There's a lot of hype around skin-care products [1], but more often than not, they're made for your face and neck. What about the rest of your skin? Why aren't we talking as much about the importance of body care, too? It's time to change that — and we're starting with a roundup of the best body scrubs.
As warmer temperatures roll in, you can expect your skin to go through its own transition process. For some people that might come in the form of added oil production, whilst others may experience increased dryness. Either way, it doesn't hurt to exfoliate and get rid of any dead skin that may be clogging up your pores or adding unnecessary texture to the surface. That's where body scrubs come in. Keep scrolling to shop a handful of our favourites, from affordable drugstore formulas [2] to options made for sensitive skin and beyond.
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Body Scrub
Easy to find and under £10, the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish Body Scrub [3] (£6) is a popular choice in the body scrub category. The whipped formula is made from moisturising cream and shea butter for extreme hydration. Prefer a more neutral scent? Try the macadamia and rice milk variation instead.
Beauty Pie Soul Providers Re-Energizing Dry Oil Sugar Scrub
The Beauty Pie Soul Providers Re-Energizing Dry Oil Sugar Scrub [4] (£50) doesn't just make your skin feel silky soft, but using it makes you feel truly happy. It smells fresh and zesty, like a beautiful blend of citrus fruits, and the summery scent lingers long after you've stepped out of the shower. It's a little oilier than other scrubs, but that just means your skin is left feeling ridiculously hydrated after you rinse it off.
Nuxe Rêve de Miel Nourishing Body Scrub
The little scrubbing particles in the Nuxe Rêve de Miel Nourishing Body Scrub [5] (£19.50) are so gentle, that at first you'll wonder if the scrub is actually doing anything. But you'll be pleasantly surprised once you wash it off and realise your skin skin is smooth, supple, and with zero dryness — we certainly were.
Lush Ocean Salt Face and Body Scrub
Consider your perfect do-it-all scrub found; the Lush Ocean Salt Face & Body Scrub [6] (£11) can be used on both your face and body. What's more, it refreshes, exfoliates, and hydrates thanks to a blend of citrus-scented sea salt, coconut oil, and avocado butter.
Rituals The Ritual of Jing Body Scrub
Featuring a scent of lotus flower and jubube, the Rituals The Ritual of Jing Body Scrub [7] (£15) smells like a spa in a jar, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed after slathering it all over your arms and legs. The bamboo particles in the formula are ultra fine, so the scrub itself is supremely gentle, whilst ingredients like coconut oil and glycerin leave your skin feeling soft and hydrated afterwards.
R&R Luxury Shea Sugar Scrub
A formula so good, it's currently sold out on the brand's website, the R&R Luxury Shea Sugar Scrub [8] (£16) is gently exfoliating (thanks to brown sugar), ridiculously hydrating (that would be the shea butter and coconut oil base), and delicately scented with lemongrass essential oil. All-natural, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly, the formula is also sustainably sourced, using shea butter processed by women's cooperative in Ghana.
Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
If you buff and shine your car and shoes, why not show the same commitment to your skin, head to toe? The Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish [9] (£35) makes that simple, featuring real brown-sugar crystals, evening primrose, and a blend of oils to nourish and moisturise your skin.
Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish
It seems like anything Herbivore touches turns to skin- and body-care gold, and that's definitely the case with the Herbivore Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish [10] (£32). A small scoop of the floral-meets-tropical scented scrub is all you need to keep skin healthy and rejuvenated. Bonus: let the product sit on your skin for a few minutes if you want added hydration.
Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub
Another popular brand in the realm of minimally packaged, seriously effective personal-care products is Malin + Goetz. Known for its apothecary roots, it's no surprise that the Malin + Goetz Peppermint Body Scrub [11] (£29) leaves behind an amazing scent as it works to refresh dull skin.
The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub Exfoliator
Want a body scrub that works as good as it smells (if not better)? The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub Exfoliator [12] (£16) might be for you. The oil-based scrub is infused with organic sugar and exfoliating salt grains to soften and moisturise very dry skin — all at an affordable price point.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub With 10% AHA
Keratosis pilaris (also known as "KP" or "chicken skin") is a common issue that causes rough, acne-like bumps to cluster on your skin. Created by an excess amount of keratin, it is virtually harmless but can be itchy, dry, and unsightly. Luckily, there's the First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub [13] (£26) to help. The newly released formula has the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion treatment in one.
SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Hand & Body Scrub
Dry skin got you searching for a cure? Time to call the hydration experts at your local drugstore. The SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Illuminating Hand & Body Scrub [14] (£15) works to nourish, firm, and tone skin. Vitamin E is also included to help fight free radicals.
Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub
Sure, there are hand and body scrubs — even hand and face scrubs. But a Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub [15] (£32)? That's definitely a new one. It's a popular product in celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkin's line, so you won't regret adding this pretty little jar to your shower routine.
Coco & Eve Glow Figure Bali Buffing Sugar Scrub
The exfoliating Coco & Eve Glow Figure Bali Buffing Sugar Scrub [16] (£35) will make your skin feel soft and brand new with its non-sticky texture and heavenly dragonfruit scent.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
Meet the Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator [17] (£22) from Instagram's new It personal-care brand. Not only will this gel-to-foam scrub look perfectly minimal-chic on your vanity or shower ledge, but the formula will also leave your skin feeling smooth and soft.