Key Ingredients: Sugar, coconut oil, guarana | Who It’s For: People who want to show some skin
Best Bar: Soft Services Buffing Bar
Why It’s Worth It: The Soft Services Buffing Bar tackles body bumps and brings tough ingrown hairs to the surface using microfine crystals. A Best of Beauty 2022 winner, this bar is a favorite among people with ketosis pilaris. In her glowing review, Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann called the bar “…one of the easiest, most low-maintenance solutions I’ve come across.” However, this product isn’t for you if you have sunburned or very sensitive skin.
Editor Tip: The bar can initially feel harsh, so wet it entirely and let it soften before use.
Key Ingredients: Magnesium oxide and alumina, glycerin, shea butter | Who It’s For: People with ketosis pilaris, rough skin, and ingrown hairs
Best Smelling: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Why It’s Worth It: This moisturizing body scrub from Fresh uses sugar as a non-drying exfoliator to leave your skin nourished, soft, and smelling really good. Brown sugar crystals are natural humectants that lock in moisture, remove dead and dry skin, and leave behind softness. To evenly distribute the ingredients, mix the product in the jar with your finger before use.
Editor Tip: This super oily (in a good way) scrub can make your shower floor very slippery, so be careful.
Key Ingredients: Brown sugar, primrose, jojoba oil, citrus oil, ginseng oil | Who It’s For: People with dry skin
Best Anti Inflammatory: Nopalera Mandarina Cactus Flower Exfoliant
Why It’s Worth It: Nopalera’s Mandarina Cactus Flower Exfoliant gently softens and exfoliates the skin just the way we like it. The scrub’s prickly cactus oil targets inflammation, while achiote seed oil soothes. It’s safe for sensitive skin and should be used twice weekly or daily.
Editor Tip: Leave the scrub on for one to two minutes to allow the prickly pear oil to soak into your skin and the smell of tangerine to scent your shower steam.
Key Ingredients: Prickly pear oil, prickly pear cactus, achiote seed oil | Who It’s For: people with sensitive skin
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of body scrubs?
Body scrubs have tremendous benefits, especially for people with drier skin. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, spoke to Allure about the perks of body scrubs. “The good ones that aren’t too rough or harsh on the skin will help make the skin feel nice and smooth by helping remove a dead layer of the skin,” Dr. Kim says. “Because it doesn’t have that dead layer, it will also be able to absorb the skincare products much better!” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, MD, previously told Allure that Scrubs “…rid the skin of buildup and dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter, smoother, and healthier,” he says. “Just apply it in circular motions, and you’re set.”
Are body scrubs safe for sensitive skin?
If you struggle with body acne or sensitive skin, it’s understandable that you might be hesitant to put anything rough-feeling on your skin. Still, Dr. Kim explains to Allure that it’s perfectly safe when used sparingly and gently. “I would recommend [body scrubs] only once or twice a month for people with sensitive skin. It’s also important to moisturize the skin immediately after showering when it’s slightly damp.” Allure previously spoke to Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan, about which products people with sensitive skin should consider. “Those with drier, sensitive skin should generally use products with smaller granules, which are less likely to irritate, cut, or rub your skin.” As always, if you start using a product that gives you an adverse reaction, stop using it immediately and consider speaking to your dermatologist or exploring other body scrub options.
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
