You can easily find all kinds of body scrubs, but many of them may not work for you if you have decided to adopt a vegan lifestyle.
We’ll help you choose the right vegan body scrub for your needs and also look closer at the elements that make a good scrub special!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Quick List of Top Picks
- The Daily Ritual Sugar Scrub Exfoliant
- DERMA E Microdermabrasion Scrub with Dead Sea Salt
- Brooklyn Botany Blueberry Body Scrub
- Handcraft Blends Coffee Body and Facial Scrub
- Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub with Lychee Oil
- MOSTORY Sweet Strawberry Exfoliating Body Scrub
The Things to Look for in a Vegan Body Scrub
You obviously want to get your hands on only the best scrubs. To accomplish this, you need to be mindful of a few specific factors.
This’ll let you know if the product you’re looking at is up to par and if it’ll work for you based on your personal preferences.
Certifications from Well-Known Organizations
Let’s start with the one thing you absolutely must see on the body scrub you’re considering buying: the certification.
Vegan products are typically certified by PETA. According to the organization, companies must first either sign their statement of assurance or provide a statement which indicates they don’t perform or commission tests on animals for the ingredients in their products.
The statement of assurance provided must also note the company in question won’t engage in animal testing in the future.
You can also check if the company is a member of PETA’s Beauty Without Bunnies program. If the company is involved in the program, then they’ll also appear in PETA’s cruelty-free list.
PETA isn’t the only organization offering certification for vegan products.
When shopping for vegan-friendly beauty products, you may also notice the logo from the Leaping Bunny Program.
Similar to PETA, the Leaping Bunny Program only provides their certification once the company has met certain requirements.
In order to receive the Leaping Bunny certification, companies must not conduct or commission any tests on animals involving any of their products or ingredients.
Companies seeking the certification must also not purchase any product or ingredient from a supplier or any other third party engaging in animal testing.
They also may not consent to animal testing conducted by regulatory bodies in foreign countries.
Businesses also need to submit an Application for Approval to the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics, otherwise known as the CCIC. They must also closely monitor the suppliers they’re working with.
Lastly, a company looking for the Leaping Bunny certification has to commit long-term to avoiding animal testing.
Ideally, the body scrub you’re thinking of buying will be certified by both PETA and the Leaping Bunny Program, but even a seal of approval from one of those organizations should let you know you’re getting the real deal.
The Right Ingredients
Now you’ve found a body scrub that features the required certifications, you can turn your attention to the ingredient list.
Because the body scrub has already been certified, you don’t need to worry about finding animal products in it.
What I’d focus more on here is whether the scrub is made up of too many artificial ingredients or whether it contains substances you could be allergic to.
Organic ingredients are always great to see in vegan products and I would prioritize the body scrubs made most with those.
As for the allergens, just make sure to steer clear of products that may contain soy-based or gluten-based ingredients if you have issues with those.
A Scent That Works for You
You’re going to be using a scrub to thoroughly clean your body. By the time you’re done, its scent will cling closely to you and follow you wherever you go! Make sure you’re at least fond of it.
I’m a huge fan of citrus scents, so I look for those first whenever I’m shopping for beauty products.
There are also companies that use other fruits to scent their products or they may even turn to flowers.
Scent isn’t something you should ignore unless you want to end up with a body scrub you’ll only use for a couple of times and never open again.
A Texture That Feels Right on Your Body
Many of the body scrubs you’ll see lining store shelves may feature some kind of abrasive element such as salts.
Please note: I’ve have seen some products use tiny beads of plastic instead of salt or sugar. Avoid these at all costs as it’s simply bad for the environment, your home’s drainage system and you just don’t want plastic on your skin.
The salt-based products are great for scrubbing your body clean, but the texture isn’t for everyone.
The salt granules open up skin pores really well and are excellent at removing any dirt, oils and dead skin that may’ve accumulated over time.
