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A good body scrub removes dull, dry surface cells, helps lotions absorb and makes skin feel instantly smoother. The right one depends on your skin: sugar scrubs are gentler, salt scrubs are stronger, and charcoal or turmeric scrubs target specific concerns. Below we explain how to choose, how often to exfoliate and compare 13 popular body scrubs.
Descriptions are based on brand information and customer review consensus.
Best Body Scrubs at a Glance
| Body Scrub | Best For |
|---|---|
| Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub – Coco Colada | Best-selling sugar scrub |
| Tree Hut Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub | Bright, citrus scent |
| Tree Hut Pink Hibiscus Shea Sugar Scrub | Floral scent lovers |
| Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub | Stronger exfoliation |
| Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub | Gentle all-over exfoliation |
| Brooklyn Botany Dead Sea Salt and Coconut Milk Scrub | Salt scrub with milder feel |
| Bella and Bear Goddess Sugar Scrub | Vegan, fun scents |
| Dr Teal’s Shea Sugar Body Scrub | Budget option |
| M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub | Oily skin and body breakouts |
| Body Prescriptions Exfoliating Charcoal Scrub for Men | Men’s body care |
| DERMA E Microdermabrasion Scrub | Fine, controlled exfoliation |
| Glo Melanin Turmeric Scrub | Uneven tone on the body |
| Goddess Body Scrub & Unicorn Dreams Bundle | Gift set |
Sugar vs Salt vs Other Body Scrubs
| Type | Exfoliation | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | Gentle, dissolves in water | Most skin types, regular use |
| Salt | Stronger, coarser grains | Rough areas: feet, elbows, knees |
| Charcoal | Medium | Oily, congested skin |
| Coffee | Medium | Rough skin; energising feel |
| Chemical (AHA/BHA body wash) | No grains | Sensitive skin, keratosis pilaris |
How to Choose a Body Scrub
- Sensitive skin: choose a fine sugar scrub without fragrance, or skip physical scrubs for a lactic acid lotion.
- Dry skin: oil-rich sugar scrubs such as Tree Hut leave a moisturising layer.
- Oily skin or body breakouts: charcoal or salicylic acid formulas.
- Before self-tan: exfoliate the day before for an even result.
Best Body Scrubs Reviewed
Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub – Coco Colada
Best for: Best-selling sugar scrub
Tree Hut’s sugar scrubs combine sugar with shea butter and oils, leaving skin soft after rinsing. Coco Colada has a tropical coconut-pineapple scent.
Pros
- Very popular, easy to find
- Moisturising oils
- Affordable
Cons
- Oils make the shower floor slippery
- Strong fragrance
Tree Hut Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub
Best for: Bright, citrus scent
A citrus variant of the Tree Hut formula with an energising scent.
Pros
- Fresh citrus scent
- Same softening base
Cons
- Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin
Tree Hut Pink Hibiscus Shea Sugar Scrub
Best for: Floral scent lovers
The Pink Hibiscus version offers a floral fragrance with the same shea and sugar base.
Pros
- Floral scent
- Hydrating feel
Cons
- Fragranced
Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub
Best for: Stronger exfoliation
A salt scrub with lychee oil and essential oils. Salt is coarser than sugar, so it suits rough areas like feet and elbows.
Pros
- Strong exfoliation
- Large jar
Cons
- Salt stings on cuts or freshly shaved skin
Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub
Best for: Gentle all-over exfoliation
A brown sugar scrub with coconut oil and shea butter for softer skin.
Pros
- Finer sugar granules
- Moisturising
Cons
- Oily residue
Brooklyn Botany Dead Sea Salt and Coconut Milk Scrub
Best for: Salt scrub with milder feel
Combines Dead Sea salt with coconut milk for a scrub that’s slightly softer than pure salt.
Pros
- Pleasant texture
- Moisturising
Cons
- Not for sensitive or broken skin
Bella and Bear Goddess Sugar Scrub
Best for: Vegan, fun scents
A vegan, cruelty-free sugar scrub with playful scents.
Pros
- Vegan
- Whipped texture
Cons
- Small jar for the price
Dr Teal’s Shea Sugar Body Scrub
Best for: Budget option
An affordable shea sugar scrub with essential oils.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to find
Cons
- Scent may be strong
M3 Naturals Charcoal Scrub
Best for: Oily skin and body breakouts
A charcoal and salt scrub marketed for oily skin and clogged pores on the body.
Pros
- Charcoal for oil control
- Multi-area use
Cons
- Can be messy
- Too harsh for the face
Body Prescriptions Exfoliating Charcoal Scrub for Men
Best for: Men’s body care
A charcoal body scrub with a fresh, masculine scent.
Pros
- Good value
- Fresh scent
Cons
- Fragranced
DERMA E Microdermabrasion Scrub
Best for: Fine, controlled exfoliation
A fine-grained scrub with Dead Sea salt and citrus oils from a long-established natural brand.
Pros
- Fine grain
- Natural-leaning brand
Cons
- Pricier
Glo Melanin Turmeric Scrub
Best for: Uneven tone on the body
A turmeric scrub marketed for dark spots on areas like underarms and knees.
Pros
- Targets rough, darker areas
- Turmeric-based
Cons
- Turmeric can stain towels
- Results claims vary
Goddess Body Scrub & Unicorn Dreams Bundle
Best for: Gift set
A bundle with a body scrub, whipped soap and shave cream; good as a gift.
Pros
- Gift-ready bundle
- Multiple products
Cons
- Novelty scents
How to Use a Body Scrub
- Start on damp, warm skin after cleansing.
- Massage a small amount in gentle circles for about 30 seconds per area; let the product do the work.
- Rinse with lukewarm water.
- Pat dry and apply moisturiser right away. Pair it with one of our best body lotions for dry skin.
Avoid scrubbing right after shaving or waxing, and never use body scrubs on sunburned or broken skin. Planning to wax at home? See our best home waxing kits; exfoliating a day or two beforehand helps. Love rich body care? Read our Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream review.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I use a body scrub?
One to two times a week suits most people. Very sensitive skin may only need it once a week or less.
Can I use a body scrub on my face?
No. Body scrubs are too coarse for facial skin. Use a gentle face exfoliant instead.
Are body scrubs suitable for all skin types?
Most people can use a gentle sugar scrub, but people with eczema, rosacea or very sensitive skin should patch-test or choose chemical exfoliants.
Should I moisturise after a body scrub?
Yes. Moisturising right after exfoliating helps lock in hydration while skin is still damp.
Is it better to scrub before or after shaving?
Before. Exfoliating first can help reduce ingrown hairs; scrubbing freshly shaved skin can sting and irritate.
Final Thoughts
For most people, a sugar scrub once or twice a week followed by moisturiser is all you need. Choose salt for rough areas, charcoal for oily skin, and go gentler if your skin is sensitive.
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