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Top 8 Exfoliating Body Washes for Smooth, Radiant Skin – Your FAQs Answered!

Renew, refresh, revitalize

What Does Exfoliating Body Wash Do?

Are you thinking of using an exfoliating body wash? But not sure whether it’s for you or not? I got you.

Let me first clarify a few common FAQs you need to know to decide. And also you’ll get to know the best exfoliating body washes available in India that you could try out.

Disclosure: Please note this post might contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through the links, at no extra cost to you. Know that I only recommend products that I’ve used personally or believe will add value to my readers.

What Does Exfoliating Body Wash Do?

Exfoliating body washes typically contain chemical exfoliants such as AHAs and/or BHAs. And, the most commonly used ones are salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid.

These skincare actives work to gently exfoliate your skin without being harsh. Some exfoliating body washes may also include gentle exfoliating beads.

So, exfoliating body washes not only cleanse your skin but also exfoliate effectively.

This, in turn, helps:

  • Combat body acne.
  • Reduce tan and hyperpigmentation.
  • Smooth rough and bumpy skin.

How Often Should I Use Exfoliating Body Wash?

How Often Should I Use Exfoliating Body Wash?

You can use exfoliating body washes 2-3 times a week if the percentage of the exfoliating actives is low, like 1-2%. This means they are mildly exfoliating.

But if your skin is dry, then use it only once a week. Otherwise, it’ll make your skin even drier.

Is Exfoliating Body Wash Good for Skin?

Is Exfoliating Body Wash Good for Skin?

Yes, it can help make your skin smoother and look healthier. It can gently exfoliate your skin without causing damage or discomfort. This helps slough off dead skin cells and boosts skin renewal.

The concentration of exfoliating actives in these body washes is typically lower, so they are very safe to use.

Plus, they can even out uneven skin texture and make skincare products work better. They’re also helpful for treating ingrown hair and bumpy skin conditions like Keratosis Pilaris or strawberry skin.

Best Gentle Exfoliating Body Washes in India

Below are the best gentle exfoliating body washes available in India with pros and cons. I’ve chosen them based on ingredients, effectiveness, and user ratings.

Chemist at Play Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

Chemist at Play Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

299 INR for 236ml
Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash

349 INR for 250ml
The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

299 INR for 250ml
Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA Body Wash

Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA Body Wash

349 INR for 200ml
Dot & Key Cica & Salicylic Daily Exfoliating Shower Gel

Dot & Key Cica & Salicylic Daily Exfoliating Shower Gel

399 INR for 250ml
Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

399 INR for 250ml
mCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Body Wash

mCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Body Wash

299 INR for 200ml
St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash

St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash

499 INR for 473g

Chemist at Play Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

Chemist at Play Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

Say goodbye to rough and bumpy skin with this exfoliating body wash from Chemist at Play. It’s designed to make your skin soft by shedding the dead skin cells and evening out your skin tone.

Key Ingredients

4% Lactic Acid + Salicylic Acid + Vitamin E

Pros

  • Has 2% of the popular AHA lactic acid that not only exfoliates your skin but also keeps it moisturized.
  • Has hyaluronic acid and other skin moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin moisturized.
  • Contains the popular BHA, salicylic acid that helps exfoliate your skin and prevent body acne.
  • Suitable for all skin types.
  • Very gentle on the skin.
  • Has a nice fragrance.
  • Cruelty-free (PETA certified).

Cons

  • None 

Price

299 INR for 236ml

Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Be Bodywise 1% Salicylic Acid Body Wash

Here is another top-rated exfoliating body wash in India. If you’re dealing with body acne, then this salicylic acid body wash is another option you can pick.

Key Ingredients

1% Salicylic Acid 

Pros

  • Salicylic Acid in this body wash exfoliates your body skin and fights against body acne.
  • Chamomile extract provides anti-inflammatory benefits and keeps your skin feeling fresh for a long time.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free.
  • Has a nice fragrance.

Cons

  • None 

Price

349 INR for 250ml

The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

The Derma Co 1% Salicylic Acid Daily Exfoliating Body Wash

This exfoliating body wash is from The Derm Co, one of the trusted skincare brands in India. It’s formulated to treat rough and bumpy skin with the power of salicylic acid and glycolic acid.