The downside to salt scrubs is sometimes they can be a little harsh on the skin. If you’ve never used a salt scrub before don’t be put off if you feel it’s too abrasive. A lot of this can depend on the size of the salt crystals.
For the most part, sugar-based scrubs are not as effective at deep cleaning, but they can be more helpful in other ways. You can use those sugar-based scrubs longer because they’re far less harsh on the skin.
The smoother texture of sugar-based scrubs also feels gentler.
There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to choosing between salt and sugar-based scrubs. With this guide you’ll have all the information to pick one to suit your needs.
Additional Benefits
A body scrub’s main function is to improve the condition of your skin, but it’d be nice if it featured additional benefits as well.
Some also reduce oiliness and there are also products that can leave your skin feeling hydrated after use.
Having a versatile body scrub will prove beneficial to you in the long run.
6 Top Picks for Vegan Body Scrubs
Okay, let’s get to the fun part!
I’ll take you through some of the top vegan scrubs you can find today.
Each one differs from the others so you’re bound to find one that suits you perfectly!
The Daily Ritual Sugar Scrub Exfoliant
No products found.Body scrubs that offer thorough exfoliation are always great to have on hand. After using one your body, a sense of being revitalized washes over you.
The Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub from The Daily Ritual most certainly excels in the skin revitalization department. It has a finer texture than most salt-based body scrubs which makes it a little smoother.
The different types of butter used in this body scrub also contribute to giving it a smoother texture.
Cucumber and melon sound like they would be great ingredients to have in a salad on a warm day.
They also work well together in a body scrub because they can produce scents that are both distinct yet gentle.
The scent is certainly unique, I can see some people loving it and others not being so sure.
If you’re fed up of strong scents where people get the fragrant 10 minutes before you arrive, this could be the answer for you!
What We Like
- Offers excellent exfoliation
- Has a gentler texture compared to other salt scrubs
What We Don’t Like
- The cucumber and melon is subtle, maybe too little for some
DERMA E Microdermabrasion Scrub with Dead Sea Salt
The Microdermabrasion Scrub with Dead Sea Salt from Derma E is another exceptional exfoliator.
You can feel the textured elements in this body scrub, it really deep cleans well and you know it right away.
I’ve found myself getting mesmerized by the way this product feels on my skin and have lost track of how long I’ve been using it.
The citrus blend fragrance is gorgeous. They impart just the right amount of aroma so your senses are suitably stimulated without being overwhelmed.
The only real issue I’ve encountered thus far is the effect it has on my skin after I use it.
It tends to leave my skin just a tad drier than I’d like. However, it’s likely to be me but I thought I’d mention it anyway. I use lotion anyway which solves it.
What We Like
- Provides deep exfoliating for your skin
- Accompanied by pleasant citrus scents
- Spreads easily on dry skin
What We Don’t Like
- May leave skin a bit dry after use depending on skin type
Brooklyn Botany Blueberry Body Scrub
No products found.Brooklyn Botany Blueberry Body Scrub comes packed with all-natural ingredients to treat and moisturize your skin!
Formulated with Grapeseed, Apricot, and Sweet Almond oils, blueberries and Dead Sea salt – it smells delicious!
This body scrub exfoliates, moisturizes and naturally reduces the appearance of cellulite. It leaves you skin soft and supple, without being greasy or oily.
The blueberries in this scrub provide powerful antioxidants and phytochemicals to combat aging and help to balance your skin’s oil levels. The proprietary blend of oils is specially formulated to penetrate deep into your skin and promote a fresh glow.
Brooklyn Botany produces all their products in small batches in an FDA approved cGMP facility. This product is natural, vegan, and free of alcohol, parabens, and sulfates – so it’s safe for you and animals!
Intended for use 2 to 3 times a week – apply a layer to damp skin in circular motions and you can use a body brush to increase the scrubbing effect.
