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We can spend a lot of time and energy on our facial skin, applying products and tending to every blemish, but how much time do we spend caring for the rest of our body?
Body scrubs can be an intoxicating step away from our daily routines, a little self-care ritual that can leave our skin glowing and hydrated.
Why Use a Body Scrub?
A body scrub will help exfoliate dead skin cells from our skin, revealing the fresh and new skin underneath. Regular exfoliation of the body can help prevent clogged pores, reduce dry skin buildup, and lead the way to healthier-looking skin.
Some key benefits to body exfoliation are:
- Helps you get smoother skin - think soft elbows, ankles, and knees.
- Smooth razor bumps
- Helps prevent ingrown hairs
- Allows your moisturizer to penetrate the skin better.
- Help reduce the appearance of dark spots or age spots.
- Boosts circulation and helps drain your lymph nodes.
- Minimize the appearance of large pores.
- It feels good and can help reduce stress.
Ingredients to Look for in a Body Scrub
Most body scrubs use sugar, salt, grains, clays, or crushed up nuts to manually exfoliate dead layers of skin.
- Sugar - Sugar granules are rounder and less abrasive than salt, making them a gentler exfoliant. Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid that helps break down layers of dead skin and smooths the skin's surface. Sugar increases skin hydration and is best for dry or dehydrated skin types.
- Salt - Salt is grittier than sugar and is particularly useful for smoothing out rough areas of skin such as the feet and elbows. Salt has detoxifying properties, trace minerals contained within act as natural purifiers that draw out toxins and relieve congestion. Using salt as an exfoliate promotes more efficient circulation and healthy cell turnover.
- Coffee - coffee grounds provide exfoliation that is gentle enough to be used on both the body and the face. Coffee contains antioxidants that help protect and repair the skin. The caffeine in coffee acts as an anti-inflammatory as well as a skin brightener.
- Plant oils - omega fatty acids help to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it moisturized and supple.
Ingredients to Avoid in Body Scrubs
- Parabens - Parabens possess estrogen-mimicking properties that are associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Learn more about parabens.
- Synthetic colors - Synthetic colors are derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. They may irritate the skin when used topically.
- Fragrance - According to the EWG Skin Deep Database, fragrances have been associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress, and potential effects on the reproductive system.
The 9 Best Organic Body Scrubs of 2020
Highly moisturizing and gently exfoliating, with coconut oil and Morrocan rose. The Coco Rose Body Polish contains sugar as its exfoliating ingredient, along with a smidgen of rose clay. Shea butter and meadowfoam seed oil help hydrate and smooth the skin.
Great for all skin types, especially dull and dry skin.
Pros
- Leaves skin feeling soft
- Smells luxurious
- Quick and easy to use
- Gentle and hydrating
- Leaves skin soft but not greasy
- Non-abrasive and non-irritating
- Really fine texture
- The perfect blend of moisture and exfoliation
Cons
- Pricey for the size
Where to Shop
Ever thought of using crushed gemstones to exfoliate? Well, Herbivore Botanicals did! Crushed amethyst gently exfoliates and renews the skin, along with magnesium-rich salt. Virgin coconut oil hydrates, while jasmine evokes the sense with luxurious indulgence.
Great for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination and normal
Pros
- Makes skin super soft
- Lovely smell
- Leaves skin moisturized
- Isn't too abrasive
- Get a lot of product
- Doesn't leave you greasy
Cons
- May clog pores for those sensitive to coconut oil
Where to Shop
Raw can sugar, coconut and jojoba oils leave skin silky smooth and nourished. The Coconut Citrus Scrub contains uplifting scents of lemongrass, lemon balm, and vanilla are a treat to your senses.
Works great for dry or rough skin, perfect prep for pre-shave, and is ideal for all skin types. Vegan & Gluten Free.
Pros
- Smells heavenly
- Skin is left hydrated
- Sugar granules are active at exfoliating but dissolve away before they get too rough
- Leaves skin perfectly primed for shaving
- A little goes a long way
- Excellent for rough, dry patches
Cons
- None!
Where to Shop
The Vitamin C Body Polish features Vitamin C Ester, organic Shea butter, and raw sugar to exfoliate and hydrate the skin deeply. Superbly rinse-able, it leaves your skin feeling soft and luminous.
Pros
- Light, lovely pineapple scent
- Leaves skin smooth
- Only need a small amount to be effective
Cons
- Some people found it irritating to their skin
Where to Shop
Five mineral-rich salts combine into one effective body scrub to detoxify the skin. G.Tox contains ultra-moisturizing oils, including moringa, rosehip, and extra virgin olive oil, give skin a soft and smooth appearance. Essential oils of helichrysum, rosemary, grapefruit, and peppermint uplift and invigorate.
Great for all skin types, including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination, and normal.
Pros
- Polishes skin and leaves it feeling moisturized
- High quality ingredients
- Skin is left super soft
- Smells divine
- Exfoliating without being too rough
Cons
- Some people find it doesn't contain enough oil, making it challenging to apply.
Where to Shop
A luscious, exfoliating body polish containing sweet almond oil, a hint of cardamom, and organic raw sugar. Soapwalla's Almond Luxe Body Polish is excellent for even the most sensitive skin.
Pros
- Smells lovely
- Exfoliates well
- Minimal organic ingredients
Cons
- Product is grainy and doesn't melt on the skin
Where to Shop
A luxurious and fine-grained body scrub for gently exfoliating and hydrating the skin. The Undaria Body Polish contains a blend of Acai, Pumice, and Guarana powders delicately buffs away dead skin cells while luscious Hemp & Passion Fruit oils + Organic Algae soften and deeply hydrate. Lavender essential oil calms the senses.
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Fine grain is very gentle
leaves skin moisturized - Can be used after shaving as it doesn't irritate or sting
- Nice, whipped consistency
Cons
- Some people find that it is not exfoliating enough
Where to Shop
Polish is formulated to be detoxifying with dead sea salt and moisturizing with aloe vera and avocado oil. Oatmeal soothes and provides extra gentle exfoliation. This scrub is amazing for dry and rough skin.
Good for all skin types including dry, mature, sensitive, blemish-prone, combination, and normal.
Pros
- Skin feels smooth and exfoliated
- Aroma is amazing
brightens the skin and helps with hyperpigmentation - Cleanses the skin
Cons
- Pricey
Where to Shop
This citrusy body scrub is made with recycled coffee grounds that are sourced from artisan coffee shops in London. Sea salt, shea butter, coconut oil, and grapefruit combine to buff away dry skin and leave the skin feeling soft and moisturized. All UpCircle products are sustainably made with ingredients and packaging that have been reused and repurposed.
Good for all skin types, especially dry skin.
Pros
- Gentle and effective exfoliate
- Smells wonderful
- Prevents ingrown hairs
- Doesn't leave skin dry
Cons
- Some people find it leaves some stickiness behind
Where to Shop
Conclusion
What a perfect little list of body scrubs! We hope you have enjoyed them, and as always, leave any questions you may have in the comments below, we always answer.
Be sure to check out some DIY body scrub recipes if you are wanting to try your hand at making your own!
Thanks for reading!
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