The 9 Best Body Exfoliators to Reverse Dry, Scaly Skin

• Nourishing formula

• Some users dislike the scent

Size: 18.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs

Imagine if we overhauled our entire body care collection and supplemented it with the same corrective, preventative ingredients of our facial routines. Thanks to Dove and its team of trusted dermatologists, our favorite face serums are now packed in nourishing body washes that dissolve impurities and reveal refreshed, renewed skin. Exfoliate Away, in particular, contains AHAs to refine, microbeads gently buff, and a creamy formula that puts in overtime to unveil smoother skin.

Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “In-shower exfoliating days always required a multi-step routine with several cleansers, sugar scrubs, and maybe even a pumice stone if I’m feeling fancy. However, I love how nourishing Exfoliate Away is, but also how gentle it is at sloughing away those dry, dead skin layers. Post-shower, my skin feels prepped and soft enough for the final step: moisture.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

• Improves texture

• Some dislike the scent

Size: 7.8 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid

Start the day with a brightening, energizing body scrub that combines the power of glycolic and salicylic acid to clarify and gently buff away rough texture. Even better, your skin is drenched in the signature Bom Dia scent, a delightfully warm blend of vanilla, florals, and musk.

Sephora rating: 4.6/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I’m normally not a fan of body exfoliating bars, but this exfoliator is one of the few exceptions I’ll make. It smells incredible (like warm plum, vanilla, and musks) and has both chemical and physical exfoliants, so my skin feels insanely soft after I use it.”—Katie Berohn, ELLE beauty editor

• Helps to improve the look of stretch marks

• Pricey

Size: 10 fl oz

Key ingredients: Caffeine, antioxidants

Looking to improve the appearance of stretch marks? Add a caffeine-rich scrub, like this one from Visha Skincare to your arsenal. Sugar cane beads provide the exfoliation, while grapeseed and avocado oil impart moisture.

Visha Skincare rating: 5/5 stars

Our expert says: “Visha Skincare Sugar Shrink body scrub exfoliates with sugar and moisturizes at the same time with avocado oil. The oils trap water/moisture in the skin, preventing dryness. Visha Fitness Scrub uses pumice, salt, and charcoal to deodorize and exfoliate.”—Dr. Purvisha Patel

• Reduces appearances of dark spots

• Applicator can spit out too much product at once

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Retinol, urea, lactic and glycolic acid

Exfoliation isn’t all abrasive scrubs and tools. Slather by Topicals allows you to exfoliate while you carry on with your day. The body serum has a lightweight texture that quickly absorbs the retinol, lactic and glycolic acid found in its solution.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “Body acne and I go together like PB&J—that is until Slather entered my body care routine. After properly treating my skin in the shower, I follow up with this treatment to further correct the scarring along my arms, back, and chest while I catch some Zzz. With consistent use (I’m currently squeezing out every last drop), I noticed how visibly lighter the spots have become, which means I’m ready for summer crop tops and bikinis.”—Nerisha Penrose

• Address KP and ingrown hairs

• Pricey

Size: 7.61 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, rice pumice, green tea

Here’s a scrub that works wonders for your body, especially your bikini line area. Built around glycolic acid and rice pumice, this buffer makes even the most rough skin feel as smooth as a dolphin. No need to wait multiple sessions for the results; Beia’s scrub has properties that give you instant gratification.

Beia Beauty rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “You never know your routine was lacking something until that wild card enters and shows you what you were missing out on. Beia’s Bikini & Body Scrub instantly gives me the smoothest skin of my life. The physical beads aren’t harsh on the skin, and as you scrub, your newfound soft skin is suddenly revealed. While it is fragrance-free, the scrub does effuse a faint minty smell that adds an invigorating burst to any shower session.”—Nerisha Penrose

• Keeps ingrowns at bay

• Applicator can spit out too much product

Size: 2.4 fl oz

Key ingredients: AHAs, aloe, hyaluronic acid

A good deodorant is always a worthy investment; a deodorant that exfoliates and reduces sweat is even better. Kosas’ Chemistry AHA Serum Deodorant is a silky, lightweight solution that uses a blend of AHAs to correct discoloration. Aloe and hyaluronic acid provide a surge of moisture without making you feel overly sweaty.

Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “This is the only deodorant I use. I’m a chronic waxer and can’t stand to see hair under my arms, which means I’m sometimes cursed with deep-seated ingrown hairs waiting to rear its head. This deodorant keeps me free and clear of underarm breakouts and helps lighten discoloration.”—Nerisha Penrose

• Can be used on body and scalp

• Can feel a little greasy

Size: 8.8 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycerin, coconut oil

Ouai’s body scrub is here to streamline your “everything” shower. The MVPs of the formula are glycerin and coconut oil, two nourishing ingredients that create a veil of softness. Gentle enough to use on your scalp, the scrub increases blood flow to restore balance and ensure the scalp is properly cleansed.

Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “I was looking for a good sugar-based body scrub and this one has the perfect texture. It’s not too harsh, but it’s definitely a good exfoliant. Not a huge fan of the scent, very beachy, almost like a pina colada, but if that’s your thing you will love it!”

• Improves texture

• Takes time to see results

Size: 10 treatments

Key ingredients: Glycolic and salicylic acid, vitamin K, caffeine

Fans of the brand’s bestselling facial peels will rejoice now that there’s a body equivalent. With this 10-treatment kit, you’ll unveil clearer, brighter, and smoother skin with help from glycolic and salicylic acid, as well as vitamin K, an ingredient known for aiding in recovery and healing.

Blue Mercury rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Blue Mercury reviewer said: “The Power Glow Peel Body worked well. I had no irritation. The scent and texture were good, and it was packaged conveniently for use. I recommend it to others who want a peel for their skin.”

• Calming formula

• Some users dislike the scent

Size: 8.9 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid

Sundae Body Whipped Shower Foam takes the mundanity out of a daily shower adds a playful edge. Gentle green tea adds a calming energy as glycolic keeps pores clear and polishes the skin.

Sundae Body rating: 5/5 stars

A Sundae Body reviewer said: “Love this product, smells good and the foam is so fun.”

“Yes, exfoliating is necessary. If you have oily skin, it’s safe to exfoliate in the shower every day. Those with combination or dry skin may only be able to tolerate physical exfoliation every two to three days,” Dr. Patel says. Exfoliation helps remove build-up, reduce clogged pores or congestion, and improve rough or dry patches.

As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com’s beauty commerce editor. Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist about body exfoliators and browsed the internet (and her stash) to find the best formulas.