Let your skin's soft and smooth skin unleash itself from underneath old, dull cells. We are introducing you to the best exfoliating body washes that are formulated with ingredients that help with uneven texture, especially the dry and rough areas around the elbows and knees. 

The benefit of using an exfoliating body wash is to lift away the dull and dry dead skin cells from the top layer of our skin, revealing the healthy, fresh skin underneath. As the outer layer is sloughed off, it becomes easier for the other products to penetrate the skin. An exfoliant body wash also helps in preventing ingrown hairs and clogged pores. So, with further ado, take a look at our top picks and learn how exfoliating body washes essentially work. 

Dr. Anna Chacon, a certified dermatologist, says, “Exfoliating body washes can be good for the skin. These work by gently scrubbing away dead skin cells, promoting skin renewal and keeping your skin looking fresh and healthy. Such body washes work by using the benefits of alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids that gently exfoliate without being harsh on the skin.”

She adds, “Chemical exfoliation is generally considered safe for the skin when used correctly. It involves using products that contain certain types of acids, like AHAs or BHAs, to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells. This process can help to reveal brighter, smoother skin. However, it's important to not overuse these products as it can lead to skin irritation. It's also crucial to use sun protection when using chemical exfoliants, as they can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.”

The most common AHA and BHA used in the formulations are:

1. Salicylic Acid

It is a BHA that helps in the skin's natural exfoliation process. Naturally derived from the bark of white willow and wintergreen leaf, it is also prepared in the laboratory. Its exfoliating properties treat rough and bumpy skin, clogged pores, and skin conditions like psoriasis. The acid works by loosening the bond between the skin cells, letting the dead cells shed naturally. Salicylic acid is most beneficial to oily and acne-prone skin due to its ability to control excess sebum and unclog pores.

2. Glycolic Acid

It is an AHA, derived from sugarcane, that acts as a chemical exfolianting ingredient. It gently resurfaces the skin without the need for scrubbing. It dissolves the glue-like substance holding the old dead skin cells together. By breaking the bond, it leads to the natural shedding of the outer layer of old cells. It also boosts collagen production and improves hyperpigmentation. Glycolic acid has the smallest molecules compared to all AHAs which lets it effectively penetrate the top layer of the skin.

3. Lactic Acid

It is another AHA popularly used as an exfoliating agent. It helps by gently reducing the build-up of dead skin cells, softening and smoothing the skin, and improving its texture. Naturally found in dairy products, it helps remove old, dead cells, accelerates the cell turnover process, lightens dark spots, and reduces the signs of aging. It also helps in keeping the skin moisturized and non-dry. Based on our observations, we have compiled some of the top-rated exfoliating body washes.

• 1
  Best Overall

  CeraVe Body Wash

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Topping our list of the best exfoliating body washes is CeraVe's body wash. Harnessing the power of salicylic acid, it cleanses and exfoliates the skin without harming the skin's protective barrier. As a chemical exfoliant, salicylic acid is less harsh on the skin compared to physical ones like body scrubs. The skin smoothing formula also has 3 essential ceramides that restore and maintain the natural skin barrier. Additional benefits of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide help in retaining skin's moisture and keeping skin calm. 

2

Best Nourishing

Aveeno Stress Relief Body Scrub

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Unwind and let your body relax with the stress-relief body scrub by Aveeno. The exfoliating body wash gently removes dead skin cells from the outer surface of the skin to reveal smoother, healthier-looking skin within a week. The calming scrub contains prebiotic oat that moisturizes and nourishes the skin while the soothing lavender scent calms your senses, relaxing your body and mind. This body scrub uses the goodness of nature and the power of science to keep skin healthy and balanced.

3

Best Hydrating

OGX Hydration + Moisturizing Body Scrub

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Give your skin lasting hydration with this exfoliating body wash from OGX. Enriched with hyaluronic acid, sea kelp, and black rice, this cleansing liquid body soap provides medium exfoliation, leaving softer, more supple skin. Black rice acts as a gentle exfoliator while sea kelp and hyaluronic acid deeply moisturizes and hydrates the skin. Although the body scrub is formulated for all skin types, it works best for dry, parched skin in dire need of moisture and hydration.

