And we mean it! Unless, of course, you make them yourself from scratch — which you can do as well! But like most of us, time is of the essence, so we exfoliated every little square inch of roughness on our legs, elbows, and feet to bring you the very best sugar scrubs around. The focus on sugar scrubs began a few years ago, when I sadly developed an allergy to walnuts (I know, it is awful, as they are sooo delicious). Looking for alternate modes of smooth skin, I’ve used some natural sugar scrubs which have had amazing results — regardless of having an allergy or not, it’s sugar scrubs from here on out.
Over the past few weeks I’ve tested a bunch, bringing you the very best ones at a variety of price points. I’ve broken them into several categories below, enjoy! BTW- what scrub are you currently using?
The Lemons
Citrus body scrubs seems to be a popular area, and certainly is eye opening and refreshing to smell!
True Blue Spa Refreshing Citrubs Body Scrub -Need a Margarita- with Sugar Crystalsl ($13.50, 6 oz.): this ultra fine scrub does indeed resemble salt that you’d love to rim your margarita with and carefully lick off!. It also contains coconut, almond, avocado, and jojoba oils.
One Sun Drenched Lemon Natural Sugar Scrub ($9.99, 8 oz.): One of our favorite cruelty-free, natural brands, One’s lemon sugar scrub smells unbelievably scrumptious, also possessing fine granules, and resulting in a vigorous exfoliation. Plus, it comes in a great tin that can be recycled or use as a change tin, candle holder, you name it!
Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Sugar Scrub Energy in Lemon Zest ($16, 13 oz): this formula offers a thicker, chunkier scrub, perfect for rubbing up and down your legs, with a touch of ginseng to awaken your senses; consider it like a pre-gamer to your morning cup of coffee.
Olive, Honey, Coffee and More
St. Ives Fresh Skin Moisturizing Olive Scrub ($5.99, 5 oz): from THE brand that basically got us hooked on scrubs in the first place, this olive scrub had a lot to live up to; and it smoothly delivered. Comprised of natural extracts and designated for the face, a little goes a long way, and who says you can’t use it on your elbows, knees or feet? Not us!
Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub ($12.99, 8 oz): This darker-hued scrub smells exactly how you would expect it to: like warm honey and shea! It has more of a honey like thick application opposed to thick emollients, and also uses ground almonds and aloe leaf juice to exfoliate and soothe.
Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox Whole Body Scrub ($28, 13 oz ): Holy moly is this stuff AMAZING! One whiff of this will be the best part of waking up thanks to its invigorating caffeinated properties! The substance is a dark, almost congealed texture but don’t worry; one scoop of this paraben-free sea salt blend will get the cirulation and exfoliation into full effect.
Thymes Essentials Body Scrub ($32, 17 oz): a paraben-free light, clean scent that is equal parts floral, and woody with a dominant citrus fragrance is excellent at exfoliating, but also heavily oiled so that it produces moisturizing, non-drying results. It is more of a gentle, relaxing scrub that beckons you to relax and enjoy your bathing experience.
AND, some additional scrub tips:
-some scrubs may need a stir prior to using; keep a Popsicle stick near the shower to aid with this, and can also double as an easy way to apply the stuff directly to your body.
-don’t forget that sometimes products leave a sticky or slippery residue; it wouldn’t hurt to splash a little extra water around the basin of the tub prior to exiting to remove any leftover sugar scrub bits.
-a dual pedi brush, with one side pumice, the other brush can help you get those hard to reach spots and work over time on those extra rough patches.
–Julia DiNardo
