The 18 Best Exfoliating Tools For Unbelievably Silky Skin

Best Overall

LuvScrub Mesh Body Exfoliator

$18 at Ulta $18 at Nordstrom View on Theluvscrub.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: 100% nylon | Great for: Removing dead skin, preventing ingrown hairs, minimizing body acne

How it works: It’s essentially a long, stretchy piece of looped nylon fiber that you lather up with soap and scrub over your skin to remove all the dead cells. Ball it up and use it like a loofah on your limbs and torso, then grab hold of the ends and swipe it back and forth over your back, shoulders, and neck to exfoliate all those tricky-to-reach areas. 

Why We Chose It: We fell in love with this mesh body exfoliator inspired by the African net sponge. We didn’t see any flaking while using the mesh body exfoliator, but our skin always looked fresh and glowy afterward, and it helped reduce razor bumps and irritation when we used it before shaving our legs. We loved that it’s so lightweight and dries quickly, meaning the mesh doesn't get slimy or soggy like some conventional loofahs do–perfect if you’re planning to travel with it. The design of the mesh body exfoliator makes it ideal for targeting the back of the body, although the fabric stretches up to 50 inches and thins out dramatically so it covers less surface area and takes longer. 

Best Budget

EcoTools Exfoliating Bath and Shower Gloves

$5 at Amazon View on Ulta $5 at Target

Type: Gloves | Material: Polyester | Great for: Removing dead skin, reducing keratosis pilaris

How it works: Pop these gloves on in the shower, lather up with soap, and run your hands over your body, applying the desired pressure to gently slough off dead skin. They come with little loops so you can hang them up to dry, preventing any nasty bacteria from growing.  

Why we chose it: We nicknamed these gloves “the Goldilocks of exfoliators” because they were just abrasive enough, leaving our skin ultra-smooth without causing any irritation or flakiness. Results were evident immediately after the first use, and, over time, we were amazed by how well they reduced our upper-arm keratosis pilaris (a skin condition that causes rough bumps that commonly appear on the thighs and backs of the arms). The gloves were easy to integrate into our shower routine and held their shape well, even with regular use. While we had no complaints, some online reviewers noted that their gloves got holes in them after just a short while. But for this price, you can’t really go wrong. 

Best Dry Brush

Goop Beauty G.Tox Ultimate Dry Brush

$25 at Amazon $25 at Sephora View on The Detox Market

Type: Dry brush | Material: Biodegradable sisal fibers | Great for: Removing dead skin, boosting circulation

How it works: If you’ve never tried dry brushing—a technique where you massage the body with a soft-bristle brush – it’s time you did. Besides lifting and loosening dead skin cells it can also increase circulation, leaving your skin feeling smoother and more invigorated. Using this goop dry brush was super easy; we just spent an extra two minutes exfoliating before hopping in the shower to rinse off the exfoliated skin

Why we chose it: Our body felt noticeably smoother after using it–especially on the backs of our thighs and arms which are usually very dry and bumpy. Admittedly, the bristles felt a little scratchy at first and our skin got a bit red immediately after, but after a week we started to genuinely enjoy the invigorating sensation. After two weeks of regular use, we saw a more even skin tone as well as a boost in skin softness. 

Best for Back

Goshi Exfoliating Towel

$18 at Amazon $15 at Huckberry View on Goshi.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: 100% recyclable nylon | Great for: Removing dead skin, reaching the back and shoulders, tackling back acne

How it works: This stretchy washcloth inspired by Japanese spa treatments is designed to help you reach every inch of your back and shoulders without any hassle. The woven fabric lathers up nicely with a small squirt of soap so you can cleanse as you buff, targeting body breakouts like back acne that can be hard to treat with regular washcloths or loofahs.

Why we chose it: We found this shower towel much easier to use than exfoliating gloves, especially if we needed to wipe soap from our eyes. It was very effective at exfoliating the back of the body and reduced the appearance of our back acne significantly. The texture of the towel could be described as medium abrasiveness–a light rub was enough to get the job done, leaving our skin smooth and soft. In short: this towel converted us after 10 years of using exfoliating gloves. We wish it wasn’t quite so long (44.5 inches, according to our measurements) though we still found it easy enough to use. 

