I tested the 5 best body exfoliators on the market to find which one actually delivers baby-smooth, glowing skin. Here's what happened when I put them to the ultimate test...

Let's be honest - body skin doesn't get nearly the attention our faces do, but it deserves just as much love! After noticing my skin looking particularly dull and feeling rough to touch (hello, Tasmanian winter!), I decided it was time for an intervention. As someone who spends their days testing beauty products, I knew a good exfoliator was the answer, but which one?
From bumpy arms and legs to stubborn ingrown hairs and just general skin blahness, I wanted something that would transform my body skin without being harsh or stripping. The perfect body exfoliator should buff away dead skin cells while still nourishing and improving skin texture over time.
The beauty market is absolutely flooded with options - coffee scrubs, sugar scrubs, chemical exfoliants, and everything in between. Some promise to tackle specific concerns like keratosis pilaris or body acne, while others focus on general smoothing and hydration. The price points vary dramatically too, which made me wonder - do you really need to spend big to get results?
To save you time (and potential disappointment), I dedicated the past month to testing five of the most popular body exfoliators available in Australia. I used each product consistently according to directions and documented the results carefully, paying attention to immediate effects and longer-term benefits.
Whether you're dealing with rough skin, dullness, or just want to elevate your body care routine, my honest review will help you find the perfect exfoliator for your needs. One product in particular surprised me with its impressive results, and I'm excited to share all the details with you!
Products Reviewed:
- Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand
- Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
- The Body Shop Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
- Sukin Energising Body Scrub with Coffee & Coconut
- Body Blendz Coffee Scrub Original
1. Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand
Effectiveness:
9.8
Safety:
9.9
Price:
$$
Overall Rating:
A+
Skin type: All skin types, including sensitive
Benefits: Deeply detoxifies, exfoliates, smooths, moisturizes, illuminates, tackles cellulite appearance, stretch marks, and ingrown hairs
Powered by: Australian Pink Clay (Kaolin), Kakadu Plum Extract, Quandong Extract, Coconut Oil, Macadamia Seed Oil, Grape Seed Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil
Texture: Soft, gritty sand with subtle shimmer
As a beauty blogger constantly testing products, I'm rarely genuinely impressed anymore - but Sand&Sky's Australian Pink Clay Body Sand completely exceeded my expectations! The first thing I noticed was the beautiful packaging with its included scoop (such a thoughtful touch for mess-free application). Outstanding in its category, this product
The texture is unlike any body scrub I've tried before - it feels like soft, slightly damp sand infused with subtle shimmer from eco-friendly mica. When applied to damp skin with gentle circular motions, it creates the perfect balance of exfoliation without feeling harsh or abrasive.
I tested this primarily on areas where I struggle with keratosis pilaris (those annoying bumps on the backs of my arms) and around my ankles where I'm prone to ingrown hairs from shaving. After just one use, I noticed immediate improvement in skin texture - the rough patches were significantly smoother.
What really sets this product apart is what happens after rinsing. Unlike most exfoliators that leave skin feeling stripped, the blend of natural oils (coconut, macadamia, grape seed) creates a subtle moisturizing effect. My skin felt nourished, not tight, with a natural glow from the mica particles.
After three weeks of consistent use (2-3 times weekly), the transformation has been remarkable. The bumpy texture on my arms has dramatically improved, ingrown hairs are virtually non-existent, and my skin has a smoothness I haven't experienced in years. The subtle shimmer effect is perfect for adding a touch of radiance without looking glittery.
At AU$34, this product delivers exceptional value considering the results and the generous amount of product. As someone who's tried countless body exfoliators, this has earned a permanent place in my routine and my content calendar - it's that good!

Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand is my winning choice for the overall best body exfoliator.
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2. Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub
Effectiveness:
7.9
Safety:
8.6
Price:
$$$
Overall Rating:
B
Skin type: Normal to dry skin
Benefits: Exfoliates, targets cellulite appearance, temporary skin firming, adds moisture
Powered by: Coffee Seed Powder, Sweet Almond Oil, Vitamin E
Texture: Dry, loose coffee grounds
Frank Body's Original Coffee Scrub has achieved cult status in the beauty world, so I was eager to put it to the test. The scrub comes in a resealable pouch and has that unmistakable fresh coffee aroma that's undeniably invigorating during morning showers.
The texture consists of dry coffee grounds combined with oils, which creates a somewhat messy application process. I found coffee particles literally everywhere in my shower, which was a definite drawback. While the brand promotes this as a feature ("Get dirty, then clean"), the cleanup was honestly more hassle than I'd prefer in my regular routine.
In terms of effectiveness, the coffee grounds do provide good physical exfoliation, and the Sweet Almond Oil helps prevent the scrub from feeling too harsh. After use, my skin felt smoother, and there was a temporary tightening effect, which I can see might give the appearance of firmer skin in the short term.
However, I found the exfoliation somewhat inconsistent - some areas felt perfectly buffed while others needed additional product. The oils did provide moisture, but not quite enough for my dry skin in the Tasmanian climate, requiring an additional moisturizer afterward.
At its price point of nearly $50, I expected more impressive and lasting results. While it does exfoliate adequately, I didn't see significant improvement in my skin concerns like keratosis pilaris or ingrown hairs compared to other products I tested. The mess factor and the need for additional moisturizing steps make this more of an occasional treatment than a staple in my routine.
3. The Body Shop Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub
Effectiveness:
8.4
Safety:
9.0
Price:
$$$
Overall Rating:
B+
Skin type: Normal to dry skin
Benefits: Exfoliates, moisturizes, softens, improves skin texture
Powered by: Sugar, Shea Butter, Glycerin
Texture: Grainy sugar paste with buttery base
The Body Shop's Shea Exfoliating Sugar Body Scrub comes in a generous tub with a pleasant, nutty scent that isn't overpowering. The texture is quite unique - a thick, slightly oily base packed with sugar granules that provide the exfoliating action.
Application is straightforward, though I found the formula started to dissolve quite quickly when in contact with water, which meant I needed to work relatively fast. The sugar provides gentle but effective exfoliation that's suitable even for sensitive areas, while the rich Shea Butter base left my skin feeling nourished.
After rinsing, I was impressed by how moisturized my skin felt - this is definitely one of the more hydrating scrubs I tested, and I could occasionally skip body lotion afterward, which is rare for my dry skin type. The nutty, warm scent lingered subtly, which was pleasant without interfering with perfume.
In terms of results, my skin definitely felt softer and smoother after each use. After consistent application over two weeks, I noticed a general improvement in skin texture and hydration levels. However, for more specific concerns like keratosis pilaris or ingrown hairs, the results were less dramatic than I'd hoped for.
At around $58, this is positioned as a premium body care product, and while it delivers good results, particularly for basic exfoliation and moisture, it didn't quite address specific skin concerns as effectively as some competitors. For those primarily seeking a hydrating exfoliator without targeted treatment benefits, this could be a lovely option, but those with specific skin concerns might want to look elsewhere.
4. Sukin Energising Body Scrub with Coffee & Coconut
Effectiveness:
8.3
Safety:
9.2
Price:
$$$$
Overall Rating:
B+
Skin type: All skin types
Benefits: Exfoliates, stimulates skin, removes dead skin cells, improves circulation, adds hydration
Powered by: Coffee Extract, Coconut Shell, Jojoba Seed Oil, Shea Butter
Texture: Thick gel base with fine granules
Sukin's Energising Body Scrub with Coffee & Coconut comes in a convenient squeeze tube packaging that helps control product dispensing - a definite plus compared to some messier scrubs I tested. The formula has a pleasant coffee aroma with subtle coconut notes that creates an uplifting shower experience.
Unlike some coffee scrubs that use rough coffee grounds, this product has a gel base with finer coffee and coconut shell particles. This creates a more controlled exfoliation experience that's less likely to cause microtears in the skin. The Jojoba Seed Oil and Shea Butter in the formula provide hydration, which helps balance the exfoliating action.
During use, the scrub spreads easily and requires minimal product for full coverage. The exfoliation level is moderate - effective enough to remove dead skin cells but gentle enough for regular use. After rinsing, my skin felt clean and refreshed without any tight or stripped feeling.
After using this consistently for two weeks, I noticed improvement in overall skin texture and softness. The formula seemed to help with minor bumps and rough patches, though it wasn't quite as effective on my more stubborn keratosis pilaris as I'd hoped. The hydrating ingredients did leave my skin feeling moisturized, though I still preferred to follow with body lotion.
At over $80, this is one of the pricier options I tested, which affects its overall value rating. While it delivers good results and offers a pleasant user experience with minimal mess, the high price point makes it difficult to justify as a regular purchase, especially considering similar results can be achieved with more affordable options.
5. Body Blendz Coffee Scrub Original
Effectiveness:
7.6
Safety:
8.8
Price:
$$$
Overall Rating:
C+
Skin type: Normal to dry skin
Benefits: Exfoliates, improves circulation, temporary skin firming, adds moisture
Powered by: Coffee Seed Powder, Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil, Vitamin E
Texture: Dry, loose coffee grounds with oil
Body Blendz Coffee Scrub Original comes in a resealable pouch similar to other coffee scrubs on the market. The product has a strong coffee fragrance with slight sweet notes that's refreshing in the shower.
The texture consists primarily of dry coffee grounds mixed with oils, which creates the familiar mess that tends to come with coffee-based scrubs. The grounds do scatter during use, requiring more thorough shower cleaning afterward, which isn't ideal for quick morning routines.
During application, the scrub provides substantial physical exfoliation - almost too intense in some areas, requiring a gentler touch. The inclusion of Sweet Almond Oil, Macadamia Oil, and Vitamin E does help offset some of the potential harshness, providing a moisture barrier during the exfoliation process.
After rinsing, my skin definitely felt smoother, though the oils left a slight residue that some might find pleasant for dry skin but could feel heavy for those with normal or combination skin types. The scent lingered subtly, which was nice.
Over two weeks of testing, I noticed some improvement in overall skin texture, particularly on rougher areas like elbows and knees. However, for my keratosis pilaris and ingrown hairs, the results were minimal compared to other products I tested. The temporary skin-firming effect was nice but short-lived.
At nearly $56 for the product, I expected more dramatic and lasting results, especially for specific skin concerns. While it functions adequately as a basic exfoliator, the messy application, intensive cleaning required afterward, and modest results make this difficult to recommend as a top choice, especially considering other options available at similar or lower price points.
Why Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand Stands Above the Rest
After a month of dedicated testing, Sand&Sky's Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand has earned its place as my top recommendation for body exfoliation.
What sets this product apart is its perfect balance of effective exfoliation and nourishment. Unlike coffee-based scrubs that left my bathroom looking like a crime scene, or sugar scrubs that dissolved too quickly, this botanical-based body scrub offers controlled exfoliation with lasting benefits.
The Australian Pink Clay works as a natural detoxifier, drawing impurities from the skin while the physical exfoliants (including gentle coconut shell powder) buff away dead skin cells without causing microtears or irritation. I was particularly impressed by how it tackled my stubborn keratosis pilaris on the backs of my arms - something other scrubs promised but failed to deliver on.

