The layers are coming off, the sun is coming out – and so too what has become of your limbs in hibernation. If, like me, you’ve been guilty of neglecting the skin that’s not on show, chances are things are looking a little lizard-like, which is where the right body scrub comes in. “The primary function of a body scrub is to accelerate the skin’s natural turnover cycle by removing older, dull skin cells from the surface to reveal newer, brighter ones underneath,” Dr Anna Persaud explains. “This can be achieved through either physical exfoliation (polishing and buffing the skin) or chemical exfoliation (dissolving the lipid bonds that hold dead cells together).”
Our top picks
- Best body scrub for keratosis pilaris: Murad Retexturising Body Pads, £49
- Best naturally scented: 79 Luxe Ultra Smoothing & Detoxifying Body Polish,
£50£27.50 - Best hands-free: Medicube Red Acne Body Peeling Shot, £13
- Best hybrid body scrub: Sol De Janeiro Bom Dia AHA + BHA Body Scrub, £39
- Best sugar scrub: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, £35
- Best for a luxurious glow: Dior J’adore Les Adorables Exfoliating Shimmering Scrub, £78
In this story
Meet the experts
- Dr Kemi Fabusiwa is an NHS doctor specialising in bodycare.
- Dr Anna Persaud is a biochemist and the CEO of luxury skincare label This Works.
What are the benefits of using a body scrub?
Most obviously, a good body scrub will accelerate the shedding of dull, dead skin to reveal a more radiant complexion. This helps you get more out of your body lotions and creams, as they can properly penetrate the skin. “I recommend using them strategically – like before shaving (to help prevent those pesky ingrown hairs), when preparing for a special event, or when your skin just needs that extra boost of renewal.” says Dr Kemi. “They’re particularly beneficial before activities like applying self-tanner or during seasonal changes when your skin might need extra attention.” What’s more, the act of massaging body scrubs into the skin can help move stagnant lymph, decreasing water retention and minimising the appearance of cellulite.
What to look for in a body scrub
According to Dr Anna, some ingredients indicate a quality body scrub formula. Look out for:
- Varied particle sizes: Physical exfoliants (i.e salt or sugar scrubs) with a range of particle sizes are effective at buffing away dead skin from the thicker areas of the body, promoting smoother texture and improved circulation.
- Natural oils rich in essential fatty acids: These oils help replenish and strengthen the skin’s barrier after exfoliation, locking in moisture and reducing transepidermal water loss.
- Polyhydroxy acids (PHAs): Ideal for sensitive or dry skin types, PHAs gently exfoliate the surface without compromising the skin barrier, making them an excellent starting point for facial exfoliation.
- Beta hydroxy acids (BHAs, such as salicylic acid): Especially beneficial for oily or acne-prone skin, BHAs penetrate pores to dissolve excess sebum and reduce congestion.
- Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs, such as glycolic and lactic acid): AHAs offer deeper exfoliation by breaking down the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to brighten dull skin and improve overall tone and texture.
What should you avoid in a body scrub?
- Mineral oils, often denoted by petrolatum or paraffin on ingredient lists, are a processed oil which form an occlusive layer on top of the skin. While they might make skin look lustrous, they sit on dry skin without adding moisture and can potentially clog pores.
- Large, jagged particles are worth steering clear of, says Dr Kemi. “These can create micro tears in the skin,“ she explains.
- Some types of alcohol, such as denatured alcohols strip moisture from the skin, and can interfere with the skin barrier. Not to be confused with fatty alcohols (think: cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, and cetearyl alcoholwhich have moisturising qualities) avoid alcohol denat which can exacerbate dry skin.
How often should I use a body scrub?
“Incorporating body exfoliation into your routine once a week helps maintain healthy skin while avoiding the potential damage caused by over-exfoliation,” says Dr Anna. However, if you’re working with a scrub that uses gentler poly hydroxy acids to exfoliate skin, she recommends upping the frequency to two or three times a week. On particularly thick or callused skin, such as the soles of the feet, you may be able to tolerate more regular use. Keep an eye out for how the skin responds and limit use if sensitivity occurs.
Which body scrub is best for keratosis pilaris?
Kerastosis pilaris, also dubbed “strawberry legs” or “chicken skin” is the result of keratin buildup within hair follicles. Dr Kemi notes that chemical exfoliants can be beneficial as they work by dissolving dead skin cells, so are a safe bet for decongesting clogged pores that cause KP (as well as acneic skin conditions.)
Physical scrubs that don’t contain any actives, on the other hand, are best suited to dealing with surface texture. “As they address superficial dryness, I recommend them for someone with generally healthy skin who just wants a bit of a polish,” the doctor says.
Best for ease: Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Scrub
- Why we love it: If you’re all about convenience, look in the direction of Aesop’s stylish tube. This one squirts out micronised particles of pumice and bamboo, and lathers like a shower gel to yield an all-enveloping scrub. There’s no chance of sticky grit getting stuck under your nails here – a scrub we can get behind. Its essential oils defend against bacteria while leaving skin nourished and smelling incredible.
