This Under-$10 Dove Body Scrub Gives Luxury Formulas a Run for Their Money
One self-described boujee beauty editor ditched her high-end body scrubs for this drugstore favorite that feels luxurious and is enjoyable to use.
Body scrubs are difficult to get right. I would know—I’ve tested hundreds of formulas over my career as a beauty editor. When there are too many coarse granules, the experience becomes more abrasive than exfoliating. On the flip side, if a scrub is swirled with an abundance of rich butters and oils, skin is often left with a heavy or sticky veil. The most enjoyable scrubs have a goldilocks-like ratio of grittiness and hydration, and the Dove Body Scrub nails that balance.
I’ll be the first to admit I’ve become a bit of a brand snob. I find myself gravitating towards more luxury formulations. (No offense to drugstore brands, I’m just a boujee girl.) However, after several high-end body scrub disappointments I found my way back to Dove.
If I were to do a blind test of body scrubs, I would assume Dove is the most expensive pick. The rich formulation has the consistency of rice pudding—it’s thick yet smooth and scattered with the ideal amount of fine buffing beads that seamlessly slough away dead skin cells. That creamy texture makes this extra moisturizing, too. With every use, skin feels hydrated and extra soft, rather than raw, irritated, or stripped.
How Often Should You Use the Dove Body Scrub?
The Dove Body Scrub is one of those rare exfoliators that can be used multiple times a week. The formula is gentle enough to work into my routine several times a week without leaving my skin feeling irritated or over-exfoliated. As always, how often you use it should depend on your skin type and how it responds to physical exfoliation. If you have sensitive skin, stick to once a week and work your way up to more frequent use.
I primarily incorporate the Dove scrub into my routine when I shave. Before grabbing the razor, I’ll buff the creamy scrub across my legs and under my arms to remove any build-up and dead skin. I love how it gently froths when it comes in contact with water and turns into a velvety soft cream. It also rinses away easily, without requiring any extra effort to remove the beads, and doesn't leave behind a greasy or sticky residue. However, the tiny beads often accumulate on the side of my tub. Does this require an extra minute to clean post-shower? Yes, but I personally don’t mind.
By the time I run the razor over my legs, my skin is completely prepped, and I end up getting a closer, cleaner shave. Pre-shave prep is only one way to use the Dove scrub, though. This is also particularly useful in between shaving sessions, because it helps loosen the dead skin and buildup around hair follicles that can contribute to ingrown hairs.
The textural experience is just one small element that makes using this scrub so enjoyable. I’d be remiss not to mention the scents. Depending on the scent you choose, this scrub can transform your everything shower into an elegant, at-home spa.
There are six enveloping fragrances to choose from, and they feel much more elevated than your standard body care aromas. The range includes creamy Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk, sweet Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter, enlivening White Peaches & Crushed Rice, juicy Pomegranate & Shea Butter, soothing Himalayan Salt & Rose Oil, and refreshing Cherry & Chia.
My personal favorite is the Crushed Macadamia & Rice Milk for its comforting, slightly lactonic aroma that feels like a warm hug. I also appreciate that the scent lingers for a good amount of time, making this a great first step to your scent layering routine.
Is the Dove Body Scrub Worth It?
Remember when I mentioned that the Dove Body Scrub far outperforms more luxury formulas? I stand by that, and the under $10 price tag makes this a no-brainer add to anyone’s shower. Frankly, I think the price is criminally low considering the large tub (I’ve had my current scrub for seven months and have only used half of it). Not only will this last you a very long time, it will also keep your skin smooth, baby soft, and glowing all year round.
I don't say this lightly, but I'd have a hard time justifying spending $40 or $50 on a body scrub when this one delivers such a satisfying experience for under $10. Consider me officially converted back to Dove.
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