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The 16 Best Body Exfoliator Tools of 2024, Tested by Real People

Including dry brushes, exfoliating mitts, spa towels, and more

hand holding exfoliating brush in the shower

People / Danielle Ransom

Exfoliation is an important step in any skincare routine — including your body regimen. While sugar scrubs and even some body washes can help you slough off dry skin and achieve a softer and smoother surface, body exfoliating tools can really up the ante.  

“Body exfoliating tools are used to remove dead skin cells from the epidermis,” Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, tells PEOPLE. This is an important part of skincare routines because it can help remove dead skin cells and prevent clogged pores, which can reduce the risk of acne and ingrown hairs.

Regular exfoliation also smooths the skin, improves skin tone, and minimizes the look of cellulite and hyperpigmentation with regular use. “Exfoliating tools also improve the absorbability of topical skincare products and stimulate cell turnover and lymphatic drainage,” Dr. Engelman adds. 

With all of these benefits of exfoliation considered, Dr. Engelman says incorporating a body exfoliating tool into your shower routine (whether you use it as a pre-shower ritual or while actually bathing) is beneficial for most skin types. Plus, there are tons of options out there, including dry brushes, gloves, mitts, towels, and even scraping tools to get the job done. 

Whether you want to get in the habit of daily shower exfoliation or are looking for something that can help you target some common skincare woes (we’re looking at you, ingrown hairs), our PEOPLE Tested team has you covered. We spent over 500 hours testing 42 different body exfoliating tools to find which ones actually help you reap the benefits.

Keep reading for our the best body exfoliating tools we tested.

Benefits of Body Exfoliator Tools
  • Reduces the chance of acne and ingrown hairs
  • Improves skin tone
  • Minimizes hyperpigmentation
  • Stimulates lymphatic drainage
  • Improves the absorbability of topical skincare products
  • Stimulates cell turnover
  • Minimizes the look of cellulite
  • Helps improve KP or "strawberry skin"
Pros
  • This is a dry brush with a long handle, so it’s easier to use on hard-to-reach spots like the back and shoulders.

  • It only takes a couple of minutes to get an effective, full-body exfoliation.

  • After a few weeks of testing, our skin’s texture and tone improved.

Cons
  • Compared to other dry brushes on the market, it’s priced a little high, so it’s more of an investment option.

If you love dry brushing and are looking to upgrade to a more durable option, we love the Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush. This dry brush is constructed with sisal fibers and features a long wooden handle that makes it easier to navigate harder-to-reach spots, such as the back and shoulders. Since it is a dry brush, it provides a more invigorating scrub that not only sloughs off dry skin — we could see the skin flakes lift away — but also energizes the skin by boosting circulation and promoting cellular turnover

The body exfoliating tool is a bit of an investment, but after thorough inspection and weeks of testing, we found this to be one of the most high-quality options out there. It’s a great choice for those who already dry brush and want to upgrade to something they’ll have for a long time. 

Type: Dry brush | Material: Sisal fibers, wood

Pros
  • The under-$20 dry brush comes with a long handle, making it easier to reach tough spots like the shoulders and back.

  • The handle is also bound in hemp for added comfort while exfoliating.

  • It’s an excellent beginner-friendly option.

  • We experienced softer skin after just one use.

Cons
  • We wish the brush came with cleaning instructions.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking for the best budget-friendly dry brush, we also recommend the Esker Dry Brush. This under-$20 dry brush features a long handle that is bound in hemp rope, allowing you to get to those hard-to-reach places while also promoting a more comfortable grip. 

The dry brush also boasts high-quality construction, especially considering its price. We love the bristle texture and found that in just one use, it worked to lift away dry skin build-up and soften and smooth our skin. The bristles are also a little softer compared to other options, so it’s a good option if you want a more gentle dry brush experience (though dry brushing is still a little too vigorous for some skin concerns, so you’ll definitely want to consult with your dermatologist before using if you have eczema, psoriasis, or other issues). 

Type: Dry brush | Material: Grass tree wood, natural bristles

Pros
  • The glove design makes it easier to reach smaller areas, such as the bikini line.

  • They cost under $6 for a pair.

  • The gloves feature a loop that you can use to hang dry to prevent bacteria buildup.

Cons
  • Considering the value, construction, and ease of use, we wouldn’t change a thing.

