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body scrub

Body scrubs are like the dessert of the skin-care world. Hear me out: They shouldn't replace your go-to body wash, but you're missing out on a major treat if you skip a body scrub in your showering routine altogether. For the sake of this cheeky analogy, may we point out that many of the best body scrubs feature the same ingredients as your favorite baked goods, including, but not limited to, brown sugar and coconut oil.

Not only do physical body exfoliators feel — and often smell — like an indulgent treat, but they're a vital part of taking care of your skin, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Howard Sobel, M.D., previously told Allure. Scrubs "rid the skin of buildup and dead skin cells, leaving your skin looking brighter, smoother, and healthier."

The only catch? Figure out the frequency that works best for your skin — and don't go overboard. Board-certified dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo, M.D., told Allure that she advises patients to exfoliate regularly, anywhere "from once a week for everyone to once or twice a day if you have issues such as acne, rough elbows, and dry skin."

Keep scrolling to check out 17 of the best body scrubs to add to your tub (or shower) time from brands such as Herbivore Botanicals, Dove, and Kopari. Some of them are so coveted they even won Best of Beauty Awards and Readers' Choice Awards.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

When it comes to exfoliation, you can go one of two routes. There's physical or mechanical exfoliation, which involves using some type of particle (sugar, salt, seeds) to scrub off dead skin. Then there's chemical exfoliation, which uses various acids to dissolve dead cells. It largely boils down to a matter of personal preference, but if you want to get skin that's silky smooth, seeking out a product that combines both methods is a good way to go. Enter this formula. It touts both coffee beans and crushed Marula nut shell powder, as well as a blend of alpha- and beta-hydroxy acids so that you get the best of both worlds.

Active Ingredients: Black coffee beans, Marula nut shell powder, alpha hydroxy acids | Size: 6.76 oz. | Byrdie Clean: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Best for Dry Skin: UpCircle Coffee and Lemongrass Exfoliating Body Scrub

Body scrubs have been around for a while, but quite a variety has emerged over the years, including those made of coffee, salt, and sugar. You may even have a few of them hanging out in your bathroom cabinet right now.

Whether or not you’ve tried one before, you may wonder what benefits, if any, are associated with body scrubs.

Aside from making your skin feel super-smooth, body scrubs have quite a few other benefits.

Board certified dermatologist and aesthetic expert Kavita Mariwalla, MD, FAAD says body scrubs, “are a good thing to have in your skin care wardrobe, especially in the winter months when the skin can get very dry.”

As much as we treasure (read: hoard) our skincare products, every so often we get the urge to rummage through our pantry and concoct a game-changing homemade recipe. Good news: You don't have to go to the drugstore to find a great new body scrub. Even better news: We consulted our favorite beauty insiders, dermatologists, and estheticians for all of their best body scrub recipes.

"You don't need to spend a fortune on a packaged scrub that's full of preservatives when you can make it yourself," says Dr. Shamban, M.D. "The best part about a DIY scrub is that you're able to customize it to whatever your skin needs at the time, because sometimes your skin is rough and needs to be exfoliated, and sometimes it's dry and needs extra hydration."