6 days ago
10 Best Exfoliating Body Washes for Super Smooth Skin
The best exfoliating body washes do more than just cleanse—they're essential in elevating your entire body care ritual. Of course, the power of these miracle-working products lies within their potent formulas. 'Exfoliating body washes are highly effective when made with active components like fruit enzymes, AHAs, and BHAs. These active ingredients help with uneven skin textures and unclogging pores,' says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dara Spearman. By gently sweeping away dead skin cells and impurities, they reveal a smoother, more radiant surface that feels polished to perfection.
But the benefits don't stop there. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi adds that body washes not only promote cellular renewal but enhance the absorption of other skincare products. By removing dead skin acts as an unwanted barrier, moisturizers, oils, and treatments sink deeper into the epidermis, amplifying their results.
Vogue's Favorite Exfoliating Body Washes
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So there you have it—incorporating an exfoliating wash into your routine is like prepping a canvas, creating the perfect base for the total body glow-up that follows. Scroll on to shop 10 of favorite exfoliating body wash formulas that renew skin texture while hydrating it—with favorites from experts and Vogue editors alike.
Best AHA Blend: Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
Naturium
The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash
$16
AMAZON
Why We Love It : 'Naturium's wash is a great choice for exfoliation because it is formulated with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acids that it sloughs off dead skin cells,' says Dr. Shirazi. Double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp adds that regular use reveals softer, smoother skin over time. With a cocktail of clinically backed acids and a sensorial, non-stripping formula, it transforms your daily shower into a moment of derm-grade renewal.
: 'Naturium's wash is a great choice for exfoliation because it is formulated with a blend of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs), including glycolic, lactic, and tartaric acids that it sloughs off dead skin cells,' says Dr. Shirazi. Double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp adds that regular use reveals softer, smoother skin over time. With a cocktail of clinically backed acids and a sensorial, non-stripping formula, it transforms your daily shower into a moment of derm-grade renewal. Key Ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin
Glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, glycerin Size: 8.4 fl oz
8.4 fl oz Fragrance: No
No Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Spa-Like: Nécessaire The Body Wash Hinoki
Nécessaire
The Body Wash
$28
AMAZON
Why We Love It : 'The combination of gentle exfoliating acids smooth and soften uneven skin, resveratrol soothes inflammation, and niacinamide support the skin's protective barrier in this exfoliating body wash,' says Dr. Camp. Not to mention, Dr. Shirazi notes the relaxing aroma is naturally-derived from botanic oils (cue the hinoki!) that adds to a spa-like experience from the comfort of your own shower.
: 'The combination of gentle exfoliating acids smooth and soften uneven skin, resveratrol soothes inflammation, and niacinamide support the skin's protective barrier in this exfoliating body wash,' says Dr. Camp. Not to mention, Dr. Shirazi notes the relaxing aroma is naturally-derived from botanic oils (cue the hinoki!) that adds to a spa-like experience from the comfort of your own shower. Key Ingredients : Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, resveratrol, glycerin, hinoki wood oil
: Niacinamide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, resveratrol, glycerin, hinoki wood oil Size : 16.9 fl oz
: 16.9 fl oz Fragrance : Yes, naturally derived
: Yes, naturally derived Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Ceramides: CeraVe Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
CeraVe
Body Wash with Salicylic Acid
$14
AMAZON
Why We Love It : This dermatologist-developed formula pulls double duty by exfoliating and hydrating simultaneously. 'Affordable and accessible, CeraVe's wash features salicylic acid, which is excellent for treating acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, ceramides help with hydration of the skin's moisture barrier,' says Dr. Shirazi. Ceramides round out the formula to restore the skin's natural barrier, while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and niacinamide soothes and calms the skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this body wash is ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing experience.
: This dermatologist-developed formula pulls double duty by exfoliating and hydrating simultaneously. 'Affordable and accessible, CeraVe's wash features salicylic acid, which is excellent for treating acne-prone skin. Meanwhile, ceramides help with hydration of the skin's moisture barrier,' says Dr. Shirazi. Ceramides round out the formula to restore the skin's natural barrier, while hyaluronic acid attracts moisture, and niacinamide soothes and calms the skin. Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this body wash is ideal for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin seeking a gentle yet effective cleansing experience. Key Ingredients : Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic
: Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, hyaluronic Size : 10 fl oz
: 10 fl oz Fragrance : No
: No Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Bakuchiol: Sidia The Body Exfoliant
Sidia
The Body Exfoliant
$46
AMAZON
Why We Love It : Powered by bakuchiol (a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative), plus skin-refining niacinamide and finely-milled rice powder, this formula smooths brightens, and restores without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. The texture is luxe, the scent grounding, and the result is silky-soft skin that looks as polished as it feels.
