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May 20, 2022
If you’re on the lookout for smoother, brighter skin everywhere (honestly, who isn’t?), A body exfoliator is a must-have shower. For some reason, many body scrubs, buffing tools, and the like are associated with major skin pampering: to use only when you have enough time to sink into your tub, read a book, and fix your problems. Probably because it takes a little longer to give yourself a proper scrub than putting pressure on an AHA face mask. You’re dealing with a lot more surface area. But, Oops, The result is worth it.
The best body exfoliators remove buildup to keep skin soft and fresh, a must add to your weekly routine. Whether you choose scrubs, lotions or dry brushes, we’ve worked on finding viable options that won’t harm your skin, all made with natural ingredients.
How we picked:
Good ingredients for the skin
We’re not just looking for clean, naturally occurring ingredients – we’re looking for alternatives that feed the skin nutrients.
We don’t believe in being harsh on your skin, so we have chosen options that are not too abrasive. But of course: we want to get this done.
A good body exfoliator can be of many types, from chemical to physical. We’ve included a plethora of options so you can find one that works for you.
We wanted to include formulas that could address different skin types and needs.
Mbg picks for the best body exfoliators of 2022:
Professional
- Exfoliates and moisturizes
- Creamy texture
Considerations: Cruelty is free, Physical exfoliator
Expect to see an instant difference in your skin after application. Our beauty testers say that the scrub brightens your complexion, smoothes skin textures and keeps moisture barrier intact, thanks to its rich, creamy texture. No flaky, itchy skin, here. The formula calls for fine sea sand and pumice powder to gently steam the skin, as well as St. John’s wort and Echinacea extract for their anti-inflammatory properties. Then for some welcome moisture and buttery feeling, you will get hyaluronic acid, glycerin, olive oil and sunflower seed oil.
Professional
- Combines exfoliation and moisturizing
Cons
- Glycolic acid can be annoying
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Chemical exfoliators
No time for a body scrub pre-shower? Fold an AHA lotion and wash off after your routine. You are already laundering after your bath, however (Okay?), And this acid-containing formula can play a double role: in addition to glycolic, tartaric, lactic and citric acids to rejuvenate the skin, marula and shea butter help to lock in all the moisture and nourish your complexion.
Cons
- Some prefer a stronger option
Considerations: Cruelty is free, Physical exfoliator, Chemical exfoliators
Pesky ingrowns have no match for this scrub. It contains a mixture of both chemical exfoliators (glycolic acid and lactic acid) and body particles (jojoba and castor oil beads) to prepare your skin for the smoothest shave. Despite its double exfoliating ability, the formula is gentle enough to use on more sensitive areas, such as the underarm or bikini line.
Professional
- Great for oily skin
- Double as body mask
Cons
- Essential oils can be irritating
- Expensive
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Physical exfoliator
If you want to pamper all your senses for a few days, look no further than this physical exfoliator. With sea salt grains, colloidal oatmeal gently makes the skin glow – and the smell of fresh lavender-lemongrass is impossible to ignore. Hot tip: leave the scrub as a mask for a few minutes; It also contains bentonite clay, which can help pull any gun out of a hole.
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Fragrance free, Physical exfoliator
Don’t sleep on a quality textured mat. These body exfoliators stimulate circulation through the massaging speed, which helps to reduce fine lines and helps in lymph flow to reduce buildup and swelling. We especially like this double-sided meat, as it has a wet and dry side for use in the shower or outside the shower. This is a game changer for those who do not have time to spray.
Professional
- Mild formula
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Less of a “scrub” feeling
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Sensitive skin-safe, Physical exfoliator, Chemical exfoliators
Yes, this formula contains glycolic acid, salicylic acid and bamboo charcoal powder, but it is actually mild enough for sensitive skin. It just has a “scrub” feeling, unless you use an exfoliator on dry skin and emulsify a bit while massaging. If you have very sensitive skin, you may want to choose the fragrance-free version of the brand – but this eucalyptus fragrance is heavenly, if you can handle it.
