If your limbs are looking a little lacklustre, a good body scrub can often be the quickest route to smoother, glowier skin. While they might seem like the most basic of bathroom staples, not all scrubs are created equal. Some rely on common skincare acids (glycolic, lactic and salicylic are the usual suspects) to gently dissolve dead cells and unclog pores with minimal effort. While others take a more traditional, hands-on approach, using ingredients such as sugar, salt or occasionally finely ground pumice that work by physically sloughing away any rough patches.
However, it’s always worth considering your skin type before diving in. If you’re somebody who sits on the more sensitive side, or if you’re prone to keratosis pilaris (which is also often referred to as ‘chicken skin’), then acid-based scrubs can provide a more gentle, more even exfoliation without damaging skin. Meanwhile, those with very dry, even flaky skin, might prefer a richer, oil-based formula that harnesses the power of sugar or salt, melting as you massage them in and leaving behind soft, nourished skin. But if you’re looking for something a bit more invigorating, pumice blends deliver a satisfying, thorough scrub – but remember to go easy and don’t overdo it. The goal is smoother, brighter skin, not red, raw and irritated.
But whichever camp you fall into, the right formula really can make a huge difference to how your skin looks and feels. Used regularly, they can help tackle everything from annoying ingrown hairs to dullness, leaving skin noticeably smoother and more hydrated (some scrubs will even replace the need for body moisturiser). Keep reading to discover some of the formulas that’ll make finding your perfect match even easier. Soft, nourished skin awaits.
The best body scrubs for 2026 are:
- Best body scrub overall – Neom real luxury body scrub: Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget body scrub – Imperial Leather ultimate moisture foaming body scrub: Boots.com
- Best scented body scrub – L’Occitane almond shower scrub: Amazon.co.uk
- Best body scrub for intense exfoliation – Verden herbanum body polish: W-wellness.co.uk
Read more: Best body moisturisers for hydrated skin
How I tested
Each one of these body scrubs was incorporated into my usual shower routine. For context, I’m prone to dry elbows and dry knees, so they were areas that I focused on and took note of. When testing, I considered formula and ease of use, ingredients, feel on the skin, results, as well as overall value for money. You can find out more about my meticulous testing criteria at the end of this review.
Neom real luxury body scrub
Best: body scrub overall
Size: 350g
Format: Sugar-based scrub with essential oils
Why we love it
- Gentle organic sugar exfoliates without stripping
- Enriched with vitamin E & jojoba oil
- Relaxing lavender, jasmine and sandalwood scent
Take note
- Rich texture may feel heavy on damp skin
Neom’s real luxury body scrub is easily the best body scrub I’ve tested. As soon as I unscrewed the lid, I felt like I was stepping straight into a spa – the delicious scent of lavender, jasmine and sandalwood immediately filled the room as I scooped the formula out of the jar. The texture is thick, grainy and oily in the best possible way, and as I worked it into damp skin, the sugar granules slowly melted, turning into a soft polish that felt anything but scratchy.
The nourishing ingredients (a mix of safflower oil, vitamin E and jojoba) left my skin feeling supple and moisturised – akin to how my skin feels after I’ve applied a body oil post-shower. My skin looked instantly smoother, felt deeply hydrated, and the scent lingered in a lovely, almost calming way, making it ideal for evening showers after a long day. It’s rich, indulgent and the kind of scrub that turns exfoliating into a real ritual.
Buy now £39, Neomwellbeing.com
Imperial Leather ultimate moisture foaming body scrub
Best: budget body scrub
Size: 225ml
Format: Foaming scrub with cherry blossom and almond oil
Why we love it
- Budget-friendly
- Quick and easy to use
- Pleasant scent
Take note
- Less premium ingredients
- Not many exfoliating beads
I really wasn’t expecting much from Imperial Leather’s ultimate moisture foaming body scrub, but I was genuinely impressed. At less than £10, it’s the best budget body scrub I’ve tried. The formula is creamy and builds into a soft foam as it’s worked into skin, making it easy to apply without needing to use much of the product. My only gripe is that I wish there were more exfoliating beads within the formula, as they are few and far between, but it still feels relatively effective.
The cherry blossom and almond oil scent made my showers smell warm and comforting, and left my skin feeling clean and smooth. It’s a great everyday choice that won’t break the bank and is surprisingly enjoyable to use.
Buy now £3, Boots.com
AKT the foaming body scrub
Best: foaming body scrub
Size: 250ml
Format: Foaming scrub with rice/sugar exfoliants
Why we love it
- Buffs for glowing skin
- Nourishing oils leave skin soft
- 100 per cent recyclable packaging
Take note
- Higher price point
AKT’s foaming body scrub genuinely feels unique – the paste formula transforms into a soft foam once water is added. The foaming texture makes it easy to apply, and the scent of mandarin, neroli and petitgrain is subtle and clean.
The combination of rice powder, sugar crystals and papaya enzyme gave a really satisfying exfoliation. And after rinsing, my skin felt fresh, smooth and almost silky. The whole concept of this scrub feels clever, thoughtful and considered, and it delivers a truly elevated experience worth the price tag.
