I Test Body Scrubs For A Living & These 6 Are Worth It For KP, Acne & More
One of my 2026 resolutions was to take better care of my body — not just in terms of what I put into it or how often I exercise, but how I treat the skin all over. Famously your largest organ, the skin requires just as much attention below the neck as it does above it — something I’ve admittedly neglected for years. While I’ve gotten better about applying body lotion on a regular basis (please clap!), it wasn’t until I added one extra step that my routine really leveled up. Ever since I started incorporating body scrubs into my everything shower, my skin has felt noticeably softer, smoother, and more radiant overall. I have keratosis pilaris (those tiny, rough bumps caused by excess keratin clogging hair follicles) on my upper arms, and consistent exfoliation has been a genuine game-changer. But even if you’re not trying to smooth texture or treat specific concerns, body scrubs are a worthwhile addition for several reasons — and not all formulas are created equal. What are the benefits of a body scrub? At their most basic, body scrubs physically slough away dead skin cells, helping to prevent ingrown hairs, body breakouts, and buildup that can make skin look dull or feel rough. But the new wave of formulas goes well beyond that, often incorporating ingredients you’re more used to seeing in your facial routine. Think glycolic and lactic acids for chemical exfoliation, alongside hydrators like glycerin and squalane to soften and support the skin barrier. And it’s not a coincidence. Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Remedy Skin, attributes this trend to the fact that we’re all a little more savvy about ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids. “For years, body care was almost an afterthought — a loofah, a generic body wash, maybe a basic lotion,” he says. “Now we’re asking: ‘Why isn’t my body wash doing what my serum does?’” The skin on your body deals with the same concerns as the face, adds Dr. Shah: “Think texture, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. It makes complete sense that the ingredient innovation we’ve seen in facial care is now making its way into body care. With that in mind, discover the formulas that I think truly go above and beyond for treating bumps, pigmentation, ingrown hairs, and more. DashDividers_1_500x100 Best for KP: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA If I had to commit to just one body scrub for the rest of my life — and what a sad fate to imagine! — it would be this one. It’s easily my most repurchased body product, and the first formula I recommend to anyone dealing with KP. The pumice stone granules are ultra-fine, so it never feels overly abrasive or scratchy on the skin, while the addition of 10% glycolic acid does the heavy lifting when it comes to smoothing texture and reducing ingrown hairs. I don’t personally notice any tingling even as I massage it in and leave it on for a minute or two. That said, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to work your way up to more consistent use. Over the past few years of use, I’ve noticed a visible reduction in my upper arm bumps — and, just as importantly, it helps keep them from coming back. Best body scrub for gentle exfoliation: Dove Rice Milk & Velvet Açai Body Scrub I’d wear this body scrub as a fragrance — that’s how good it smells. The light, fruity-floral scent feels tailor-made for spring, lingering just enough on the skin without veering into overpowering territory. Beyond the sensorial appeal, it delivers gentle exfoliation paired with a dose of hydration via glycerin, leaving skin noticeably softer and smoother post-shower. The sugar-based formula is infused with a moisturizing, rice-derived milk blend, so it buffs away dullness without stripping or irritating. Best body scrub for dry skin: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub Yes, dry skin types can absolutely benefit from a body scrub — the key is choosing a formula that balances exfoliation with plenty of moisture. This one delivers on both fronts, thanks to a hefty 20% concentration of glycerin alongside linoleic-rich oils like coconut, rosehip, and jojoba seed. The result is skin that feels polished, not parched. “Dry skin can absolutely use a scrub,” echoes Dr. Shah. “Just follow it immediately with a moisturizer while skin is still damp.” (Right now, I’m using Salt & Stone’s Santal & Vetiver Hydrating Body Lotion, which feels luxurious but not heavy or greasy.) Best body scrub for ingrown hairs: Soft Services Buffing Bar Soft Services’ Buffing Bar combines the convenience of a solid bar with the exfoliating power of a scrub. Consider this your most advanced option for powerful exfoliation: The mineral microcrystals effortlessly slough off dead skin, making it noticeably more intense than your average gentle exfoliator. I tend to reserve it for areas that can handle a little extra grit — like my ingrown-prone leg
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One of my 2026 resolutions was to take better care of my body — not just in terms of what I put into it or how often I exercise, but how I treat the skin all over. Famously your largest organ, the skin requires just as much attention below the neck as it does above it — something I’ve admittedly neglected for years. While I’ve gotten better about applying body lotion on a regular basis (please clap!), it wasn’t until I added one extra step that my routine really leveled up. Ever since I started incorporating body scrubs into my everything shower, my skin has felt noticeably softer, smoother, and more radiant overall.