The EcoTools Exfoliating Gloves are another mitten option if you want something a little more budget-friendly and a versatile exfoliating tool that can target large areas as well as smaller spots (like bikini lines). These affordable exfoliating gloves are constructed from a durable and stretchy polyester material that fits snuggly on the hands.

While testing this exfoliating tool, we noticed an immediate difference in our skin’s texture and, with regular use, our KP bumps nearly vanished. Similar to the Spa Sister Exfoliating Spa Towel, we love that you can change your application pressure to customize the level of exfoliation. Because of this, we found that these are a great option for more sensitive areas as well as ultra-dry spots. 

Type: Exfoliating gloves | Material: Polyester

Pros
  • With regular use, we noticed a significant improvement in our body acne.

  • The mitten is gentle enough to provide impressive exfoliation (you can actually see the dead skin getting sloughed off) without causing irritation or additional inflammation.

  • It’s also an excellent choice for ingrown hairs.

Cons
  • We wish it lathered soap better.

During our testing for the best exfoliating tools, we looked for products that are gentle enough to apply on acne-prone skin while also reducing breakouts with regular use — and we found it in the Bairden Mitten Classic Mitten. Before testing this exfoliating mitten, we tried so many different treatments for body acne, including zinc soap and Tretinoin topical cream.

So we were honestly a little shocked to see such a significant improvement in our breakouts after incorporating this mitten into our regular routine. We love this option because it’s gentle enough to provide efficient exfoliation (we actually watched the dead skin getting sloughed off our skin) without irritating preexisting breakouts

The mitten is also lightweight and durable, with no noticeable wear and tear, even after regular use. Its flexible construction makes it easy to maneuver around the body, even on harder-to-reach areas, too. In addition to helping keep body acne at bay, the mitten is also highly effective at targeting ingrown hairs while also softening and smoothing the skin. 

Type: Exfoliating mitten | Material: Woven wood pulp thread

Pros
  • The exfoliating towel works like a washcloth only it’s much more invigorating and can provide effective exfoliation with every use.

  • We noticed a difference in our skin’s texture immediately, and saw a reduction in KP bumps after around five uses.

  • It’s a fairly large towel, so it’s easy to target hard-to-reach spots like the back and shoulders.

Cons
  • The material is a little rough so if you have sensitive skin or prefer something a little softer, we recommend trying the Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel.

If you experience KP and are looking for an effective exfoliating tool that helps get rid of KP bumps, consider the Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth. This award-winning towel is designed to give an invigorating and highly exfoliating scrub to help reduce dry skin and improve surface texture. 

When testing out this exfoliating towel, we noticed a difference in our skin’s texture immediately after the first use. After five uses, our KP bumps were much less noticeable than before. However, the material is a little rough, so if you have sensitive skin or prefer something softer, it’s worth trying another exfoliating towel from our list, such as the Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel

In addition to its effective exfoliation, the towel is also on the larger end of the spectrum, so it’s easy to access hard-to-reach spots like the back and shoulders. It’s also one of the more budget-friendly body exfoliating tools and, considering its efficacy, an excellent value. 

Type: Exfoliating towel | Material: Nylon

Pros
  • It’s as simple as using a warm washcloth and body wash to cleanse the body — only much more invigorating.

  • You don’t need to scrub too hard to get an effective exfoliation.

  • It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin types.

  • Since it’s a towel, it’s easy to keep clean and hang to dry between uses to avoid bacteria buildup.

Cons
  • This exfoliating tool is excellent for travel, so we wish it came with a travel-friendly case or bag.

The Spa Sister Exfoliating Spa Towel is our top pick for the best body exfoliating tool for beginners, thanks to its simple construction, straightforward application, and effective exfoliation. This towel is essentially like an exfoliating glove in towel form. We love it because it’s as simple as using a warm washcloth and body wash to cleanse the body, only it provides a more effective exfoliation while doing so.  

Since it’s a towel, you can customize your exfoliation level and use it to either get a softer and gentler exfoliation (we tested it out on eczema-prone skin with no irritation or discomfort) or apply a little more pressure for a more vigorous scrub. The textured material makes it easy to slough off dry skin buildup, boost circulation, and reveal softer, smoother skin. 

The towel design also makes it easy to keep clean and hang up to dry between uses to avoid bacteria buildup. It’s also a fantastic option for travel, though we wish it came with a carrying case or bag to keep separate from our other toiletries. 

Type: Exfoliating towel | Material: Not listed

A person washing their leg using the Spa Sister Exfoliating Spa Towel

People / Cassandra Basford

Pros
  • The brush comes with three different attachments and has four settings for a more versatile exfoliation.

