Best Body Scrubs for Glowing Skin

Regular body exfoliation is one of the most effective ways to improve skin radiance. By removing the build-up of dull, dead surface cells that accumulate over time, a well-formulated scrub reveals the fresher, smoother skin beneath, improves the skin’s ability to absorb moisturiser and enhances the way light reflects off the skin’s surface. 

The formulas below have been selected with a dermatologist lens, prioritising gentle yet effective physical exfoliants alongside hydrating and nourishing ingredients that support the skin barrier rather than compromising it.

Our Top Body Scrubs for Glowing Skin

Best Overall Dr. Alexis Pick
JOONBYRD

Violet Haze Exfoliating Body Scrub

Price
£45.00
Size
200 ml
Skin type
All skin types
Key ingredients
Ultra-fine sugar & chia seed granules, Niacinamide, Shea butter, Cocoa butter, Coconut oil, Prebiotic inulin, Siberian ginseng, Chia seed oil
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (vanilla, musk, white lily, chocolate, cardamom)
Dr. Alexis Says

“Violet Haze is an award-winning body scrub that combines ultra-fine sugar and chia seed granules with a clinically formulated blend of skin actives to polish, protect and brighten. Niacinamide supports barrier function and helps improve skin tone, while shea butter, cocoa butter and coconut oil condition and soften the skin’s surface during exfoliation. Prebiotic inulin nourishes the microbiome and supports the skin barrier, and adaptogen Siberian ginseng helps soothe and regenerate stressed skin. Antioxidant chia seed oil, rich in omega fatty acids, flavonoids and vitamin E, further protects against environmental damage. The result is skin that feels genuinely polished, hydrated and luminous rather than stripped or tight.”

FRANK BODY

Original Coffee Scrub

Price
£14.45
Size
200 g
Skin type
All skin types
Key ingredients
Robusta coffee seed powder, Sweet almond oil, Sea salt, Sucrose, Orange oil, Vitamin E
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (coffee & orange)
Dr. Alexis Says

“The product that made Frank Body famous, this natural coffee-based scrub combines robusta coffee grounds with sea salt for a dual-textured exfoliation that removes dead cells and improves circulation. Cold-pressed sweet almond oil conditions the skin throughout, while vitamin E (tocopherol) provides antioxidant support and soybean oil delivers additional emollient moisture. The caffeine in the robusta coffee is widely noted for its ability to support microcirculation and provide antioxidant benefits at the skin’s surface. Free from parabens and artificial fragrance, the rich coffee scent lingers pleasantly after rinsing.”

TREE HUT

Shea Sugar Scrub – Coconut Lime

Price
£15.99
Size
510 g
Skin type
All / normal to dry
Key ingredients
Sugar, Shea butter, Coconut oil & shell powder, Lime extract, Avocado oil, Sweet almond oil
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (coconut lime)
Dr. Alexis Says

“An accessible and well-loved sugar scrub built around sucrose crystals and coconut shell powder for dual-texture exfoliation that buffs away dry skin without harshness. Shea butter deeply conditions and softens, while a six-oil blend of avocado, macadamia, sweet almond, evening primrose, safflower and orange oils nourishes and balances hydration for a refined, healthy glow. Lime extract provides brightening support thanks to its naturally occurring vitamin C content, and the tropical fragrance of palm leaf, lime and coconut makes each use feel like a sensory treat. The formula is paraben-free and available at an accessible price point.”

HERBIVORE

Coco Rose Body Polish

Price
£40.00
Size
226 g
Skin type
All / dry / sensitive
Key ingredients
Sugar, Virgin coconut oil, Shea butter, Meadowfoam seed oil, Moroccan rose, Pink clay
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (natural rose)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A gentle, oil-rich body polish designed with sensitive skin in mind, combining fine sugar crystals with a nourishing base of organic virgin coconut oil, shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil. Sugar provides soft physical exfoliation that dissolves gradually as the formula is worked into the skin, making it one of the gentler options in this list. Moroccan rose absolute imparts a sophisticated, naturally floral scent and soothing properties, while pink clay gently detoxifies and supports a radiant finish. The formula is vegan and free from synthetic fragrances. It can be left on the skin for one to two minutes to allow the oils to condition before rinsing.”

