When Dr. Ushma Neill took an in-depth look at the benefits of facials for the Journal of Clinical Investigation, she concluded that expensive salon facials and brand name skincare products aren’t necessary for healthy skin. What you need to keep your skin well hydrated and glowing is a quality body scrub that moisturizes and exfoliates. These scrubs remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other particles that can contribute to acne and irritation. The result is smooth skin that glows regardless of your age.1
To help you find the right body scrub at a price you can afford, we tracked down five of the best products selling for $17 or less. They come from some of the leading brand names in the skincare market today and may help you avoid expensive salon visits.
Yulia Naumenko / Getty Images1. Dove Exfoliating Body Polish, $6
Dove’s body polish is designed with a deep moisturizer and powerful exfoliating ingredients. The exfoliation strips away dead, dry skin cells, and other debris while the moisturizer hydrates and nourishes the layer of newly exposed skin cells. The result is smooth, soft skin that feels and looks healthier.2
The Exfoliating Body Polish from Dove is available in the following scents:
- Crushed Lavender and Coconut Milk;
- Pomegranate Seeds and Shea Butter, and;
- Kiwi Seeds and Cool Aloe.
The following ingredients were chosen for their proven benefits for healthy skin as well as their fresh, energizing aromas.
Lavender has antibacterial and antifungal properties. As such, it is known to fight inflammation and relax the muscles. It’s often used in aromatherapy for its soothing, calming effect.3 Coconut milk contains fatty acids known to moisturize dry skin, soothe itchy skin, and heal wounds and infections.4 Pomegranate — a powerful antioxidant — and kiwi seeds have the grit needed to scrub away dead skin cells.5 Shea butter has proven anti-inflammatory properties. Due to these properties, it is one of the more popular moisturizers used in the skincare industry today.6
You can expect to pay about $6 for a 10.5-ounce container of Dove Exfoliating Body Polish in most local stores. If you prefer to shop online, you may find some varieties that aren’t featured on Dove’s website. For instance, Amazon carries the Crushed Macadamia and Rice Milk body polish.7
2. Bath & Body Works Whipped Body Scrub, $16.50
Bath & Body Works is known for creating some of the most aromatic and luxurious skincare products on the market. The brand now caters to men and women of all ages with products ranging from lotions and shower gels to a variety of body scrubs that exfoliate, moisturize, and nourish. The whipped body scrub is only available in select aromas, so the availability varies at any given time.
Whipped body scrubs contain the following moisturizing and exfoliating ingredients:
- Sugar exfoliants;
- Shea butter, and;
- Vitamin E.
Sugar is one of the most popular exfoliants used in skincare products today. It’s a natural ingredient that has the grit needed to safely remove dead skin cells and debris after a minute or two of gentle scrubbing. Additionally, vitamin E is a natural antioxidant required for healthy, youthful skin.8
Bath & Body Works recommends using a sugar scrub no more than two or three times a week. More frequent use could strip your skin of needed moisture and nutrition.
You will pay $16.50 for a container of whipped body scrub at full price. However, Bath & Body Works is known for offering generous discounts. For instance, the brand has spectacular holiday deals.9
3. St. Ives Purifying Exfoliating Body Wash, $3.99
You’ll easily find St. Ives body washes in local retail stores as well as through online retailers like Amazon. Their purifying body wash uses sea salt to exfoliate and soften the skin and pacific sea kelp extract to moisturize and nourish the fresh skin uncovered.
Expect to pay $3.99 for 24 ounces of St. Ives body wash at your local Target or Walgreens.10 You can also order it through Amazon, which gives you the option to include it in your Prime Pantry delivery.
4. Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub, $5.99
You can find Tree Hut sugar scrubs on Amazon or at select health and beauty retail stores like Ulta.
While Sugar is the main exfoliating ingredient, each scrub features additional ingredients. These ingredients include:
- Vitamin C;
- Brown sugar;
- Japanese yuzu;
- Coconut oil;
- Vanilla bean;
- Honey, and;
- Charcoal.
There are more than 20 varieties available, each with a unique ingredient list and aroma.
All sugar scrubs from Tree Hut use certified shea butter to moisturize the skin after exfoliation. Plus, they include a variety of natural oils that can detoxify, soften, and nourish the skin. Some of the oils used are evening primrose, sweet almond, and orange. The oils are likely chosen based on the aroma presented in each sugar scrub, so keep that in mind if you’re interested in the skin benefits that may come with certain oils.11
You can buy select Tree Hug Shea Sugar Scrubs for $5.99 when you shop through Amazon.12
5. Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, $15
If you want to give yourself a spa-like treatment at home, you can’t go wrong with this unique body scrub. It’s designed to automatically warm when applied to the skin. Plus, it is infused with rosemary and eucalyptus for an invigorating aromatic experience.
Natural sea salt is used as the exfoliant in this body scrub. Seaweed extract is added for the nourishment and moisturizing benefits. You can expect to experience smooth, soft skin that is healthier and clearer after using the scrub two or three times each week.13
The full retail price of this scrub is $20 if you shop directly with Bliss. However, Ulta Beauty sells it for $15.14
Refresh Your Skin Today
The great thing about affordable body scrubs is you can afford to try more than one. If you can’t decide between our recommended selections, pick your top two or three. You may find that more than one deserves a place in your shower.
Don’t worry about the ones you don’t continue using. You can always gift them to friends. In fact, there’s nothing better than the gift of radiant, healthy skin.