  • It provides an effective exfoliation but feels light and soft, so it’s a great choice for someone who prefers something less invigorating.

  • With regular use, we noticed less dryness and itching.

Cons
  • We wish the silicone brush side were also detachable.

The PMD Clean Body scrubber is the most versatile body exfoliating tool. This device is essentially the popular PMD facial cleansing brush but is designed for your whole body. It features a multipurpose design with a silicone brush on one side and three attachments for scrubbing, polishing, and massaging, plus four settings for a more customized experience. 

When testing this body exfoliating tool, we were impressed by its gentle nature and how light and soft the brush feels on the skin while still providing an effective exfoliation. With regular use, we saw a reduction in dry skin (and itching!) for a smoother and softer surface texture.

Type: A three-in-one cleansing, exfoliating, and massaging tool | Material: Silicone

A person holding the PMD Clean Body tool with the exfoliator attachment in the shower

People / Danielle Ransom

Pros
  • The exfoliating towel makes it easy to reach every nook and cranny, and it’s long enough to exfoliate the back, shoulders, and other hard-to-reach areas.

  • It’s like a deconstructed loofah (only much more hygienic), and its towel design makes it easier to cleanse and dry to keep bacteria at bay.

  • The towel helps keep ingrown hairs at bay, so we love using this on our legs before shaving.

Cons
  • We wish the material had some stretch to it, which would slightly improve the application process.

For hard-to-reach areas, consider the Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator. This towel is constructed from durable nylon in a knotted mesh texture, providing an effective and invigorating exfoliation.

We love how easy it is to reach every nook and cranny and that it’s long enough to access harder-to-reach areas like the back and shoulders. In addition to reaching those trickier spots, we found that this exfoliating towel also works well at keeping ingrown hairs at bay, so it’s a fantastic pre-shave ritual that can help you achieve a softer, smoother, and closer shave.

The design also reminds us of a deconstructed loofah, only it’s much more hygienic since the towel makes it easier to clean and dry to keep bacteria at bay — so if you love your loofah but want an alternative that won’t get as gross, this is the best option for you. 

Type: Exfoliating towel | Material: Nylon

a person using the LuvScrub Mesh Body Exfoliator on their legs

People / Talya Phelps

Pros
  • This scrubber is made from silicone, so it’s easy to clean and a more hygienic loofah alternative.

  • The back of it has a suction, so you can easily stick it to your shower wall (or use the built-in handle) to hang it up after use.

  • It provides an effective exfoliation but is still gentle enough to not cause irritation.

  • It’s versatile enough to exfoliate larger areas as well as smaller, more hard-to-reach places.

Cons
  • We wish the bristles were a little thicker for a more vigorous scrub.

If you’re looking for an exfoliating tool that you can use daily to clean and keep skin soft and smooth without irritation, we recommend the Tooletries The Body Scrubber. This silicone exfoliating brush is a great loofah alternative as it can provide a gentle daily exfoliation to keep dry skin at bay while also being more hygienic and easier to clean between uses. 

While testing the Tooletries scrubber out, we were most impressed by its ease of use. Since it’s made of silicone, it is super flexible and allows you to exfoliate larger areas as well as harder-to-reach spots. Its ergonomic construction also makes it more comfortable to hold and the bristles are soft, durable, and flexible enough to provide daily exfoliation without overdoing it. 

If you want something more intense, this isn’t the scrubber for you (try something a bit more vigorous, like a daily dry brush sesh with the Goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush instead). However, if you prefer light exfoliation while also cleansing the body, you’ll definitely want to click add to cart.  

Type: Silicone exfoliating brush | Material: Silicone

Pros
  • The tool is easy and simple to use, making it an excellent choice for beginners who wish to target ingrown hair.

  • It comes with a self-adhesive hook so you can store it easily when not in use.

  • With regular use, the brush helped make our skin more absorbent of skincare formulas, which ultimately reduced dry skin over time.

Cons
  • It’s a little too large to use on bikini lines, so it’s a better option for ingrown hairs on the legs.

The Popchose Dry Brushing Body Brush is another dry brush with impressive results. The tool has a simple and easy-to-use design, making it an excellent choice for beginners who wish to target ingrown hairs on larger surface areas, like the legs, butt, and thighs. We love it because it provides an invigorating scrub that not only preps the body skin for shaving but also improves circulation, promotes lymphatic drainage, and helps get rid of excess dry skin before stepping into the shower. 