What We Like
- Great scent
- Highly moisturizing
- Nice texture and exfoliates well
What We Don’t Like
- Scent is somewhat artificial
- Can be harsh for sensitive skin
Handcraft Blends Coffee Body and Facial Scrub
This body and facial scrub combines pure Arabica coffee beans, Dead Sea salt and a blend of organic oils into one jar of exfoliating bliss. The caffeine adds a unique twist to your basic body scrub.
The caffeine in Handcraft Blends Coffee Body and Facial Scrub rejuvenates skin by stimulating blood flow. This in turn, helps to break down fatty deposits, reducing the appearance of cellulite. It also can help with blood circulation to diminish surface veins.
The salt and coffee bean combination is an effective but gentle exfoliator. It can be used on both face and body by adjusting the pressure and intensity of your massaging motion. When used with gentle pressure, it’s perfect for helping keep your skin clear of acne.
The coffee essence of this scrub is not overwhelming, so even if you aren’t a fan of coffee scent, I’d still give this scrub a try. Your skin’s appearance will improve over time with continued use.
What We Like
- Gentle yet effective exfoliating
- Good for sensitive skin
- Caffeine helps with cellulite and surface veins
What We Don’t Like
- Coffee scent can be off-putting for some
- Some packaging issues/leaking tubs
Majestic Pure Himalayan Salt Body Scrub with Lychee Oil
The Himalayan Salt Body Scrub from Majestic Pure utilizes Himalayan pink salt along with lychee and almond oils to exfoliate and nurture your skin.
Himalayan pink salt detoxifies, increases circulation, and rejuvenates cells like other salt scrubs without the drying effects.
Lychee essential oil gives this scrub a delicate, sweet smell. The sweet almond oil helps boost collagen production, keeping skin supple and hydrated.
What We Like
- Himalayan pink salt exfoliates without drying
- Almond oil provides extra moisture
- Lychee fruit smell is subtle, but pleasant
- Good price point for Himalayan salt scrub
What We Don’t Like
- Salt may separate from oil, crumbling instead of holding together as a scrub
- Those with sensitive skin may find coarseness of salt irritating
MOSTORY Sweet Strawberry Exfoliating Body Scrub
No products found.The last item on our list is the MOSTORY Strawberry Body Scrub. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and antioxidant ellagic acid which is nourishing and contributes to healthy skin.
The formula also contains a blend of exfoliating Dead Sea salt to help remove dead skin cells and prevent wrinkles from forming.
Also, Dead Sea salt relieves itching, provides moisture (interestingly enough!), detoxifies and works against cellulite.
There are so many wonderful ingredients which will treat your skin as you exfoliate! This includes coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oil for hydration, and vitamins C and E to deliver protect anti-oxidants and aid in skin renewal and healing.
Hyaluronic acid effectively assists in removing signs of aging by making your skin feel more supple and binding to water to retain a moisture barrier, and is naturally anti-inflammatory.
To use, apply a layer to damp skin and massage in circular motion for 5 minutes. This is intended for use 2 to 3 times a week.
What We Like
- Anti-aging and exfoliating
- Contains antioxidants and beneficial extracts
- Non-greasy
- Leaves skin soft and smooth
- Smells great
What We Don’t Like
- Product may appear dry in container
- Might dissolve easily
Top Choice for the Best Vegan Body Scrub
No products found.It was difficult to pick a favorite vegan scrub because all the products listed above have qualities I appreciate. But I have to pick a winner, and the one I’m choosing is MOSTORY Sweet Strawberry Exfoliating Body Scrub.
And that’s because it features the best qualities of both salt and sugar-based scrubs combined with beneficial strawberry extract, Dead Sea salt and moisturizing coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oil.
It isn’t too abrasive for sensitive skin, but at the same time, it’s still capable of thoroughly cleaning out your pores.
I simply can’t ignore the way this body scrub works for my skin. The strawberry scent is lovely too.
It’s one of the most versatile body scrubs you’ll come across, and it definitely warrants some consideration the next time you’re looking for a new body scrub.