Best Body Scrubs

There are many varieties of body scrubs available on the market. You may find that you dislike a scrub that many others love. When it comes to choosing the best body scrub, a large part of that is your personal preference.

Some body scrubs have more oils than others. For some people, this leaves their skin feeling too greasy while others love the feeling of their skin after they use a scrub that leaves some oil behind. Some people prefer the gentle scrubbing of sugar scrubs while others like the more abrasive salt scrubs.

This list of body scrubs includes sugar scrubs, salt scrubs as well as scrubs that are made with synthetic beads. Some scrubs are oily and some scrubs are creamy. In this list you will find a good variety of scrubs to evaluate and choose from. All of these scrubs are highly rated and have rave reviews from their fans. In the end, the best body scrub will be the one that you, personally, love.

Some Notes about Body Scrubs

• Use your scrub before shaving if you find it irritating to use after. Be careful in particular of salt scrubs if you have any cuts, irritations or sensitive skin.
• After exfoliation is the best time to apply a moisturizer high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your skin will eat up.
• If your finding that your scrub is crumbling and not rubbing on you skin efficiently, moisten your skin or fingers with a little water and this will help the scrub to go on smoothly.
• Some scrubs recommend applying them before you shower while others are better used during your shower, so you want to be aware of the recommended application of your scrub.
• Oils tend to separate, so you might have to stir your scrub before use.

Consistency: When looking for body scrubs, I always like to make sure that there is a high ratio of scrubbing ingredients to ensure you get the most out of your exfoliation session. I have purchased scrubs in the past that seem to be mostly cream with a minimal number of synthetic beads which makes the exfoliation feel virtually useless. You won't find any of those scrubs in this list.

Quality: Good scrubs use high quality, natural ingredients without irritating chemicals or preservatives.

High in skin revitalizing ingredients: Look for scrubs that are high in skin-healthy ingredients that contain vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, C, and E, magnesium, zinc and essential fatty acids.

Affordability: From the all the research I've done, more expensive does not necessarily mean better quality. In fact, some of the best-selling and best-rated body scrubs are the least expensive. The best selling body scrub on Amazon is by Tree Hut, along with being the highest rated, is also the best value at $8 for an 18 oz jar.

So which is better, a scrub made from sugar or one made from salt? Well, it depends what you are looking for.

In general, sugar scrubs are going to be more gentle than salt scrubs because sugar granules are finer than salt granules. Sugar also dissolves quicker in warm water than salt. Salt scrubs may feel more abrasive and are better for rough skin or when you want some extra ooumph.

Salt has minerals such as magnesium, potasium and calcium as well as skin purifying properties whereas sugar does not. However, if you have scrapes, burns or other skin irritations salt will sting.Good salt scrubs should be balanced with water soluble oils to avoid skin irritation or dryness. Salt tends to absorb excess oil, so it is good for oily skin. If your skin becomes irritated after using a salt scrub, revert back to sugar scrubs. Sugar scrubs are recommended for those with sensitive skin.

And now, the best bang-for-your-buck body scrubs!

Tree Hut Sugar Body Scrubs are made with natural oils which hydrate in addition to exfoliate. These scrubs contain Shea oil, as well as various other oil extracts, depending on which specific scrub you choose. Shea oil is high in vitamin A and E as well as omega fatty acids. It is hypoallergenic and is less heavy than coconut oil, which means it is a great option for oily skin as well as dry skin.

Lavender and Chamomile is Amazon's best seller while Coconut Lime is the highest rated body scrub. Tree Hut Scrubs also come in Vanilla Spice, Tropical Mango, Brazilian Nut, Almond & Honey and Hawaiian Kukui.

Why It's Great

It has a thick consistency for heavy exfoliating. Its light scent is sweet but not overpowering. The oils are hydrating but they leave you skin feeling non-greasy. Tree Hut Body Scrubs are a great value at $6-$8 a jar for 18 oz jars. Other scrubs charge 3-4 times that amount! If you prefer a sugar scrub that leaves more hydrating oils on your skin, check out the Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sugar Cane Body Polish or L'or de la Mer Anti-Cellulite Body Blaster listed below.

This body scrub has a combination of sugar and salt granules. It also contains seaweed which is said to help draw toxins and excess water from the skin. Along with the scrubbing of the sugar and salt, seaweed also aids in exfoliating and dissolving of dead skin cells. Seaweed is a natural anti-inflammatory, soothing the skin and reducing irritation. Sunflower and coconut oil, which are main ingredients in the scrub, are jam packed with skin enriching nutrients that your skin will eat up.

Why It's Great

L'or de la Mer Anti-Cellulite Body Blaster is organic and natural. The mix of sea salts, sugar, oils and seaweed not only exfoliates but tightens, strengthens and softens your skin as well as stimulates circulation for healthy, radiant, glowing, soft skin. These ingredients are also toxin clearing and hydrating.