I have keratosis pilaris (those tiny, rough bumps caused by excess keratin clogging hair follicles) on my upper arms, and consistent exfoliation has been a genuine game-changer. But even if you’re not trying to smooth texture or treat specific concerns, body scrubs are a worthwhile addition for several reasons — and not all formulas are created equal.
What are the benefits of a body scrub?
At their most basic, body scrubs physically slough away dead skin cells, helping to prevent ingrown hairs, body breakouts, and buildup that can make skin look dull or feel rough. But the new wave of formulas goes well beyond that, often incorporating ingredients you’re more used to seeing in your facial routine. Think glycolic and lactic acids for chemical exfoliation, alongside hydrators like glycerin and squalane to soften and support the skin barrier.
And it’s not a coincidence. Dr. Muneeb Shah, a board-certified dermatologist and founder and CEO of Remedy Skin, attributes this trend to the fact that we’re all a little more savvy about ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and retinoids. “For years, body care was almost an afterthought — a loofah, a generic body wash, maybe a basic lotion,” he says. “Now we’re asking: ‘Why isn’t my body wash doing what my serum does?’”
The skin on your body deals with the same concerns as the face, adds Dr. Shah: “Think texture, dryness, and hyperpigmentation. It makes complete sense that the ingredient innovation we’ve seen in facial care is now making its way into body care.
With that in mind, discover the formulas that I think truly go above and beyond for treating bumps, pigmentation, ingrown hairs, and more.
Best for KP: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
If I had to commit to just one body scrub for the rest of my life — and what a sad fate to imagine! — it would be this one. It’s easily my most repurchased body product, and the first formula I recommend to anyone dealing with KP. The pumice stone granules are ultra-fine, so it never feels overly abrasive or scratchy on the skin, while the addition of 10% glycolic acid does the heavy lifting when it comes to smoothing texture and reducing ingrown hairs. I don’t personally notice any tingling even as I massage it in and leave it on for a minute or two. That said, if you have sensitive skin, you may want to work your way up to more consistent use. Over the past few years of use, I’ve noticed a visible reduction in my upper arm bumps — and, just as importantly, it helps keep them from coming back.
Best body scrub for gentle exfoliation: Dove Rice Milk & Velvet Açai Body Scrub
I’d wear this body scrub as a fragrance — that’s how good it smells. The light, fruity-floral scent feels tailor-made for spring, lingering just enough on the skin without veering into overpowering territory. Beyond the sensorial appeal, it delivers gentle exfoliation paired with a dose of hydration via glycerin, leaving skin noticeably softer and smoother post-shower. The sugar-based formula is infused with a moisturizing, rice-derived milk blend, so it buffs away dullness without stripping or irritating.
Best body scrub for dry skin: Naturium The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Scrub
Yes, dry skin types can absolutely benefit from a body scrub — the key is choosing a formula that balances exfoliation with plenty of moisture. This one delivers on both fronts, thanks to a hefty 20% concentration of glycerin alongside linoleic-rich oils like coconut, rosehip, and jojoba seed. The result is skin that feels polished, not parched. “Dry skin can absolutely use a scrub,” echoes Dr. Shah. “Just follow it immediately with a moisturizer while skin is still damp.” (Right now, I’m using Salt & Stone’s Santal & Vetiver Hydrating Body Lotion, which feels luxurious but not heavy or greasy.)
Best body scrub for ingrown hairs: Soft Services Buffing Bar
Soft Services’ Buffing Bar combines the convenience of a solid bar with the exfoliating power of a scrub. Consider this your most advanced option for powerful exfoliation: The mineral microcrystals effortlessly slough off dead skin, making it noticeably more intense than your average gentle exfoliator. I tend to reserve it for areas that can handle a little extra grit — like my ingrown-prone legs or the back of my thighs — where it helps smooth texture and keep bumps (including buttne) in check.
Best body scrub for sensitive skin: Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator
On days when I want something gentler, I reach for Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliator. I’m partial to the eucalyptus scent, but it also comes in santal, vetiver, and a fragrance-free option. The ultra-fine bamboo charcoal granules offer a softer polish that won’t irritate sensitive skin, while the elevated scent profile is giving fancy hotel spa.
Best body scrub for hyperpigmentation: Cyklar Lactic Acid Foaming Body Polish and Wash
The saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is exactly what this exfoliating body wash is. I like to squeeze it onto a damp washcloth, work it into a lather, and rub it all over for an easy, low-lift way to keep skin smooth. A blend of lactic and phytic acids (a mild, plant-derived AHA) (exfoliates on contact, helping to even out tone and refine texture over time. The end result is skin that looks clearer, brighter, and more uniformly healthy — without the need for a separate scrub step.
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