Name a body ritual more satisfying than exfoliating. Go on, we’ll wait. Serving us soft skin, lifting ingrown hairs and providing the perfect base for Thursday night tanning sessions, body scrubs are one of the oldest and most golden beauty hacks in the book. And while we’ve come a long way from creating our own sugar scrubs over the kitchen sink as teenagers, there’s now so much choice we never know where to start. Traditional scrubs, chemical exfoliants and those which leave us smelling nothing short of delicious, here’s our ultimate low down on the best body scrubs on the market. Silky skin, reveal yourself.
We might all think a body scrub does all the work for us and - thanks to a host of superpower ingredients - it does help us a long way. Acids are here to slough away dead skin cells, while physical exfoliants keep our skin smooth and silky. But, that’s nothing without a little body movement. For a little extra ingredient action, we suggest using all these scrubs in gentle, circular motions for better results. And for a more powerful scrub? Invest in an accessory like an exfoliating mitt or massaging brush. They’re not just for removing your faux glow during a tanning refresh; they’re our secret to a satisfying scrub and your smoothest skin yet.
Cherry Dub - Triple action AHA body scrub
Cherry powered and certified juicy, Fenty pulled another bestseller out of the bag when they launched this super-sweet sugar scrub. Featuring Fruit Enzymes and AHAs alongside your classic sugar base, every ingredient works in tandem to give you soft, silky skin that smells as good as you feel.
Perfect match product: With enough soothe to balance the smooth, we apply generous amounts of this bestselling Skin Butta to lock in hydration for a glossy, sheen effect. A must before we head out-out for the night.
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
Delivering all the benefits of a chemical peel with none of the harsh side effects, First Aid Beauty knew what they were doing when they released this cult exfoliating body scrub. Created specifically for those who have Keratosis Pilaris, its potent blend of 10% Glycolic and Lactic Acids with Pumice Buffing Beads work to loosen the skin’s top layer - then whisk it all away. We love.
Perfect match product: Hoping for some more targeted action? These ingrown hair pads are our go-to for keeping any post-shave irritation at bay. We also like to use these when the temperatures climb to keep our underarms smelling fresh.
Resurface+Glycolic Renewing Scrub
Exfoliants come in many forms, just like this resurfacing scrub from Skinfix. Creamy but powerful, you’ll find Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid alongside gentle exfoliators to smooth skin, refining texture and revealing your natural radiance. Just apply to dry skin before you step into the shower, and rinse away under warm water. We promise you’ll see results within two weeks.
Perfect match product: For barrier building alongside *even more* exfoliating, we turn to Skinfix’s Renewing Cream for a double dose of AHA action - now with added BHAs.
Berry Cheeky Butt Polish
A body polish for our bum? Don’t mind if we do. One of the most common areas for body acne, Truly brings us a super targeted treatment that helps minimise breakouts, slough away dead skin cells and even out any hyperpigmentation caused by acne scarring. Powered by a fruity blend of Berries, Jojoba Beads, and gentle Allantoin, it’s a unique formula we haven’t seen anywhere else - and we’re always wishing away the days until the next time we can enjoy it.
Perfect match product: For an extra hit of acne clearing, we pair Truly’s butt polish with their matching Butt Butter. Formulated with Allantoin and Beta Glucan, dial up the action and the hydration with every single use.
Brown Sugar body scrub
The Sephora Collection body scrub we can’t do without, this is one for the everyday. Gentle enough to use every time you’re in the shower, and powerful enough to make a difference, it’s packed with brown sugar and natural AHAs right to the brim. The best part? Despite the melting texture, you’re never left with an oily film, only smooth, soft skin that radiates. Perfect match product: Keep this body exfoliator working its best by smoothing on in circular motions with Sephora Collection’s Exfoliating Gloves. Made for use in the shower or bath, they’ll help the ingredients of your scrub penetrate deeper for extra-silky skin.Best for gentle exfoliation
The Body Exfoliator Eucalyptus
The clue is in the name: this scrub is absolutely necessary, but don’t be fooled into thinking that doesn’t make it luxurious. Our weekly treat, it’s fuelled by a mix of chemical and physical exfoliants for a sensory scrubbing experience. Expect Volcanic Pumice, Charcoal Bamboo, AHA, BHA, PHA, and Niacinamide coming together with a delicate, Eucalyptus scent and gentle cleanse. What’s not to love?
Perfect match product: Once you’ve scrubbed and rinsed, make sure to wash away the daily grime with Necessaire’s matching Eucalyptus Body Wash. Or, you can keep waste to a minimum and try their exfoliating Body Bar.
Body Scrub Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow
There is nothing - and we mean nothing - we love more than a trip to the spa. But for when our pockets don’t stretch that far (or we’re resetting in home sweet home), we always choose ELEMIS’ Salt Glow. Infused with the luxurious, tropical scent of Frangipani and Hibiscus, this indulgent formula melts onto skin and sloughs away dead skin cells with Mineral-rich salts. And with no fear of dry skin post-scrub, Tahitian Monoi Oil seals in moisture for a super soft finish.
Perfect match product: Keep the spa experience going by smoothing ELEMIS’ fan-favourite Monoi Body Oil onto damp skin. Our top tip? You can also use this on the ends of your hair to enjoy its tropical scent with every swish.