90-Day Review: Best Clean Body Scrubs of 2025

Exfoliation is a crucial step in any skincare routine, and body scrubs have long been a favorite for achieving smooth, glowing skin. However, not all body scrubs are created equal. Conventional scrubs, particularly those containing plastic microbeads, have caused significant harm to aquatic ecosystems and even found their way into our food chain. As awareness grows, the demand for natural, clean body scrubs has risen dramatically, with consumers seeking eco-friendly options that deliver effective results without compromising their health or the environment.

To evaluate the best clean body scrubs of 2025, an independent panel of clean beauty experts and advocates assessed over 30 products, documenting their efficacy, user experience, and environmental impact over three months.

The Problem with Conventional Body Scrubs

For years, plastic microbeads were a staple in body scrubs, praised for their ability to gently exfoliate skin. However, studies revealed their devastating environmental impact. These tiny plastic particles are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment systems, allowing them to flow directly into oceans and rivers. Once in the water, microbeads are ingested by marine life, entering the food chain and ultimately making their way back to humans.

Recognizing the harm, countries worldwide have banned microbeads in personal care products, prompting a shift toward more sustainable exfoliants. This shift has spurred innovation in the clean beauty sector, with brands embracing natural alternatives that are safe for both the skin and the planet.

The Rise of Natural Body Scrubs

Modern clean body scrubs prioritize both efficacy and sustainability, offering a range of natural exfoliants that deliver impressive results without environmental damage. Here are some of the most popular types:

• Sugar Scrubs: Gentle and hydrating, sugar dissolves during use, preventing over-exfoliation and leaving the skin soft.
• Salt Scrubs: Perfect for tougher areas like elbows and feet, salt scrubs offer a more intensive exfoliation while detoxifying the skin.
• Coffee Scrubs: Known for their invigorating aroma, coffee scrubs help improve circulation and may reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• Fruit-Based Scrubs: Often made with ground fruit seeds, these scrubs provide gentle exfoliation while delivering antioxidant benefits.
• Oatmeal Scrubs: Ideal for sensitive skin, oatmeal soothes irritation while gently removing dead skin cells.

Recognizing Excellence: Clean Beauty Awards

With so many options available, how can you be sure you’re choosing the best natural body scrub for your skin and values? That’s where the Clean Beauty Awards come in. Organized annually, this program shines a spotlight on products that combine innovative, effective formulations with a commitment to clean, sustainable beauty.

An external panel of clean beauty advocates and experts evaluates each product independently, ensuring impartiality and high standards. Over three months, the panelists assess everything from exfoliation effectiveness to environmental impact, offering consumers a trusted guide to the best clean beauty products on the market.

Evaluation Criteria

Our panel assessed each body scrub based on the following factors:

Ease of Use

• Texture and spreadability
• Rinsing efficiency
• Packaging functionality
• Scent and sensory experience

Performance

• Exfoliation effectiveness
• Skin softness and smoothness post-use
• Hydration levels after exfoliation

The Top 10 Clean Body Scrubs
 

#1: Trillium Herbal Company Inc. - Body Polish - $45

The Body Polish by Trillium Herbal Company is designed to restore and rejuvenate dry, ashy, dull, or cracked skin. It gently exfoliates with crystalline salt cubes while nourishing the dermal biome with aromatherapy, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. Light lipids and silky phospholipids protect the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.

This luxurious treatment mobilizes lymph, stimulates circulation, and boosts mood. After use, the rich oils melt into the skin, creating a protective lipid bubble over newly hydrated skin. Free from petrochemical preservatives, synthetic fragrances, and sulfate surfactants, it offers a pure and indulgent skincare experience.

Expert Notes:

"My favorite product! My skin was left hydrated and the exfoliation texture was very fine with no irritation." - Crystal Pena, @cleanbeautycraze

"I absolutely love how this body polish makes my skin feel! The salt crystals really work their magic to smooth my skin, while the light lipids keep it protected. Plus, the essential oils, like lavender and geranium, give my mood such a wonderful boost!" - Dima Almahsiri, @tipsfornaturalbeauty

"I really enjoy this product- my skin feels nice to refreshed. The softness to this product will shines through on my skin after multiple uses. I would recommend this product to my besties for sure! :)" - Hannah Holmbom-Brady, @doers.and.shakers

#2: Dianne Caine Australia - Detox Body Exfoliator - $27.10

The Detox Body Exfoliator by Dianne Caine Australia combines crushed walnut shell and pumice to gently remove dead skin cells, clean pores, and restore skin vibrancy. Lime, peppermint, and spearmint essential oils create an invigorating scent while delivering Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, magnesium, calcium, and Vitamins A and C to support healthy skin.

Using this exfoliator twice per week helps achieve smooth, bright, and glowing skin.

Expert Notes:

"Get ready to pamper yourself with this amazing scrub! It features the incredible combination of pumice and walnut shell, which helps boost circulation while gently exfoliating away those pesky dead skin cells. You'll love how refreshed, bright, and glowing your skin feels afterward!" - Dima Almahsiri, @tipsfornaturalbeauty

"Great Exfoliating and had just the right Exfoliating product in it. The mint aroma was the perfect touch for a refreshing feeling.' - Crystal Pena, @cleanbeautycraze

"Overall its texture is an excellent scrub but it was missing the subtle soft oil feeling that others leave after washing off to feel soft." - Hannah Holmbom-Brady, @doers.and.shakers

#3: scentuals.com/products/brightening-body-scrub-with-hyaluronic-acid - $24

Scentuals' Brightening Body Scrub is crafted with apricot seeds to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Aloe and Argan oils work to deeply nourish and maintain the skin's natural moisture barrier, while a revitalizing blend of pure essential oils leaves both your senses renewed and your skin feeling healthy.

Expert Notes:

"This scrub is such a delightful treat for your skin! Full of lovely natural essential oils, it gently exfoliates while delivering deep hydration. You’ll absolutely adore how soft and smooth your skin feels afterward—without any oily or sticky residue. Treat yourself to some well-deserved pampering!” - Dima Almahsiri, @tipsfornaturalbeauty

"This product was great for morning with its citrus aroma. Product got the job done.' - Crystal Pena, @cleanbeautycraze

"I would highly recommend this product to someone! In fact! I may purchase some when I run out. The texture is perfect, my skin really felt like I had gotten a full reset! Excellent." - Hannah Holmbom-Brady, @doers.and.shakers
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Why Invest in Clean Body Scrubs?

Switching to clean body scrubs isn’t just about healthier skin—it’s about protecting our planet and future generations. By choosing scrubs made with natural exfoliants and sustainable ingredients, you can reduce pollution, support eco-conscious brands, and enjoy a luxurious skincare experience.

So, whether you’re looking for a gentle sugar scrub or a detoxifying salt scrub, there’s a clean option out there for everyone. Explore our guide to find your perfect match and join the movement toward healthier skin and a cleaner planet.

Not all body scrubs deliver the same results. The best ones balance effective exfoliation with skin-nourishing ingredients and remove dead cells without stripping moisture. This year’s top-performing scrubs stood out for their formulations, proving that clean beauty can be both effective and environmentally responsible. That said, cleansing is just as important as exfoliating. A body wash that supports your skin barrier can help maintain softness long after you rinse off. Next, we reviewed the best clean body washes of 2025 to find formulas that cleanse without compromise.

Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products!