OSKIA

Renaissance Body Scrub

Price
£49.00
Size
220 g
Skin type
All skin types
Key ingredients
Pink Himalayan salt, Fermented pumpkin enzymes, MSM, Borage oil, Vitamin E
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (natural)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A dual-action body soufflé scrub that combines physical and enzymatic exfoliation for a thorough yet gentle result. Pink Himalayan salt, rich in 84 trace minerals, physically buffs away dry and dead surface cells while re-mineralising the skin. Fermented pumpkin enzymes work enzymatically to reveal fresher, softer skin and contain naturally occurring vitamins A and C that support a brighter, more even tone. MSM, Oskia’s signature sulphur-rich ingredient, supports collagen production and improves luminosity over time. Borage oil delivers omega 6 fatty acids to nourish and firm, and vitamin E provides antioxidant protection against environmental damage. Applied to dry skin before entering the shower for best results, and suitable for most skin types.”

KIEHL'S

Gently Exfoliating Body Scrub

Price
£34.50
Size
250 ml
Skin type
All / sensitive / dry
Key ingredients
Crushed apricot seed particles, Perlite, Aloe vera, Chamomile, Shea butter, Cocoa seed butter
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (grapefruit / lavender / coriander)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A creamy, indulgent body scrub formulated with crushed apricot seed particles as the primary physical exfoliant, providing effective surface smoothing without over-drying. Cocoa seed butter and shea butter condition and soften the skin during use, while aloe vera leaf juice soothes and avocado oil provides additional nourishing emollient support. Tocopherol (vitamin E) contributes antioxidant protection and luffa fruit extract provides additional gentle exfoliation. Available in coriander, grapefruit and lavender scents, it is suited to all skin types including sensitive and dry skin.”

DERMALOGICA

Thermafoliant Body Scrub

Price
£42.00
Size
177 ml
Skin type
All skin types
Key ingredients
Indian bamboo stem, Lactic acid (AHA), Papain (papaya enzyme), Sea salt, Bio-lipids, Licorice & white tea
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (citrus)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A dual-action body exfoliant that combines physical and chemical exfoliation for a noticeably brighter, smoother result. Indian bamboo stem provides physical texture refinement, while lactic acid (AHA) and papain from papaya dissolve dulling surface cells and promote natural cell renewal. Natural sea salt revitalises and hydrates, and a blend of replenishing bio-lipids helps protect and strengthen the skin barrier throughout. Extracts of licorice, white tea and chamomile infuse the skin with antioxidant support, while tea tree and grapefruit peel oils purify and refresh. Suitable for all skin types and recommended for use two to three times per week.”

ELEMIS

Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow

Price
£49.00
Size
490 g
Skin type
All / dry
Key ingredients
Sea salt, Sweet almond oil, Coconut oil, Lime oil, Ginger root oil, Bergamot oil
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (lime & ginger)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A spa-grade salt scrub that suspends mineral-rich sea salt and lime peel in a generous blend of sweet almond, coconut, bergamot and ginger root oils for an invigorating exfoliation experience that leaves skin supremely smooth and lightly scented. Sea salt exfoliates and draws minerals into the skin, while the essential oil blend of ginger, lime, vetiver and petitgrain energises the senses and helps tone the skin’s surface. Vitamin E (tocopherol) provides antioxidant conditioning. The formula is vegan and free from parabens, mineral oil and SLS. Note: not recommended for use during pregnancy.”

TATCHA

Forest Awakening Hinoki Body Wash

Price
£35.00
Size
200 ml
Skin type
All skin types
Key ingredients
Plant-based cellulose beads, Hadasei-3 (fermented rice, green tea, algae), Cedar/hiba/hinoki oils, Peach tree leaf extract
Fragrance
Contains fragrance (hinoki forest)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A gentle exfoliating body wash from Tatcha’s Forest Awakening collection, inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku. Eco-friendly cellulose beads provide soft, microplastic-free physical exfoliation to refine skin texture and leave the skin visibly smoother with each use. Tatcha’s signature Hadasei-3 complex of fermented rice, green tea and algae nourishes and hydrates the skin during cleansing. The blend of hinoki, hiba and cedar essential oils is clinically proven to promote feelings of calm and relaxation, making this as much a sensory ritual as a functional exfoliating step. Suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for regular use.”