4

MOST HYDRATING

MARIO BADESCU AHA BOTANICAL BODY SOAP

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Introducing MARIO BADESCU’s AHA Botanical Body Wash, your secret to radiant skin. This exfoliating body wash blends the best of nature and science, combining glycolic acid and fruit enzymes for a gentle yet effective exfoliation experience. Unveil brighter, softer, and smoother skin as the wash clarifies and moisturizes, leaving you with a revitalized glow. Embrace the natural power of botanicals for a spa-like indulgence, making every shower a nourishing ritual. Experience the magic of AHA botanicals, transforming your skincare routine into a luxurious, skin-renewing adventure.

5

Softsoap Body Wash

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Softsoap brings an exfoliating body wash that utilizes pure coconut seed butter and crushed apricot seeds to gently exfoliate and slough off dry skin for soft, fresh skin. The thick consistency lathers well with a small amount of product and it leaves the skin moisturized. With over 8,000 global ratings on Amazon, one user states "I can exfoliate dirt from pores, clear sebum, and still have smooth skin. Especially after two washes on my body. The scrub is essential to exfoliate and the smell is pleasant. I use it as hand soap and even on my face!"

6

Most Luxurious

AHAVA MINERAL BODY EXFOLIATOR

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Elevate your shower routine with AHAVA’s Mineral Body Exfoliator, a luxurious exfoliating body wash that’s designed for the ultimate indulgence. Enriched with natural minerals from the Dead Sea, this invigorating exfoliator gently polishes dull skin, leaving you with a silky-smooth, radiant complexion. Its fine, mineral-rich granules offer a spa-like experience, rejuvenating your skin and enhancing its natural glow. Immerse yourself in the essence of pure, mineral-infused luxury, and let your skin revel in the revitalizing benefits of this exceptional exfoliating body wash.

7

Tree To Tub Bitter Cherry Coconut Exfoliating Body Wash

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Nurture your sensitive skin with this bitter cherry exfoliating body scrub from Tree to Tub. Let your skin's natural radiance shine through by gently scrubbing away the rough and dry outer surface. The shea butter exfoliator lifts away trapped impurities and cleanses the skin with no residue left behind. The infusion of Barbados cherry and bitter cherry reveals the skin's natural glow, wild soapberry nourishes and hydrates the skin, quinoa restores softness, and the soothing lemongrass and coconut scent calm the senses.

8

Best for Mature Skin

Alpha Skin Care Moisturizing Body Wash

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Specially formulated with glycolic acid, Vitamin E, and aloe vera, this body wash from Alpha Skin Care gently removes dead skin cells to allow new healthy skin to emerge. The anti-aging formula reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, leaving behind smooth and radiant skin. It washes away skin impurities, brightens dull and dry skin, and improves uneven skin tone and texture. An Amazon user states, "I don’t wanna say this cleared my eczema because I made a lot of diet changes but it made a difference clearing off dead skin. I use it like 3x a week and I love it. I have sensitive skin but it doesn’t irritate it at all."

9

Best for Body Acne

Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Wash

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An exfoliating body wash infused with glycolic acid and fruit enzymes, ginseng, grapefruit, and linden extract, Mario Badescu brings a botanical body wash that visually improves uneven skin tone, providing a luminous glow. Suitable for all skin types, the glycolic acid exfoliator brightens and revitalizes skin by sloughing off the old, rough dead cells. The blend of ginseng, grapefruit, and linden hydrates and moisturizes the skin. Even though this body wash is tough on dead skin build-ups, it does not strip the skin of its natural moisture.

10

Best Purifying

St. Ives Purifying Exfoliating Body Wash

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Built with 100% natural ingredients, St. Ives's exfoliating body wash exfoliates, cleanses, and smooths skin's surface. Crafted with Pacific sea kelp and sea salt extracts, the natural exfoliants remove dead skin and renew the skin's surface. It provides the skin with soothing moisture and improves dull skin. The grains are nice and small which can be worked onto the skin to buff it into softness. The formula is designed to deliver superior exfoliation without drying out the skin.

11

Best Budget-friendly

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

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Specifically formulated for dry skin, Dove Exfoliating Body Wash delivers gentle exfoliation to make skin soft and luxurious. Made with naturally derived cleansers and plant-based moisturizers, it effectively washes away bacteria and other germs while delivering super hydration and nourishment to the skin. With over 1000 global ratings on Amazon, one user says, "I used it myself and found my skin to be more smooth. Yes, I recommend this product."