Key Ingredients

1% Salicylic Acid, glycolic acid, Pentavitin 

Pros

  • Salicylic Acid exfoliates your body’s skin and helps treat body acne.
  • Glycolic acid helps even out your skin tone.
  • Contains Pentavitin with a couple of moisturizing ingredients that keep your skin hydrated.
  • Has a refreshing fragrance.

Cons

  • No information about whether it’s cruelty-free or not.

Price

299 INR for 250ml

Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA Body Wash

Minimalist Salicylic Acid + LHA Body Wash

If your skin is sensitive to fragrance, you can choose this fragrance-free shower gel. This gentle exfoliating body wash from Minimalist is formulated with salicylic acid and LHA.

Key Ingredients

2% Salicylic Acid + LHA, Niacinamide,

Pros

  • Salicylic Acid exfoliates and is great for bumpy skin.
  • Niacinamide helps even out your skin tone and has barrier repair properties.
  • Contains humectants that prevent your skin from drying out after washing.
  • Fragrance-free.
  • Cruelty-free.

Cons 

  • If you love fragranced body washes, this one is not for you.

Price

349 INR for 200ml

Dot & Key Cica & Salicylic Daily Exfoliating Shower Gel

Dot & Key Cica & Salicylic Daily Exfoliating Shower Gel

Here is another exfoliating shower gel with the power of salicylic acid in this list of best exfoliating body washes in India.

Key Ingredients

1% Salicylic Acid, niacinamide, cica, green tea 

Pros

  • Salicylic Acid exfoliates and unclogs clogged pores.
  • Niacinamide helps to even out your skin tone.
  • Contains cica that helps soothe any kind of irritation and inflammation due to body acne.
  • Green tea extract helps fight against acne-causing bacteria.
  • Non-drying formula.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified).

Cons 

  • None.

Price

399 INR for 250ml

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

Dove Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash

Love those little exfoliating beads in body washes? This body wash will gently cleanse and exfoliate your skin with its gentle exfoliating beads.

Key Ingredients

No chemical exfoliating active

Pros

  • The exfoliating beads are gentle on the skin.
  • Skin feels hydrated after use.
  • Has a nice fragrance.
  • Contains lauric acid, which has antibacterial properties and fights against body acne.
  • Cruelty-free (PETA certified).

Cons 

  • No chemical exfoliating active.

Price

399 INR for 250ml

mCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Body Wash

mCaffeine Exfoliating Coffee Body Wash

If you want a shower that feels luxurious and smells like coffee, this one’s for you!

Key Ingredients

Natural AHA

Pros

  • Contains coffee and its related products to help exfoliate the skin.
  • Natural AHA (sugarcane extract) helps even out your skin tone.
  • Has glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.
  • Vegan and cruelty-free (PETA certified).

Cons 

  • However, this product doesn’t contain targeted chemical exfoliants.

Price

299 INR for 200ml

St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash

St. Ives Exfoliating Body Wash

This one is made with 100% natural exfoliants and is also one of the best-rated exfoliating body washes. However, I recommend choosing this option only if you prefer natural skincare.

Key Ingredients

lemon peel and citrus extracts, natural walnut shell powder

Pros

  • Made with natural exfoliants.
  • Has a nice fragrance.
  • Cruelty-free (PETA certified).

Cons 

  • Many ingredients are used for fragrance.
  • No chemical exfoliating active.

Price

  • 499 INR for 473g
  • 725 INR for 650g

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, exfoliating body washes are a game-changer for your body skincare game, tackling everything from rough skin to body acne. Pick up one of the top picks above and start your journey to silky-smooth skin today!

Common FAQs

Does Exfoliating Body Wash Really Work?

In short, yes, they work! It’s a simple and effective way to exfoliate your skin while cleansing and mildly exfoliating.
Using it regularly will help improve your skin’s appearance. However, the results can vary from person to person, like with other skincare products.

Can I Use Exfoliating Body Wash Everyday?

The concentration of exfoliating actives in body washes is typically low, like 1-2%. Hence they can be used every day.
But it’s better not to use them daily. Instead, use them on alternate days, meaning thrice a week.
As over-exfoliating your skin can strip away your skin’s natural moisture, making it dry and irritated.
And if your skin is dry, it’s good to use it once a week.

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