Editors and dermatologists are in agreement: these body scrubs will leave your skin feeling incredibly smooth.

      (Image credit: Vault Stock; Aesop; Dermstore; Nécessaire; Credo Beauty; @dananozime)

      There are few things as gratifying as removing dead skin from your body's surface, unveiling the smooth and soft skin you desire. Those occasions when you dedicate time for an all-encompassing shower—featuring a luxurious shave, a shine-enhancing hair mask, and a lavish body scrub—can leave you feeling fantastic, even while soaking wet. The body scrub is the initial step we beauty editors will include in our more elaborate showers, even when time is limited. However, not all scrubs are made the same. “A quality body scrub should contain enough exfoliating particles for a gentle scrub without being too harsh on the skin barrier,” explains Dr. Kseniya Kobets, MD, Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore-Einstein Advanced Care. “I look for physical or mechanical scrubs that either remain intact (such as pumice beads or shells that vary in size and roughness) or sugar- or salt-based scrubs that are gentler, dissolve in water, and are milder on the skin.” That said, “harsher” scrubs aren’t necessarily “bad.” If your skin is less sensitive or you're dealing with keratosis pilaris (KP), a more robust scrub may be called for. After extensive testing, we have identified the best salt scrubs, sugar scrubs, and chemical hybrids that can provide such smooth skin, you might just slip right out of your clothes! While we recommend gauging your surroundings before attempting that, we strongly encourage you to continue reading and explore the body scrubs our editors and experts highly recommend.

      (Image credit: Vault Stock) The Best Body Scrubs, at a Glance

      Best Overall: Josie Maran Vanilla Vibezzz Exfoliating Body Scrub

      Best Budget: Tree Hut Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub

      Best for Sensitive Skin: Avène Gentle Body Scrub

      Best for KP: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

      Best for Mature Skin: Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Oil Body Polish

      Best Overall: Josie Maran Vanilla Vibezzz Exfoliating Body Scrub

      Josie Maran

      Vanilla Vibezzz Exfoliating Body Scrub

      Pros: Hydrating, nonabrasive, addictive fragrance

      Cons: Not suitable for sensitive skin to fragrances

      Size: 6 oz. | Key ingredients: Sugar granules, shea butter, argan oil | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Scented: Yes

      Who What Wear beauty editor Erin Jahns highly recommends Josie Maran's Vanilla Vibezzz body scrub. This creamy blend of argan oil and sugar crystals gently exfoliates the skin without damaging the barrier, resulting in softer, smoother, and shinier skin after your shower, thanks to its moisturizing ingredients. And let's not forget the lovely warm gourmand scent—it’s heavenly! You can thank us later.

      Customer review: “This product does exactly what it promises! It exfoliates and moisturizes. I didn't need to apply lotion for 48 hours. I can't express how much I love it.”

      Best Salt Scrub: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

      OSEA

      Salts of the Earth Body Scrub

      Pros: Gentle exfoliation, soothing scent, hydrating formula

      Cons: Not ideal for sensitive skin, pricey

      Size: 12 oz. | Key ingredients: Mineral salt, Gigartina seaweed, shea butter, lavender oil | Skin type: Dry, normal, combination | Scented: Yes

      Salt scrubs have a different ingredient composition than sugar scrubs, making them better suitable for certain skin types. Those needing a more robust exfoliation for rough spots like heels or to smooth out dryness or KP may find salt scrubs more effective as they typically feature coarser textures compared to sugar scrubs. Associate beauty editor Maya Thomas praises this salt scrub for its mineral-rich composition that gently removes dead skin cells, while shea butter and lavender oil provide hydration and calms the skin.

      Customer review: “This body scrub is amazing. It exfoliates wonderfully and feels great without stripping my skin. Often, I don’t need to apply lotion afterward because it's so hydrating. However, I do love their body oil and usually use that afterward! A must-buy! You won’t regret it.”

      Best Hybrid Scrub: Follain Body Scrub

      Pros: Includes chemical and physical exfoliants, gentle on skin, good value

      Cons: Not abrasive enough for tough skin areas (like heels)

      Size: 6 oz. | Key ingredients: Hydrated silica, AHA, BHA, kaolin clay | Skin type: All | Scented: Yes, subtly

      Senior beauty editor Jamie Schneider and associate beauty editor Alyssa Brascia are both fans of