An effective summer body care routine begins with a scrub. If, like me, you’ve been guilty of neglecting the skin that’s not on show, chances are things are looking a little lizard-like, which is where the right body scrub comes in.
Vogue’s top body scrubs at a glance:
Best for keratosis pilaris
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
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Best gentle exfoliant
Jones Road The Body Scrub
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Best for a beautiful scent
Ouai St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub
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“The primary function of a body scrub is to accelerate the skin’s natural turnover cycle by removing older, dull skin cells from the surface to reveal newer, brighter ones underneath,” Dr Anna Persaud explains. “This can be achieved through either physical exfoliation (polishing and buffing the skin) or chemical exfoliation (dissolving the lipid bonds that hold dead cells together).”
But beyond the buffing process, there are other factors to consider too, from finding one to suit your skin type to scent to texture. To aid in the process, I have selected my top body scrubs for glowing, smooth skin.
Best for keratosis pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
Why it’s Vogue-approved: For keratosis pilaris, there are few exfoliators more effective than First Aid Beauty’s, which was created specifically with the common skin condition in mind. The scrub can be used by all skin types, even those with sensitive skin, to buff away rough and scaly bumps. It harnesses a mix of AHAs, including glycolic acid and lactic acid, which are combined with the soothing and healing power of natural bisabolol to prevent irritation.
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid and natural bisabolol
Scent: Neutral
Best gentle exfoliant: Jones Road The Body Scrub
Jones Road
The Body Scrub
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Unlike the tub-based body scrubs that I have favoured in the past, the Jones Road take on the category comes in a tube, which feels a little less messy. The product is described as a ‘gentle exfoliant’, and it is exactly that. The formula glides onto the skin, using natural bamboo powder to buff away dullness-causing impurities to leave the skin so impressively smooth – but all without feeling abrasive. This is likely on account of the conditioning ingredients included that bring a touch of nourishment into what is not typically a luxurious process. You don’t need a lot of product for a big impact.
Key ingredients: Bamboo powder, caffeine, jojoba oil and essential oils
Scent: Citrus and fruit aroma from orange, grapefruit, lavender and helichrysum essential oils
Best for a beautiful scent: OUAI St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub
Ouai
St. Barts Scalp and Body Scrub
Why it’s Vogue-approved: I’m yet to visit St. Barts, but this gloriously fragranced body scrub turns my shower into the French Caribbean island with the addictive tropical aroma that defines the range. But it’s the skin feel post-use that really makes it a win in my book. While it’s a physical scrub, my body feels hydrated and nourished after use – and importantly, incredibly smooth.
Key ingredients: Sugar, probiotic blend and coconut oil
Scent: Tropical coconut aroma
Best stick format: The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
The Inkey List
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
Why we love it: If you’re concerned with strawberry legs, rough texture or blemishes on the body, this fan favourite from The Inkey List will do the trick. The convenient stick has been a constant sellout for its clarifying power, and when we tried it, we could see why. With the help of shea butter, it glides on skin, flattens bacne and sloughs off dry patches – all without making a mess.
Best body scrub for acne: Medicube Body Peeling Shot
Medicube
Body Peeling Shot
Why it’s Vogue-approved: Effortless application is guaranteed with this Korean skincare find. Calling on a host of ingredients known for their keratolytic action, it clears up congestion and dead cells at multiple layers of the skin. Its liphydroxy acids are especially helpful for breaking up clogged oil without irritating the skin. To use, simply spray it on before you get in the shower and let it sit for 60 seconds. The 360 nozzle makes it easy to aim for breakouts that crop up on your back, which can all but disappear after a few weeks of use.
Key ingredients: niacinamide, succinic acid, AHAs, BHAs, PHAs and LHAs
Scent: no strong scent
Best sugar scrub: Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish
Fresh
Brown Sugar Body Polish
Why it’s Vogue-approved: This classic scrub immerses the body in nourishing ingredients for skin that feels remarkably softer after just one use. Sugar is the secret weapon here – it acts as a humectant to draw moisture in, while sloughing dead cells off the surface. As an added plus, it leaves you smelling like a fine patisserie. Elsewhere, ginseng extract targets blemishes and ramps up microcirculation, so shop here if your legs tend to swell. Editor’s tip: this formula is positively drizzling with oil, so use it with a scoop to protect your investment.
Key ingredients: brown sugar crystals, ginseng root extract, peppermint, evening primrose oil and citrus oils