With regular use, we noticed that the brush not only reduced the amount of ingrown hairs we experience but also made our skin much more absorbent, allowing lotion formulas to penetrate more deeply and ultimately reducing dry skin over time. 

Type: Dry brush | Material: Board bristles, wood

Pros
  • The dry brush comes in a soft option that doesn’t cause irritation on sensitive skin.

  • It covers a lot of surface area, so you can get an effective exfoliation within just a few minutes.

  • It helps keep ingrown hairs at bay.

Cons
  • Since the brush is larger in size, it’s not very travel-friendly.

If you want to try dry brushing but have sensitive skin, we recommend giving the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush a try. This body exfoliating tool was one of our highest-rated devices.

It comes in soft and medium textures, allowing you to opt for a less invigorating scrub — so you can reap the benefits of dry brushing without irritating sensitive skin. Aside from its bristles, the brush is larger in size, so it covers a lot of surface area and allows you to get head-to-toe exfoliation within just a few minutes. 

We usually experience ingrown hairs on our legs between shaving. While testing this dry brush, those ingrown hairs were non-existent. As a result, our skin not only felt much softer and smoother from the exfoliation but was also a lot less irritated between shaves. 

Type: Dry brush | Material: Natural bristles

Pros
  • It provides an effective exfoliation without feeling too abrasive on sensitive skin.

  • In addition to exfoliating dry skin, this mitten helps buff away faded self-tanner.

  • The glove features a snug wristband that helps keep it secure on the hand.

Cons
  • It doesn’t lather soap as well as we would have liked.

The Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Glove for Shower is another sensitive skin-friendly option. This exfoliating glove is constructed from a texturized viscose material designed to gently slough away dry skin buildup — and it also works well at buffing away faded self-tanner.

While testing this exfoliating tool, we were impressed by how it provides an effective exfoliation without feeling too abrasive against the skin. The exfoliating mitt is also softer than more traditional styles (like the EcoTools Exfoliating Gloves) but is still effective enough to reveal soft, smooth skin and even help reduce bumps. 

Type: Exfoliating glove | Material: Viscose

Pros
  • Since it’s a towel, you can achieve a more customized exfoliation based on your skin type and concerns.

  • The fabric provides an effective exfoliation without causing irritation.

  • The towel has a sheer, net-like texture that is easy to keep clean and quick-drying.

Cons
  • This towel is large, which is great for covering more surface area, but can be a bit tricky when targeting smaller areas of concern.

For a less expensive, sensitive skin-friendly body exfoliating tool, consider the Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel. This towel is made from kumazasa plant fibers woven with washi threads, making it highly absorbent (aka, great for lathering with body wash in the shower) and naturally deodorizing. The towel has a sheer, net-like texture that provides a gentle exfoliation while also making it easier to keep clean and dry fully between uses. 

When testing this body exfoliating tool, we were impressed by how well it lifted away dry, dead skin without irritating the skin. We also love that the towel allows you to create a more customized exfoliation, based on the level of pressure you use.

The towel comes in a large (and long) size, which is great for covering more surface area. However, if you’re looking for something to target smaller areas of concern, you might find this option a bit tricky. Instead, consider the Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Glove for Shower.

a tester washing their legs with Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel and soap

People / Alice Morgan

Pros
  • The exfoliating tool looks intimidating at first, but it is actually incredibly easy to use.

  • In addition to sloughing off dry skin, this tool helps stimulate collagen production and targets hyperpigmentation on the body.

  • With regular use, it helps improve the look of our ingrown hairs.

  • It’s a high-quality, professional-grade tool that provides immediate results.

Cons
  • We honestly can’t think of anything — we’re obsessed!

The Luxene Beauty Firmaflow Body is definitely an investment, but we think it’s totally worth the splurge. This is one of the best body exfoliating tools if you want something that can give you a salon-worthy microdermabrasion — but on your body. The tool is designed to slough away dry skin buildup for improved radiance but can also stimulate collagen production and fade hyperpigmentation with regular use, too. 

When testing this luxe exfoliating tool, we were impressed by how easy it is to use. To be honest, it looks a little intimidating (and complicated) at first, but it’s actually super simple and provides enough exfoliation to see immediate results. The tool is also a great option if you love the idea of exfoliating out of the shower but don’t want to use a dry brush. 

