The 17 Best Body Scrubs for Soft and Glowing Skin, Vetted by Editors, Experts and Reviewers

It’s been a long week and your skin is calling for some much-needed TLC. And one of the best ways to do that is by adding a body scrub to your shower routine. Per skincare experts, exfoliating can help remove dead skin cells, reduce breakouts and promote soft, smooth skin. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, dullness or bumps, there’s a scrub for you.

Below, I compiled a list of the best body scrubs for glowing skin all year long, from my all-time favorite pick Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Scrub to dermatologist-approved products like First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub. But a good scrub is no use if you don’t know how to use it properly, which is why I also tapped the experts to share their tips and tricks for implementing a weekly scrub into your regimen. 

• Dr. Harold Lancer is a board-certified dermatologist with over 40 years of experience in the industry. He also has his own dermatology practice in Beverly Hills and is founder of Lancer Skincare. His celebrity clients include Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Oprah and Margot Robbie.
• Dr. Jacqueline Watchmaker is a board-certified dermatologist with the U.S Dermatology Partners in Phoenix. She practices general and cosmetic dermatology with a focus on skin cancer, acne, skin aging and cosmetic procedures. Dr. Watchmaker is also a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. 

Aside from testing a few myself, I also asked editors and experts to recommend the best body scrubs on the market. They were happy to share their honest reviews of the products, including pros and cons of each product. I also spent hours of research scrolling through popular retailers and scanning reviews of brands that our readers love. From there, I took a closer look at each scrub’s key ingredients, scent notes and exfoliant type. Ahead, a list of the 17 best body scrubs in 2024 vetted by dermatologists, editors and reviewers.  

Want more beauty tips sent right to your inbox? Subscribe here.

• Consider if you need a physical exfoliator. Also known as mechanical exfoliation, these body scrubs physically remove dead skin cells through sugar or salt crystals, pumice or micro-beads. They are typically best for normal, oily and dry skin. Note: If you have sensitive skin, some physical exfoliants might be too harsh and may cause some irritation.
• Or a chemical one. A dermatologist previously told PureWow that a chemical exfoliant can provide a powerful dose of acids to remove "dead dull-looking skin cells, reveal healthy cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and improve skin texture." Their formulas typically have AHAs or BHAs like glycolic acid, lactic acid and/or salicylic acid. Overall, a chemical-based body scrub can help those prone to breakouts, dark spots and/or clogged pores.
• Check for other key ingredients. Whichever you choose, other ingredients might make for nourishing experience in the shower. Most common include shea butter, coconut oil and cocoa butter. As previously mentioned, these emollients can help protect the skin barrier during and after exfoliation.