Best Splurge

Luxene Beauty Firmaglow Microdermabrasion Device

$149 at Amazon View on Luxenebeauty.com

Type: Microdermabrasion device | Material: N/A | Great for: Removing dead skin, boosting collagen, improving skin texture and firmness

How it works: You’ve heard of microdermabrasion for the face, but have you ever thought about it as a treatment for the body? This home-use microdermabrasion device designed to target the whole body promises all the benefits of deep exfoliation, including softer and more even skin texture, increased collagen, and a reduction of the appearance of dark spots. 

Why we chose it: While we can’t confirm all of its purported skin-benefit claims we did love how extremely soft and smooth it left our skin. Any scaliness and dry patches were immediately buffed away without discomfort or irritation. Our sensitive skin went a bit red following each treatment but the device never felt too harsh or abrasive. The device was really easy to use with the desired pressure, and we could see little slithers of dead skin coming away each time. The trickiest part was remembering to remove any previously applied lotions before use, but we figured that out pretty quickly.

Best Double-Sided

Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber

$14 at Amazon $8 at Kohls.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: Microfiber | Great for: Removing dead skin, stimulating blood circulation, improving skin tone

How it works: This dual-sided exfoliator provides two levels of exfoliation: a loofah-like, more abrasive side to remove dry patches and massage the skin, and a softer side for gentle cleansing and polishing. Designed for head-to-toe exfoliation, it comes with two handles so you can swipe the tool across your back body quickly and easily. 

Why we chose it: From the first use, it felt like we just stepped out of a spa. Our skin was glowing and radiant, and there was no obvious redness or irritation. It felt very therapeutic and invigorating. We found the back scrubber simple to use, although it was a bit long for certain areas; we folded the cloth over when exfoliating the front of the body. The tool was sturdy overall, but the handles could have been stronger.

Best for Dry Skin

Osea Plant-Based Body Brush

$28 at Nordstrom View on Oseamalibu.com View on Credo Beauty

Type: Dry brush | Material: Plant-based sisal fibers | Great for: Removing dead skin, stimulating blood circulation

How it works: The oval shape and hand strap on this dry brush make it easy to maneuver around every curve of the body. Use it in circular movements, working your way from the outer extremities towards the heart (the Ayurvedic technique) to boost blood circulation and invigorate the skin as you polish away dead cells (which we have in abundance when our skin is dry). 

Why we chose it: We found this dry brush easy to incorporate into our beauty routine and thought it did a decent job of exfoliating our dry skin gently and effectively. It was also excellent at preventing ingrown hairs on our legs when we used it before shaving, and, to our delight, lotions, and oils seemed to absorb better afterward. Although we didn’t experience discomfort, we think the bristles of the brush might be too hard for those with sensitive skin. If you can learn to appreciate the stimulating feeling of the brush, results get better and better over time.

Best for Sensitive Skin

PMD Clean Body

$159 at Amazon $159 at Ulta $159 at Dermstore

Type: Exfoliating device | Material: Silicone | Great for: Removing dead skin, increasing circulation, massaging

How it works: The PMD Clean Body device comes with three detachable heads–a silver-infused loofah, polish exfoliator, and massager–so you can switch them out according to the condition of your skin or the area of the body you’re hoping to target. It also comes with three different speed and pulse settings, so you can select whichever suits your skin’s needs that day. 

Why we chose it: We used the polish exfoliator head every two to three days and the massager tool wherever our body needed it. Although we didn’t notice any dead cells sloughing off, our skin was noticeably smoother, and products absorbed better when applied afterward. That itchy dry feeling and patches of ashiness common during the winter months also disappeared, which was a huge plus.  While the brush bristles were firm, they weren’t the most exfoliating we’ve tried. However, we appreciate that the tool didn’t leave any red marks or irritation in its wake. 

Best for Beginners

Popchose Dry Brushing Body Brush

$9 at Amazon

Type: Dry brush | Material: Natural boar bristles | Great for: Removing dead skin, increasing circulation, in-grown hairs

How it works: If you’re new to exfoliating, this simple dry brush is a great place to start. Use it to loosen dead skin cells and boost circulation while waiting for the shower water to heat up, then rinse off and moisturize. 