- Key ingredients: Pumice, bamboo stem extract, bergamot fruit oil
- Scent: Invigorating scent from natural plant extracts and essential oils, including mandarin, geranium and bergamot
Best for your back: Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
Elemis Body Detox Skin Brush
- Why we love it: Not a scrub per se, but if you’re prepared to put in a little elbow grease, you can do no better than Elemis’s body brush. It’s primed for getting into areas that are just out of reach and manually lifts dull skin with firm (but painless) cactus bristles. The handle slides out, which is handy for a spot of dry brushing. I love pairing it with my favourite body scrub for a serious polish that spares my manicures.
Best for intimate areas and ingrowns: Deodoc Fresh Coconut Ingrown Exfoliator
- Why we love it: Developed by gynaecologists, this formula is our favourite for the bikini line. The twist-up stick slides over skin and supplies emollients that soften any texture, while fine pumice exfoliates untangle wayward hairs. Because it transforms into a milky fluid with water, it’s pretty much traceless when rinsed away. Ideal for areas like the armpits and groin where you could do without a greasy film.
- Key ingredients: vitamin E, crushed lava stone, castor oil
- Scent: mild coconut scent
Best for kerastosis pilaris: Murad Retexturising Body Pads
- Why we love it: Physical and chemical exfoliation combine with these pads from Murad. Big enough to sweep over the chest, arms and legs, the woven rounds gently buff away texture, leaving behind a blend of AHAs and BHAs that dissolve skin plugs. We think the no-rinse formula is what makes it so effective – all its active ingredients are left to penetrate and absorb fast without irritating troubled skin. “The azelaic acid here works impressively well to address body breakouts, reducing redness and inflamed bumps.” says contributing writer Tracy Achonwa. “I’ve found it lightens hyperpigmented underarms and blemishes, too.“
- Key ingredients: azelaic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, amino acids, and allantoin
- Scent: fragrance free
Best for a luxurious glow: Dior J’adore Shimmering Scrub
- What we love: Boasting a texture unlike any other scrub on this list, this glistening gel leaves skin sparkling. It is milder on the exfoliation front, skipping coarse crystals in favour of squishy beads that gently buff the skin. When rinsed, it turns into a milky oil that deposits moisture and the iconic J’adore scent, plus leaves traces of gold that give your limbs an ethereal glow.
- Key ingredients: 24k gold, cotton extract, jasmine
- Scent: fresh notes of J’Adore perfume
Best on a budget: Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub
Dove Pomegranate Seeds & Shea Butter Body Scrub
- Why we love it: Proof that an effective exfoliator needn’t cost the earth, this creamy option ticks our boxes thanks to its scent and indulgent slip. Its finely milled seeds target surface dryness, so look elsewhere if you’re after a deeper clean. But if you‘re after something gentle enough for daily use, this is it.
- Key ingredients: pomegranate seed powder, shea butter, jojoba
- Scent: fruity and nutty
Best body scrub for acne: Medicube Body Peeling Shot
- Why we love it: Effortless application is guaranteed with this Korean skincare find. Calling on a host of ingredients known for their keratolytic action, it clears up congestion and dead cells at multiple layers of the skin. Its liphydroxy acids are especially helpful for breaking up clogged oil without irritating the skin. To use, simply spray it on before you get in the shower and let it sit for 60 seconds. The 360 nozzle makes it easy to aim for breakouts that crop up on your back, which can all but disappear after a few weeks of use.
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, succinic acid, AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and LHAs
- Scent: no strong scent
Best naturally scented: 79 Luxe Polish
- Why we love it: A lifelong struggle with eczema led integrative health expert Karen Cummings-Palmer to create her own skincare solutions. This body scrub is one of them, and its formula is one we love. Packed with precious plant extracts preserved in biophotonic glass, it’s incredibly effective at loosening scaly skin. The coarser grit vigorously stimulates circulation, but feels gentle on sensitive areas as it is suspended in soothing oils. We’re obsessed with the aroma this one releases in the shower – derived from flowers that have healing, antibacterial properties, it’s safe on even the most sensitive skin.
- Key ingredients: Himalayan salt, grape seed, jasmine, rose, aloe vera
- Scent: Grounding floral scent
Best sugar scrub: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
- Why we love it: This classic scrub immerses the body in nourishing ingredients for skin that feels remarkably softer after just one use. Sugar is the secret weapon here – it acts as humectant to draw moisture in, while sloughing dead cells off the surface. As an added plus, it leaves you smelling like a fine patisserie. Elsewhere, ginseng extract targets blemishes and ramps up microcirculation, so shop here if your legs tend to swell. Editor’s tip: this formula is positively drizzling with oil, so use it with a scoop to protect your investment.
- Key ingredients: brown sugar crystals, ginseng root extract, peppermint, evening primrose oil and citrus oils
- Scent: sweet spa scent
