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8 Best Exfoliating Body Washes to Smooth Skin From Shoulders to Shins
The best exfoliating body washes do more than cleanse—they smooth out rough skin using a blend of chemical or physical exfoliants and barrier-supporting ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. strawberry skin), body breakouts, ingrown hairs, or general dryness, the right formula can make a major difference.
Our Top Exfoliating Body Washes
Many exfoliating body washes use chemical ingredients, like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, to break down dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores. These acids (often labeled as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) do the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining even skin texture and controlling breakouts. Others may include physical exfoliants, such as fine scrub particles, to manually remove dead cells from the skin.
Before you brace yourself for a rough, red, irritated aftermath, know this: You’ll often find these paired with soothing ingredients like aloe, ceramides, or niacinamide to calm and protect the skin barrier. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best exfoliating body washes for every skin concern, whether you’re looking for a heavy-duty polish for a weekly reset or body care that’s gentle enough for daily use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki
Why it’s worth it: Since we crowned the fragrance-free version as the best body wash for sensitive skin, it doesn’t surprise us that dermatologists also love the exfoliating, scented version. Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki is a skin-care treatment disguised as a cleanser. “This formula is incredibly well-balanced,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York City. “It exfoliates with a gentle blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, while also nourishing the skin with niacinamide and glycerin.” She recommends it for body breakouts, dullness, and dryness, noting that it “supports the skin barrier instead of stripping it.” The woodsy Hinoki scent, inspired by Japanese cypress, instantly evokes a mountain spa vibe, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that in their shower routine?
“I’m a certified Hinoki Head™. As evidenced by my well-loved bottle, I adore it, but I’d still be hoarding these body washes even if they hadn’t added my favorite woody, slightly spicy fragrance to it. It forms a nice, medium lather and the trio of exfoliating acids—AHA, BHA, and PHA—smooth out rough patches of skin—and has definitely made a difference in the KP on my upper arms. I am not an early riser at all, but having my morning shower smell like a lush, tree-lined spa makes waking up with my alarm a little easier.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide
- Scent: hinoki, basil, magnolia, vetiver
Best for Hyperpigmentation: Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
Sol de Janeiro
Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: Some people (raises hand) might pick up this exfoliating body wash simply because it says Sol de Janeiro on the bottle, but when it comes to clarifying skin, it actually works, too. The Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash is packed with lactic and salicylic acids to gently exfoliate dull or acne-prone skin, while glycerin and papaya extract keep skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. The creamy texture creates a luxe lather, and the warm, fruity-floral scent lingers just enough to feel indulgent. Even if you’re not battling body breakouts or dark spots, trust us—this is the kind of body wash that makes you want to shower, just for the chance to smooth and soften your skin from head to toe.
Massage it into damp skin and let it sit for 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing, allowing the fruit-derived AHAs and BHA to unclog pores, refine texture, and minimize bumps.
Key ingredients: lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin, papaya fruit extract
Scent: Cheirosa 40 (black amber plum, jasmine, Brazilian orchid, vanilla woods)
Best for Acne: Curology Acne Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: You don’t need a prescription to get results with Curology Acne Body Wash, which brings the brand’s derm-backed approach to an over-the-counter formula. While Curology is best known for its custom Rx treatments, its over-the-counter line features tried-and-true ingredients that make effective skincare easy and accessible. It contains 2% salicylic acid to help unclog pores, exfoliate dead skin, and prevent breakouts in hard-to-treat areas like the back, chest, and shoulders. It also includes zinc pyrithione to help calm inflamed skin and tea tree oil for its antibacterial properties. Although it effectively fights blemishes, this formula is also gentle and moisturizing, thanks to glycerin and its soft, non-drying gel texture.
If you’re already using Curology’s custom acne treatments, this body wash is specifically designed to complement the rest of your routine.
Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, tea tree oil
Scent: subtle, thanks to tea tree extract, with zero added fragrance
Best for Dryness: Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash
Ameliorate
Nourishing Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash is a gentle yet effective solution for rough, bumpy skin. “This rich wash was designed with rough, bumpy skin in mind, particularly for those with keratosis pilaris,” says Dr. Engelman. “It uses lactic acid, which is both exfoliating and hydrating, and a proprietary LaH6 complex that reinforces moisture.” And great news for those with dry or dehydrated skin: Despite its exfoliating power, the formula is non-stripping and deeply moisturizing, leaving the skin hydrated for up to eight hours. It’s suitable for all skin types (even kids as young as three) and especially great for anyone dealing with texture on the arms, legs, or back who wants smoother skin, fast.
Don’t underestimate glycerin, a powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin while exfoliants do their job. So, you’re smoothing and hydrating in one step.
