As our showers become longer and our skin care routines become more elaborate, caring for the skin beneath our necks has become an integral element of our self-care regimen. When a short shower rinse isn’t enough, a body scrub is needed for beautiful, smooth skin before applying lotion or body oil. “Body scrubs exfoliate the skin by eliminating dead skin cells, resulting in softer, smoother skin. They can improve skin texture and promote cell turnover. They can also help moisturiser absorb better,” explains Connie Yang, M.D., FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist.
With so many options, InStyle editors tried 30 popular body scrubs for two weeks. We assessed each scrub’s consistency, how easily and evenly it distributed across the body, how well it exfoliated the skin, and how the skin looked and felt after application. Then we whittled it down to the 11 products that gave us the smoothest, most luminous skin.
Why We Love It: This award-winning scrub has acquired a household brand over the years, and it’s easy to understand why: its brown sugar base exfoliates and hydrates skin simultaneously. The combination of skin-softening oils intensifies the scrub’s aroma and provides a spa-like sensation. Our tester enjoyed the scrub’s syrup-like consistency and the fact that the grains were not overly rough. It was mild on the skin while effectively exfoliating it, leaving it feeling “silky smooth.”
Who It’s For: If you’re searching for a tried-and-true product that’s been proven to work for all skin types, including sensitive skin, look no further. It’s easy to apply and leaves skin soft and supple.
Worth noting: Because you use so much product to cover your entire body, the product size may be greater.
Brianne, tester, says, “Very easy to distribute in the shower.” Because it had become syrupy, it was simple to apply all over. I did found that I went through the entire tub very quickly because you need a substantial amount to use all over.”
Why We Love It: This gel-based solution, which contains both physical and chemical exfoliants, removes dead skin cells while whitening the complexion and helping to reduce hyperpigmentation. Despite the potent formulation, it does not irritate or dry out the skin. Our tester notes that it has a delicate consistency and does not feel gritty on the skin. They discovered it removed their dry, dead skin cells.
Who It’s For: Finding a body scrub that works on sensitive skin without being too harsh can be difficult, but this one does it well. Use it to smooth out any rough places.
Worth noting: The product leaks into the cap, wasting some of it.
Jessica, tester: “After using this scrub, my skin is always soft and silky.” It even feels moisturised, however I always use body cream to take it to the next level.”
Why We Love It: Packed with exfoliating acids, this creamy mixture works as both a body scrub and a peel. While this is a physical exfoliator, it isn’t as abrasive as other body scrubs; instead, it feels more like a moisturiser. However, it helps to soften the look of rough skin while still leaving you with bright and balanced skin. Our tester has injury scars, and they report using this cleanser helped to brighten them slightly. Overall, their skin was softer and smoother.
Who It’s For: This scrub is beneficial for eczema-prone skin by reducing dry spots. It also helps to strengthen the skin barrier, resulting in soft skin with no irritation—making it great for sensitive skin.
Worth noting: If you prefer a textured exfoliant with beads or sugar, this one has a more mask-like consistency.
Madison, tester: “I have eczema near/on my hands and elbows, so getting rid of the dry, cracked skin was essential. This absolutely helped to smooth down those bothersome rough patches without drying out my skin any further.”
