Sure, rough and gritty body scrubs that feel like you might be bleeding after using them line the shelves of many a beauty store, leaving words like “supple” and “glowing” on the bottom of the list of what you’d describe your skin as afterward. But those hidden jewels that deliver intense nourishment and just the right amount of exfoliation all in one? Those are the ones to make note of. Here, 12 top scrubs that have passed the shower test with flying colors.
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L’Occitane Almond Delicious Paste ($42)
More dense than most in the jar but smooth as ever on the skin, this luxe scrub is an ideal option for those whose skin lies more on the sensitive side but still craves exfoliation. Crushed almond shells and sugar crystals slough away dead skin; almond butter and oil nourishes the fresh skin beneath.
Moroccanoil Body Buff Fragrance Originale ($52)
This seaside-inspired body scrub polishes skin with exfoliating quartz sand, apricot and olive seed powders (much gentler than large, rough beads or crystals) and leaves behind the most delicious scent (you know a Moroccanoil product when you smell one) unique to the brand for a just-left-the-beach vibe.
Lavanilla Laboratories The Healthy Vanilla Bean Creamy Body Scrub ($40)
Part scrub, part cream, this rich exfoliant is made with crushed Madagascar vanilla beans to eliminate rough patches and whipped shea butter and nourishing essential oils to moisturize. The result? Super soft, hydrated skin that will make applying your regular post-shower lotion an afterthought.
Kat Burki Raw Sugar Scrub ($58)
Rougher in texture than most due to its raw cane sugar formula, this option is best for those trying to get a deep polish (like before a spray tan, for example) without any harsh ingredients or risk for damage. Plus, the cold processed coconut and kukui oils leave behind the most delicious tropical scent that lingers.
OSEA Salts of the Earth Body Scrub ($40)
With the promise to renew and restore collagen in the skin right on the jar, this scrub is a winner before you even try it. But even better than its claims? Its results: smoother skin, a radiant glow and a body that’s soft to the touch.
Shea Terra Organics Gingered Pumpkin Shea Butter & Malawi Sugar 2 in 1 Scrub ($16)
Pumpkin Spice Latte lovers, listen up. Not only do the microscopic granules of Malawi sugar (it’s naturally high in glycolic acid which helps break down dead skin) pack a powerful punch when it comes to evening tone and texture in this fall-ready scrub, but she’s butter immediately softens skin for a supple, youthful dew you thought only a spa could deliver.
Sabon Dead Sea Collection Body Scrub ($40)
Scoop out a spoonful of this delicious scrub to gently buff and polish away dull, lackluster skin and reveal silky smooth, ultra-hydrated skin before your eyes. Desert palm oil and Judean desert plants create a fresh, light, beachy scent that lasts well into the day.
Tatcha Indigo Smoothing Black Sugar Body Gommage ($74)
The rich, dark color of this smoothing scrub screams elegance and its effect on skin is nothing short of majestic. Japanese indigo and camelia oil—rich in vitamins A, D and E and Oomegas 3, 6 and 9—leave even the most sensitive skin feeling silky and bump-free for hours.
Tata Harper Smoothing Body Scrub ($70)
Pink Himalayan and Hawaiian sea salts coupled with organic sugar and apricot seed powder work to gently buff away dull skin in this natural, plucked-from-the-spa body scrub—the paste works up to a pretty creamy lather when water is added—that delivers noticeable results (like a glowy finish and smoother texture) after just one use.
Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub ($15)
With a scent reminiscent of lemonade (the ingredients include freshly squeezed lime and lemons) plus a tinge of vanilla and almond oil, this scrub uses smashed brown sugar and sea salt to deeply polish skin, leaving them feeling and looking sexy as ever.
Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub ($38)
Wine aficionado or not, this signature scrub (it inspired the brand’s entire body line) uses grapeseed oil, honey and lemon peel oil (among other natural extracts) to go beyond just exfoliation—it drains toxins, refines texture, softens dullness and infuses hydration, all while leaving behind a delicious winery-inspired scent.
Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish ($36)
Powered by the hydrating properties of virgin coconut oil, this gentle sugar-based polish carries the delicate feminine scent of rose petals (the ingredient itself is also used for its antioxidant-rich properties) and coconut to leave behind silky, moisturized skin without any harshness.