Which body and face scrub is best?

It doesn't matter how much body butter you slather on for your hot girl summer glow—if you're not getting in on the best body scrubs, rough, scaly skin is bound to pop up at some point. Blame long days of intense sun exposure that burns through every layer of creams and oils. It's the biggest culprit of dry skin in the summer, and damage does more than the quick fix a body cream can provide—particularly on our elbows and knees, where we have fewer oil glands and a slower cell turnover rate, causing dead skin buildup. 

That's where exfoliation is key. Not only will a great scrub or body peel slough away any rough patches, it'll clear the way for your moisturizers and body oils to penetrate even deeper. Bonus: The best body scrubs now even come with hydrating ingredients in them, making extra-soft, supple skin easier than ever. Add one of these Glamour-editor favorites to cart, and your skin will thank you.

All products featured on Glamour are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Most face scrubs and body scrubs are made for exfoliation, which is an important part of any skincare regimen. Some facial scrubs aim to deeply cleanse the pores on your face, while others focus on detoxifying, purifying, or smoothing and toning your skin.

The best face exfoliator is most effective when you make it a part of your skincare routine — followed up with natural serums and moisturizers that can better penetrate the abraded outer layer of skin. Look for plant-based products with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties.

Many body and facial scrubs contain alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), which can be beneficial for its anti-aging properties or for acne-prone skin. Look for AHA that’s naturally derived from fruit acids and enzymes. Other scrubs let beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) do the work, such as salicylic acid, which can be found in willow bark extract.

Let’s face it. Some physical and chemical exfoliators can be a bit harsh. That’s why the best exfoliator for your body or face is formulated as paraben-free, phthalate-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free, and without synthetic fragrances.

We’ve gathered a list below, including top selections of natural face and body scrubs filled with nutrient-rich ingredients, that are highly rated by Grove members. Have a look.

This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.

FAQs

How do you exfoliate your face?

There’s a benefit to knowing how to exfoliate your face. Even the best face exfoliator can harm, rather than enhance, your complexion if it’s applied too often or too rough. Always follow the directions listed on your face scrub. But for some quick guidance, here are step-by-step instructions for facial exfoliation:

• Make sure your hands are washed clean before applying anything to your face
• To avoid contamination, use a mini cosmetic spoon or spatula for scooping
• Wet your face with warm water to open the pores
• Gently massage a natural facial scrub onto your face, using soft, circular motions
• Rinse off the face scrub with lukewarm water
• If you use a soft cleaning cloth to wipe away excess product, avoid rubbing your skin
• Afterwards, apply moisturizer to prevent skin dehydration

Some facial scrubs can be used daily, as long as they have mild ingredients. But you'll want to be careful to avoid over-exfoliating, as it can strip your face of its natural oils and instead cause dryness, inflammation, and breakouts — even flaking and peeling.

Start with a face scrub once a week. Most dermatologists recommend exfoliating no more than two times per week. Your goal is a dewy, plump, moisturized complexion!

Do you exfoliate before or after shaving?

Before or after? It’s a question many people ask about exfoliation. The short answer is: both.

Exfoliating before shaving — whether it’s your face, underarms, legs, or bikini area — helps to prepare your skin by buffing away dead skin cells. The result is a closer shave, since your razor won’t become dull with all that extra sloughed off skin.

The best pre-shave exfoliator for your body is a washcloth, loofah, or exfoliating sponge. To keep your legs smooth, you can also use a sugar scrub to prep your skin before shaving. Be sure to select a gentle facial scrub or body scrub made for your more sensitive areas.

Right after shaving, hold off on using body scrubs with sugar, salt, or coffee granules in case you’ve nicked the skin. These exfoliants can sting, irritate, or inflame small cuts and abrasions.

What about ingrown hairs? Here's what to do. A couple of days after you shave, apply a natural exfoliator in circular motions to free any pesky ingrowns from burrowing beneath the skin.

Can you use a sugar scrub on your face?

The jury is undecided on this one. Some people swear by sugar scrubs for the face, as it’s a natural humectant that holds in moisture for much-needed hydration. Sugar also sloughs away dead skin cells and buffs your pores clean.

Others argue that the sugar crystals in a sugar scrub may be too abrasive to use on your face, especially if it’s prone to irritation, from redness to rashes. If you do use a sugar scrub, choose one containing fine grains since the granules are smaller.

A basic rule of thumb: Use face scrubs for your face, and body scrubs for your body. To be on the safer side, save the sugar scrub for tougher skin, such as the dry patches on your heels, elbows, and knees.

If you have dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin, then select a face scrub that will gently exfoliate. Consult a dermatologist if you experience an inflammatory reaction, eczema, or any skin condition that persists.

What is Grove Collaborative?

At Grove, we take the guesswork out of which products are good for you and your home. Every product meets strict standards for being nontoxic, effective, sustainable, and cruelty-free. Once you find products you love, we ship to your home on a flexible, monthly schedule.

If you're ready to make the transition to natural cleaning, beauty, and household products, shop Grove Collaborative's natural products for the eco-friendly tools to tackle the job.

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