No one wants dry, peeling skin. On the flip side, we don’t want harsh body scrubs that leave our skin feeling like it was rubbed with sandpaper. What we really want is soft and smooth skin without resorting to abrasive methods.
Exfoliating body washes are the happy medium between standard body washes and dead skin-busting sugar and salt scrubs. Exfoliating body washes are gentle enough that you can use them every day without irritating your skin. The formulas are often suitable for those with sensitive skin and infuse moisture back into your skin while they slough away flakes.
Consider trading in your usual soap for one of these effective yet mild exfoliating body washes.
Exfoliating Body Washes
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Origins
Shower Off Exfoliating Body Wash With Hawaiian Mineral Water, $26 at Sephora
After working up a sweat, cool down and remove dirt and oil with this exfoliating body wash. Orange, spearmint and wild mint provide a refreshing scent and sensation that will soothe sore muscles. It'll also help wake you up after a long night.
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Dove
Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash, $5.99 at Target
Gentle is a word we sometimes don't think of in terms of traditional body scrubs, but this formula fits the bill. It dislodges old, dry skin while providing hydration and nutrients. The product promises smoother skin after just one shower.
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Jo Malone London
Lime Basil & Mandarin Exfoliating Shower Gel, $40 at Nordstrom
Fans who can't get enough of Jo Malone's Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne should consider starting their body care routines with this exfoliating shower gel. Those who aren't familiar with the scent should also try it since its zesty lime and peppery basil are reminiscent of an island breeze. The scrub does a brilliant job of removing dry bits without being abrasive thanks to bamboo stem, crushed orange peel and soft jojoba beads.
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AHAVA
Mineral Body Exfoliator, $25 at Ulta Beauty
Bring the beauty benefits of the Dead Sea into the shower with this daily body exfoliator. Red seaweed, Dead Sea minerals and jojoba esters lift away flakes while ensuring proper moisture levels. Use the gentle exfoliator before self-tanner for flawless application.
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Clinique
Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator, $28 at Sephora
Make skin sparkle with this gel-based body exfoliator. Dryness? What dryness? Patchiness and flakiness are reduced after using the nourishing product on the regular. Menthol provides minty freshness with every wash.
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Clark's Botanicals
Skin Clearing Face and Body Wash, $46 at Space.NK
This is one of the rare products that's suitable for your face, body and daily use. The gentle exfoliator removes dry patches, while algae calms skin, targets redness and fights the signs of aging. Eucalyptus and jasmine create a new twist on the standard uplifting body wash scent.
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Aveeno
Positively Radiant Soap Free Exfoliating Body Wash, $6.99 at Target
Those with sensitive skin step right up. This soap-free, hypoallergenic daily body wash will turn scales into smooth skin without irritation. Natural exfoliators like crushed walnut shells take care of peeling skin. The dye-free formula has a moisture-rich soy complex to nourish lizard-like limbs.
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Mario Badescu
A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap, $8 at Nordstrom
Worried about physical exfoliators being too rough on your delicate skin? Opt for a chemical exfoliator. This refreshing body wash is enriched with fruit acids to buff away dead skin. Calming oatmeal ensures skin remains balanced. Those who want physical exfoliation can apply the soap with a loofah or bath sponge.
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Glytone
Exfoliating Body Wash, $33 at DermStore
Leave the shower with noticeably softer skin after using this revitalizing body wash. It relies on chemical exfoliation from an 8.8 percent glycolic acid formulation to gently shed skin. It also removes dirt and oil without making your skin feel uncomfortably tight.
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Olay
Daily Exfoliating With Sea Salts Body Wash, $5.49 at Target
Think of this as the less abrasive cousin of your favorite sea salt scrub. It's a creamier, gentler version that's suitable for everyday use. Never give dry skin a chance by sudsing up with the nourishing formula. It has Lock-in-Moisture technology to make skin more hydrated after the first wash minus any stickiness.
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St. Ives
Renew and Purify Sea Salt Body Wash, $3.99 at Target
We know St. Ives for its exfoliating face washes. But this budget-friendly body wash is different because it's formulated with sea salt and sea kelp to transform scaly skin. The dermatologist-tested product is still very effective and suitable for daily use for those with sensitive skin.
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Softsoap
Exfoliating Coconut Butter Body Wash, $5.99 at Target
Here's proof that exfoliating body washes can be creamy but still effective at removing layers of flaky skin. Apricot seed powder and crushed coconut are mixed into a velvety base of jojoba and coconut butter for a luxurious cleanse. You may not even need body lotion post-shower thanks to the nourishing, butter-like formula.
