BODY SCRUB

Yet again, another incredibly high-scoring roll-call of winners for 2023, with just a shade of a point between their scores. (It’s worth scrolling to read all the reviews, because there are some truly brilliant products here.) 

Body scrubs have always been an important element of our own body ritual, buffing away the dead skin cells so that any body moisturising product can penetrate, rather than sit on the dry, dusty cells on the surface. A body scrub is also, counterintuitively, the best way to refresh a fading tan, removing those dead surface skin cells to reveal radiant cells below. The list below includes salt and sugar scrubs as well as enzyme exfoliants, which work in a different way by dissolving the dead skin – sometimes in tandem with a blend of salt or sugar. 

We welcome back several previous winners, which continue to scrub up well against stiff competition (we had approaching three dozen entries for this category). The following are universally scrub-tastic!

GOLD AWARD OUAI Scalp & Body Scrub

Something a little different, doing double duty literally from head to toe. OUAI started out as a haircare brand, with this product designed to ‘scrub the drama out of your life (and scalp).’ Not sure that any product can really deliver on that promise, but our testers were wowed by the blend of coconut oil and sugar, infused in a sugary base, designed as a weekly treatment. It was in part the scent that pushed our testers’ buttons: called Melrose Place, it blends bergamot, lychee, white musk and – so we’re told – champagne! The packaging, meanwhile – save for the inner disc – is all recyclable.

£36 for 250g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I liked that it foamed more than a usual scrub. The gel was smooth and the exfoliating grains are gentle, but very effective; so often, a scrub feels like a bit painful, but you put up with it because you believe it is doing your skin good. Not the case here; its gentle texture also does the job. Very clever!’ • ‘I loved how it made my skin feel after use – delicately fragranced, soft and smooth’ • ‘When using this, I didn't need to use a moisturiser afterwards – it left my skin very soft, smooth and moisturised’ • ‘I used this scrub every three days to wash my hair and I found that all the itchiness on my scalp disappeared. I don’t usually use body scrubs as I have found that the mess, they make is not worth the benefit they bring, but this is gorgeous and I will definitely buy it again’ • ‘My partner said it was like getting into bed with a younger woman! I will deffo purchase again; it’s a lot more expensive than my regular product, at first glance, but as you only need a tiny amount it lasts for ages, and saves on moisturiser afterwards’ • ‘I kept feeling my legs because I couldn't believe how soft they felt! A highly effective body scrub, with an absolutely beautiful fresh, white musk fragrance’ • ‘Made a 'just one more thing to do' into a more indulgent experience, in turn encouraging me to exfoliate my body more often.’

£36 for 250g - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT)  Thalgo Mer des Indes Ginger Scrub

With 95% natural ingredients, in a recyclable jar, Thalgo’s winner has been inspired by Ayurvedic tradition, with an aromatic amber sandalwood fragrance that captures that vibe. Active ingredients include Indian red algae (cultivated respecting sustainable good practices), harmonising coriander, sage and cypress essential oils, and ginger powder, a natural exfoliant used in Ayurveda. Not for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding, this French spa brand counsels.

£51 for 270g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Skin felt amazing after using this: soft, smooth and soothed. I don't tend to use a body cream after using this because the smell is so lovely! Rough and irritated skin on my elbows has gone completely and dry bumps on my upper arms have vanished’ • ‘This isn't the sort of product I felt I needed in my arsenal as I focus on facial skincare but it’s something I now couldn't be without. I look forward to using it twice a week, as the smell and texture are so enjoyable’ • ‘I thought my usual scrub was OK, but this is so much better in terms of texture and results. There is no greasiness but it is so moisturising, and the level of scrub is just right!’ • ‘I wasn't that excited to try this, but it is one of my favourites now! Most notable was the smoothness of elbows, knees and upper arms – couldn’t stop stroking my elbows as they were so smooth! ’ • ‘One of the best body scrubs I have ever used and despite the hefty price ticket, I am contemplating keeping this as a staple in my bath time routine. I really loved the balance of scrub, oils, and scent in the beautiful formula’ • ‘Skin instantly smooth and soft. I usually don't like oil-based products, because I find them to be too slippery and to clog pores but this really left the skin feeling moisturised to the point that I didn't apply body lotion afterwards, as I didn’t want the scent to clash – and didn’t need to, anyway!’ • ‘A friend and a couple of family members who complimented on how soft and smooth my arms are now – leaves skin feeling like silk.’

£51 for 270g - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT) L’OCCITANE Almond Delicious Paste

And here, this repeat Beauty Bible Award-winner is, back again, with another stellar scrubbing performance! One of L'Occitane's body bestsellers, offered in a uniquely-shaped and hefty glass jar, Almond Delicious Paste delivers the exfoliating power of crushed almond shells and sugar crystals suspended in a creamy, buttery base of almond butter and almond oil. One of the key attractions of L’Occitane’s Almond range is always the familiar and much-loved, delicate scent of almonds, which has attracted legions of fans to the extensive body range in which this sits.

£39 for 200ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Didn't think I was going to enjoy this as much as I did. Need to go and stock up before I run out; the smell was just divine and lasted on my skin for a while after use. Not having to use a body moisturiser after using this was a real time-saver and meant I could get dressed immediately after my shower’ • ‘Have recommended to all my friends! I am raving about this product; the perfect little jar to take wherever I go. The texture of the product is a wow and its fragrance is amazing’ • ‘If I like a fragrance, nothing else matters, but as I tested it, I paid attention to details and was really surprised. I love the fact that the packaging is recyclable, the ingredients seem good quality, the texture is simply delicious and the fact that it actually has an amazing effect on my skin’’ • ‘The perfect product to make you feel like a superstar! A deliciously almond fragranced paste which gently exfoliates skin and removes the dead skin cells, making your body smooth and soft. And the fragrance!! I can’t say enough positive things about this exfoliator’ • ‘I have used exfoliators in the past which I found far too messy, oily, gritty, but this really is amazing. I love it this is a real beauty treatment,  total luxury in a jar’ • ‘I really loved the product, even though I’m not generally 100% keen on the strength of the scent of almonds’ • ‘Used this before applying fake tan; it exfoliated really well, resulting in a great, even tan.’

£39 for 200ml - click to buy

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT)  OSKIA Renaissance Body Scrub

Last year, Gold. The year before, Silver – and now Silver again, in the 2023 Awards. What that tells you is that this coral-coloured, soufflé-textured luxurious scrub consistently wows our testers. Key ingredients are MSM (sulphur), pink Himalayan salt (which OSKIA tell us is rich in 84 trace minerals), plus fermented pumpkin enzymes, which work to reveal fresher, softer skin. It also ‘puts back’ nourishment, thanks to a blend of starflower oil and vitamin E. The scent? Geranium, chamomile, cedarwood and ho wood all feature, alongside rose – and again, testers loved it.

£50 for 220g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘My skin felt like new, smooth and soft to the touch – would highly recommend and actually buy this as a pressie for my bestie, to let her feel as good as I did’ • ‘Forget all the other body scrubs you've used and try this amazing scrub, which is gentle but very effective on your body! It will leave you feeling like you've just walked out of a high-end spa treatment’ • ‘I've been converted! After not getting on great with body scrubs previously, I realise it's because I'd never used a gentle premium one before. Not only is my skin looking caressed and cared-for; it's fantastic before applying fake tan., which I use all the time’ • ‘My husband has noticed how soft my skin is. I often find scrubs are a bit too harsh, and hate the mess they leave in the shower. This one ticked all the boxes: easy to use, felt great on the skin, and delivered really good results. What more can you ask?’ • ‘Very easy to apply; I sometimes find with exfoliators that they are too dry and gritty, and a lot of the product falls off the skin, rather than doing its job of scrubbing the skin. This leaves skin much silkier – an absolute luxury’ • ‘My husband noticed the smoothness of my skin immediately after using; it left my skin looking radiant’ • ‘I did not need to use a body cream afterwards, thanks to the oils left on my skin. All round, a luxurious and a treat, leaving skin feeling smooth, with a delicate aroma.’

£50 for 220g - click to buy 

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT)  Olverum Body Polish

Since Olverum was acquired by the family which for decades was the UK distributors (the Hawksley clan, who also used to own Les Senteurs), they’ve expanded on the original iconic bath oil with a range of body treats, many of which have gone on to scoop Beauty Bible Awards. And here’s another gong, for the mantelpiece! The soufflé-textured, creamy scrub uses powdered pumice and bamboo stem extract to scruff skin, in a luscious base incorporating crambe oil and glycerine, with an aromatherapeutic scent that includes geranium, lavender, patchouli, eucalyptus, rosemary and petitgrain.

£42 for 200ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘So creamy, yet still abrasive enough to properly slough off dead skin. It is really easy to use, rinses off really easily, and leaves the skin feeling super soft and moisturised’ • ‘I really love this product – the perfect body scrub I have always been searching for’ • ‘For me, self-care is something that really slipped, due to the pandemic and being a mum to a toddler. Because the product has lots of different essential oils contained within it is a pleasure to the senses and it certainly helps with unwinding at bedtime – something that I never had from previous products’ • ‘The pros with this product for me were that it had such a lovely scent, which helped me relax before bedtime, and really helped areas of dryness. The only con I could find for this product is that the directions stated to only use it every two days!’ • ‘My skin has been a lit dryer than normal and after the first time I used this I noticed that my skin was feeling a lot more moisturised, especially in areas that suffer from extreme dryness such as my feet, heels, knees and elbows. A miracle in a jar’ • ‘100% would re-purchase; the results are instant, long-lasting, plus the smell is stunning. My skin has never felt as soft as it does now’ • ‘This body polish has smoothed out any imperfections I had on my skin. I had really dry, dull and flaky skin on my legs. There is a dramatic change in my skin tone. My skin is left feeling supple and glowing.’

£42 for 200ml - click to buy  

SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL (JOINT)  Beauty Pie Soul Providers Re-Energizing Dry Oil Sugar Scrub

So… this is sort of our ‘Beauty Steal’, but with a big ‘BUT’: to take advantage of its discounted priced, you need to sign up for membership to Beauty Pie, a ‘club’ (founded by our friend and beauty entrepreneur colleague Marcia Kilgore) which offers the brand’s products essentially at near-factory prices; otherwise, you’ll pay fifty smackers for this scrub, based around demerara sugar and exfoliating lemon, powered by vitamin C-rich Indian gooseberry extract, detoxing Holy Basil extract, suspended in a ‘dry oil’ base of evening primrose and apricot oils. (NB Membership is £10 a month, cancellable any time, or £59 per year.)

£50 for 475g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I really am in love with this product. The texture it thick and gritty and really feels like it is removing an outer layer of skin (in a good way). The scent is beautiful, fresh and really wakes me up in the mornings, leaving my skin feeling juicy and smoother. NB It did make my shower more slippery than usual, so I would have to be a bit more careful, but it’s worth it for the lovely-ness’ • ‘This product smells amazing!! It has a sweet orangey, citrusy yummy scent, which lingers on my skin for 24 hours after use, until next wash; during the trial, I would often open the tub just to smell the delicious scent’ • ‘Honestly the best body scrub I have ever used. It does the job, leaving skin smooth and soft without any heavy, sticky or oily residue’ • ‘Fabulous product, much better than the ones I used to buy. I love the citrus fragrance and can't find any negatives about this product’ • ‘My partner mentioned multiple times how smooth my body is. I really like the fragrance – refreshing, energising and uplifting. It stays on the skin for a little while, which is an added bonus for me’ • ‘A mini- spa experience in a jar – sit  back and enjoy the experience’ • ‘Best scrub I’ve ever tried – really works, leaving skin soft and silky-smooth. Once used, the effect is lasting and over time skin starts to feel healthy and glowy! Amazing fragrance, like a high-end spa experience!’

£50 for 475g - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Elemental Herbology Zest Sugar Body Polish

This all-natural winner is as zestily-scented as the name implies, its sugar base zingy with rosemary, orange and tangerine peel and a dash of thyme and ylang ylang, to fragrance your shower-slash-bath time. All but eliminating the need to follow with a body cream or moisturiser, the skin-sloughing ingredients are suspended in a ‘superfood’ oil blend of hemp and chia seed oils which veil the skin in nourishment. It’s been quite a time since Elemental Herbology submitted products for our Awards, and we’re so, so pleased to welcome back to the winners’ rostrum this botanically-powered British brand, whose products are based around the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

£40 for 200g - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘A divine smelling miracle scrub! My legs, after a month, looked amazing. Dry flaky areas became beautifully soft and so deeply moisturised’ • ‘Ah, I absolutely love this product. The smell is totally divine and the scrub banishes dry skin! I now have smooth, silky, dreamy soft moisturised legs! I will use this product for evermore’ • ‘My lord, the fragrance is UNREAL, smells truly divine – almost fruity but with herby notes, almost like Vicks, a eucalyptus type smell. My skin felt amazing even after the first use, so smooth and it really had a natural glow to it, which I haven't had for a long time’ • ‘I didn't feel the need to apply moisturiser after using it. The scrub was very easy to rinse off in the shower. Luxurious feeling and smelling, really easy to use, great effects for smoothing skin, perfect for summer; I still used a body cream afterwards but it definitely was moisturising and my skin felt smoother, less bumpy’ • ‘Definitely less bumps, brighter appearance, less rough/dry patches, and stopped my peeling which helped maintain my tan’ • ‘There were no bits of grainy scrub left in the shower afterwards, and the shower floor didn’t feel slippery and greasy from the oil. The scent was also really gentle, yet refreshing’ • ‘Skin felt immediately smooth, glowing and supple. For me the fragrance was absolutely gorgeous! it had a very natural sweet orange smell which I adored and made me look forward to exfoliating!’

£40 for 200g - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  Rhug Estate Exfoliating Body Scrub with Rosemary and Rhug Honey

Around the time this scrub first launched, we did some in-depth research for this luxury naturals brand – based on a historic estate in North Wales – and many of their products wowed our large panel of testers. And we aren’t at all surprised that this is back for its second win in a row: an as-natural-as-it-gets blend (certified thus by The Soil Association/COSMOS), formulated with the estate's own honey, alongside organic sugar, nourishing safflower oil and infused with a blend of organic geranium and rosemary essential oils. (Most testers LOVED it; one super-low score brought the average down.)

£45 for 200ml - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I use a scrub regularly to help with KP around tops of legs and arms; this helped to keep those areas smooth and less noticeable and was a really good consistency, not too gloopy. Skin feels moisturised for a long time after using’ • ‘I have tried loads of scrubs and never found one that doesn't make my skin “tingle” for an hour afterwards, so I gave up trying. I wasn't looking forward to testing this because I hate that feeling, but am converted. Skin felt amazing, after just one application and didn't tingle at all. I could smell it on my skin for most of the day and my friend commented on my “new perfume”, but I wasn't wearing any. Definitely changed my mind about scrubs’ • ‘Skin around my elbow and knees is visibly softer and not dry at all’ • ‘I used to get a lot of ingrown hair from epilating, but since using this scrub, no more ingrown hair and the overall texture of my skin has smoothed out. Been told my legs look good and summer-ready, which is perfect as I’m going on holiday soon’ • ‘Such a pleasure to use, I looked forward to the days when I used it because my skin feels so lovely, soft and comfortable afterwards’ • ‘I've had compliments about how soft my skin feels – very silky and soft, and no need to use any additional moisturiser’ • ‘Gorgeous aromatherapy scrub leaves your skin like a baby’s bottom! Great primer for fake tan, which goes on so well afterwards with no patchiness.’

£45 for 200ml - click to buy