Buy now £37.4, Aktlondon.com
Omaly exfoliating seaweed soap
Best: natural body scrub
Size: 80g
Format: Solid exfoliating bar with seaweed & shea butter
Why we love it
- Organic and natural
- Smooths and hydrates
Take note
- Bar may wear down quickly
Omaly’s exfoliating seaweed soap is unlike anything I’ve used before. The bar has a natural, slightly marine-like scent thanks to the organic seaweed. And the texture is gritty enough to exfoliate well without being abrasive – it created a creamy, low-foam lather as I worked it over my skin – and the fact it’s enriched with shea butter means it never felt drying or harsh.
The seaweed provides a really clean, refreshed feel, leaving skin feeling smooth, polished and not at all tight (as some traditional soap bars can). If you’re looking for a brilliant natural option, or something that’s easy to travel with and is free from unnecessary fuss, this is a great choice.
Buy now £18, Omaly.com
Diptyque smoothing body polish
Best: luxury body scrub
Size: 200ml
Format: Jojoba beans, silicone dioxide
Why we love it
- Smooths and replenishes
- Luxurious fragrance
Take note
- Premium price point
Diptyque’s smoothing body polish is pure luxury in a jar. From the moment I opened it, the soft, floral-fruity scent hit me – it smells expensive without being overpowering, and the scent lingers on the skin long after being washed off.
The texture is creamy and contains fine exfoliating grains; it applies effortlessly, leaving skin feeling smooth, soft and nourished. Consider this to be a real treat product; not the sort of thing you’d reach for every day, but ideal for a Sunday ‘everything shower’ or for a proper moment of indulgent pampering.
Buy now £52, Libertylondon.com
Sanctuary Spa signature natural oils salt scrub
Best: salt base scrub
Size: 650g
Format: Salt scrub
Why we love it
- Great value size
- Leaves skin velvety smooth
- Vegan
Take note
- Coarse salt may not suit sensitive skin
Sanctuary Spa’s scrub is a true classic, satisfying salt scrub experience. The texture is thick, grainy and packed with salt flakes from the Dead Sea. It gives deep exfoliation – the kind that you can actually feel working, but the blend of oils prevents it from feeling harsh.
My legs, in particular, felt incredibly smooth, moisturised, and looked almost glossy after rinsing. For both price and size, this scrub offers fantastic value for money, delivering on both results and sensory appeal.
Buy now £18, Boots.com
L’Occitane almond shower scrub
Best: scented body scrub
Size: 200ml
Format: Almond shells
Why we love it
- Delicious fragrance
- Gently exfoliating
Take note
- Almond scent may not suit everyone
L’Occitane almond shower scrub is the best-smelling body scrub I tried. The scent is a mix of creamy nuttiness and soft sweetness, which really fills the whole bathroom. The unique gel-to-cream texture is a joy to use and contains finely ground almond shells that give a gentle yet effective exfoliation, making it a good choice for frequent use. After rinsing, my skin felt smooth, supple and lightly perfumed with that warming and familiar scent.
This one’s less about deep exfoliation and more about making an everyday shower more exciting.
Buy now £24, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Verden herbanum body polish
Best: for intense exfoliation
Size: 200ml
Format: Salt scrub
Why we love it
- Spa-like herbal scent
- Good exfoliation and hydration
Take note
- May need stirring before use
Verden’s herbanum body polish is the perfect pick if you need serious exfoliation. The formula combines salt grains with coconut and shea butter, creating a rich, oily base that applies beautifully over damp skin. The oils help to balance out the rough formula, ensuring the skin is nourished and soft.
The herbal scent is also incredibly grounding, and the fresh, botanical quality makes each use feel almost meditative. I also really enjoyed how the scent lingered; it didn’t feel perfumey, but instead fresh and green.
Buy now £40, Wellness.co.uk
The Body Shop shea body scrub
Best: body scrub for dry skin
Size: 240ml
Format: Sugar scrub
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Effective
I have a soft spot for The Body Shop’s scrubs, especially this shea butter formula. It’s thick, creamy and moisturising, making it a great choice for dry skin. The sugar grains give a satisfying exfoliation that’s never harsh and it rinses off cleanly, leaving a veil of moisture in its wake thanks to the rich shea butter. My skin feels smooth, hydrated and nourished, with a softness you can only usually achieve after applying body cream.
For the price, performance and ingredients, this is easily one of the best frequent-use scrubs out there, especially if you enjoy something gentle and nourishing.
Buy now £19, Thebodyshop.com
What is the best body scrub?
Neom’s real luxury body scrub is the best body scrub I’ve used – rich, sensorial and softening, it really does turn exfoliating into a self-care ritual. If you’re on a budget, Sanctuary Spa and Imperial Leather’s offerings are good choices, while The Body Shop will always deliver on every level.
How the body scrubs were tested
As a beauty editor with more than a decade of experience, I have been testing different body scrubs for years. Some of the formulas I’ve selected have been within my beauty cabinet for an extremely long time, while others are new additions. When testing, I considered the following factors:
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
The Independent’s product reviews are written by experts in their fields, and they have tested and recommended thousands of products between them. They will only sing the praises of products that they have used themselves, during hands-on, real-world testing, so you can be sure that the body scrubs in this review are worth your attention.
Lucy Partington is a beauty editor with nearly a decade of experience in the industry. She’s covered everything from the best cleansing balms to face SPFs, retinol creams and serums and more, and knows how to assess formulations, results and value for money (which isn’t always a given in the world of skincare, especially when it comes to luxury products).
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