The Best Exfoliating Scrub

Buying Guide for Exfoliating Scrubs

Why should you buy an exfoliating scrub?

An exfoliating scrub is a great way to deep clean your skin and eliminate dead skin cells and clogged pores. Depending on your skin type and sensitivity, you can choose a daily product or one that’s meant to be used less frequently while still getting the results you desire. Remember that exfoliating too deeply and too frequently is a common skin care mistake, so if you want a product for daily use, a gentler one is best.

What should you consider when purchasing an exfoliating scrub?

• Skin Concerns: Almost everyone has at least one issue they’re looking to improve with their skin. Maybe it’s blackheads or acne, dry skin, or a desire for better makeup removal. Improving fine lines and evening skin tone are some top concerns as well. Once you determine your main concerns, this will help you narrow down which exfoliating scrub is right for you.
• Sensitivity: Exfoliating scrubs can be harsh on many types of skin, but those with sensitive skin need to be extra careful when making their choice. First, you will probably want to avoid fragrances or parabens. Next, for a scrub, pay attention to how abrasive the scrubbing agents are and what they’re made from. Certain scrubbers, like jojoba beads, are better suited for sensitive skin.

How often should you use an exfoliating scrub?

After finding your perfect scrub, it can be hard to limit its use to once a week, but it’s important you follow the directions. Some scrubs are gentle enough and intended to be used daily, while others should only be used once a week. Failing to adhere to these instructions can result in skin damage and irritation from a product that otherwise could be delivering amazing results!

Our Picks for the Best Exfoliating Scrubs

Pros: Dry skin can give you a dull appearance—and not just on your face. Thankfully, this Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub is designed to banish dry skin while also boosting your skin’s hydration for a radiant, healthy effect. And, with a tropical mango scent, we think this also qualifies as a self-care moment. Plus, it’s made from real sugar, mango puree, and certified shea butter.

Cons: The biggest complaints we found were regarding the scent, with many people saying it was too strong. But scent is personal.

Bottom Line: Softer, more hydrated skin doesn’t have to be a dream. Shea butter, delicious mango, and a sugar scrub combine to bring those goals to life.

 

Pros: Shea butter is an incredibly effective ingredient that’s known for softening rough and bumpy skin. But its earthy scent and greasier feel might be offputting when on its own. So, this body scrub from Artnaturals is a great alternative, thanks to the yummy banana scent. It combines bananas, sea salt, shea butter, and saffron to help slough off dead skin, soften and moisturize, and minimize the signs of aging.

Cons: Most reviews were positive, but we did find that several people noted this is a pricey pick, given that the container is just a 10-ounce jar.

Bottom Line: Leverage the power of shea butter minus the heavy texture or intense scent with this yummy banana-scented body scrub.

 

Pros: This all-over body scrub is made from activated charcoal and is meant for your face and body to reduce the size of pores and the appearance of wrinkles or cellulite. It cleans out toxins for healthier skin. Formulated with coconut oil, collagen, and stem cells, this scrub can boost skin’s firmness, improve texture, and keep it hydrated.

Cons: Since activated charcoal is in a loose form, this is a messy scrub to use. It’s a heavy-duty scrub, so it may not be best for those with sensitive skin.

Bottom Line: This face and body scrub will make you feel fresh as it detoxes your pores while helping you feel hydrated. It’s best suited to use once a week. Those with sensitive skin may not be comfortable with the coarseness of this scrub.

 

Pros: If you want a simple way to incorporate microdermabrasion into your regular skin care routine, this face mask and scrub featuring both Manuka honey and walnut is the way to go. It works not only to exfoliate dry skin but also to hydrate, remove blackheads, and correct dark spots.

Cons: Although walnuts are an eco-friendly alternative for scrubs that previously relied on plastics and other harsh ingredients, this substance can still be too intense for people with very sensitive skin or severe acne.

Bottom Line: If you’re seeking an eco-friendly scrub that can work as a multitasking solution for everything from blackheads and acne to dark spot correction and exfoliation, this is a solid choice. Just be mindful that walnut as an exfoliator can be very abrasive for people with very sensitive skin.

 

Pros: Aveeno is a trusted brand for many people regardless of any skin issues they might have. If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliator that effectively sloughs off dead skin without causing unnecessary irritation, you can’t go wrong here. This brightening exfoliator works to lift dead skin but infuses it with jojoba oil, a highly moisturizing ingredient.

Cons: While brightening usually means glow, in this case, it can actually lighten your skin. So, if you’re concerned about the implications of that, avoid using this every day.

Bottom Line: This is a gentle exfoliator that incorporates soy protein and jojoba oil to help moisturize while effectively cleansing and removing bacteria and dead skin.

Final Thoughts

Finding a favorite exfoliator takes a bit of consideration, but once you discover it, your skin will love it, and you can have that deep, clean, refreshing feel from the comfort of your own home.