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Body scrubs have become a necessary step in our shower routines so that we can remove the dead skin cells that build up on our skin. The exfoliation that they provide helps the skin to absorb moisturizer better, and the result is a smoother and more even complexion. Body scrubs also unclog pores and prevent razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
There are many types of body scrubs that are available in the market, which makes it difficult to choose the best option. To help you narrow down your options, we've prepared a buying guide with comments and tips from dermatologist Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz. We also made a list of our top 10 body scrub recommendations to help you achieve healthy, glowing skin.
Dr. Katrina Habaluyas Luz is the face behind Ask Your Derma. She is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila. She is also an educator and digital creator on all things skin, hair, and nails. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and offers online video consultations. You can also catch her on her Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube channel.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
A body scrub is a physical exfoliant with some type of abrasive ingredient (e.g. salt, sugar, coffee, etc.) that gently removes dead skin cells. It sloughs away the debris on your skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Aside from this, it promotes blood circulation, draws out impurities, and smooths stubborn rough, dry skin.
However, scrubs should only be used two to three times a week and are most effectively applied using a circular motion. This is to avoid irritating the skinーon that note, you'll be able to tell if you've gone too far when you see a change in texture or appearance, for example, if your skin already appears red or bruised.
A body scrub is a form of exfoliantーmeaning it allows our skin cells to shed faster. Skin naturally exfoliates in a 28-day cycle allowing new, healthy skin to appear. Factors can stall this process, such as aging, improper cleansing, dry weather, or sun damage.
Remember, when it comes to body scrubs, choose one that is gentle regardless of your skin type, and they're called body scrubs for a reason (don't put on your face!). At the end of the day, the skin cells still form a part of the skin barrier. If done too aggressively, you'd be left with broken skin.
There are body scrubs that are more abrasive than others, so it’s important to know what your skin type is to be able to effectively choose what the best body scrub for you could be.
If you have normal skin, this means that your skin is generally well-balanced. It is neither too oily nor too dry and is not prone to sensitivity. Body scrubs that effectively buff away dead skin cells should be your main target. It should have abrasive components strong enough to slough off impurities without causing irritation.
A good example of this is a salt-based body scrub which is a good exfoliator with great healing properties. Body scrubs with hydrating ingredients such as essential oils are great as well, so you can give your skin a deep clean while keeping it healthy, glowing, and moisturized.
The great thing about normal skin is that you're less prone to irritation and skin sensitivities. So you can choose one based on personal preference. If a physical exfoliant is what you're after, look for micro-exfoliants (small-size, non-coarse particles) such as bamboo powder or rosehip seeds as they act as a low-friction scrub that disrupts debris without causing damage.
Newer scrubs have biodegradable beads made from jojoba esters which are spherical and smooth, thus, less risk for those microtears or diatomaceous earth microbeads that are less irritating. As for chemical exfoliants, good choices include glycolic acid, which has the smallest molecular weight of all AHAs, so it penetrates the deepest and can build collagen in addition to improving texture and tone.
People with sensitive skin types are prone to having strong reactions to certain chemicals, dyes, and fragrances present in skincare products. If you have sensitive skin, you are likely prone to getting redness and rashes caused by irritation to certain textures or ingredients.
This means that you want to be as gentle as possible. You should avoid harsh abrasive scrubs that can irritate or damage your skin. For this, we recommend fine sugar scrubs, as they are less abrasive but still effective. Body scrubs with soothing ingredients such as shea butter or honey are also good to help alleviate irritation.
Sensitive skin means that you have higher chances of reacting to a product and developing signs of inflammationーbe it redness, flushing, stinging, acne-like eruptions. This is the skin type that would need to be extra careful in choosing what to apply to their skin. Abrasive scrubs with large particles are definitely, a no-no!
Definitely, a patch test is a must before adding this to your regimen! Best to use the scrubs on areas of skin that are thicker, such as elbows, legs, and feet. As for chemical exfoliants, mandelic acid is a good choice for gentle exfoliation of sensitive skin.
If you have dry skin, this means that your skin lacks moisture or hydration. Dry skin can cause irritation, itching, and cracking and are caused by numerous factors such as genetics, medication, and low humidity. It can be remedied through different types of creams, lotions, and ointments.
For this skin type, we recommend scrubs containing oils such as coconut oil or jojoba oil and milk such as macadamia milk or rice milk for extra moisture. On the other hand, you should avoid body scrubs with charcoal, salicylic acid, and tea tree oil as they absorb your skin's natural oils, leading to skin damage.
For those with dry skin, it's important to choose an extremely gentle scrub since the skin barrier is already compromised and at risk of cracking with too much abrasion. A good choice of a chemical exfoliant is alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). These are water-loving molecules, so they can help keep your skin hydrated.
