The 10 Best Exfoliating Body Washes to Shop in 2025

Naturium’s glycolic cleanser is TikTok viral thanks to its ability to slough off dead skin cells with a combination of chemical exfoliants. And, nicely, the wash also uses red algae to lock in hydration. Your skin will immediately feel soft post-shower and over time.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, red algae

Customer review: “I absolutely love this body wash! The texture feels rich and silky, and it transforms into a gentle lather that cleans without stripping my skin. I have sensitive skin that often reacts to fragranced or harsh products, but this has been soothing and hydrating from day one.” —Lynn

Most exfoliating cleansers–whether used on the body or the face–should only be used a few times a week. But with this version from Cetaphil, there’s no need to be so sparing. “This is a great, gentle exfoliating wash that you can use every single day,” adds Lal. The product contains salicylic acid, which is great for acne-prone skin. And best of all, it can be used as a facial cleanser, too.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, mandelic acid

Customer review: “I’ve used this on my legs before I shave, and I have noticed it helps with my strawberry skin to get rid of the KP, especially when I use it in combination with the lotion. When I use it, I try to lather it and leave it on for about two to three minutes before rinsing.” —Destiny

Bar soaps are an underrated category, but Topicals is putting the essential front and center with this cleansing duo. Its formula combines kojic acid and vitamin C to even skin’s tone right in the shower. Every order comes with two units, which can be lathered onto the skin to minimize hyperpigmentation. Plus, this product also contains shea butter, which helps hydrate the skin post-shower.

• Key ingredients: Kojic acid, vitamin C, shea butter

Customer review: “I’ve been using the Topicals Faded cleansing body bar and I’m honestly obsessed with it! Every time I use it, it leaves my body feeling so clean, fresh, and smooth without that tight or dry feeling that some soaps give.” —Delia

CeraVe’s SA face cleanser is a staple for anyone with acne-prone skin, but did you know that it can be used on your body, too? “This salicylic acid cleanser can be used one to two times a week,” advises Lal. When used, this product can help reduce breakouts and psoriasis and reveal a softer, more even skin tone.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, vitamin D

Customer review: “I’ve been using the CeraVe Renewing salicylic acid cleanser for a few weeks now, and the difference in my skin is incredible. It’s very gentle but effective—my skin feels cleaner, smoother, and softer after every wash.” —Yvianne

Sol de Janeiro cornered the market on delectably-scented, softening body products. Their clarifying cleanser contains fruit-derived chemical exfoliants, such as salicylic acid and lactic acid, to help unclog pores and brighten the skin. As dead skin cells are sloughed off in the shower, fresh, smooth skin will be revealed.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, lactic acid

Customer review: “This body wash is honestly one of the best ones I’ve ever used. It smells SO good and does a great job. I definitely recommend!”

Don’t let the term “facial” deter you from using this cleanser from head to toe. “This is a great cleanser,” says Lal. “It’s meant for the face can be used on the body. This can be used daily and is very hydrating.” Along with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this product contains small amounts of lactic and glycolic acids, which can help smooth and soften the skin.

• Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid

Customer review: “I love this facial scrub, leaves my skin feeling so clean, soft, and refreshed. The fragrance is light, and the 3-pack is a better value than in any store.” —Rosanna

Nécessaire’s body washes are coveted by editors and influencers alike, but this option also has additional hidden benefits. With a blend of glycolic, mandelic, and salicylic acids, this cleanser can help combat body acne along with keratosis pilaris. It also contains niacinamide to even out your skin tone.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide

Customer review: “This product does what it says. The scent is light and pleasant, but the results are what I care about. My skin is left smoother and very soft after using.” —Iau

Here’s a cleanser that uses glycolic acid to dramatically reduce the appearance of Keratosis Pilaris, or KP, which are small bumps that form on your arms and legs. Its potent formula removes dead skin, oil, and any pollutants that may cause clogged pores or hair follicles.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, urea, glycerin

Customer review: “Love this body wash! After just a few uses, my skin feels so much smoother, especially on my arms, where I get bumps. It’s gentle, fragrance-free, and my skin feels more hydrated. Perfect size to try before buying the big one!” —Crissy

PanOxyl is one of the go-to brands for acne-prone skin, and this gentle option can even be used to combat stubborn breakouts on the body. “This is another great low percentage salicylic acid exfoliating cleanser that can be used one to two times a week, especially for those with acne-prone skin,” explains Lal. While exfoliating, this cleanser also helps soothe the skin with red algae extract to reduce redness and inflammation.

• Key ingredients: Salicylic acid, red algae extract, chamomile extract

Customer review: “I’ve been using PanOxyl Salicylic Acid for a few weeks and it’s helped keep breakouts under control. It’s gentle on my skin and doesn’t cause dryness or irritation. The only downside is that it can be a bit drying if used too often, so I stick to once a day and follow with a moisturizer.” —Ann

If the amount of information out there is beginning to feel overwhelming, this do-it-all body cleanser can tackle everything from KP, ingrown hairs, body acne, and can even be used on the face. It also contains refreshing peppermint oil, which feels refreshing and cooling on irritated skin.

• Key ingredients: Glycolic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid

Customer review: “This stuff is magnificent! I’ve had some bumps along my sternum for years that are gone, and this isn’t my first AHA/BHA body wash. It doesn’t say it in big letters on the bottle, but there’s salicylic acid in here, too. Great formulation that lathers well and rinses out of the bath puff easily, which is rare. It’s thick and a little goes a long way. Definitely going to buy again!” —DF