A body scrub removes dead skin cells and helps improve skin texture with regular use. Common exfoliants include sugar crystals, mineral-rich salts, pumice, volcanic pumice, and other natural options. These ingredients remove dead cells and oil buildup through gentle physical exfoliation. For dry skin or sensitive skin, a balanced formula should also provide hydration and a comfortable skin feel.

Physical and chemical exfoliation

Physical exfoliation uses small particles to polish the skin and remove buildup from its surface. A sugar scrub uses sugar crystals as a physical exfoliant for smoother-feeling skin. A sea salt scrub or exfoliating salt scrub can provide a stronger scrubbing texture. Chemical exfoliation can use AHA, BHA, and PHA ingredients. These include lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acid options, and citric acid.

Oils and hydrating ingredients

Hydrating ingredients help keep the skin comfortable after exfoliation and support a smoother skin feel. Glycerin is a common moisturizing ingredient. It helps support hydration in suitable formulas. Coconut oil, precious oils, honey, monoi extract, and hydrating botanical ingredients can provide conditioning benefits. Seaweed extracts, sea minerals, marine minerals, and antioxidant ingredients can support different body scrub concepts.

-Sugar crystals can provide gentle physical exfoliation in a sugar scrub.

-Mineral-rich salts can add texture to a sea salt scrub.

-Pumice and volcanic pumice can provide stronger physical exfoliation.

-Glycerin and coconut oil can support hydration and softer skin.

-Lactic acid and AHA/BHA/PHA ingredients can support carefully planned chemical exfoliation.

Fragrance and sensory ingredients

Fragrance can make a body scrub more enjoyable, but formulators should always consider skin tolerance. Popular scent choices include vanilla, lavender, eucalyptus, eucalyptus leaf oil, and other carefully selected essential oils. Citrus aurantium bergamia, citrus nobilis, geranium leaf water, and pelargonium graveolens can shape the scent profile. Formulators can create a citrus scent shower routine or seasonal fragrance for different skincare routine concepts.

Cleansing and texture ingredients

Some body products combine exfoliation and cleansing to provide a simple deep-cleansing step during a shower. Sodium lauroamphoacetate can support cleansing and lather in suitable body wash and scrub formulas. A scalp & body scrub can remove buildup, while a clarifying shampoo focuses mainly on hair. Formulators can also consider hair softness when creating products designed for both the scalp and body.

Developing a balanced body scrub

The best body scrub formula depends on the desired exfoliation level, skin type, skin tone, and overall texture. A resurfacing cleansing scrub may target rough skin, dead skin cells, keratin, and oil buildup through suitable ingredients. You can apply a moisturizer after exfoliating. It supports hydration. This is especially helpful for people with dry skin. Please contact us for help with private label cosmetics. We make cosmetic products for other companies. We also make products for other companies under contract.