Dealing with dry, itchy skin is never fun, but it can be particularly frustrating when even the richest body cream can’t help. This usually means your skin needs serious exfoliation, and body scrub is up to the task. It removes the top layer of dead cells to reveal fresh, smooth skin underneath that can absorb moisture more easily.
A good scrub doesn’t just exfoliate — it can also hydrate the skin and even treat acne, depending on the formula you choose. The best is the M3 Naturals Himalayan Scrub, outstanding at both exfoliating and moisturizing.
You can choose from four main types of body scrubs, which use different abrasive materials to exfoliate the skin.
Besides its abrasive materia, other ingredients make up a body scrub's base. Here are some common ones:
Many thick body scrubs come in a tub, which can get messy since you have to use your fingers to scoop them out. Thinner scrubs often come in a squeeze tube, so you don’t have to worry about a mess or bacteria getting inside.
Many people prefer body scrubs with a pleasant scent, but you’re better off choosing a formula that uses natural fragrances rather than synthetic. Those scented with artificial fragrances can cause irritation for sensitive skin, leading to more dryness and itching.
For a basic body scrub that uses salt, nut shells or coarse sugar, expect to pay $4-$18. A finer scrub with sugar or coffee grounds that exfoliates more gently and hydrates the skin costs $13-$36. An extra-fine, sugar-based body scrub with hydrating ingredients runs $36-$60.
A. Gentle coffee- or sugar-based scrubs can usually be used two to three times a week. If you’re using a salt or coarse sugar scrub, stick to just once a week to avoid irritating your skin.
A. Never use a body scrub to exfoliate your face. Facial skin is much more fragile than the skin on your body, so a body scrub can severely irritate it.
What you need to know: This scrub contains quality ingredients that exfoliate well to reveal brighter, fresher skin.
What you’ll love: Made with Himalayan salt and plant ingredients, it cleanses and moisturizes. It includes collagen and stem cells that nourish as they soften skin.
What you should consider: This scrub is quite coarse, and may irritate sensitive skin.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Target
What you need to know: If you're looking for a body scrub that exfoliates and softens skin for an affordable price, this is the one to get.
What you’ll love: This scrub is made with macadamia nuts that exfoliate the skin. It also contains moisturizing cream and rice milk for skin that's hydrated and nourished.
What you should consider: It's not extremely abrasive, so it's not the best choice for anyone who needs major exfoliation.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Target
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
What you need to know: This highly effective scrub is made with quality ingredients and has a tempting smell.
What you’ll love: It features crushed cupuacu seeds and fine sugar crystals to exfoliate the skin. The formula also contains coconut oil and other plant-based ingredients that are nourishing and hydrating. The scent is pleasant.
What you should consider: It's on the stiff side, which makes it challenging to remove from the jar and rub onto the skin.
Where to buy: Sold by Sephora and Amazon
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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.