There’s something transformative about stepping out of the shower with skin that feels baby-smooth — not just clean, but renewed. Over the past year, I’ve tried dozens of exfoliating body washes, hunting for those that actually deliver. Whether it’s tackling keratosis pilaris, banishing body breakouts, or just keeping dull skin at bay, I’ve learned the hard way that not all exfoliating products are created equal.
What follows are eight standout exfoliating body washes that worked wonders on my skin. Some are gentle enough for daily use; others are powerhouses you’ll want to limit to twice a week. But every single one of these earned a permanent spot in my shower.
1. Nécessaire The Body Wash – Hinoki (\$28)
Texture: Gel-cream
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (AHA + BHA)
Scent: Woodsy, Japanese Hinoki
Where to buy: Amazon, Nordstrom, Sephora, Nécessaire.com
Let’s start with a classic: the Nécessaire Hinoki Body Wash. This isn’t just body wash — it’s a treatment. The formula blends glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid to gently dissolve dead skin cells while simultaneously calming with niacinamide and hydrating with glycerin.
The Hinoki scent is hypnotic. Think Japanese forest after a light rain — a mix of cedar, citrus, and cypress that transforms my shower into a five-star spa. It’s subtle but lingers enough to feel like aromatherapy.
I use it three times a week, usually after a workout. It lathers beautifully, rinses clean, and never leaves my skin feeling tight. Over time, it’s helped clear up tiny breakouts on my shoulders and made the skin on my thighs feel less like sandpaper.
Pro tip: Let it sit on your skin for a minute or two before rinsing to give the acids time to work.
2. Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash (\$26)
Texture: Creamy gel
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (Lactic + Salicylic Acid)
Scent: Warm floral-fruity
Where to buy: Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, soldejaneiro.com
This body wash is like sunshine in a bottle — tropical, creamy, and indulgent. The Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying Wash doesn’t just smell amazing (a warm mix of plum, vanilla, and florals), it’s also potent when it comes to brightening and refining skin tone.
Formulated with lactic and salicylic acids, it’s ideal for hyperpigmentation, post-acne marks, and overall dullness. I noticed a difference after two weeks — my skin looked glowier, especially on my arms and chest, where I have some uneven tone from past sun exposure.
It creates a rich foam, and the formula feels silky as you apply it. I tend to use it before shaving because it softens the skin beautifully. Bonus: it doesn’t strip moisture, so your skin feels bouncy, not parched.
Pro tip: Use it before shaving your legs for a closer, smoother shave.
3. Curology Acne Body Wash (\$14, often discounted to \$9)
Texture: Gel
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (2% Salicylic Acid)
Scent: Fragrance-free
Where to buy: Amazon, Curology.com
Back acne is real — and it’s stubborn. This is one of the only products I’ve found that made a real dent in mine. Curology’s Acne Body Wash contains 2% salicylic acid, which works deep into the pores to clear congestion and reduce inflammation.
Unlike many acne washes, it’s not drying at all. There’s glycerin in the formula to cushion the skin, and tea tree oil adds a mild antimicrobial effect without being overwhelming. It’s fragrance-free, which is great when my skin is being especially reactive.
I keep this in my gym bag for post-workout showers. It lathers lightly and rinses easily, which is important when you’re in a hurry. It also helps with ingrown hairs — a nice bonus!
Pro tip: Consistency is key — use it 2-3 times a week, even if you don’t have active breakouts.
4. Ameliorate Nourishing Body Wash (\$30)
Texture: Lotion-like
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (Lactic Acid)
Scent: Subtle, clean
Where to buy: Lookfantastic, Skinstore, Amazon
I discovered Ameliorate during a keratosis pilaris spiral (hello, bumpy upper arms) and wow — this body wash is a game changer. It contains lactic acid for gentle exfoliation, and their signature LaH6 complex, which includes oat, urea, and sweet almond oil, is incredibly soothing.
What I love most is how this manages to be both exfoliating and hydrating. My skin feels moisturized for hours afterward, even if I forget to apply lotion. The creamy texture doesn’t foam much, which might throw you off at first, but trust the process.
