The best body scrubs for a head-to-toe refresh (2024)

Most body scrubs fall into one of two camps. There’s the extra-grainy, performance-driven exfoliators that will slough the roughest of skin back into shape, and then there are the soul-soothers: the ones that can quieten a racing mind as well as they can soften sun-starved limbs.

Whether you’re aiming to wash away rough skin or the remnants of a testing week (or, indeed, both) we’ve got just the tonic. Here, discover the best body exfoliator for every demand, from eliminating ingrown hairs and sweeping away lingering fake tan to encouraging sounder, deeper sleep. These body heroes can do it all.

The 15 best body scrubs to try now

Nécessaire is known for its beautifully scented body products, and this jelly-like exfoliator is the star of the line-up. It's generously blended with fine pumice stone alongside resurfacing glycolic acid, and imparts the brand's famously invigorating eucalyptus scent. A spa-standard treat that delivers real results.

Aesop's gel-textured body scrub smells as divine as any fan of the brand will know to expect. It contains both pumice and bamboo powder to deliver a thorough yet fine exfoliation, and boasts a fragrance that'll make you reluctant to leave the shower. A true sensory treat.

Formulated in Italy, Beauty Pie's indulgent body scrub ticks every box. The chunky salt flakes deliver a thoroughly satisfying texture, and fruit enzymes bolster the resurfacing powers. Coconut milk lends moisture, while orange and lemon essential oils make it smell, as the brand says, "subtle, citrussy, and expensive." We couldn't agree more.

Niche beauty at its best, Costa Brazil creates products that deserve to be saved for special occasions. This body scrub utilises the brand's star Amazonian plant extracts – murumuru and green coffee – in a base of hemi-squalane (last seen in your face serum) and moisture-grabbing glycerin. The thick jelly texture melts into a milk once you step in the shower, and leaves skin feeling hydrated, not stripped.

If you're looking to combat extremely dry, rough skin or a case of keratosis pilaris, this active scrub is the solution. It's not the most pampering of products, but the strong blend of exfoliating acids will slough away troublesome patches like no other. Massage it gently into dry skin before rinsing away.

Chemical and physical exfoliation combine in Ameliorate’s advanced scrub. Lactic acid gently dissolves dead skin cells and debris (freeing ingrown hairs in the process) while physical granules deliver that satisfying surface-level renewal. Use it head-to-toe, paying particular attention to the backs of your arms to keep keratosis pilaris (a bumpy build-up of keratin) at bay.

This sensorial body scrub is one of the best ways to indulge in Tata Harper's beautifully scented, batch-blended body line. Made on the brand's Vermont farm from natural (and almost entirely organic) ingredients, it boasts a herbal scent and deeply hydrating argan-oil base. A great choice for gifting.

With lactic and salicylic acids, Kate Somerville's body scrub is best placed to tackle congested skin, keratosis pilaris and body acne. The green-tinged paste smells slightly medicinal and has a generous sandy grit that sets to work on skin that needs a serious scrub.

If you find oil-based scrubs leave too much of a residue on your limbs, consider this innovative jelly-textured option from Sunday Riley. It's packed with charcoal for a thorough cleanse, salicylic acid for clarifying, and biodegradable wax particles that'll leave skin feeling softer than ever without scratching.

Exfoliating your skin before fake-tanning is crucial, but you want to avoid an oil-based scrub, because it'll affect the way your tan develops. Bondi Sands has the solution: this coconut and powdered walnut scrub is completely oil-free (the texture is coarse and almost sandy), meaning it'll slough and smooth while prepping your skin for a fresh application of tan.

From the sister brand to beloved haircare line Davines, this double-duty body scrub contains both natural (and biodegradable) silica beads and poly-hydroxy-acids to ensure a seriously thorough exfoliation. For the best skin-smoothing results, massage it in circular motions onto dry skin for a minute or two before washing away. It's a good one to employ before fake tan, too.

An ode to ancient Ayurveda, Mauli Rituals is a brand with treasured ingredients and mind-altering aromas at its heart. This decadent body scrub features both: the oil-rich blend contains mineral-rich Himalayan salt alongside argan and moringa oils, while sweet orange, jasmine sambac and sandalwood create a sweet, spicy and completely addictive scent. Save it for long, indulgent baths.

It’s not just neglected limbs that can benefit from a good scrub – your scalp will appreciate the deep-cleansing benefits, too. Powered by coconut-derived foaming agents (rather than SLS), Ouai’s scrub whisks away product build up and trapped sebum from your roots, and contains a dose of balancing probiotics to restore harmony, too. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to use at the end of a long week.