NÉCESSAIRE

The Body Exfoliator

Price
£30.00
Size
180 ml
Skin type
All / KP-prone / rough
Key ingredients
Volcanic pumice, Glycolic & lactic acids (AHA), Salicylic acid (BHA), Gluconolactone (PHA), Niacinamide, Marula oil
Fragrance
Fragrance-free (eucalyptus & sandalwood variants available)
Dr. Alexis Says

“A multiple-award-winning dual-action exfoliator that pairs physical and chemical exfoliation for a thorough, clinical-grade result. Volcanic pumice provides gentle physical buffing to remove dead surface cells, while a trio of glycolic acid (AHA), lactic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) work chemically to dissolve dulling surface build-up, clear pores and improve skin texture over time. Gluconolactone (PHA) adds a further gentle resurfacing layer while simultaneously hydrating. Niacinamide supports the skin barrier and helps improve tone, marula seed oil nourishes and tocopherol provides antioxidant protection. Available in fragrance-free, eucalyptus and sandalwood variants. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, dermatologist-tested and Certified B Corp.”

What Ingredients Should You Look for in Body Scrubs for Glow?

The most effective body scrubs for radiance combine gentle physical exfoliants with ingredients that support hydration and protect the skin’s barrier during the exfoliation process.

Gentle physical exfoliants such as fine sugar crystals, finely milled salts and crushed seeds remove dead surface cells through mechanical action. Sugar dissolves gradually as it is worked into the skin, making it one of the gentler options and well suited to sensitive skin. Salt provides a more vigorous exfoliation and is rich in minerals that support skin hydration. Finely milled alternatives such as apricot seed powder or cellulose beads offer a gentler middle ground.

Humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid are worth seeking out in a scrub formula as they draw water into the upper layers of the skin and help compensate for any moisture loss that can accompany exfoliation. Paired with emollient plant oils such as sweet almond, jojoba or coconut oil, they leave skin both smooth and genuinely nourished rather than simply buffed clean.

Antioxidants such as vitamin E, green tea and caffeine-rich botanicals protect the freshly exfoliated skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage. Well-exfoliated skin has a temporarily thinner surface barrier and absorbs these actives more readily, enhancing their overall efficacy. The combination of exfoliation and antioxidant support consistently produces the most noticeable improvement in skin luminosity over time.

How Often Should You Exfoliate for Glowing Skin?

Body scrubs should be used one to three times per week depending on individual skin sensitivity, not daily. Over-exfoliation disrupts the skin barrier, causing dryness, irritation and increased sensitivity that ultimately works against a radiant appearance. For sensitive or dry skin, once a week is usually sufficient; for normal or oily skin, two to three times per week tends to produce the best results.

Applying a body lotion or oil immediately after exfoliating is one of the most effective ways to maximise glow. Freshly exfoliated skin absorbs moisturiser more readily and the combination of improved surface smoothness with deep hydration delivers a noticeably more luminous finish. For best results, apply your chosen moisturiser while the skin is still slightly damp to help lock in hydration.

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About Dr. Alexis Granite

Dr. Alexis Granite
Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Alexis Granite is a UK and US board-certified Consultant Dermatologist with extensive experience across both clinical and cosmetic dermatology. She’s a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and the British Association of Dermatologists and serves on the advisory board of the British Beauty Council.

Her guidance is grounded in clinical evidence and shaped by years of treating patients with concerns including skin ageing, pigmentation, barrier dysfunction and overall skin health. When it comes to skincare recommendations, the focus is always on ingredients and formulations that are genuinely supported by science and that deliver real, lasting results in everyday life.

More About Dr. Alexis Granite