exfoliate before or after cleansing?
Usually after. Clean skin often equals better exfoliation, since you’re not scrubbing over oil, sweat or SPF. That said, some scrubs (especially oil-based ones) are designed for dry application pre-shower. Check the label and go with what feels best for your skin.
Can I use a body scrub on my face?
Not a good idea. Facial skin’s thinner and more delicate, and body scrubs are made to tackle tougher terrain. Using one on your face risks irritation, redness, or microtears. Stick to exfoliants made for your face as they’re gentler, smarter, and your skin will be better off for it.
Can body scrubs help with dark spots?
They can help a little by speeding up cell turnover and revealing newer, brighter skin underneath. But for deeper pigmentation, you’ll need backup: think vitamin C, niacinamide, AHAs. Scrubs can support your routine, but they’re not a silver bullet. And yes, SPF is non-negotiable.
What should I avoid after exfoliating?
Skip saunas, sunbathing, or layering on strong actives for a few hours post-scrub. Your skin’s just done some heavy lifting so now’s the time to calm, hydrate, and protect. As such, exfoliating is an excellent evening activity.
Should you exfoliate before self-tan?
Always, and ideally 24 hours beforehand. A gentle scrub removes dry patches so colour develops evenly and fades cleanly. Rinse well, skip body lotion until the tan is on and set, then hydrate daily to keep the glow.
Body scrub or dry brushing, which is better?
Dry brushing is quick, product-free and great for boosting circulation; sugar or salt scrubs give a deeper polish and add moisture. Do the brush before your shower, reach for an exfoliator in the shower – just not on the same day if your skin is sensitive.
How do you make a body scrub at home?
Totally doable, no weird ingredients required. Mix one part granulated sugar (or salt) with one part carrier oil (like olive, almond, or jojoba). Scoop into a jar and add a drop or two of essential oil for scent. Before using, stir to combine, then massage onto skin in the shower and rinse clean. Store in a cool, dry spot: it’ll keep for a couple weeks.