Good choices of AHAs are glycolic acid and lactic acid. Since they're water-soluble, they dissolve in water and can easily just peel away the surface of the skin. Also, look for scrubs that incorporate hydrating ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, coconut oil, or olive oil for that extra moisture.
Body acne, just like the acne you get on your face, can be annoying. And one place that’s prone to getting acne is our back, hence the term bacne. Our backs have sebaceous glands that produce sebum - and when we sweat or go out, our pores sometimes get clogged, which results in acne.
In saying that, we recommend body scrubs with clarifying and antibacterial ingredients. These combat the production of acne with ingredients such as salicylic acid and tea tree oil which are well-known for preventing breakouts. It would be best to avoid body scrubs with oils and milk to keep away unnecessary moisture.
For those prone to body acne, a chemical exfoliant would be the better choice (as physical exfoliants may be too harsh). Try looking for exfoliants with salicylic acid. Salicylic acid helps clear pores and reduces redness with its anti-irritating and antimicrobial properties. If you already have acne-like bumps on the back, though, it is best to Ask Your Derma!
Aside from choosing a body scrub based on its ingredients, it's also advisable to look into its scent. Some body scrubs are formulated for aromatherapy which has different effects such as reduced stress, anxiety, and even mild pain. These products usually contain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine, or vanilla.
A study in Indonesia on the Sensory Evaluation in Determining Acceptability of Scrub Cream revealed that the aroma applied on the skin influences respondents’ acceptability in choosing certain scrub creams.
Definitely, the smell of a product can give additional benefits - be it emotional or psychological, thus, giving an overall relaxing experience. This one is definitely based on your personal scent of choice!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Skin Type | Notable Ingredients | Fragrance | Net Weight | ||||||
1 | First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub | ₱1,731 High Mid | Best for Eliminating Tiny Bumps and Chicken Skin | All Skin Types | Pumice Buffing Beads, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol, Vitamin E | Fragrance-free | 226g | ||
2 | Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish | ₱2,120 High Mid | A Non-drying Scrub That Gently Exfoliates While Providing Moisture | All Skin Types | Brown Sugar, Citrus Oil, Evening Primrose, Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba Oil, Ginseng Root Extract | Brown Sugar and Citrus Oils | 200g | ||
3 | Tree Hut Tahitian Vanilla Bean Shea Sugar Scrub | ₱950 Mid | Tahitian Vanilla Bean Scented Body Scrub for Silky Smooth, Glowing Skin | All Skin Types | Sugar, Shea Butter, Vanilla, Tahitian Monoi Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Oil, Orange Oil | Tahitian Vanilla Bean | 510g | ||
4 | Sol De Janeiro Bom Dia Body Scrub | ₱2,800 High Mid | AHA BHA Body Scrub with Crushed Maracujá Seeds for Keratoris Pilaris | All Skin Types | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Crushed Maracujá Seeds | Dark Fruit, Delicate Floral Notes, Creamy Vanilla Woods, and a Warm Hint of Musk | 220g / 7.8 oz | ||
5 | Dove Exfoliating Body Polish|Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk | ₱730 Mid | Moisturizing Body Polish With a Calming Macadamia & Rice Milk Scent | All Skin Types | Hydrated Silica, Caprylic/Capric, Glycerin, Bran Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, | Macadamia and Rice Milk | 298 g / 10.5 oz | ||
6 | Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub | ₱2,820 High Mid | A Versatile Rose-Scented Scrub for the Scalp and Body | All Skin Types | Sugar, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamide MEA | Rose Scent With a Blend of Bergamot, Lychee, White Musk, Champagne | 250 g / 8.8 oz | ||
7 | Dr Teal's Exfoliate & Renew Epsom Salt Body Scrub|With Lavender | ₱379.05 Low Mid | A Soothing Scrub for Exfoliation and Stress Relief | All Skin Types | Sodium Chloride (Salt), Pure Epsom Salt, Lavender Essential Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil | Lavender | 454 g / 16 oz | ||
8 | Human Nature Coffee & Vanilla Body Scrub | ₱319.75 Low Mid | All-Natural Coffee Scrub with a Calming Vanilla Fragrance | All Skin Types | Bamboo Stem Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Coffee Seed, Vitamin E, Citric Acid, Glycerin | Coffee and Vanilla | 190 g / 6.7 oz | ||
9 | Gluta-C Intense Whitening Body Scrub | ₱94 Low Mid | Natural Papaya Enzymes and Bamboo Scrub for a More Even Skintone | All Skin Types | Glutathione, Vitamin C, Papaya Enzymes, Natural Bamboo Scrubs, Papain, Citric Acid, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Arbutin | Papaya | 120g | ||
10 | Abonne Body Spa Salt Scrub | ₱93.5 Low Mid | Enriched With Brightening Ingredients for a Fairer Complexion | All Skin Types | Sodium Chloride, Dermawhite, Tartaric Acid, Glycerin, Papaya Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Whey Powder, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate | Milky Scent | 380g |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Pumice Buffing Beads, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Bisabolol, Vitamin E |