Type: Microdermabrasion device | Material: Diamond microdermabrasion surface

Pros
  • The oval shape and comfortable hand strap make it easier to target larger areas like the legs.

  • Even with very little pressure applied, this dry brush provides an effective exfoliation that leaves skin softer and smoother.

  • It has a sturdy yet lightweight construction.

Cons
  • Since the brush doesn’t have a long handle, you have to bend over in order to cover all surface areas. If you prefer something with a handle, we recommend the goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush.

Dry brushing the legs can remove dry skin, reduce ingrown hairs, and promote circulation. With these benefits in mind, we were most impressed by the Osea Plant-Based Body Brush for leg exfoliation. This dry brush features a large oval design and a comfortable hand strap that makes it easier to target larger areas, including the legs. 

When testing, we found it easy to achieve an effective cleanse, even with very little pressure applied. As a result, skin feels softer and smoother without a super invigorating scrub. If you use the brush before shaving your legs, you can help ward off ingrown hairs, too. 

Type: Dry brush | Material: Beechwood, cotton, sisal fibers

A person using the Osea Plant-Based Body Brush on their legs

People / Sharon Essien

Pros
  • This mitten is two-sided with different textures, so you can get a more customizable exfoliation.

  • We noticed an improvement to skin texture after just the first use.

  • We tested this on sensitive skin and found that it was effective without causing irritation.

Cons
  • The mitten runs a little big, so it might not fit all hand sizes.

For the best exfoliating mitten, we recommend the Face Halo Body Exfoliating Washcloth Mitt. After testing several options, we found this is the best one because it provides a more customizable scrub. The mitten has a dual-sided construction with an invigorating exfoliating pad on one side and a softer, more towel-like side on the other, so you can slough off dead skin buildup and polish the skin’s surface based on your preferences. 

We tested this option on sensitive skin and were impressed by its overall efficacy and how it didn’t cause irritation or discomfort. Even with lighter pressure, we saw a significant improvement in our skin’s texture after just the first use. 

It’s worth mentioning that the mitten is a bit large, so it might not fit all hand sizes. This can cause a bit of getting used to at first, but it doesn’t impact the efficacy (in fact, it allows you to cover more surface area, so you can get the job done faster). 

Type: Dual-sided exfoliating mitten | Material: Halotech fibers

Things to Consider Before Buying Body Exfoliating Tools

Skin Type and Exfoliation Level

Before shopping for body exfoliating tools, Dr. Engelman says you must consider your skin type and the level of exfoliation you want, as these can both influence what type of exfoliation tool will work best for you.

“If you regularly suffer from rough or bumpy skin, you may want to look for a tool with stronger, more intense exfoliating abilities,” she explains. “On the flip side, if your skin is sensitive, seek out gentler tools like a less abrasive mitt or a dry brush with more flexible bristles [we love the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush].”

Material

To find the best body exfoliating tools, Dr. Jeannette Graf, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine, says to consider the material. “The material, whether it’s bristles or a fiber, can make a significant difference in how rough the exfoliation is on the skin,” she explains.

For example, Dr. Graf says that a product with bristles — like a dry brush — can be harsher and good for those with normal skin types, whereas a product made from nylon, such as a towel or glove, can be more gentle for dry or acne-prone skin. 

Area and Ease of Use

It’s also worth considering where you want to use an exfoliating tool and the overall ease of use. “If you’re looking for a full-body exfoliation, a dry brush or towel will allow you to more easily reach every area of the body,” Dr. Engelman explains. For smaller areas like the bikini line (where Dr. Engelman says it’s very common to develop ingrown hairs), you can try a smaller exfoliating mitt for more targeted areas of the body or even gloves, such as the EcoTools Exfoliating Gloves.  

Dr. Graf says to also note the overall ease of use, especially when shopping for exfoliating tools for hard-to-reach places. For example, when exfoliating your back, you might benefit from a body exfoliating tool with a handle, so that you aren’t contorting to reach the targeted area. 

A person using the Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush on their forearm

People / Madison Barber

How We Tested

To find the best body exfoliating tools, our PEOPLE Tested team researched dozens of options across a variety of categories, ultimately deciding on 42 products for real-world testing. From there, we conducted 504 hours of individual testing with 40 team members. While testing, we considered four different factors, including ease of use, exfoliation, quality, and overall results to determine which options are worth it. 

