Dead skin buildup leaves you looking dull and can clog pores. Regular exfoliation reveals smoother, brighter skin and helps your moisturizers actually penetrate. Here are the best body scrubs and exfoliators for every skin type and concern.
What to Look For
- Physical vs. chemical — Physical exfoliants (sugar, salt, pumice) manually buff away dead skin; chemical exfoliants (AHAs, BHAs) dissolve it; combination products offer both
- Particle size — Finer particles are gentler; coarser grains provide more intense exfoliation but can irritate sensitive skin
- Moisturizing ingredients — Look for shea butter, oils, or glycerin to prevent post-scrub dryness
- Skin concerns — AHAs like glycolic acid address keratosis pilaris (KP) and rough texture; sugar scrubs work for general maintenance
- Frequency — Most skin tolerates 1-3 times weekly; more frequent use can cause irritation and damage
Product Recommendations
Tree Hut Coco Colada Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Overall
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America’s bestselling body scrub delivers effective exfoliation with irresistible tropical fragrance.
The 18 oz jar packs real sugar, shea butter, pineapple extract, coconut oil, and a blend of six nourishing oils. Paraben-free and vegan formula polishes away dead skin while leaving behind serious moisture. The tropical coconut-pineapple scent makes shower time feel like vacation.
- Pros:
- Excellent value for large jar
- Contains shea butter and 6-oil blend
- Paraben-free and vegan
- Cult-favorite tropical scent
- Cons:
- Strong fragrance not for everyone
- Can make shower floor slippery
Best for: Anyone wanting an effective, affordable scrub with moisturizing benefits.
Tree Hut Tropical Mango Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Scent
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Same beloved formula in a sweet, summery mango fragrance.
Features the signature Tree Hut blend of sugar, shea butter, mango extract, and nourishing oils. The tropical mango scent is sweet without being cloying and lingers subtly on skin after showering.
- Pros:
- Beloved mango fragrance
- Same effective formula as other Tree Hut scrubs
- Deeply moisturizing
- Great value
- Cons:
- Sweet scent may be too strong for some
- Oily residue on sensitive skin
Best for: Mango lovers who want tropical aromatherapy with their exfoliation.
Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Floral
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Sophisticated rose fragrance for those who prefer florals over fruity scents.
Moroccan rose extract combines with the standard Tree Hut sugar and shea formula for a more elegant scent profile. Perfect for those who find tropical scents too sweet or juvenile.
- Pros:
- Sophisticated rose fragrance
- Same effective exfoliation
- Feels more luxurious
- Lingers beautifully on skin
- Cons:
- Rose scent polarizing
- Same oily formula as other varieties
Best for: Those who prefer floral fragrances over tropical or gourmand scents.
First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser — Best for Keratosis Pilaris
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Specifically formulated to treat those stubborn bumps on upper arms and thighs.
Combines 10% AHA (glycolic and lactic acids) with pumice buffing beads for dual physical and chemical exfoliation. Dermatologist-tested and vegan formula targets keratosis pilaris—those rough, bumpy patches that won’t respond to regular scrubs.
- Pros:
- 10% AHA for chemical exfoliation
- Specifically targets KP bumps
- Dermatologist tested
- Vegan formula
- Cons:
- Can cause irritation if overused
- Smaller size than drugstore scrubs
- Premium price
Best for: Anyone with keratosis pilaris or persistent rough, bumpy skin texture.
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator — Best Chemical + Physical
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Clean beauty meets clinical results with this triple-acid, pumice-infused formula.
Volcanic pumice provides physical exfoliation while AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs handle chemical exfoliation. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested with a subtle eucalyptus scent. Treats KP, rough skin, and ingrown hairs effectively.
- Pros:
- Triple-acid formula (AHA, BHA, PHA)
- Volcanic pumice for physical exfoliation
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested
- Clean, minimal ingredient list
- Cons:
- Luxury price point
- Smaller tube size
- Strong acids may irritate sensitive skin
Best for: Those who want clinical-grade exfoliation with clean beauty credentials.
Tree Hut Vitamin C Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Brightening
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Adds skin-brightening vitamin C to the classic Tree Hut formula.
Same sugar and shea base with added vitamin C for brightening benefits. Helps even skin tone and boost radiance while exfoliating. Fresh citrus scent energizes morning showers.
- Pros:
- Added vitamin C for brightening
- Fresh citrus scent
- Same moisturizing base
- Great value
- Cons:
- Vitamin C concentration not specified
- Citrus may irritate some skin
Best for: Those wanting exfoliation plus skin-brightening benefits.
Tree Hut Coconut Lime Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Classic Scent
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The original Tree Hut scent that launched the brand’s cult following.
Coconut extract conditions while lime extract polishes in this signature scent combination. Contains the full six-oil blend plus certified organic shea butter for serious moisture.
- Pros:
- Classic, universally appealing scent
- Certified organic shea butter
- Full 6-oil blend
- Excellent value
- Cons:
- Lime can tingle on freshly shaved skin
- Oily residue requires thorough rinsing
Best for: Tree Hut newcomers wanting to try the original fan-favorite scent.
Tree Hut Vanilla Shea Sugar Scrub — Best Gourmand Scent
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Warm vanilla with sandalwood and coconut cream for a cozy, dessert-like fragrance.
Contains colloidal gold along with the standard sugar and shea formula. The warm vanilla scent with sandalwood undertones feels comforting rather than tropical. Perfect for fall and winter months.
- Pros:
- Warm, cozy vanilla scent
- Contains colloidal gold
- Great for cooler months
- Not overly sweet
- Cons:
- Gourmand scents not for everyone
- May feel heavy in summer
Best for: Those who love warm, vanilla-based fragrances.
Verdict
Tree Hut Coco Colada offers the best combination of effectiveness, value, and enjoyable experience for general exfoliation needs. For specific skin concerns like keratosis pilaris, First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser delivers targeted treatment that regular scrubs can’t match. Those wanting clean beauty with clinical results should try Nécessaire.
