I never realised how much I needed body scrubs until I made it a non-negotiable in my beauty routine. Not only does my skin feels impossibly soft, but regular exfoliating has helped erase that awkward stage between fake tanning sessions where my dry patches start to resemble tiger bread. After testing countless body scrubs, from coffee-crystal exfoliants to silky chemical polishers, I’ve discovered those dreamy formulas that truly transform texture, tackle dryness, dissolve dullness, and leave skin gleaming.
With so many options – from sugar scrubs, coffee blends, salt crystals, and even chemical exfoliators laced with AHAs and BHAs – it can be hard to know which formulas are genuinely worth your bathroom shelf space. That’s why we’ve put the most hyped exfoliators to the test and spoken to dermatologists and skin experts to find out what really works. Whether you’re chasing spa-worthy smoothness, banishing ingrown hairs, or prepping your body for that flawless fake tan, these are the best body scrubs the GLAMOUR team have personally tried and loved.
From the science behind sloughing away dead skin cells to the insider tricks for keeping your glow long after you’ve rinsed off, consider this your expert-approved guide to the very best body scrubs on the market right now.
Meet the experts
How we tested the best body scrubs
At GLAMOUR, we know that exfoliating can be deeply personal – what feels like a dreamy spa ritual for one person might feel overly abrasive for another. That’s why our beauty team put a wide range of scrubs to the test, trialling each formula over several weeks to see how they really performed on real skin. We considered everything: texture (is it grainy, creamy, or oil-rich?), how it spread and rinsed off in the shower, the scent experience, and most importantly, how skin felt afterwards.
We also kept a close eye on how scrubs worked alongside fake tan, whether they helped reduce ingrown hairs, and if the glow lasted beyond just one use. The result? An edit of body scrubs that genuinely deliver, from budget-friendly heroes to luxury jars you’ll want to display proudly on your bathroom shelf.
Why do we need a body scrub?
Technically, our body kind of scrubs itself – naturally, our skin turns over its cells regularly, shedding old dead cells to reveal shiny fresh new ones. But when dead cells hang about for longer than they’re needed (a very normal occurence), it can lead to dull-looking skin, clogged pores – which can result in build-up and breakouts – and ingrown hairs.
What are the benefits of a body scrub?
“Body scrubs and exfoliators are a great way to help achieve soft silky skin,” confirms facialist and skin expert, Michaella Bolder. “Using a body exfoliator will work to buff away dead skin cells, stimulate blood flow and aid lymphatic drainage leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft and with a more even-looking skin tone. They can also help to prevent ingrowing hairs and unclog pores to improve your overall skin condition,” she adds.
Is a physical or chemical exfoliator better?
As with facial exfoliators, we have options when it comes to how to polish our bod. You can choose between physical or chemical exfoliators. “Physical exfoliators typically contain abrasive particles like sugar, salt, or ground seeds that physically scrub away dead skin cells. They can be effective but may be too harsh for sensitive or easily irritated skin,” explains Amanda Azzopardi, aesthetic nurse and founder of Amanda Azzopardi Aesthetics. “Chemical exfoliators contain ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) that dissolve dead skin cells and promote cell turnover without the need for scrubbing. They are often gentler and suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Ultimately, the best exfoliator for you depends on your skin’s needs and tolerance level,” she says.
“I advise clients with more sensitive or acne prone skin to opt for a chemical exfoliator as they will be less forceful,” says Michaella. This tends to mean body washes or moisturisers containing AHAs that lift away dead skin cells the same way a brightening face mask would. “I would typically choose my scrub depending on my desired result or my skin’s needs,” she adds. “For example I would use a chemical exfoliator for weekly use or when I may be experiencing clogged pores (especially the back area) but then would look to use a physical scrub before shaving or tanning to really buff away dead skin cells and leave my skin feeling silky smooth,” she says.
What body exfoliators should I use?
How and when should I use a body scrub?
Balance is key to avoid damaging or stripping your skin. “The frequency and method of using a body scrub depend on your skin type and preferences. For most people, using a body scrub once or twice a week is sufficient to maintain healthy, glowing skin,” says Amanda. “A body scrub isn’t something you would use everyday as this would be of detriment to the skin’s barrier function. I would recommend using a body scrub 2-3 times a week and particularly if you’re planning on applying fake tan,” agrees Michaella.
As for optimal conditions, “it’s best to use a body scrub in the shower or bath when your skin is damp, as this helps to soften the skin and enhance the exfoliation process,” says Amanda. “Gently massage the scrub onto your skin using circular motions, focusing on areas that tend to be rough or dry, such as elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse off thoroughly with warm water after scrubbing to reveal smoother, refreshed skin,” she says.
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