Professional
- Great for acne-prone or oily skin
Cons
- Not the best for sensitive skin
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Fragrance free, Chemical exfoliators
Ever had an AHA serum slider on your facial pre-moisturizer? Well, here is a body care version. This gel-serum contains lactic acid and urea which can solve any of your textural or tonal concerns, while aloe, centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid help to hydrate and soothe. Apply it on dry (not damp) skin, so that the active ones can penetrate easily, then layer with your favorite body lotion.
Professional
- Stimulates circulation and lymphatic drainage
Cons
- Recipients take longer to see change
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Sensitive skin-safe, Fragrance free, Physical exfoliator
The dry brush manually removes dead skin cells from the top layer of skin, improves its appearance and makes the following topical treatments more effective (besides other benefits, which you can read about here). That said, you want a stiff bristle that can’t rub too much: we like this 100% vegan number, which is made from sisal (derived from plant fibers) and beech wood.
Cons
- Reviewers report an intense odor
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Sensitive skin-safe, Physical exfoliator, Chemical exfoliators
If you work with Keratosis Pilaris (KP), a product called “KP Bump Eraser” sounds like a pretty safe bet, doesn’t it? And it’s not just marketing: it contains pumice buffing beads for physically smooth textures, glycolic and lactic acids to whiten pores and vitamin E for skin conditions. A bonus: it is completely odor free, so those who are sensitive to odor can easily join the party.
Best for dull skin: Skinfix Resurface + Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
Skinfix Resurface + Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
Look at Sephora $ 32
Cons
- Can be very abrasive for sensitive skin
Considerations: Vegan, Cruelty is free, Fragrance free, Physical exfoliator, Chemical exfoliators
Another double-duty scrub, this formula contains both AHA and naturally occurring BHAs to loosen dead skin cells and polish your complexion. It contains fruit extract (lemon and orange) to help brighten the skin, so you will see a gorgeous instant glow.
Considerations: Cruelty is free, Chemical exfoliators
With 10% lactic acid and 2% salicylic acid, this serum is a strong acne-fighter. If that AHA-BHA mixture keeps you running towards the mountains, don’t panic: it contains a mixture of shea butter, prickly pear leaf juice and honey extract (like propolis and royal jelly) together for your skin condition. Slider on clean, dry skin, apply body lotion and wake up on smooth, hydrated skin.
How often should you exfoliate your body?
This is a common question প্রয়োজন which requires thoughtful consideration, because going overboard can lead to some unpleasant reactions. Read: Irritation, redness, inflammation and overall raw, tight skin. Ouch. “The most important tip is to ‘more or less.’ You want to exfoliate enough to increase cell turnover and reveal new skin, “said Efe Rodney, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology.
What does this mean for the body? If you have a tendency to dry skin, stick once a week; If you have oily or combination skin, you can avoid it twice or even three times a week. Your body Maybe You will be able to handle more active activities than the delicate skin of your face, but we recommend starting at a slower pace and working your way up to more frequent cadence.
Just be aware that even the smallest everyday things can exfoliate your skin, sometimes you don’t even know it – such as using a loofah for cleansing or after washing with a terry cloth towel. On that note, check your cleanser to make sure you are not using any AHA-admission formula. You don’t want to pile on too much exfoliating active.
Oh, and just as important as regular exfoliation? Moisturize your skin later. Exfoliation without hydration is a recipe for weak skin barrier. (These are our favorite body lotions to support skin barriers.)
MBG review process.
In MBG, high values are achieved — and there are no shortcuts. Our beauty editors stay up to date on the latest ingredients research and innovation. It’s a dynamic, constantly evolving space, and it’s important that we keep an eye on science so that we can make conscious choices (figuratively) about which formulas get our stamp of approval.
Our high standards also come from test products — many, many products Our editors and authors rigorously examine and research the products featured in our roundups to offer you the best, most informed recommendations. When we write reviews, you can believe that we spend quality time with formulas: we are not just overwhelmed with the products left behind. We approve of products we have tried and liked
Learn more about our testing process and the quality of clean beauty here.
Takeway.
You can snatch an enzyme face mask or acid-soaked pill pad to brighten the skin and relieve textural anxiety, you can send something of that love to your body. And if you want to go the DIY route, that’s fine too — here’s how to make your own luxury mix at home.