The Best Body Scrubs Are All You Need for Soft, Moisturized Skin This Winter

Why we love it: While some scrubs are so grainy they feel scratchy on the skin, this affordable pick strikes a perfect balance, with itty-bitty particles suspended in a velvety cream that gently sloughs away dead skin. Within seconds, you’re left with a softer, more radiant, and deeply moisturized complexion. It’s gentle enough to use every day if you want, though the results last for about a week. As a bonus, the tropical aroma—a blend of dragonfruit and coconut—offers a beachy escape, even in the dead of winter.

One Cosmo editor says: “I've been self-tanning pretty religiously this fall in effort to stay glowy and golden forever, but it also has meant I've needed to scrub my skin more than ever. Of everything I have stacked in my shower right now, I reach for this affordable Dove moment the most often. The creamy texture feels like it's moisturizing my skin as it sloughs away dead skin and self-tanner (lol), so I feel hydrated even without needing a layer of lotion."—BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Why we love it: Looking for a very-specific fragrance to indulge your self-care dreams? Well, Tree Hut probably has exactly what you're looking for. Their iconic sugar scrub is available in over a dozen scents, ranging from soothing florals and tropical dreamscapes to limited-edition holiday-inspired aromas. But beyond the scents, the luxurious scrubby texture effortlessly removes dead skin while also replenishing moisture with a mix of nourishing oils (argan, rosehip, and avocado, FYI)—it's no wonder why Cosmo readers named it their fave body scrub in our Readers' Choice Beauty Awards.

One Cosmo editor says: “I’ve tried countless body scrubs—ahem, I have two faves listed here—but Tree Hut’s stand out because the scents are genuinely addictive—bright, juicy, and indulgent enough to make every shower feel like a treat. I like matching my body care to my perfumes, and Tree Hut makes it easy to cocktail my own scent."—BG

Why we love it: For a more targeted approach to all-over exfoliation, Cosmo team members reach for this buffing bar. Teeny tiny mciro-crystals speckle each bar to expertly smooth bumpy skin with each swipe. This does much more than remove dead skin, though—it also gets rid of kerastosis pilaris, strawberry skin, and even annoying in-grown hairs. Additionally, the bar banishes dryness in the process with hydrating glycerin and shea butter for a baby soft finish. The O.G. is unscented, but we're addicted to the Affogatto L'Orange Buffing Bar rn.

One Cosmo editor says: “I’m usually indifferent to scented body care, but the smell of the Affogatto L'Orange Buffing Bar is mouthwatering. The brand calls it a twist on an affogato (an Italian dessert consisting of gelato topped with espresso), but I’ve had my fair share of affogatos, and this is honestly better. The notes of juicy citrus, warm vanilla, and rich coffee come together in the most delicious way. It’s such a treat to use in the shower.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Why we love it: If you have sensitive skin and have sworn off body scrubs due to bad experiences and scratchy results, we urge you to try this luxe pick from Sabon. It utilizes salt sourced from the Dead Sea, which happens to be chock-full of minerals that soothe and smooth inflamed skin to even potentially help quell issues like eczema. As the scrubby salt buffs away dead skin and debris, botanical oils— including sweet almond, jojoba, and argan oil—deeply nourish and hydrate.

One Cosmo editor says: “Trust me when I say your Everything Shower needs this Sabon Next Generation Body Scrub. It’s luxury in a glass jar, and while it sells for a higher price point, I can confirm it’s worth every penny. Every time I use it, my skin feels like silk and my tiny Brooklyn bathroom turns into a spa-like oasis. Sabon, I’m begging you to make these in larger sizes.” —SAM OLSON, ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Why we love it: This effective scrub combines AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acids, with tiny buffing beads for a strong dose of both physical and chemical exfoliation that quickly smooths out bumps, kerastosis pilaris, strawberry skin, body acne, and more. But beyond simply evening out texture, this also addresses discoloration for soft, even, smooth skin. Oh, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin, too.

One Cosmo editor says: “I just asked my personal derm for recs to help with my KP this winter, as it's been frustrating the hell out of me and lowkey impossible to treat. Immediately, she rattled off this body scrub from First Aid Beauty, which I had kinda forgotten about and haven't used in years. Just a few washes later, and my skin is much smoother. The mix of exfoliating beads and glycolic and lactic acids has annihilated my bumpy skin.”—BG

Why we love it: If we didn't check the price before slathering this all over our body, we would've guessed it was a high-end, spa-grade scrub—but this luxe formula is under $10 (yes, fr). The scrub suspends fine, granular crystals within a shea butter-powered gel for the ideal amount of scrubbiness and moisture. Plus, it's impossible not to feel happy when you catch a whiff of the uplifting citrus-floral aroma.

One Cosmo editor says: “This was the first body scrub I ever used, and it still slaps over a decade later. The citrusy-floral scent actually transforms my shower into a spa—to the point that as I slather this all over my body I feel like I'm shedding negativity (you know, along with dead skin) down the drain. Every person I know who uses this loves it, too. Soap & Glory is always a winner.” —MH

Why we love it: The older we get, the simpler we want our routines to be—and this multitasker makes exfoliating all over feel like less of a chore. The gritty texture quickly lathers into a creamy rinse to nourish and replenish skin while simultaneously smoothing out your complexion. Regardless of where you use it, whether on your legs, arms, or scalp, skin is left feeling invigorated and fresh.

One Cosmo editor says: “Even though I don't struggle with dandruff, I enjoy a good scalp scrub every few weeks to refresh my scalp and whisk away any product build up. It's great that this can be used all over, too—I can get pretty lazy, so I love a good multi-tasker.” —MH

Why we love it: Just imagine how sleek this would look in your shower. Of course, a good body scrub needs to do much more than look aesthetically pleasing, though, and this fits the bill. The gentle, smoothing formula has the ~perfect~ texture, IMHO, thanks to the sea salt crystals that quickly buff away roughness and skin texture. When mixed with water, it transforms into a velvety soft lather as seaweed, shea butter, and lavender oil seamlessly smooth and soften, leaving behind nothing but a healthy radiance.

One Cosmo editor says: “IDK what it's like to be a mermaid, but I'm convinced this scrub gets me one step closer. I love how the ingredients come from the ocean—hi, sea salt and seaweed—and literally make my skin glow. People ask me how my skin looks so radiant in the summer, and I swear it's all thanks to this.” —MH