The inclusion of Australian botanicals like Kakadu Plum (packed with Vitamin C) and Quandong extract provides antioxidant protection while enhancing skin's natural glow. My skin not only felt smoother immediately after use but continued to improve with consistent application.
The eco-friendly mica glitter adds a subtle shimmer that makes this product feel like a luxurious treat rather than just another step in my routine. I found myself looking forward to using it!
Beyond performance, the value proposition is undeniable. At AU$34 for a generous tub (plus the included scoop for mess-free application), it outperforms products twice its price. The versatility of addressing multiple concerns - from general roughness to ingrown hairs and even helping with the appearance of stretch marks - makes it a smart investment for anyone looking to elevate their body care routine.
After weeks of testing, my skin is noticeably smoother, more even in tone, and has that coveted 'touch me' softness that I haven't experienced with other products. Sand&Sky has truly created a standout body exfoliator that delivers on all its promises.
How Does Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand Actually Work?
The exceptional performance of Sand&Sky's Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand comes down to its thoughtfully formulated blend of active ingredients working in perfect harmony.
The star ingredient, Australian Pink Clay (Kaolin), acts as a gentle yet effective detoxifier. Unlike harsh exfoliants that simply scrape at the skin's surface, this mineral-rich clay draws impurities from deep within pores while simultaneously helping to balance natural oils. This makes it particularly effective for those with body breakouts or congested skin.
The physical exfoliation comes from sustainably sourced Coconut Shell Powder, which provides the perfect amount of buffing action without the environmental concerns of plastic microbeads or the mess of coffee grounds. This dual-action approach - chemical detoxification paired with physical exfoliation - explains why the results are so much more impressive than single-action products.

What truly elevates this formula beyond basic exfoliation is the nourishing ingredient complex. Glycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin, while the trio of plant oils (Coconut, Grape Seed, and Macadamia Seed) replenishes essential fatty acids and creates a protective barrier. This is why skin feels soft and hydrated after use, not stripped or tight like with many exfoliators.
The inclusion of native Australian superfoods deserves special mention. Kakadu Plum, the world's richest natural source of Vitamin C, brightens and protects against environmental damage, while Quandong Extract soothes and reduces inflammation - perfect for calming irritated or bumpy skin conditions.
The refreshing Eucalyptus Leaf Oil provides not only a sensorial boost but also has natural purifying properties that complement the clay's detoxifying action. Finally, the biodegradable mica offers that subtle shimmer that makes skin look instantly more radiant.
This careful balance of detoxifying, exfoliating, nourishing, and brightening ingredients creates a comprehensive treatment that addresses multiple skin concerns simultaneously - explaining why I saw improvements in overall texture, tone, hydration, and specific issues like keratosis pilaris with regular use.

Sand&Sky Australian Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand is my winning choice for the overall best body exfoliator.
Get 20% Off Your Purchase!
With Special Promo Code
VITALITY20
Exclusive for Vitality Guide Readers!