: Powered by bakuchiol (a gentle, plant-based retinol alternative), plus skin-refining niacinamide and finely-milled rice powder, this formula smooths brightens, and restores without disrupting the skin's natural barrier. The texture is luxe, the scent grounding, and the result is silky-soft skin that looks as polished as it feels. Key Ingredients : Bakuchiol, niacinamide, rice germ powder
: Bakuchiol, niacinamide, rice germ powder Size : 12 fl oz
: 12 fl oz Fragrance : Yes
: Yes Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Ingrown Hairs: Soft Services Exfoliating Bar
Why We Love It : This Soft Services buffing soap bar is a game-changer for those dealing with keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, or rough, bumpy skin. Crafted with superfine magnesium oxide and alumina crystals, it offers a more intense physical exfoliation, effectively sloughing off dead skin cells and smoothing out uneven texture. The non-irritating formula, enriched with shea butter, aloe leaf juice, and jojoba esters, ensures skin remains hydrated and soothed post-exfoliation. Not to mention, it's a more sustainable choice thanks to no plastic packaging and a low carbon foot print.
: This Soft Services buffing soap bar is a game-changer for those dealing with keratosis pilaris, ingrown hairs, or rough, bumpy skin. Crafted with superfine magnesium oxide and alumina crystals, it offers a more intense physical exfoliation, effectively sloughing off dead skin cells and smoothing out uneven texture. The non-irritating formula, enriched with shea butter, aloe leaf juice, and jojoba esters, ensures skin remains hydrated and soothed post-exfoliation. Not to mention, it's a more sustainable choice thanks to no plastic packaging and a low carbon foot print. Key Ingredients : Magnesium oxide, glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba esters
: Magnesium oxide, glycerin, shea butter, aloe vera, jojoba esters Size : 3.75 oz (2)
: 3.75 oz (2) Fragrance : Yes
: Yes Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Body Acne: Cetaphil Acne Relief Body Wash
Why We Love It : Another dermatologist-tested drugstore formula, Cetaphil offers an affordable solution for acne-prone skin. It combines the maximum over-the-counter concentration of 2% salicylic acid with a nourishing blend of glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil to counteract any drying effects. Its creamy formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin to maintain a balance between acne treatment and skin hydration.
: Another dermatologist-tested drugstore formula, Cetaphil offers an affordable solution for acne-prone skin. It combines the maximum over-the-counter concentration of 2% salicylic acid with a nourishing blend of glycerin, shea butter, and soybean oil to counteract any drying effects. Its creamy formula is specifically designed for sensitive skin to maintain a balance between acne treatment and skin hydration. Key Ingredients : Salicylic acid 2%, glycerin, shea butter, soybean oil
: Salicylic acid 2%, glycerin, shea butter, soybean oil Size : 20 fl oz
: 20 fl oz Fragrance : No
: No Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best with Fruit Enzymes: Kosas Good Body Skin
Why We Love It : Dr. Camp notes that Kosas's exfoliating formula is made without microbeads, synthetic fragrance, silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—ideal for sensitive skin types. Instead of physical exfoliants, Dr. Shirazi explains the formula leans on natural enzymes from fruit, plus a blend of AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. To temper the exfoliation with restorative moisturizing, count on humectants like glycerin and allatoin to add back in hydration. You can indulge in either the crisp freshness of tropical fruit or the nostalgic sweetness of an orange creamsicle with a choice of two naturally-derived scents.
