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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.
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.
Our Top Exfoliating Body Washes
- Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki, $28
- Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
- Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, $16
- Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash, $15
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?
- What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
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.
Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki
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Nécessaire
The Body Wash in Hinoki
Amazon
Nordstrom
Credo Beauty
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Nécessaire's The Body Wash in Hinoki is a skin-care treatment disguised as a cleanser. 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. “This formula is incredibly well-balanced,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based 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?
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I hoard Nécessaire's body washes for one reason: They're good! But the Hinoki is my favorite, especially in the summertime when my skin is peppered with mosquito bites—which inevitably lead to dark spots. The exfoliating acids help them fade more quickly (think weeks, not months) and I love the sheer convenience of having a potent exfoliant and body wash in a single step. Bonus: The Hinoki scent is fresh and green, like a walk in the woods.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“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—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
More to know
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- Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide
- Scent: hinoki, basil, magnolia, vetiver
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
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First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure former content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Smoothing Body Lotion
Kara McGrath
Why it’s worth it: If you've got keratosis pilaris, chances are you've cycled through more body scrubs and lotions than you can count—only to end up with the same stubborn bumps. “KP is one of those conditions where patients often feel like nothing works, and I find First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub actually delivers noticeable improvement with consistent use," says Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati.
This 2025 Best of Beauty-winning formula takes a two-pronged approach, pairing 10% glycolic and lactic acids (to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles) with fine pumice buffing beads that instantly smooth rough texture. To keep all that exfoliation from feeling overly aggressive, soothing bisabolol calms potential irritation while vitamin E replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier. “Treating KP requires patience, but this addresses the root issue rather than just temporarily softening the skin,” she says.
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent, 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —Kara McGrath, former content director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pumice buffing beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid, bisabolol, vitamin E
- Scent: none
Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
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CeraVe
SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Amazon
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin
Christa Joanna Lee
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 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.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“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 Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
- Scent: none
Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash
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Glytone
Exfoliating Body Wash
Amazon (2 fl oz.)
Dermstore (6.7 fl oz.)
Why it’s worth it: Glytone literally takes its name from its hero ingredient, glycolic acid, "which is one of the most well-researched AHAs for improving skin texture, tone, and overall radiance," says Dr. Bowles. Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells that can otherwise contribute to rough patches and keratosis pilaris, while glycerin offsets dryness by drawing moisture into the skin. "It's effective without being overly harsh, and it works well for people dealing with rough skin or dullness on the body," says Dr. Bowles, who recommends letting it sit on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing to maximize the exfoliating benefits.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycolic acid, glycerin
- Scent: none
Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash
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Byoma
Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: If you're prone to body acne, one of the easiest ways to keep breakouts at bay is by reaching for an exfoliating body wash. Byoma's Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash combines 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, and bakuchiol (a gentle alternative to retinol) to promote skin cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven texture. "What I appreciate about this one is that it tackles body acne without completely wrecking the skin barrier, which is a common complaint I hear from patients who've tried more aggressive options," says Dr. Bowles. Alongside the salicylic acid, the formula features ceramides and glycerin to nourish and comfort skin. "The texture is lightweight, which helps with consistently remembering to use it,” she says.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, bakuchiol, glycerin, ceramides
- Scent: none
Best for Mature Skin: Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub
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Skinfix
Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to improve skin texture fast, Skinfix's Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub combines both chemical and physical exfoliants to get the job done. “It 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.
More to know
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- 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
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
- Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic 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.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
