These acid-based exfoliators for your body promise silky smooth skin from head-to-toe

best exfoliating body washes

Credit: Getty

Beauty


These acid-based exfoliators for your body promise silky smooth skin from head-to-toe

By Chloe Burcham

2 years ago

All products on this page have been selected by the editorial team, however Stylist may make commission on some products purchased through affiliate links in this article

3 min read

There’s a new wave of in-shower body washes and they’re promising your silkiest skin ever…


If you’re anything like me, you might be guilty of neglecting your body when it comes to skincare. While I have a robust routine for my face (think double cleansing, exfoliating, serums, masks and moisturisers), the skin on my body gets a quick cleanse in the shower and that’s often it. I rarely even take the time to moisturise it. I know, I know. 

But there’s a new wave of in-shower body washes that combine two key skincare steps in one and they’re about to make your in-shower body routine a whole lot easier. These acid-based body washes negate the need to cleanse and exfoliate your body as they do both steps in one. Packed with acid-based exfoliators like glycolic, lactic or salicylic acid, these skin-smoothing shower gels not only cleanse your skin but slough away any dull and dead skin cells too – revealing the brighter, healthier-looking skin beneath. 

Your skincare routine might already be packed with acid-based exfoliators, so it makes sense that our body care routine reaps some of the rewards too. From smoothing areas of keratosis pilaris and clearing up bacne to unblocking ingrown hairs and exfoliating dry skin, acid-based exfoliators are a brilliant addition to your shower routine. 

Below, we round up the best acid-based exfoliators for your body that are designed to be used in place of your every day body wash in the shower. Now, I just need to get better at moisturising too…

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Beauty Pie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser

Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and 3% papaya enzymes, this skin-clearing cleanser is perfect for blemish-prone or bumpy skin. It helps smooth areas of keratosis pilaris and prevents blackheads and blemishes from forming. Plus, with a 400ml pump, it’s hefty. 

Shop Beauty Pie AcidEnzyme Exfoliating Face & Body Cleanser, £60 (£28.50 for members)

buy now

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash

With exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids and fruit enzymes, this potent body wash works to unclog pores, smooth texture and fight body blemishes.

Shop Kosas Good Body Skin AHA + Enzyme Exfoliating Body Wash at Cult Beauty, £21

buy now

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash

This fruit-powered body wash combines alpha hydroxy acids and salicylic acid to help purify and buff your skin to perfection. It’s also enriched with Sol de Janeiro’s cult Bom Dia scent that transforms your shower into a tropical paradise.

Shop Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash at Cult Beauty, £23

buy now

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash

Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash

Packed with a powerful AHA blend that includes glycolic, pyruvic, lactic and tartaric acids, this supersized body wash gently resurfaces the skin leaving it smooth, bright and hydrated. 

Shop Naturium The Smoother Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Wash at Space NK, £18

buy now

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Sundae Body Green Tea Exfoliating Whipped Shower Foam

This whipped shower foam is enriched with vitamin C and finger lime, a natural source of exfoliating AHAs. Expect brighter, smoother skin in just a few uses. 

Shop Sundae Body Green Tea Exfoliating Whipped Shower Foam at Cult Beauty, £12.99

buy now

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap

If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliator, this enzyme-based wash is great. It’s infused with grapefruit to stimulate the senses and fruit enzymes, to rejuvenate the skin for a smoother, brighter look.

Shop Mario Badescu A.H.A. Botanical Body Soap at Space NK, £8

buy now

best-exfoliating-body-wash

Glow Hub Go Deep AHA Body Scrub

Combining a trio of skin-smoothing actives, this pack-a-punch body wash combines chemical, physical and enzymatic exfoliators, providing a thorough cleanse to leave the skin looking more unified and radiant.

Shop Glow Hub Go Deep AHA Body Scrub at Lookfantastic, £12

buy now

Body Proud bright boost - body cleanser

Body Proud Bright Boost Body Cleanser

With niacinamide, caffeine and gentle PHAs, this brightening body cleanser is ultra-gentle and perfect for every day. 

Shop Body Proud Bright Boost Body Cleanser, £9.95

buy now

best-body-exfoliators

Necessaire The Body Exfoliator Eucalyptus

Combining both physical grainy exfoliators and 1.25% chemical exfoliators in the form of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs, this eucalyptus-scented body wash is perfect for those who like the feeling of a scrub, while packing a punch of chemical exfoliation at the same time. 

Shop Necessaire The Body Exfoliator Eucalyptus at Sephora, £30

buy now

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands

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