: Dr. Camp notes that Kosas's exfoliating formula is made without microbeads, synthetic fragrance, silicones, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates—ideal for sensitive skin types. Instead of physical exfoliants, Dr. Shirazi explains the formula leans on natural enzymes from fruit, plus a blend of AHAs like glycolic, lactic, and mandelic acids. To temper the exfoliation with restorative moisturizing, count on humectants like glycerin and allatoin to add back in hydration. You can indulge in either the crisp freshness of tropical fruit or the nostalgic sweetness of an orange creamsicle with a choice of two naturally-derived scents. Key Ingredients : Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, papaya enzyme, pineapple enzyme, glycerin, allatoin
: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, mandelic acid, papaya enzyme, pineapple enzyme, glycerin, allatoin Size : 9 fl oz
: 9 fl oz Fragrance : Yes, naturally derived
: Yes, naturally derived Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Medicube Red Body Wash
Why We Love It : Medicube has gone viral several times over for its Age-R Booster Pro (did we mention the tool is a favorite of Hailey Bieber?)—but the K-Beauty brand deserves as much credit for its line of high-performing skin and body care. The brands' shower gel aims to address a multitude of skin-care concerns—think: acne, keratosis pilaris, and flaky skin. Infused with a potent blend of salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, it offers gentle exfoliation, hydration, and soothing relief for sensitive skin. Plus, the fragrance in this body wash is composed of a blend of five natural herbs with antioxidant benefits. The pros add, the formula boasts a low pH which matches skin's natural acidity, ensuring a mild yet effective cleansing experience, safe for daily use.
: Medicube has gone viral several times over for its Age-R Booster Pro (did we mention the tool is a favorite of Hailey Bieber?)—but the K-Beauty brand deserves as much credit for its line of high-performing skin and body care. The brands' shower gel aims to address a multitude of skin-care concerns—think: acne, keratosis pilaris, and flaky skin. Infused with a potent blend of salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acid, it offers gentle exfoliation, hydration, and soothing relief for sensitive skin. Plus, the fragrance in this body wash is composed of a blend of five natural herbs with antioxidant benefits. The pros add, the formula boasts a low pH which matches skin's natural acidity, ensuring a mild yet effective cleansing experience, safe for daily use. Key Ingredients : Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid
: Salicylic acid, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid Size : 14.52 fl oz
: 14.52 fl oz Fragrance : Yes, naturally derived
: Yes, naturally derived Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Strawberry Skin: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
$29
AMAZON
$30
NORDSTROM
Why We Love It : First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser is a cult-favorite for a reason. Its dual-action formula combines 10% AHA (glycolic and lactic acids) with finely milled pumice beads, offering both chemical and physical exfoliation to target keratosis pilaris and rough patches. Plus, it's enriched with colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, and bisabolol, which soothes skin after a good buff. Vogue's beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo turns this beauty favorite as part of a weekly exfoliation. 'As someone with thick hair, I'm no stranger to strawberry skin. In tandem with my laser hair removal journey, I exfoliate my legs before shaving to ensure smooth skin (sans the strawberry seed look),' says Ciarlo.
: First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser is a cult-favorite for a reason. Its dual-action formula combines 10% AHA (glycolic and lactic acids) with finely milled pumice beads, offering both chemical and physical exfoliation to target keratosis pilaris and rough patches. Plus, it's enriched with colloidal oatmeal, licorice root extract, and bisabolol, which soothes skin after a good buff. Vogue's beauty commerce writer Conçetta Ciarlo turns this beauty favorite as part of a weekly exfoliation. 'As someone with thick hair, I'm no stranger to strawberry skin. In tandem with my laser hair removal journey, I exfoliate my legs before shaving to ensure smooth skin (sans the strawberry seed look),' says Ciarlo. Key Ingredients : Glycolic acid, lactic acid, pumice beads
: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, pumice beads Size : 8 oz
: 8 oz Fragrance : No
: No Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Prebiotic Wash: Oui the People Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash
Oui The People
Clean Slate Lactic Acid Body Wash
$30
AMAZON
Why We Love It : Oui the People's body wash is packed with lactic acid —a gentle AHA that smooths your skin and helps fade dark spots without messing with your skin's natural barrier. On top of that, purple sea moss and fermented purple rice bring antioxidant-rich, prebiotic goodness to keep your skin healthy and balanced.
: Oui the People's body wash is packed with lactic acid —a gentle AHA that smooths your skin and helps fade dark spots without messing with your skin's natural barrier. On top of that, purple sea moss and fermented purple rice bring antioxidant-rich, prebiotic goodness to keep your skin healthy and balanced. Key Ingredients : Lactic acid, purple rice fermentation, purple sea moss, aloe vera
: Lactic acid, purple rice fermentation, purple sea moss, aloe vera Size : 250 ml
: 250 ml Fragrance : Yes
: Yes Cruelty-Free: Yes
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