Hundreds of products come across our desks every month, but not all of them deliver on their claims or live up to the hype. (Not everything that goes viral on TikTok is a miracle worker.) This is our exclusive curation of the best-in-class body-care products receiving rave reviews from our team and hitting shelves right now.
Beekman 1802 Sunshine Body Scrub ($38)
There’s a big product boom happening in the world of keratosis pilaris right now—you know, those stubborn little red bumps that are often referred to as chicken skin, or more commonly, KP? If you don’t have them, lucky you—they’re a huge pain. After seeing tons of people complain about their KP on TikTok, Beekman founders Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Dr. Brent Ridge decided to create a solution.
This bright-yellow, plant-based body scrub combines the chemical exfoliation of 7.5-percent polyhydroxy acid with the physical exfoliation of pumice to smooth aggravated skin with each use, and is dermatologist-tested and approved for use on KP. I also love the addition of the brand’s signature prebiotic goat milk and antioxidant-rich golden beet extract to nourish skin as well, which makes it sensitive-skin friendly too. And if you expected it to smell like citrus like I did, you’ll be surprised to find out it’s actually fragrance-free.
Deeps Sleep Science Sleep Patch ($35 for five patches)
Every naturally derived better-sleep ingredient I’m familiar with is packed into this tiny patch, including four cannabinoid isolates (CBD, CBN, CBG and CBC), melatonin, valerian and lavender. But the brand didn’t stop there: It also included proven stress-relievers like ashwagandha and L-theanine, and other calm-inducers like lemon balm and passion flower. The DEEPS team worked with sleep scientists, doctors and herbalists for a year and a half to get the formula right.
Just apply the sticker-like, hypoallergenic patch to the inside of your wrist 30 minutes before bed and let it help you doze off, and also stay asleep longer (you can wear it for up to 12 hours). It’s also water-resistant, so though you shouldn’t shower in it of course, you can do your evening skin-care routine with it on and a few splashes of water should do no harm.
SALTAIR Refillable Aluminum-Free Natural Deodorant ($10)
Model and entrepreneur Iskra Lawrence says she’s so proud of this new deo—it’s formulated with salicylic acid, zinc, nourishing oils and algae—because “it works instantly with none of the dreaded ‘transition period'” that is par for the course with many aluminum-free deodorants when making the switch from an antiperspirant. It’s also clinically proven to control odor for 24 hours, the packaging is refillable (pods are $8), and it comes in seven luxurious scents and colors, plus a fragrance-free option.
“Years ago, when I started to switch to more natural deo options, I never found one that was just right,” says Lawrence. “Either it didn’t control odor or made me smell worse; it had too much fragrance, caused irritation, or stained my clothes. I knew when I started Saltair I wanted to create a deodorant that not only controlled odor all day, but also had added skin-care ingredients to help sooth irritation, soften skin and even help brighten underarms. After months of testing, we knew we had something special and wanted the clinicals to back it up. Using one of the top global clinical testing facilities, with over 20 years of deodorant trial experience, we are proud to say our formulation has been clinically proven to control odor for over 24 hours, visibly brighten under arm skin, improve smoothness after one week, and keep underarms feeling fresh all day.”
Blueland Body Wash Starter Set ($16)
I remember seeing Blueland’s pitch on Shark Tank—they eventually inked a deal with Mr. Wonderful Kevin O’Leary—and thinking the idea for their eco-friendly cleaning supplies were pure genius. The ingredients are packed into small tablets that you drop into a reusable “Forever Bottle” full of water and voila! You have a fully functioning product and you don’t have to buy single-use plastic products ever again.
Now, the brand is entering the beauty space with the launch of its first-of-its-kind, patent-pending refillable body wash. Founder Sarah Paiji Yoo is on a mission to change the beauty and personal care industries, and this is her first step. Like her home goods, you fill your Forever Bottle with water, but this time the addition is a powder versus a tablet. Shake it up, and in seconds, the powder and water solution becomes a gel body wash. Choose between three scents—Waterlily Dew, Raspberry Hibiscus or Sandalwood Sage—or get a variety pack, and refill powders are $9 each.
Cay Skin Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45 ($38)
If the brand’s Isle Glow Face Lotion (the sister product to this new launch, with hundreds of five-star reviews) is any indicator of how good this body lotion is, it’s already a slam dunk. The formula is lightweight and offers high SPF protection and a nude pearlescent tint that blends into all skin tones with zero white cast. The result is the most beautiful dewy glow, but not in a glittery disco-ball way. Click here to see supermodel and brand founder Winnie Harlow use it for last week’s Met Gala.
And when it comes to ingredients, the brand didn’t skimp: it hydrates and soothes with cocoa butter, sunflower seed oil, sea moss and plant-based nectar, and it’s silicone-free, fragrance-free and safe for sensitive skin.
Mario Badescu Coconut Body Oil ($16)
If you’re a fan of coconut like me—I love the brand’s Coconut Body Butter, it’s so good!—and want to douse your skin in tons of moisture, this dry oil is a must-try. It’s packed with nutrients from coconut, argan and rice bran oils, sinks into skin without leaving behind a greasy residue to give it the prettiest sheen. I like to spray it on damp skin after a shower, while I’m still in the shower, to avoid getting it all over my bathroom floor and then having my husband get frustrated about his “oily feet.”
OleHenriksen BEAMCREAM Smoothing Body Moisturizer ($38)
We expect so much more from our body lotions these days—who doesn’t want a multitasking formula that offers extra benefits on top of standard moisturization? For us, formulas like this one are a no-brainer: In addition to making skin feel smoother with rich butters and oils, it also brightens skin with alphahydroxy acids, fruit enzymes and caffeine (this stimulates circulation to boost blood flow, which results in a glowy effect). In an eight-week clinical study on 35 people, users reported a reduction in the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the body by 75.3 percent—they also noticed a reduced appearance of dark spots.
We also love the whipped texture and light citrusy scent, and did we mention the iconic Kim Cattrall is the new face of this campaign for the brand? If it’s good enough for her…enough said.
Susanne Kaufmann Hyaluron Body Gel ($65)
Super light and cooling, this aloe vera and hyaluronic acid–infused body gel quenches dry skin in a flash—it’s a must-have for the end of a long day outside or at the beach (keep it in the fridge for an extra-refreshing application, especially after a hot shower). The bonus: It’s 3.4 ounces, so it’s TSA-friendly for your summer vacation.
Founder Susanne Kaufmann says, “Just like skin care for your face, the body needs layers of hydration to maintain the moisture levels in the skin. I have always seen the skin as one, and using my knowledge and skincare expertise from my spa in Bezau, my vision was to create a unique lightweight body gel that not only instantly hydrates the skin, but layers well with other products so it can be applied throughout the colder seasons, too.”