The 7 best body exfoliators, from acid lotions to scrubs

Key takeaways

• Most body exfoliators use acids, like salicylic, glycolic or lactic acid, or urea to loosen rough, dry skin. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says people with dry or sensitive skin may prefer a mild chemical exfoliator to a scrub.

• Our top pick is Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA, a leave-on salicylic acid lotion for rough, bumpy arms and legs.

• CeraVe SA Cream is the budget pick: salicylic acid, lactic acid and ceramides in a 12 oz size for $25.99.

• Leave-on lotions and serums stay on your skin longer than washes and scrubs, so they tend to do more.

• AHAs like glycolic and lactic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen on any exposed skin you treat.

How to choose a body exfoliator

There are two ways to exfoliate. The AAD explains that mechanical exfoliation uses a tool or a scrub, while chemical exfoliation uses acids “to dissolve dead skin cells.” It adds that the more aggressive the exfoliation, the less often you need to do it. Our guide to AHA vs BHA explains how the two main acid families differ.

• Salicylic acid (a BHA) is oil-soluble and is often used on rough, bumpy skin.

• Glycolic and lactic acid (AHAs) work on the surface and suit dull, dry or uneven-looking skin.

• Urea softens and hydrates at the same time, which makes it a gentler place to start for very dry skin.

Rough bumps on the backs of the arms are often keratosis pilaris. Cleveland Clinic says about 40% of adults get these bumps at some point, and that urea, alpha hydroxy acids, salicylic acid and glycolic acid “can sometimes improve the look” of them. The AAD’s keratosis pilaris self-care page warns against scrubbing, which “tends to irritate the skin.”

We compared each product on its published ingredient list, not on hands-on testing. We looked at the exfoliating ingredient and strength where the brand states it, whether it’s leave-on or rinse-off, whether fragrance is listed, the brand’s usage directions and the price.

1. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA: best overall

Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA is a leave-on body lotion with 2% salicylic acid at a stated pH of 3.5 to 3.9, plus allantoin, bisabolol and green tea extract. Paula’s Choice says it’s fragrance-free, though its ingredient list includes vanilla fruit extract, and the brand notes the lotion may have a scent from its ingredients that fades quickly after application.

Key features:

• 2% salicylic acid. Paula’s Choice says it softens rough skin and is ideal for hard, clogged pores on the arms and legs.

• Published study figures. In a consumer study of 100 people over 28 days, 94% agreed their skin felt smooth, according to Paula’s Choice.

• Daily or spot use. The brand says it can be used daily all over or as a spot treatment, followed by SPF 30 or higher in the daytime.

Tradeoff: it has no AHA, and Paula’s Choice advises checking with a doctor first if you have a salicylate allergy.

Best for: rough, bumpy skin on the arms and legs.

Price: $35 for 7 fl oz.

2. CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin: best budget pick

CeraVe SA Cream for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a leave-on cream with salicylic acid and lactic acid (listed as ammonium lactate), plus niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and three ceramides. CeraVe labels it free of added fragrance.

Key features:

• Two exfoliating acids. A BHA and an AHA, in a moisturizing base.

• Ceramides. CeraVe’s signature three ceramides are in the formula.

• Large size. It’s 12 oz, which covers a lot of skin for the price.

Tradeoff: CeraVe doesn’t state the acid percentages, and the formula includes mineral oil and parabens. CeraVe also advises sun protection while using it.

Best for: very dry, rough skin on a budget.

Price: $25.99 for 12 oz.

3. U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound: best multitasking body serum

U Beauty describes the Resurfacing Body Compound as an exfoliating body serum. The serum combines Glycolic, Lactic and Salicylic Acids with Mandelic and Lactobionic Acids, Urea, Peptides and Retinol, all powered by proprietary SIREN Capsule Technology™. U Beauty says it’s designed to help visibly improve uneven-looking texture, discoloration and rough, flaky-looking skin from head to toe, for visibly brighter, smoother-looking skin.

Key features:

• Several exfoliating acids plus Retinol. It’s applied to dry skin after showering, with extra attention on rough-looking areas, morning, night or both.

• Published study figures. In an expert clinical evaluation of 30 volunteers, 96% saw an improvement in skin softness after 30 days of consistent use, once a day, according to U Beauty.

• Pairs with the rest of the body routine. U Beauty suggests applying it first, before The SUPER Body Hydrator.

Tradeoff: at $128 for 200 ml it has the highest price tag here, and it contains a fragrance ingredient, methyldihydrojasmonate. U Beauty suggests SPF if you use it during the day.

Best for: people who want one body serum that combines exfoliating acids with Retinol and Peptides, allowing a longer body routine to get shorter.

Price: $128 for 200 ml.

4. La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion: best for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Urea 10% Roughness Smoothing Lotion uses 10% urea instead of acids, with shea butter, glycerin and allantoin. La Roche-Posay labels it fragrance-free and paraben-free and says it’s safe for sensitive skin.

Key features:

• 10% urea. It softens rough, dry skin while it hydrates.

• Published study figures. 96% of people said it left dry areas feeling less rough, according to La Roche-Posay.

• Twice-daily use. It’s made for all-over use on the body, morning and night.

Tradeoff: urea works more gradually than an acid lotion, so it’s better for ongoing care than a quick resurfacing.

Best for: sensitive, dry to extra-dry skin.

Price: $22.99.

5. The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick: best for small areas

The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick is a waterless solid stick with 7% glycolic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid and 10% shea butter. You glide it onto rough spots like elbows, knees and heels, and there’s no need to rinse.

Key features:

• Targeted application. The stick format keeps it on the spots you choose.

• Published study figures. The INKEY List says it’s clinically proven to visibly improve keratosis pilaris in 7 days, based on a 4-week clinical study of 21 people.

• Gradual start. The brand suggests starting two to three times a week and building to daily use.

Tradeoff: at 45g it’s made for small areas, not all-over use. The INKEY List advises SPF on treated skin and waiting 8 hours after hair removal.

Best for: rough elbows, knees, heels and other small patches.

Price: $20 for 45g.

6. First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA: best body scrub

First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub 10% AHA combines pumice with glycolic and lactic acids and colloidal oatmeal. It’s a rinse-off scrub, used in the shower on wet skin.

Key features:

• Physical and chemical exfoliation. Pumice buffs while the AHAs loosen dry skin.

• Published study figures. In a 10-day consumer perception test with 38 participants, 92% of panelists with keratosis pilaris said it made their skin feel exceptionally smooth, according to First Aid Beauty.

• Sunburn Alert on the product page. First Aid Beauty tells users to wear sunscreen while using it and for a week afterward.

Tradeoff: First Aid Beauty says to use it only once or twice a week, and pumice is abrasive, which the AAD warns can be too irritating for dry or sensitive skin.

Best for: people who want the feel of a scrub, used sparingly.

Price: $30 for 8 oz.

7. Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash: best in-shower exfoliant

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash is a cream body wash with 5% glycolic acid plus lactic, malic, pyruvic and tartaric acids, at a stated pH of 4.25 to 4.75. Naturium labels it fragrance-free and says it’s gentle enough for daily use.

Key features:

• 5% glycolic acid. It’s an easy way to add an AHA without an extra step.

• Leave-on option. Naturium suggests leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

• Large bottle. It’s 16.9 oz for $17.

Tradeoff: a wash stays on your skin only briefly, so it does less than a leave-on lotion.

Best for: adding gentle exfoliation to your shower routine.

Price: $17 for 16.9 oz.

How to exfoliate your body safely

• Start slowly. Use a new exfoliant a few times a week before going daily. The AAD also advises never exfoliating skin that has open cuts or wounds or is sunburned. Our guide to how often to exfoliate covers the same logic for your face.

• Moisturize afterward. Exfoliating ingredients can dry the skin, so follow with a moisturizer. Our list of body lotions for dry skin has options.

• Wear sunscreen on treated skin. The FDA found that four weeks of AHA use raised skin’s sensitivity to UV reddening by 18%. Our guide to mineral vs chemical sunscreen explains the options.

• Don’t scrub hard. Scrubbing can irritate rough, bumpy skin and make it look worse.

• Keep body products off your face. Several of these, including the First Aid Beauty scrub and The INKEY List stick, aren’t meant for facial use. Our list of face exfoliators covers face-specific picks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to exfoliate your body?

For most people, a leave-on lotion with salicylic acid, an AHA or urea, used a few times a week to start. The AAD says people with dry or sensitive skin may prefer a mild chemical exfoliator to a scrub.

Is a chemical exfoliant better than a body scrub?

Often, yes, especially for dry or sensitive skin. Scrubs work on contact and rinse off, while leave-on acid lotions keep working after you apply them. The AAD warns that scrubbing can irritate the skin.

How often should you exfoliate your body?

It depends on the product. Scrubs like First Aid Beauty’s are meant for once or twice a week, while gentler lotions can often be used daily once your skin gets used to them.

What is the best exfoliant for keratosis pilaris?

The AAD lists alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid and urea among helpful ingredients. Paula’s Choice Weightless Body Treatment 2% BHA and CeraVe SA Cream are two common picks.

Do I need sunscreen after using an AHA body lotion?

Yes, on any skin that sees the sun. The FDA found AHAs raise UV sensitivity, and recommends a sunburn alert on AHA products telling people to use sunscreen while using them and for a week afterward.