I won’t waste time burying the lede here: I love exfoliating bar soaps! There are few things in my life as satisfying as physically scrubbing away dead skin cells (is that sad?), which reveals smoother skin and makes for a great base for all of my lotions and potions. As someone who takes anywhere from two to four showers per day, dryness is practically guaranteed. I’m not afraid to admit that my legs have been known to resemble dragon scales. Thankfully the best exfoliating soaps have made a huge improvement. Despite their polishing abilities, some formulas are even gentle enough to use daily, which I happily oblige.
If you’ve never heard of exfoliating soaps, also known as buffing soaps or buffing bars, it helps to think of them the same way you might approach exfoliation in your facial skin-care or scalp care regimen. Basically, they’re an apt solution for clearing away dry, rough patches and better able skin to retain moisture. That way, body skin is left softer, smoother, and more luminous.
Vogue’s Favorite Exfoliating Bar Soaps
Nécessaire The Body Exfoliant Bar
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Flamingo Estate Jasmine Damask Rose Soap Brick
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Curie Coconut Nectar Body Wash Bar
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Topicals Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar
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Unlike traditional exfoliating body scrubs, which can sometimes feel overly abrasive, exfoliating soaps suspend their buffing particles within a cleansing bar that often contains nourishing oils or mild chemical exfoliants. The result is a two-in-one cleanse and exfoliation step that resurfaces skin while helping maintain the skin barrier. Some soaps are even formulated to help address texture concerns like keratosis pilaris or psoriasis.
At Vogue we’re big fans of the bar soap, and appreciate that the pendulum is swinging in their favor. The category has grown to feature an array of indulgently chic offerings, across a range of price points, skin needs, and ingredient composition. Think botanical-infused bars that double as bathroom decor, sometimes priced north of $50, and fragrance house collaborations like those from D.S. & Durga. For those interested in buffing away their worries, behold our edit of the exfoliating bar soaps to know in 2026; plus, their benefits, what sets them apart, and how to choose the one for you. Everything you need to know, below.