This body scrub has been described as "oily and gooey," which mean it easily glides onto to your skin and feels like a luxurious spa treatment as you massage it into you skin. It has a light, fresh and natural scent. If you prefer scrubs that are less oily, try the Tree Hut Sugar Body Scrub or Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream.

Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream has a light minty/medicated smell that will leave your skin tingling. It contains lots of exfoliators for velvety skin.

You can find this body scrub at Nordstrom, Macy's or Sephora for $24.

Why It's Great

Sparkle Skin is a gentle and non-irritating scrub. It is a gel-based formula which makes it creamy rather than oily. It does not leave a residue after use. The micro-synthetic beads provide for smooth scrubbing while rubbing away dullness. A little bit of this scrub goes a long way and the entire jar lasts a long time. This scrub will leave your skin feeling fresh, smooth and non-greasy.

KP Duty Body Scrub by Dermadoctor is a non-irritating, fragrance free, pH balanced chemical peel and microdermabrasion in one. It is made from synthetic beads for a non-abrasive scrub. It also contains green tea, willow bark and seaweed.

Why It's Great

Those of you that have it know that KP (keratosis pilaris), those little red bumps that may appear on the back of arms, legs or buttocks, can be extremely stubborn. Dermadoctor KP Duty Body Scrub breaks down bonds even more thoroughly than scrubbing alone can. The green tea and willow bark help to reduce irritation. It is non-greasy. This scrub is an excellent option if you need an extra deep exfoliation.

Buf-Puf double-sided body sponges will replace loofahs and washclothes. It has one rougher blue side and gentler white side. Use it in the shower with soap as you would a regular loofah or washcloth but Buf-Puf will leave you skin cleaner, softer and smoother.

Why It's Great

The Buf-Puf body sponge exfoliates without the mess. It's easy to use in the shower and you can clean it by throwing it in the washer (air dry). In general, one Buf-Puf sponge will last you a month or more, which means it provides an excellent value. It's perfect for use before appling sunless tanning products and it effectively prepares your skin for moisturization after your shower. It does not contain any creams or oils which means no left-over residues or unwanted ingredients on your skin. It's simple, easy and gets the job done.

Obey Your Body Dead Sea Mineral Salt Scrub contains a high concentration of Dead Sea salts, which means an extra boost of minerals for your skin. It is also made with plant extracts and aromatic oils.

Why It's Great

Obey Your Body Dead Sea Mineral Salt Scrub is a great option for those that want a hefty scrub. There is a high amount of oil in the scrub, which is good because it prevents the salt from over-drying your skin and many people love how soft the oils makes their skin feel. However, if you find too much oil is a no-go for you, consider Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream, described above. Because it is made with salt, you won't have a sticky mess after using this scrub.

This is a milder scrub, made with sugar cane and tropical nut oils. It is high in essential fatty acids and vitamin E.

Why It's Great

This scrub is gentle and an excellent option for sensitive skin. It contains oils from kukui nuts, macadmias, almonds and sunflower. It also contains skin-healthy honey. It will lift and scrub away impurities from the skin and then provide it with deep healing nutrients. This scrub is hydrating and great for extra dry skin. The natural oils remain on your skin, eliminating the need to use cream or lotion after its use. I love this scrub because of its natural, nourishing ingredients.

St. Ives Oatmeal and Shea Butter Body Polish will do exactly that, leave your body polished and glowing. It is made with sugar, oatmeal, Shea butter, finely ground walnut shell and 100% natural extracts.

Why It's Great

In addition to the exfoliating, this scrub also contains oatmeal which is soothing for the skin. Shea butter is high in the skin healthy vitamins A, E and F as well as essential fatty acids that nourish the skin. This scrub creates a lather as you wash with it. It will clean, nourish, exfoliate and polish your skin.

100% Pure Coconut Body Scrub is exactly that, 100% pure. It contains no synthetic chemicals, no preservatives and no artificial fragrances. 100% Pure makes body scrubs also in Vanilla Bean, Lavender, White Chocolate Butter, Meyer Lemon, Cocoa Kona Coffee, White Peach, Honey Almond and Blood Orange.

Why It's Great

This body scrub is 100% natural and organic. It contains rose hip and apricot oil to nourish the skin.The oil absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling non-greasy. I personally love the light coconut smell of their Coconut Body scrub. It scrubs well but it is not overly-abrasive. It won't scratch or irritate your skin. It will leave your skin with a light, refreshing scent and not to mention your skin will be glowing and radiant.

If you have used any other body scrubs you love that I have not mentioned here, leave me a comment, I would love to hear about it!