The 13 Best Body Exfoliators to Reverse Dry, Scaly Skin

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Not sure if you noticed, but the dolphin-smooth skin we were blessed with at birth has long disappeared, and the road to regaining said smoothness is as arduous as prepping for a marathon. Maybe your early days were spent perfecting your dry-brushing routine or stocking up on exfoliating gloves, or perhaps you fell victim to the sickly-sweet sugar scrubs at your local drugstore. While these methods are suitable for providing instant softness, allow us to steer you in an even better direction by introducing you to the absolute best body exfoliators that span different formulas and provide lasting benefits.

“Mild exfoliation is important, as the dead skin cells get washed off, which tricks the skin into thinking it is being wounded, thus increasing collagen production. This ultimately helps smooth the skin and decrease fine lines and wrinkles,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of Visha Skincare. Several products carry out this function, especially ones packed with exfoliating agents, from AHAs and BHAS to retinol to enzymes.

“It is important that the correct ingredients are used so that the skin does not get too dry or irritated when it is getting exfoliated. Using too many products with exfoliating agents, such as AHAs, retinol, and vitamin C, can make the skin extra peel-y and lead to sensitivity,” she adds. Thanks to a bevy of corrective formulas on the market, exfoliating is no longer reserved for abrasive scrubs—body washes, face serums, scrubs, and hydrating moisturizers can also impart smoothness while brightening, firming, and softening the most stubborn parts of our bodies.

After perusing our stash, polling a dermatologist, and scoring the internet for customers’ top-rated products, we stumbled upon these bestsellers. If your road to smoothness has been, well, rough and bumpy, scroll on for the 13 best body exfoliators to transform your skin.

Exfoliate Away Body Wash 4% Refining serum with AHA

Size: 18.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs

Imagine if we overhauled our entire body care collection and supplemented it with the same corrective, preventative ingredients of our facial routines. Thanks to Dove and its team of trusted dermatologists, our favorite face serums are now packed in nourishing body washes that dissolve impurities and reveal refreshed, renewed skin. Exfoliate Away, in particular, contains AHAs to refine, microbeads gently buff, and a creamy formula that puts in overtime to unveil smoother skin.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “In-shower exfoliating days always required a multi-step routine with several cleansers, sugar scrubs, and maybe even a pumice stone if I’m feeling fancy. However, I love how nourishing Exfoliate Away is, but also how gentle it is at sloughing away those dry, dead skin layers. Post-shower, my skin feels prepped and soft enough for the final step: moisture.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

Sugar Shrink Body Scrub

Size: 10 fl oz

Key ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants

Looking to improve the appearance of stretch marks? Add a caffeine-rich scrub, like this one from Visha Skincare to your arsenal. Sugar cane beads provide the exfoliation, while grapeseed and avocado oil impart moisture.

Visha Skincare rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Visha Skincare Sugar Shrink body scrub exfoliates with sugar and moisturizes at the same time with avocado oil. The oils trap water/moisture in the skin, preventing dryness. Visha Fitness Scrub uses pumice, salt, and charcoal to deodorize and exfoliate.”—Dr. Purvisha Patel

Slather Exfoliating Body Serum with Retinol and AHAs

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Retinol, urea, lactic and glycolic acid

Exfoliation isn’t all abrasive scrubs and tools. Slather by Topicals allows you to exfoliate while you carry on with your day. The body serum has a lightweight texture that quickly absorbs the retinol, lactic and glycolic acid found in its solution.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Body acne and I go together like PB&J—that is until Slather entered my body care routine. After properly treating my skin in the shower, I follow up with this treatment to further correct the scarring along my arms, back, and chest while I catch some Zzz. With consistent use (I’m currently squeezing out every last drop), I noticed how visibly lighter the spots have become, which means I’m ready for summer crop tops and swimsuits.”—Nerisha Penrose

swimsuit & Body Scrub

Size: 7.61 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, rice pumice, green tea

Here’s a scrub that works wonders for your body, especially your swimsuit line area. Built around glycolic acid and rice pumice, this buffer makes even the most rough skin feel as smooth as a dolphin. No need to wait multiple sessions for the results; Beia’s scrub has properties that give you instant gratification.

Beia Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “You never know your routine was lacking something until that wild card enters and shows you what you were missing out on. Beia’s swimsuit & Body Scrub instantly gives me the smoothest skin of my life. The physical beads aren’t harsh on the skin, and as you scrub, your newfound soft skin is suddenly revealed. While it is fragrance-free, the scrub does effuse a faint minty smell that adds an invigorating burst to any shower session.”—Nerisha Penrose

Bom Dia Body Scrub 10% AHA BHA Resurfacing Complex

Size: 7.8 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid

Start the day with a brightening, energizing body scrub that combines the power of glycolic and salicylic acid to clarify and gently buff away rough texture. Even better, your skin is drenched in the signature Bom Dia scent, a delightfully warm blend of vanilla, florals, and musk.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’m normally not a fan of body exfoliating bars, but this exfoliator is one of the few exceptions I’ll make. It smells incredible (like warm plum, vanilla, and musks) and has both chemical and physical exfoliants, so my skin feels insanely soft after I use it.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

The Body Exfoliator

Size: 6.1 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs, PHAs, BHAs, activated charcoal

Sometimes, with consistent waxing or shaving comes the promise of ingrown hairs. However, effective exfoliation before, during, and after can minimize ingrowns and help the skin around your most sensitive areas appear brighter and feel smoother. Necessaire’s The Body Exfoliator is the antidote to your most concerning woes. Along with AHAs, PHAs, and BHAs, this buffer includes activated charcoal for added exfoliation and detoxification.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Works well, smells great, and is not harsh on the skin. I was worried it would take a lot to use on the whole body, but a quarter size (more if you wish) does plenty. The smell is AMAZING and it’s not drying at all.”

Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant

Size: 2.4 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs, aloe, hyaluronic acid

A good deodorant is always a worthy investment; a deodorant that exfoliates and reduces sweat is even better. Kosas’ Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant is a silky, lightweight solution that uses a blend of AHAs to correct discoloration. Aloe and hyaluronic acid provide a surge of moisture without making you feel overly sweaty.

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is the only deodorant I use. I’m a chronic waxer and can’t stand to see hair under my arms, which means I’m sometimes cursed with deep-seated ingrown hairs waiting to rear its head. This deodorant keeps me free and clear of underarm breakouts and helps lighten discoloration.”—Nerisha Penrose

Clean Slate Lactic Acid Smoothing Body Wash

Size: 5.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Lactic acid

No matter where you’re experiencing dullness or roughness, this body works to give you a “clean slate.” Lactic acid takes the lead in the mix, correcting dark spots and bumpy texture to reveal healthier-looking skin.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This body wash is a treat to use leaving you with the cleanest, softest skin. The gel consistency lathers easily. It smells refreshing! I left it on my skin for a bit since you need a few “moments” for the lactic acid to do its job. My skin felt very soft and smooth out of the shower! The body wash is a joy to use.”

Scalp & Body Scrub, St. Barts

Size: 8.8 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycerin, coconut oil

Ouai’s body scrub is here to streamline your “everything” shower. The MVPs of the formula are glycerin and coconut oil, two nourishing ingredients that create a veil of softness. Gentle enough to use on your scalp, the scrub increases blood flow to restore balance and ensure the scalp is properly cleansed.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I was looking for a good sugar-based body scrub and this one has the perfect texture. It’s not too harsh, but it’s definitely a good exfoliant. Not a huge fan of the scent, very beachy, almost like a pina colada, but if that’s your thing you will love it!”

Cherry Dub Triple Action AHA Body Scrub

Size: 8.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs, enzymes

This scrub is the easiest way to smell like a tropical vacation with skin straight out of a Sports Illustrated ad. Cherry scent aside, this formula is both a chemical and physical scrub, with AHAs and fruit enzymes improving texture as sugar and pumice slough away dead skin.

Sephora rating: 4.4/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I love a finer scrub, and this is amazing. This actually feels like I’m exfoliating while others make me feel like I’m just rubbing sugar and honey on my body.”

PowerGlow Peel Body

Size: 10 treatments

Key ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid, vitamin K, caffeine

Fans of the brand’s bestselling facial peels will rejoice now that there’s a body equivalent. With this 10-treatment kit, you’ll unveil clearer, brighter, and smoother skin with help from glycolic and salicylic acid, as well as vitamin K, an ingredient known for aiding in recovery and healing.

Blue Mercury rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Blue Mercury reviewer said: “The Power Glow Peel Body worked well. I had no irritation. The scent and texture were good, and it was packaged conveniently for use. I recommend it to others who want a peel for their skin.”

Naturium The Energizer Cooling Body Wash

Size: 16.9 fl oz

Key ingredients: Mandelic acid

No matter what skin care woe is troubling you, there’s a Naturium body wash catered to it. The Mandelic Acid body wash is a gentle alternative to its other exfoliating washes and works to minimize body odor instead of masking it. An added bonus is its stimulating aroma, comprised of zesty citrus and earthy notes.

Target rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “I love this body wash! The texture is really nice, not drying, and leaves a subtle fresh scent that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin. The mandelic acid has been great for odor control, hoping it helps smooth some uneven texture.”

Green Tea Exfoliating Whipped Shower Foam with AHA

Size: 8.9 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid

Sundae Body Whipped Shower Foam takes the mundanity out of a daily shower adds a playful edge. Gentle green tea adds a calming energy as glycolic keeps pores clear and polishes the skin.

Sundae Body rating: 5/5 stars

A Sundae Body reviewer said: “Love this product, smells good and the foam is so fun.”

Is exfoliating your body a necessary step?

“Yes, exfoliating is necessary. If you have oily skin, it’s safe to exfoliate in the shower every day. Those with combination or dry skin may only be able to tolerate physical exfoliation every two to three days,” Dr. Patel says. Exfoliation helps remove build-up, reduce clogged pores or congestion, and improve rough or dry patches.

Meet the expert

Dr. Purvisha Patel is a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetic surgeon, and founder of Visha Skincare.

Why trust ELLE Beauty?

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com’s beauty commerce editor. Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist about body exfoliators and browsed the internet (and her stash) to find the best formulas.

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