  • Ease of Use: It’s not enough for a body exfoliating tool to provide efficient exfoliation, it needs to be easy and accessible to use — otherwise, we probably won’t reach for it. With this in mind, our testers considered the overall ease of use and made note of any features that made the exfoliating experience much more enjoyable, whether it be because of different attachments, a well-fitting glove, or a brush that actually reaches the back and shoulders. 
  • Exfoliation: Of course, we also considered how well each device and tool sloughed off dry skin build-up, softened skin, improved surface texture, and even targeted concerns like KP bumps. We looked at the level of exfoliation (and invigoration) , considering some sensitive skin-friendly options, too. 
  • Quality: You want your exfoliating tool to be durable enough to provide an effective scrub without breaking or losing its integrity over time, so we also considered the quality. For this test, we looked at the different materials used, the construction, and how well each product held up after every use. 
  • Overall Results: When all was said and done, we considered our skin before starting the testing period and made note of the improvements we experienced. We looked at our results after the initial use as well as what our skin looked (and felt) like after four weeks of testing and made note of the tools that left the most impressive results. 

After four weeks of testing, we compiled our notes and compared each experience to determine which products are worthy of a spot on our best body exfoliating tools.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best tool for exfoliating skin?

    Our top pick for the best exfoliating tool for daily use is the Tooletries The Body Scrubber. This exfoliating tool is made from 100 percent silicone, so it’s easy to keep clean without the risk of getting gross and moldy like a traditional loofah. It’s also versatile enough for a variety of target areas — including more hard-to-reach places — and provides a gentle yet effective exfoliation.

    If you prefer a dry brush, we also love the goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush or the Esker Dry Brush for a more budget-friendly option. For concerns like ingrown hairs, consider the POPCHOSE Dry Brushing Body Brush. And, for Keratosis Pilaris (KP), we recommend the Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Skin Bath Wash Cloth/Towel.

  • What is the best thing to exfoliate your body with?

    The best body exfoliating tool depends on your skin type and the level of exfoliation preferred. If you want to use one in the shower, Dr. Graf says to look for one with antibacterial properties or one that can be easily washed in between uses, such as the Tooletries The Body Scrubber, which is made from 100 percent silicone.

    You can also opt for a dry skin exfoliation using a dry brush — we love the goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush or the Esker Dry Brush for a more budget-friendly option — though these types of exfoliating tools provide a more abrasive experience and are best avoided by those with sensitive skin.

  • What is the best tool to exfoliate in the shower?

    Dr. Graf recommends using a body exfoliating tool in the shower that “has antibacterial properties so that there isn’t bacterial growth in the humid environment like there is with a traditional loofah.” With this in mind, she prefers mitts, sponges, and towels.

    These not only provide an effective exfoliation on a variety of skin types but they are also mess-free and can be machine-washed between uses to keep them clean. According to Dr. Engelman, exfoliating mitts, towels, and sponges are the best options for the shower since they are designed to be used on wet skin.

  • Can you use a dry brush in the shower?

    Technically, you can use a dry brush in the shower. However, Dr. Graf says you won’t experience all of the benefits, and in some cases, you can actually cause skin irritation. “If you have sensitive skin or struggle with inflammation like eczema, I don’t recommend dry brushing because it can be a more abrasive form of exfoliation and may irritate sensitive skin,” she explains. 

    To reap the full benefits of dry brushing, it’s best to use a dry brush, such as the goop G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush or the Esker Dry Brush, on dry skin before bathing and then follow up with moisturizer post-shower.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Jessie Quinn is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE and has written for publications such as Byrdie, InStyle, The Spruce, NYLON, and more. When covering the best body exfoliating tools, Jessie thoroughly examined the PEOPLE Tested team’s insights. She looked at their experiences with each exfoliating tool tested and considered everything from their material and design to their ease of use, efficacy, and versatility. Jessie also made note of the options that provide a gentle yet effective exfoliation and the ones that worked well at addressing popular skin concerns like KP and ingrown hairs. She also connected with top skincare experts to learn more about what makes an exfoliating tool the best of the best and answer some of our most pressing questions about the benefits of exfoliating and the best ways to incorporate them into our skincare regimen. As a result, Jessie curated this list of the best body exfoliating tools, featuring 16 top picks tested and reviewed by the PEOPLE Tested team. 

Meet Our Experts
  • Dr. Jeannette Graf is a board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Mt Sinai School of Medicine.
  • Dr. Dendy Engelman is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic in NYC.  

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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