- Key ingredients: lactic acid, LaH6 complex, glycerin
- Scent: clean and slightly powdery
Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
CeraVe
SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Why it’s worth it: When it comes to skin care, CeraVe is one of the best-known drugstore brands around, and their SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a derm go-to for smoothing and restoring rough skin. “It cleanses and exfoliates while simultaneously helping to restore the skin barrier with three essential ceramides,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City. In addition to barrier-repairing ceramides, the formula includes salicylic acid to clear pores and gently exfoliate, as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deeply hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-stripping, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.
“I’ve dealt with strawberry skin on my thighs and upper arms for most of my life, and this is one of the few body washes that actually helps without irritating my skin. The gel texture feels silky going on, builds a satisfying lather, and somehow manages to exfoliate while leaving my sensitive skin feeling calm, moisturized, and noticeably smoother.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
Scent: none
Best Physical Exfoliator: Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
Skinfix
Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to improve skin texture fast, Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub combines both chemical and physical exfoliants to get the job done. “It’s a clinical-grade formula that combines willow bark extract, glycolic and lactic acids with soothing aloe and skin-conditioning ingredients,” says Dr. Engelman. “It’s great for targeting roughness, uneven tone, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the body.” While it does contain physical exfoliant particles, the super-milled texture is ultra-fine and gentle, so it won’t scratch or irritate sensitive skin. “I especially like this for patients with more advanced sun damage or those prepping for body treatments like lasers or peels,” she says.
Unlike your typical body wash, this one is meant to be used on dry skin before your shower. Then, rinse off with warm water.
Key ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, 5% lactic acid, willow bark extract
Scent: subtle and fruity, thanks to orange and lemon extract, with zero added fragrance
Best Chemical Exfoliator: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
Naturium
The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
Why it’s worth it: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash is a creamy, fragrance-free formula that helps reveal smoother, more radiant skin without irritation. “It effectively exfoliates the skin with a blend of AHAs—glycolic acid, lactic acid, pyruvic acid, tartaric acid—to smooth skin texture and brighten the skin,” says Dr. Chang. The addition of red algae and glycerin helps replenish moisture and support the skin barrier, making it gentle enough for daily use. Whether you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris, post-shave bumps, or overall dullness, this body wash helps refine skin over time.
If glycolic acid isn’t quite right for your skin, Naturium offers other exfoliating body washes formulated with gentler alternatives, such as mandelic acid or pore-clearing salicylic acid.
- Key ingredients: glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids, red algae
- Scent: none
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Dermadoctor KP Duty Body Scrub
DermaDoctor
KP Duty Body Scrub
Why it’s worth it: Lactobionic acid doesn’t get as much hype as salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid, but it’s one of the key ingredients that makes DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub stand out. As a polyhydroxy acid (PHA), lactobionic acid offers gentle exfoliation with added hydrating and antioxidant benefits, making it ideal for sensitive or compromised skin. “It’s one of my top recommendations for those with keratosis pilaris or rough, bumpy skin,” says Dr. Chang. “It also contains 10% AHAs and PHAs to lift away dead skin cells and leave smoother, brighter skin. It also contains gentle physical exfoliants and green tea to calm the skin.” The creamy, dual-action formula works to unclog keratin plugs without irritation, leaving areas such as the backs of the arms and thighs feeling noticeably softer.
The micro-fine hydrated silica buffs away rough patches without scratching up your skin, while a blend of evening primrose, borage, and black currant oils helps calm things down and keep your skin barrier happy.
Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, evening primrose, black currant, borage seed oils, gluconolactone, lactobionic acid
Scent: none
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?
Using an exfoliating body wash every day isn’t always the best idea, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. “I do not typically recommend using an exfoliating body wash every day, as this can dry out the skin and cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Chang. “I recommend using exfoliating body washes two or three times per week as tolerated, and alternate with a gentle hydrating body wash.” If your skin starts to feel tight, itchy, or irritated, it’s a sign to scale back and focus on replenishing your barrier with more moisturizing formulas in between.
What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?
The best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin is one that uses gentle chemical exfoliants and includes barrier-supporting ingredients. “For those with sensitive skin, I recommend gentle exfoliants like lactic acid and PHA, both of which are unique in that they exfoliate and hydrate at the same time,” says Dr. Chang. She adds that low concentrations of salicylic acid and glycolic acid may also be tolerated, but higher concentrations can be too harsh. “I also typically prefer chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants, which may cause excessive irritation and inflammation of the skin.” Look for formulas with added hydrators, such as ceramides, aloe, or hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin calm and balanced.
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best exfoliating body washes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
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