12

Best Skin Moistening

Naturium The Smoother Exfoliating Body Wash

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Resurface rough and bumpy skin texture to reveal a softer and smoother layer with the exfoliating body wash by Naturium. Harness the powerful blend of glycolic, lactic, pyruvic, and tartaric acids to scrub off dry and stubborn dead skin cells. Let red algae hydrate and add moisture to your skin, making it more supple and moist. Formulated with potent natural ingredients as well as advanced synthetic ingredients, it utilizes the efficacious levels of the active ingredients and is pH-balanced. 

13

Cetaphil Body Wash

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Kiss your rough, textured skin goodbye and say hello to the mildly exfoliating body wash from Cetaphil. Ideal for all skin types, it is particularly suitable for dry skin. Made with a blend of lactic acid and natural biodegradable micro exfoliants sourced from sunflower wax, it gently exfoliates imperfections and cleanses rough, textured, and uneven skin. The advanced moisture combo of glycerine, soybean oil, and shea butter keeps dryness and tightness at bay for 24 hours. Indulge in this body wash today and improve the skin's natural barrier, defending it from dryness, irritation, roughness, and tightness.

14

Caress Exfoliating Body Wash

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Indulge in a renewing and refreshing experience when you shower with Caress Exfoliating Body Wash. It is formulated with brown sugar and shea butter and delivers a 2-in-1 action of gentle exfoliation and rich nourishment. It forms a rich, exfoliating lather that buffs off the dead skin cells and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth. The delicious scents of burnt brown sugar and karite butter revitalize your senses, infusing your shower with pampering decadence. Get beautiful, even-toned skin with this body wash exfoliator.

15

Proactiv Acne Body Wash

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An acne body wash from Proactiv that utilizes the exfoliating properties of concentrated Vitamin E and salicylic acid, and moisturizing properties of shea butter and cocoa butter to deliver a complete bathing experience. Perfect for sensitive, acne-prone skin, the soft collapsing Vitamin E encapsulated beads provide mild exfoliation. They gently burst to nourish skin while 2% salicylic acid clears up skin blemishes, preventing new ones from forming. Aloe vera provides a soothing effect to sensitive and acne-prone skin.

16

St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash

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Another exfoliating body wash by St. Ives takes a place on our list. Enriched with pink lemon and mandarin orange, it reduces dryness and cleanses skin to reveal brighter, radiant skin. The 100% natural lemon peel and citrus extracts pair up to give you a revitalizing shower experience. An Amazon user reviewed it, "As a grownup, I'm finally at a point where I want my hygiene items to complement each other. This smells great, leaves you feeling clean, and there's a lot in the bottle. It also doesn't leave me smelling like a teenager. Highly recommended for anyone who likes a clean citrus scent."

17

MEDIX 5.5 Body Scrub Skin Care Exfoliating Body Cleanser

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A pack of one exfoliating body wash and one body treatment cream from MEDIX 5.5 that provides full body care, preventing premature aging and creating beautiful, flawless skin. Harnessing the power of glycolic, lactic, salicylic, and citric acids, the body wash effectively removes dead skin cells, targets keratin build-up, and promotes cell turnover. The body cream, infused with collagen and peptide, helps in restoring collagen and maintaining the skin's elasticity. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The exfoliating body wash resurfaces dry and rough skin, preparing it for better reception of the body treatment cream.

The main consideration to keep in mind when selecting the best exfoliating body wash is your skin type:

• Dry Skin: As an exfoliating body wash removes the outer layer of old, dead cells, it might lead to skin dryness. For dry, flakey skin, an exfoliating body wash infused with glycolic acid or lactic acid is best suited as it provides mild exfoliation without irritating the skin. Additional hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerine, and ceramides moisturize dull and dry skin, delivering moisture and hydration to the parched skin. They lock in moisture, keeping the skin moist and supple.
• Oily Skin: For oily and acne-prone skin, an exfoliating body wash with salicylic acid is ideal as it exfoliates and unclogs pores. It dissolves the dead skin cells and clears the pores of the accumulated dirt and debris. Additional components like aloe vera, grapefruit extracts, niacinamide, and Vitamin E heal and soothe the skin, control excess sebum, reduce UV damage, and keep acne at bay.
• Sensitive Skin: For sensitive skin, an exfoliating body wash is enhanced with chemical exfoliators like salicylic, glycolic, or lactic acid. They work gently to loosen the bond of dead cells without being abrasive or harsh on the skin. Sensitive skin can easily get inflamed or irritated. Additional ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, or hyaluronic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory, calming, soothing, and moisture-locking properties, are effective in treating sensitive skin. 

Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam