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I hope that you're already cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing your face (it's like beauty 101, people!). But I'd also like to make a case for the fact that your body deserves equal TLC. The cold winter temperatures outside and our cranked-up radiators inside can leave our skin dry, dull, and rough. And that's where salt scrubs come in clutch.
Not only do they help buff away dead skin cells and prep your legs and other areas for shaving, you'll also immediately experience enhanced softness and smoothness. "Over time, regular exfoliation with salt scrubs can help prevent clogged pores, improve skin tone, and even enhance the absorption of moisturizers or serums," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nicole Ruth, DO. Score!
Best Salt Scrubs
So why should we use salt scrubs instead of ones that have sugar, coffee grounds, or, say, volcanic ash? Salt is like the Goldilocks of the scrub world—volcanic ash is too fine for effective exfoliation and coffee grounds are irregularly shaped and scratchy. And don't just take my word for it: "The larger sea salt granules are particularly effective for body exfoliation, especially on rougher areas like elbows, knees, and feet," explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD, FAAD. "And unlike sugar, which dissolves quickly, salt maintains its exfoliating power throughout the treatment."
What To Consider
Shopping for salt scrubs doesn't have to be complicated. Here's a quick guide on how to pick a great one, according to the dermatologists I spoke with.
Type Of Salt
According to the pros, three main salts are used in salt scrubs: sea salt, Himalayan pink salt, and Epsom salt. They vary in origin, coarseness, and benefits, but regardless of which one you opt for, you'll experience a relatively gentle polish that'll leave your complexion smooth and glowing.
Sea Salt
This type of salt is rich in minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, making it ideally suited to detoxify skin, soothe irritation, and even benefit sore muscles, says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. Most notable here is Dead Sea salt. which is derived from the eponymous Middle Eastern body of water, and tends to have one of the highest mineral contents, adds double board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD. Just don't expect any miracles, cautions Dr. Rambhida. "While the mineral content may provide additional skin benefits, these effects are modest given the brief contact time during scrubbing," she says.
Sea salt's granule size varies, but Dr. Garshick notes the coarser texture works well for rougher patches such as our feet, knees, and elbows. Remember, finer granules are gentler on the skin making them ideal for sensitive skin types. And larger more coarse granules offer a medium to hard exfoliation level.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Also rich in minerals, Himalayan and sea salt typically has a similar size granule to sea salt but can feel less coarse, making it effective on rough areas but slightly gentler, says Dr. Rambhia. The doctor likes Himalayan pink salt because it is often gentler than sea salt, making it the ideal exfoliant for sensitive or dry skin types. (Fun side note: Himalayan salt mined from Pakistan's salt deposits contains trace minerals like iron oxide, which gives the granules their distinctive pink color, notes Dr. Rambhia.)
Epsom Salt
Lastly, there is Epsom salt, a popular ingredient commonly found in foot and bath soaks. In our guide to Epsom salt benefits, experts explained that Epsom salt is a gentle exfoliator that dissolves in the shower and bathtub. It also can help with relaxation. A study even found that the magnesium in Epsom salt can help lower cortisol, the stress hormone. After all, who couldn't use a little self-care TLC after the holidays wrapped?
Coarseness
Ultimately, while knowing where a salt is sourced from is interesting, the most important factor is the granules' coarseness, says Dr. Rambhia. She adds that both sea salt and Himalayan pink salt scrubs will perform similarly when it comes to exfoliation, so the choice often comes down to your personal preference and the other ingredients in the scrub.
Bottom line: the finer the grain, the gentler the exfoliation, says Dr. Camp. "Coarser grains are more effective at treating particularly dry, scaly skin. Just remember to apply a moisturizer to your skin after using a salt scrub to help restore moisture," he advises.
Other Ingredients
Salt scrubs are typically made with oils and hydrating ingredients to help lock in moisture, says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch, MD. Some contain ceramides, a naturally occurring lipid that help support the skin's moisture barrier, while others might include olive oil to help calm irritated and inflamed skin. There is also glycerin, which is especially helpful if you're dealing with dry or cracked skin, like on our feet, elbows, and knees. Also good to look for is hyaluronic acid, a humectant that absorbs water and hydrates our skin.
How We Chose
I consulted seven dermatologists who all praised salt scrubs as the ultimate beauty hack for smooth skin. After polling these pros, I tried some of their suggestions along with other promising options. Eventually, I tested nine scrubs, but only found these six to be worth incorporating into my routine.
I factored in the type of salt used and their respective coarseness of the granules, along with how they felt on my skin. (There are zero scratchy scrubs on this list). I also paid close attention to how quickly the granules dissolved and if they caused a mess in my shower. Because let’s be honest, no one wants to accidentally slip and fall in their shower nor do they want to frequently clean their shower because of any annoying residue. I also considered pricing and ultimately if I didn’t feel comfortable repurchasing each featured pick, it wound up on the chopping block.
Ahead, the six best salt scrubs, according to dermatologists and my testing.
Pros
Can be used on the face and body to brighten skin- Fun tropical scent
- No synthetic preservatives
Cons
- The medium granules offer a stronger exfoliation, so it's best to skip if you have very sensitive skin
Look, all of these featured salt scrubs smell good. But the Ocean Salt Scrub from Lush smells sublime. When I removed the lid and sniffed, I was delighted by the energizing hit of grapefruit, lime, and mango butter notes. The aroma instantly put me at ease, reminding me of growing up in Florida and spending time with family in Jamaica. It's noticeable but not overwhelming enough to irritate someone with a sensitive nose (that's me!).
But what I love most about this salt scrub is that it combines two types of granules—a finer sea salt and a coarser hand-harvested sea salt—for impressive exfoliation that supercharged my self-care routine. I experienced the most noticeable and smoothest results while testing this scrub, and my skin looked brighter after my first use.
Unlike other exfoliants on this list, this is the only option that can be used on the face and body. The extra grit of this exfoliant means I can use it less frequently from head to toe. I found that slathering it on once every five to seven-day cadence was perfect. However, you can adjust accordingly based on your sensitivity and other needs, like how often you get flakey or remove unwanted body hair.
I also appreciate that this container isn’t made from plastic. Instead, it’s a thick blend of recycled paper. While I was a bit nervous the paper would deteriorate in the shower, I haven’t had any issues so far. Also, some tubs can be messy, but this one hasn’t spilled while resting on my shower ledge. In fact, the lid stays on quite tight—and as someone who can be a bit of a klutz, I appreciate that.
Lush's is also my best overall recommendation because it contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, organic coconut oil, and mango butter that leave my skin smooth and supple. My body and face feels softer and more hydrated after rinsing away this scrub even before I layer on lotion.
Read more: Salt Scrub Benefits
Key Specs
| Type Of Salt | Sea salt |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Medium |
| Other Ingredients | Glycerin, mango butter, extra virgin coconut oil, and organic avocado butter |
| Size | 4.2 oz |
Pros
- Dr. Teal's earned the most expert recommendations
- Most affordable option
Cons
- Amazon is the only authorized retailer that sells multipacks
Dr. Teal's epsom products are a popular recommendation among the pros I consulted, and Dr. Gratch loves this version because it offers a balance of sloughing and soothing with each use.
He considers this a great salt scrub because it relies on epsom salt, an ingredient he notes is high in magnesium and minerals that help the body relax and provide a healthy glowing finish to our skin. Notably, it contains lavender essential oil, which is known for its therapeutic calming effects. "This salt scrub has a great smell and is used for stress relief purposes," he says. No wonder many of Dr. Gratch's patients have incorporated this body scrub into their nighttime routines.
This multi-pack also offers a tremendous value, which I love. You get three 16-ounce tubs for less than the cost of one of some of the others on our list. That's truly magical to behold.
Key Specs
| Type Of Salt | Epsom salt |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Fine |
| Other Ingredients | Shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil |
| Size | 16 oz each |
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Pros
- Great for very parched skin, especially in winter
- Made with two different types of hydrating ingredients: shea butter and plant oils
Cons
- The ingredients can separate, so you have to stir the scrub before using, making it slightly messy
Dr. Camp considers OSEA one of the best body scrubs in the game because it contains hydrating ingredients like red algae, shea butter, safflower seed and lavender oil. Camp is one of my most trusted experts, so I just had to test this one out.
I know spending nearly $50 on a single product is a relative stretch, but after testing the Osea body scrub, I can confirm it's legitimately worth investing in. Salts of the Earth is definitely the most hydrating exfoliant of our featured picks, making it an excellent best for very skin looking for nourishment. My skin feels completely revived and less ashy whenever I use this scrub.
Notably, it contains shea butter, a dermatologist-loved ingredient known for softening, smoothing, and moisturizing the skin. Just when I thought the hydration couldn't get any better, I discovered this one also contains safflower seed, olive, avocado, and babassu oils, leaving skin soft to the touch without feeling overwhelmingly greasy. (A problem I've experienced with other body scrubs that I've tested over the years.)
When I use this body scrub I can get away with using a light lotion instead of a heavy body cream because my skin feels that hydrated. OSEA is a total dream for anyone living somewhere cold or dealing with parched skin.
Beyond ample hydration, the knockout combo of three types of salts leaves my skin noticeably smooth. I like the scrub's consistency and how gentle the granules feel on my body, especially on rougher areas like my knees and feet.
Key Specs
| Type Of Salt | New Zealand solar Salt, pink Himalayan sea salt, and red Hawaiian sea salt |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Fine |
| Other Ingredients | Safflower, olive, avocado, and babassu oils |
| Size | 12 oz |
Best For Sensitive Skin
Dove Exfoliating Body Scrub with Himalayan Salt & Rose Oil
Pros
- The vegan formula makes it a wonderful PETA-friendly treat for animal lovers
- Smells like fresh roses
Cons
- It has a thicker, paste-like consistency, which can be tough to spread
Dr. Gratch considers this a great salt scrub, even for someone with sensitive skin, because Himalayan salt offers gentle exfoliation and nourishment. He highlights the inclusion of rose oil used in this body scrub increases hydration, improves rough skin texture, and calms the skin by reducing anti-inflammatory factors. Plus, there's a blend of sunflower seed oil, glycerin, and stearic acid to promote healthy-looking skin. The pH-balanced formula is also free of sulfates that could irritate sensitive skin types.
Speaking of irritation, I've been dealing with eczema for decades, and I didn't experience any flare-ups from using this exfoliant (a huge plus in my book). I credit this win to Dove's signature moisturizing cream that makes my skin feel soft to the touch.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you might want to skip ordering Dove if you don't like scrubs that have a thicker consistency. I can understand if some people find the paste-like texture a bit annoying, but I can dilute it a bit with water to help it spread easily across my body. It's not a deal breaker for me, but something to keep in mind if that's ever an issue for you.
And for anyone who enjoys sniffing fresh roses, I have some excellent news for you. Dove's salt scrub smells like roses with a touch of woody musk that momentarily transforms my shower into a mini flower shop in the best way possible.
Key Specs
| Type Of Salt | New Zealand solar Salt, pink Himalayan sea salt, and red Hawaiian sea salt |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Fine |
| Other Ingredients | Safflower, olive, avocado, and babassu oils |
| Size | 12 oz |
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Most Gentle
Herbivore Amethyst Exfoliating Body Scrub
Pros
- Free from dyes, synthetic fragrances, parabens, and sulfates
- It's the prettiest scrub on the list
Cons
- Skip if you don't like the smell of jasmine and coconut
Herbivore is known for offering skincare products with natural ingredients—and the Amethyst Exfoliating Body Scrub is no exception. "Epsom salt, jasmine, and coconut oil are included in this body scrub, along with crushed amethyst gemstone, for a truly spiritual skin-softening experience," says Dr. Camp.
The finely ground amethyst and Epsom salt are so refined that the texture feels like sand buffing away dead skin cells on your body. While the coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and vitamin E that quickly penetrate into the skin for dry skin relief. In our guide to the best face oils, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, MD, notes coconut oil also has anti-inflammatory properties.
As a bonus, the pretty lavender salt scrub has a subtle jasmine and coconut scent that will leave your body smelling delish.
Key Specs
| Type Of Salt | Epsom |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Fine |
| Other Ingredients | Organic virgin coconut oil, jasmine oil, and crushed amethyst gemstone |
| Size | 7.05 oz |
Best For Glowing Skin
Ahava Softening Butter Dead Sea Salt Scrub
Pros
- Contains physical and chemical exfoliants to give skin a smooth glow
- GMO- and paraben-free
Cons
- May not be powerful enough for very dry, scaly patches of skin
Dr. Rambhia's ride-or-die scrub is our only featured pick that combines the benefits of physical exfoliation from Dead Sea salt with chemical exfoliation from alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs), making it perfect for those who are after an overall glow. That's because AHAs loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can be easily sloughed away, revealing the fresh new cells below.
The creamy butter base helps prevent the salt from being too abrasive, so this is best suited to those who don't have super-scaly patches that need extra power to remove. That being said, Dr. Rambhia notes that "most of my patients see noticeably smoother skin after each use."
Since the Ahava salt scrub combines physical and chemical exfoliants, she recommends that someone with sensitive skin use this just once weekly to avoid potential irritation. Those with normal skin can incorporate this body polish into their routines up to twice weekly.
Key Specs
| Type of salt | Dead sea salt |
|---|---|
| Coarseness | Fine |
| Other Ingredients | Jojoba and coconut oils, alpha hydroxy acids |
| Size | 7.5 oz |
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Should I exfoliate before or after I shave?
Salt scrubs are beneficial before hair removal as they help prevent ingrown hairs and create a smoother surface. However, Dr. Rambhia says you should always wait 24 hours between scrubbing and hair removal to avoid irritation. You'll also want to avoid using salt scrubs on sunburned areas or after procedures, like chemical peels or laser treatments.
Meet Our Experts
- Dr. Pooja H. Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon practicing at MDCS Dermatology in New York.
- Dr. Alicia Zalka, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Surface Deep.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist practicing at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey.
- Dr. Serena Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology Associates in Vallejo, California.
- Dr. Nicole Ruth, D.O., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology in New York.
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York.
What’s the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?
All six of the dermatologists I chatted with agree that physical exfoliation, like salt scrubs, manually removes dead skin cells. “While these provide immediate results by physically lifting away debris to reveal smoother skin, they can potentially create micro-tears if used too aggressively or frequently,” says Dr. Rambhia.
On the flip side, chemical exfoliation uses ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, such as glycolic or lactic acids, or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs), like salicylic acid to dissolve the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to dissolve naturally.
“While both methods are effective, chemical exfoliants tend to be gentler and more precise in their action, making them particularly suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Physical exfoliants can offer satisfying immediate results but require careful application to avoid irritation,” adds Dr. Rambhia.
How should you use a body scrub?
Patch Test First
Before slathering the scrub onto your body, you can do a quick patch test on a small area of your body and wait 24 hours to ensure you're not allergic. "Regardless of how natural or gentle the product claims to be everyone's skin reacts differently, and what works for one person may be irritating for another," cautions Dr. Rambhia.
Get wet and rub in circles
For optimal results, she recommends applying salt scrubs on damp skin using gentle circular motions, which helps evenly distribute the product and promotes circulation.
And don't forget to use light pressure and follow up with hydration
According to Dr. Rambhia, you'll want to apply lighter pressure on thinner-skinned areas like shins, follow immediately with moisturizer while skin is still damp, and use upward circular motions toward the heart to support lymphatic drainage.
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How often should I do a body scrub?
Once you're free of any allergic reactions, you'll want to start slow and use it weekly. Dr. Camp says you might be able to tolerate more regular use after using it for a few weeks and you learn how your skin reacts to the treatment.
"Do not use salt scrubs overzealously; the abrasive nature of scrubs can create small microtears in the skin and potentially predispose skin to infection," explains Camp. "When used too frequently, salts scrubs could potentially dry skin by drawing out moisture and removing too much oil from the skin surface."
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Nicole Saunders
Beauty Editor
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.
Reviewed byBrian Underwood
Beauty Director
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
