BODY care is just as important as skincare for a perfected routine, and body scrub may just be the most underrated beauty essential.
The best body scrubs improve texture and appearance from the neck down, with immediate results from the first use.
Buffing away dead skin cells and impurities to reveal soft skin feels like the ultimate act of self-care, which is needed more than ever during the winter months.
Body scrubs are made with exfoliating formulas like salt, coffee grounds and almond shells to target the skin without stripping it of its natural oils.
Best body scrubs at a glance
As an avid fake-tanner, (read my roundup of the best best tans), I’ve been using body scrubs for years to prep my skin and remove product build-up.
I’ve rounded up some of my all-time (and new) favourites, with options for sensitive, dry and rough skin.
The multifunctional product also helps with various skin concerns including clogged pores and ingrown hairs.
Cold weather calls for extra beauty TLC, so there’s no better time to get scrubbing for smoother and brighter skin (even if it’s mostly hidden for the next few months).
Best body scrubs
L’Occitane Almond Body Scrub
L’Occitane Almond Body Scrub, £24
Pros: Buffs the skin effortlessly, feels hydrating, smells amazing, lathers well, gentle
Cons: Less product for your money than other scrubs
Rating: 9.5/10
All of L’occitane’s products feel luxurious, and the Almond Body Scrub is no exception with its lightweight formula and incredible scent.
The brand has nailed the balance between deep exfoliation and hydration, which is why I can see it being a favourite with sensitive skin types.
It buffs away impurities with its crushed almond shells, while the almond oil helps to keep the skin feeling fresh and nourished.
The scrub is one of the easiest to apply as it lathers up (meaning you don’t have to be rough to get the desired effect), and it washes away without leaving any residue.
A lot of scrubs I’ve tested come in a tub, but I like that L’Occitane’s version is easier for travelling, although I see myself having to repurchase sooner than some of the other options.
Best for: Sensitive skin, Exfoliant blend: Crushed almond shells, Size: 200ml
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub, £29.35 (was £39)
Pros: Provides deep exfoliation, leaves skin feeling soft, signature 62′ scent, only need a small amount, pretty packaging
Cons: Thick consistency isn’t as easy to apply as others, expensive
Rating: 9.5/10
Sol de Janeiro’s Body Scrub is my favourite for deep exfoliation before fake tanning.
It’s made with a blend of crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar seeds for getting rid of dead skin cells and the remainder of my tan, leaving behind a fresh, smooth feel.
I was surprised by the heavy consistency at first, as it doesn’t glide across the skin as well as other scrubs.
My mind soon changed from how silky smooth it left my skin feeling (and the formula is easier to blend once it’s mixed with water).
The Bum Bum Scrub also contains coconut oil for hydration without leaving behind any residue, and it comes in the brand’s signature Cheirosa 62′ scent.
It’s expensive, but you only need a small amount for thorough exfoliation.
Best for: Prepping for fake tan, Exfoliant blend: Sugar crystals and cupuaçu seeds, Size: 220g
Ouai St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub
Ouai St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub, £36
Pros: Suitable for use on body and scalp, lovely scent, feels luxurious, large tub
Cons: Expensive
Rating: 9/10
Ouai’s body scrub is constantly cropping up on my TikTok, so I had to see if it’s really worth the hype.
The scrub started as a limited-edition version of the brand’s original Scalp and Body Scrub in a St. Barts scent, and returned for good after being such a hit.
It has a thick, creamy texture that left my skin feeling smooth and refreshed, and is enriched with coconut oil to ensure it doesn’t strip the skin of its natural moisture.
The scrub definitely takes the top spot when it comes to scent, with a warm tropical fragrance that feels like a holiday in a tub.
It’s expensive at £36, so it’s one for those looking to splurge on a luxury self-care routine.
I haven’t yet used it on my scalp, but online reviewers have raved about how it helped them with removing product build-up.
Best for: Dry skin, Exfoliant blend: Sugar crystals and cupuaçu seeds, Size: 220g
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Scrub
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Body Scrub, £9.11
Pros: Chocolate scent, leaves a slight glow to the skin, affordable, gentle exfoliation, hydrating
Cons: Doesn’t exfoliate as well as other options
Rating: 8/10
The Palmer‘s Cocoa Butter Body Scrub has been given an upgrade, with a new formula that now hydrates the skin as well as exfoliating.
It feels more like a cream than a scrub with its smooth texture, buffing the skin without feeling harsh.
Because of this though, it didn’t feel like it was getting as deep into the skin as other options.
However, if I were to test the scrub blindly, I would guess it to be far more expensive than it is.