Why we chose it: When we tried the brush, we could visibly see a cloud of fine white dust (AKA dead, dry skin) after every brushstroke. After showering off, we noted a clear improvement in the look and feel of our skin–it was smooth, radiant, and healthier-looking overall. It also seemed to retain humectants more effectively than before we began dry brushing. And finally, in-grown hairs were noticeably reduced. The bristles are firm and leave a tingly sensation after treatment. We suggest using a lighter touch on delicate areas like the inner thighs to avoid redness. 

Most Smoothing

Salux Nylon Japanese Beauty Wash Cloth

View on Saluxshop.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: Nylon | Great for: Removing dead skin, reducing keratosis pilaris, reaching the back of the body

How it works: This lightweight exfoliating towel from Japan is another spin on the classic washcloth. Wet it, soap it, swish it all over your body then rinse the suds off to reveal smoother, more supple skin that’s free from scaly patches.  

Why we chose it: While we didn’t notice any dry skin sloughing off, there were noticeable improvements in the condition of our skin. In particular, it made our keratosis pilaris less red and bumpy after four or five uses. This towel was one of the more abrasive we used, which is useful for getting the skin extra smooth but it did leave little superficial scratches on the body. We wouldn’t recommend it for those with reactive, sensitive skin. 

Best Towel

Sasawashi Mesh Body Scrub Towel

View on Rikumo.com View on Unisonhome.com View on Lustreskinboutique.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: 70% cotton, 30% Sasawashi fabric (washi paper, kumazasa bamboo) | Great for: Removing dead skin, reaching the back of the body, and gently exfoliating

How it works: Exfoliating sensitive skin can be a bit of a minefield, but this body scrub towel from Japanese textile company Sasawashi was created to be gentle while still providing a deep clean. Made from washi paper threads infused with antibacterial bamboo fibers, the innovative fabric resists mildew and bacteria, giving it impressive longevity. 

Why we chose it: In our experience, this exfoliator was a slow burn. There were no noticeable results at first, but, by the end of the trial period, our skin was dramatically softer and more even-toned. The fabric of this cloth is much softer than others we tried, making it ideal for sensitive skin types. It just takes a bit of patience before you begin seeing results. 

Best for Fast Results

Spa Sister Exfoliating Spa Towel

View on Spasister.com View on Probeautyonline.com

Type: Washcloth | Material: Not Listed | Great for: Removing dead skin, fast results, and prepping skin for a lasting tan

How it works: In deepest winter, when skin gets particularly rough and dry, you need something that’s going to work quickly. This exfoliating spa towel does just that, swiping off dead cells and revealing smoother, more supple skin in an instant. It’s also a great option to use just before spray tanning, to ensure all those dry patches are buffed away. 

Why we chose it: We were impressed with how quickly this spa towel worked–and without the need for vigorous scrubbing that might irritate our eczema-prone skin. Flakey areas were smooth and soft after just one use, and our legs in particular were glowing. The towel only took about 30 minutes to dry and it was super compact and lightweight (aka easy to travel with). We only wish it came with a little pouch for hygienic transportation. 

Best Silicone Brush

Tooletries The Body Scrubber

$20 at Amazon View on Tooletries.com

Type: Handheld scrubber | Material: 100% Silicone | Great for: Unclogs pores, cleans deep, makes skin feel soft and rejuvenated, boosts circulation & exfoliates skin

How it works: This handheld scrubber is covered in tiny silicone bristles that gently exfoliate dry skin as you shower. Apply your favorite soap directly to the scrubber and massage it over your body for a deep cleansing effect. Once you’re done, use the sucker on the back to stick and store your scrubber in the shower. The antibacterial silicone dries quickly without accumulating mildew. 

Why we chose it: We thought this tool was on the gentler side of the exfoliation scale, and yet we used it two or three times a week and noticed our skin felt much smoother right afterward. Another benefit was a clear reduction in bumps and in-grown hairs on our legs. Because the scrubber doesn’t exfoliate as intensely as some others on the list, we would recommend pairing it with a sugar scrub. You can also use it every day with no risk of irritation. 