It’s safe for kids, too, which tells you how gentle it is. I use it when my skin is feeling especially sensitive but still needs a little exfoliating help.
Pro tip: Pair it with the Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion for serious results on KP.
5. CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin (\$14)
Texture: Lightweight gel
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (Salicylic Acid)
Scent: Fragrance-free
Where to buy: Target, Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Ulta
If I had to name a budget-friendly MVP, it would be this. CeraVe’s SA Body Wash is dermatologist-approved and widely available in drugstores. It’s no-frills but effective.
With salicylic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide, it’s a dream team for dry, bumpy, or acne-prone skin. And because it’s fragrance-free, it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin or eczema.
I recommend it to friends who are just starting out with exfoliating body products. It’s effective but not harsh, and it works great as a maintenance wash in between more intensive treatments.
Pro tip: Follow with a ceramide-rich lotion to lock in moisture post-shower.
6. Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub (\$32)
Texture: Paste-like with fine physical grit
Exfoliation Type: Hybrid (Chemical + Physical)
Scent: Clean, light
Where to buy: Sephora, Skinfix.com
This scrub is the definition of “leveling up.” It’s got glycolic and lactic acids, willow bark extract, and micro-fine exfoliating particles that are gentle but effective.
It’s best used 1-2 times a week. I scoop out a dollop and gently massage it into damp skin — especially on elbows, knees, and thighs. It has a dense, almost clay-like texture that feels substantial without being rough.
It’s one of the few scrubs that doesn’t leave my skin feeling raw. Instead, I emerge feeling polished and pampered. I’ve used it before spray tans and special events when I want my skin to look its absolute best.
Pro tip: Use it before body serums or lotions to maximize absorption.
7. Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash (\$16)
Texture: Creamy
Exfoliation Type: Chemical (AHA Blend)
Scent: Fragrance-free
Where to buy: Amazon, Soko Glam, Ulta Beauty
Naturium’s body wash is a sleeper hit. It combines glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids — a blend that’s surprisingly gentle despite how effective it is. I’ve used this daily during dry winters without any irritation.
What makes it special is the addition of red algae and glycerin. They hydrate and calm the skin while the acids go to work. It’s also pH-balanced, which means it won’t disrupt your skin barrier — a big win in my book.
Over time, it helps fade the little red dots I get from shaving and makes my legs look smoother overall. I didn’t expect much when I first bought it, but I ended up repurchasing.
Pro tip: It’s gentle enough for daily use, but I still rotate it with a milder cleanser once or twice a week.
8. DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub (\$27)
Texture: Thick, grainy paste
Exfoliation Type: Physical + Chemical (PHA, AHA)
Scent: Clean and light
Where to buy: Amazon, Dermadoctor.com, Walmart
This is the heavyweight champion for keratosis pilaris. It combines lactic and glycolic acids with physical exfoliants and lactobionic acid (a PHA that’s super gentle and hydrating). Green tea extract soothes, and the whole experience feels like a clinical treatment you can do at home.
The first time I used this, I felt an immediate difference. My arms felt softer and looked less red within two uses. I now use it once a week, focusing on the backs of my arms and my thighs.
The particles are very fine but dense, so be gentle when applying. It’s not cheap, but a little goes a long way, and I always keep a tube on hand during the summer months when KP flares up.
Pro tip: Don’t overuse — this one’s powerful. Once or twice a week is plenty.
These eight exfoliating body washes have helped me completely rethink body care. They’ve turned my shower into a space of active skincare — not just cleansing, but treating. Whether you’re battling rough patches, body acne, or just want that post-vacation glow all year round, there’s something here that will change your skin.
You can find most of these on Amazon, Sephora, Ulta, Target, and the brand’s own websites. Always check for sales and bundle deals — especially around Prime Day or beauty events like Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty.
Skin below the neck deserves as much attention as your face. And when you treat it right, the difference is not just visible — it’s tangible.