The formula is enriched with cocoa butter, shea butter and Vitamin C, with a strong chocolate scent that lingers on the skin.
Best for: A subtle glow, Exfoliant blend: Crushed cocoa beans and walnut shell powder, Size: 200g
No7 Beautiful Skin Gorgeous Glow Body Scrub
No7 Beautiful Skin Gorgeous Glow Body Scrub, £11.21 (was £14.95)
Pros: Feels soft on the skin, good value for money, rich texture
Cons: Glass tub feels impractical
Rating: 8/10
If you like a thick scrub that feels like it’s getting right into the pores, No7’s exfoliator is one worth considering.
Enriched with walnut shell, almond oil, argan oil and rosehip seeds, the creamy texture cleanses away the dead skin cells without taking away moisture.
It’s made with natural ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin, finished with a refreshing scent that’s strong without being overpowering.
My only gripe is that the scrub is packaged in a glass tub, so it feels unnecessarily bulky and wouldn’t be suitable for taking away on trips.
It has glowing reviews on the Boots website, and one shopper dubbed it a dupe of Jo Malone’s £50 Body Scrub.
Best for: Deep exfoliation, Exfoliant blend: Walnut shell, Size: 270g, Suitable for sensitive skin?
Daise Coconut Glow Body Scrub
Daise Coconut Glow Body Scrub, £6.40 (was £8)
Pros: Great value for money, choice of different scents, pretty packaging
Cons: Doesn’t exfoliate as well as other scrubs, slightly sticky
Rating: 7/10
Founded by the creator behind Monday haircare, Daise has become a popular high-street brand best-known for its Foaming Body Wash.
Made with finely ground walnut shells, the scrub gently buffs and exfoliates, and while it didn’t leave my skin as soft as some of the premium scrubs, I was impressed with the results.
The scrub is incredible value for money with £510g for under £10, and the wide tub ensures you can get every last bit of product out.
The blue formula, coconut scent and vibrant packaging make it a great option for teens getting in to scrubs for the first time, particularly as it doesn’t feel too rough on the skin.
Best for: Beauty fans on a budget, Exfoliant blend: Walnut shell powder, Size: 510g
How I tested
As Sun Shopping’s beauty expert, it’s my job to test everything from viral trends (see my Korean skincare roundup) to everyday essentials (best shampoos and best razors).
I’ve used each body scrub over days and weeks to see how effectively each one exfoliates the skin.
I also considered how my skin felt after using, the scent, consistency, ingredients and value for money.
While I have quite dry skin that needs body scrubs regularly (particularly as I fake tan), I also judged each scrub one how effective they would be for other skin types.
How to use body scrub
The best way to use body scrub is to apply in the shower or bath, as the warm water opens the pores for the most impact when removing dead skin cells.
When the skin is wet, apply the scrub in circular motions, giving extra focus to rough areas (like the knees and elbows).
Scrubs are usually recommended to be used between one to two times per week, depending on the individual’s skin type.
As the formulas can be rough, those with sensitive skin may prefer to stick to using once a week, while those with clogged pores or rough skin could reach for a scrub up to three times a week.
What is the best body scrub for strawberry legs
Strawberry legs is the term used for clogged follicles on the skin that occur as a result of shaving, dead skin or ingrown hairs.
Body scrubs help to buff away the impurities in the skin, leaving the legs looking and feeling smoother.
Most exfoliating scrubs can be used to help with strawberry legs, but some are specifically designed to treat them, including First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub (which is on sale for £8).
It’s racked up positive reviews online, with plenty of shoppers commenting on how it helped with smoothing out bumps.
How often should you scrub your body
Once a week is generally considered the best amount of times to use body scrub each week.
Over-exfoliating can damage the skin, and those with sensitive skin are more likely to be negatively impacted by using a scrub too frequently.
Typically oily skin can handle more exfoliation, but it’s worth starting off by scrubbing once a week, building up over time if needed.
If the skin starts feeling irritated, red or extra sensitive from scrubbing, it’s best to use less frequently, giving the skin type to regenerate.
Can you use body scrub on your face
The skin on our face is far thinner and sensitive than on our bodies, so using scrubs on the face can be damaging.
The formulas are designed to be rough in order to buff away dirt and impurities, while our face needs less exfoliation and gentler products.
For managing rough skin and clogged pores on the face, there are plenty of options around.
Rather than thick, harsh scrubs, the skincare products usually come in the form of face masks, pre-soaked pads or liquid acids.
I recently tested Medicube’s Pore Pads, and I found to be highly effective for removing dead skin cells and blackheads, while brightening my skin.