Best for Bumps

Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt Body Scrub

$15 at Amazon $15 at Target View on Dermasuri.com

Type: Exfoliating mitt | Material: 95% Viscose, 2% Cotton, 2% Polyester, 1% Latex | Great for: Removes dead skin, reduces Keratosis Pilaris, removes spray tan

How it works: Whether you have keratosis pilaris or you’re simply prone to bumpy patches when your skin gets dry, exfoliating can help. This mitt from Korean brand Dermasuri visibly sloughs off dead skin and significantly improves bumpiness, providing a more even texture from head to toe. 

Why we chose it: We were impressed by how smooth the mitt made our arms and legs after the first use, and the results continued to build from there. It wasn’t harsh, but did cause a little redness when we used it vigorously and with more pressure. We’re also fond of spray tans, and this mitt was exceptional at removing old tanner to mitigate any patchiness. We just wished it lathered a bit better in the shower.

Best Design

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush

$45 at Sephora $45 at Neiman Marcus View on Drsturm.com

Type: Dry brush | Material: Natural bristles and wood | Great for: Removes dead skin, boosting circulation and lymph flow

How it works: With its oval shape and thick, non-slip strap, this body brush from Dr. Barbara Sturm glides easily over the contours of the body. Plus, it’s made from premium bristles that come in both medium and soft versions, so you can pick the exfoliation level that’s suited to your skin type. 

Why we chose it: We tried the soft brush version, which was perfect for our dry and sensitive skin. It felt really luxe and was a delight to use, so much so that we looked forward to our regular dry brushing sessions. Our skin was immediately softer right after exfoliating but the other benefits, like diminished razor bumps and in-grown hairs, took a little longer to emerge. 

Best Design Runner-Up

Esker Dry Brush

View on Sage-sound.com $18 at Freepeople.com

Type: Dry brush | Material: Natural bristles, grass tree wood, hemp twine | Great for: Removes dead skin, boosting circulation and lymph flow

How it works: This dry brush works similarly to the others on our list—its natural bristles help remove dry, dread skin cells, soften skin, and improve circulation. The hemp twine wrapped around the handle just makes it a bit easier to grip (and also just a bit more stylish).

Why we chose it: We loved the light exfoliation this brush provided, especially on our arms. After just one session (and shower) we noticed softer skin, and that effect only grew as we continued to use it. But our favorite part is the look—it’s super chic and makes any space it resides in feel like a spa. We think it will stand the test of time (although it’s a good idea to replace your dry brush every year or so, and sanitize it every couple of months).

Easiest to Use

European Wax Center Exfoliating Mitts

View on Waxcenter.com

Type: Exfoliating mitt | Material: Nylon and cotton | Great for: Removes dead skin, prevents ingrown hairs, aids product absorption 

How it works: Each European Wax Center Mitt set contains one large mitt and one mini, finger-sized mitt for targeting stubborn areas. The mitts are dual-sided, with one cotton surface intended for gentle daily polishing and one nylon surface for more intense exfoliation. 

Why we chose it: We found the mitts easy and convenient to use compared with loofahs or scrubs. And when it came to using soap, they lathered very nicely. The mitts fit snugly on the hand and almost doubled as a dry brush treatment, creating a similar tingly sensation and boosting circulation. Occasionally, we could see dead skin cells coming off when we used the mitts, and once we were dry, our skin was definitely smoother. Results peaked after two weeks, so we recommend committing to using this tool regularly and over the long term.  

Best Mitten

Baiden Mitten Classic Mitten

View on Baidenmitten.com

Type: Exfoliating mitt | Material: Wood pulp thread | Great for: Removes dead skin, softens, prevents acne

How it works: Made from woven wood pulp thread, this beloved mitten from Baiden is unbelievably effective for such a gentle exfoliator. You just slip it on and get to work buffing away dead skin and loosening clogged pores. 

Why we chose it: We underestimated the product at first, but it was easily comparable, if not more effective, than the nets and brushes we’ve tried. We could visibly see dead skin debris accumulating on the white fabric after each use, and it left our skin silky to the touch. Best of all, it was very effective at reducing body breakouts. Our chest and arm acne were virtually cleared by the end of the testing period, a feat even zinc soaps and tretinoin creams couldn’t manage before. Our one complaint is that there’s only one mitt. It’s inconvenient having to alternate hands while showering, so it would be nice to have a pair.