Fragrance | Fragrance-free |
Net Weight | 226g |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Brown Sugar, Citrus Oil, Evening Primrose, Sweet Almond, Apricot Kernel, Jojoba Oil, Ginseng Root Extract |
Fragrance | Brown Sugar and Citrus Oils |
Net Weight | 200g |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Sugar, Shea Butter, Vanilla, Tahitian Monoi Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Avocado Oil, Macadamia Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Safflower Oil, Orange Oil |
Fragrance | Tahitian Vanilla Bean |
Net Weight | 510g |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Crushed Maracujá Seeds |
Fragrance | Dark Fruit, Delicate Floral Notes, Creamy Vanilla Woods, and a Warm Hint of Musk |
Net Weight | 220g / 7.8 oz |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Hydrated Silica, Caprylic/Capric, Glycerin, Bran Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, |
Fragrance | Macadamia and Rice Milk |
Net Weight | 298 g / 10.5 oz |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Sugar, Coconut Oil, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Methyl Isethionate, Cocamide MEA |
Fragrance | Rose Scent With a Blend of Bergamot, Lychee, White Musk, Champagne |
Net Weight | 250 g / 8.8 oz |
This scrub by Dr Teal's offers a versatile skincare experience that combines exfoliation, hydration, and relaxation. Enriched with pure Epsom salt, it gently removes dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. It also has shea butter and jojoba oil that work together to deeply moisturize, leaving your skin feeling irresistibly soft and well-hydrated.
Aside from that, it is infused with lavender essential oils, which provide a calming and soothing sensation. Several users noted its delightful, relaxing scent that soothes the senses, making it a perfect addition to your self-care routine after a long day.
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Sodium Chloride (Salt), Pure Epsom Salt, Lavender Essential Oil, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil |
Fragrance | Lavender |
Net Weight | 454 g / 16 oz |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Bamboo Stem Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Coffee Seed, Vitamin E, Citric Acid, Glycerin |
Fragrance | Coffee and Vanilla |
Net Weight | 190 g / 6.7 oz |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Glutathione, Vitamin C, Papaya Enzymes, Natural Bamboo Scrubs, Papain, Citric Acid, Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, Arbutin |
Fragrance | Papaya |
Net Weight | 120g |
Skin Type | All Skin Types |
---|---|
Notable Ingredients | Sodium Chloride, Dermawhite, Tartaric Acid, Glycerin, Papaya Extract, Psidium Guajava Fruit Extract, Hydrolyzed Milk Protein, Whey Powder, Alpha Arbutin, Kojic Acid Dipalmitate |
Fragrance | Milky Scent |
Net Weight | 380g |
Always patch test before adding a new player to your skincare regimen. If you don't develop any reaction or signs of irritation, then good, but always start slow. Consider the other skincare products you already use. Some products may cause your skin to be more sensitive or peel, so exfoliating while using these products may worsen dry skin or even cause acne breakouts.
Massage it in gently (no actual scrubbing!), then rinse off with lukewarm water. Follow up with a hydrating lotion or cream to seal in moisture. When it comes to exfoliating, I'd recommend using it weekly or monthly rather than daily. Follow up with a moisturizer! Remember, the skin cells we're exfoliating are still key to barrier protection.
Below, Dr. Katrina Luz answers some of the web's most asked questions, so before you hit that check out button, have a read to make sure you make informed decisions!
Definitely, there are no hard and fast rules for this one! Once a week may be good for some but others may prefer at least twice a week. Best to listen to your skin!
There are actually no hard and fast rules for this either. If you soap before, you can wash away any dirt and sweat from the skin before exfoliating away mature skin cells and impurities. If you soap after, then this helps remove any residue from the scrub. It boils down to your skin needs and preferences.
Avoid using a body scrub for the face and other sensitive areas like the neck, underarms, and the groin area.
Here are some signs of over-exfoliation (possibly that you might be overdoing it!):
Road to recovery from over-exfoliation:
For many people, a structured shower and skincare routine is a great way to start and end the day. If you want to explore some products that will help you look good and feel good, allow us to recommend some of our favorites. Check out our articles below!
Re-editors: R. Umlas, S. Tidalgo
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: First Aid Beauty|KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
No. 2: Fresh|Brown Sugar Body Polish
No. 3: Tree Hut|Tahitian Vanilla Bean Shea Sugar Scrub
No. 4: Sol De Janeiro|Bom Dia Body Scrub
No. 5: Dove|Exfoliating Body Polish|Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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