Sometimes a gal just wants to have smooth elbows, you know? I don’t want to over-scrub my elbows and aggravate my vitiligo, but I love silky smooth elbows and knees. I also love the feeling of baby soft hands after I use scrubs and polishes. But I’m picky about texture (I know what’s you’re thinking: what is this girl not picky about?). Many years ago I used to be obsessed with Bath & Body works “Need a Margarita” citrus scrub, but now I gag if I’m even across the way from a Bath & Body Works in an open air mall.

Here are my takes on some natural-ish (depending on your definition) sugar and salt scrubs and body polishes.

Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish Review

This is by far the best texture body scrub I have found: this sugar scrub is both gentle and effectively scrubby. The coconut oil, clay and shea butter work with the sugar to create a nice consistency. Sometimes when I use it, I smell mostly coconut, which I LOVE. But let’s not forget about the “rose” part of this “coco rose” body polish. I was hesitant to buy this product over the past year, but every time I sampled it at Sephora and local boutiques, this favorite scrub seemed more coconut-y with just a hint of rose. But it’s straight up tricksy. One scoop is coconut – no big deal. The next time I shower and scoop, it’s the most aggressive rose scent ever. I should learn by now to stay away from rose anything since it is such a strong natural fragrance. Maybe it’s just certain rose oils and scents I can’t handle? This Herbivore Coco Rose scrub uses Moroccan rose extract.

I love the idea of Herbivore (and I have another blog post on them coming) but their products are so fragrant – even though they are naturally fragrant and not from synthetic scents. They have so many – what I can assume – are great face oils. But I can’t stand the strong scent enough to not wash off the face oils immediately after I try them. I would love to use their Blue Tansy AHA and BHA resurfacing mask but even a whiff of it in Sephora leaves me running for the door. It may be natural, but it’s just too strong if you have sensitive skin or are sensitive to scents and need to reduce your stress.

Swatches of body polishes and body scrubs: Beaute Nouveau, First Aid Beauty Cleansing Body Polish, Trader Joe’s Lavender Salt Scrub and Herbivore Coco Rose Body Polish

Trader Joe’s Lavender Salt Scrub Review

I like the idea of this. And the salt has a really very scrubby texture. But the lavender is too overwhelming. I continue to try lavender over the years because it’s supposed to be relaxing, right? But it’s too much. All the time. This product is very moisturizing, but really it’s just more oily. Whenever I use it i’m terrified to move in the shower because I’m afraid I’ll slip and fall.

What’s in this lavender salt scrub: LOTS of oil: sweet almond oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil, grape seed oil, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, green tea extract and St. John’s wort.

Also this product starts to smell like paint thinner over time – not recommended. The oils get rancid too quickly. If you really want a lavender salt body scrub, I would make your own.

First Aid Beauty Cleansing Body Polish with Active Charcoal Review

I just don’t get it. Or it’s just not what I thought it would be. Maybe if I had acne or other skin problems I would like this? It’s not very scrubby. I got it as part of a Black Friday special along with their self-tanner. I would not recommend this, personally. If you are looking for a traditional body polish or scrub.

The deal is it’s actually both physical and chemical scrubby exfoliants that goes from “scrub” to foam way too quickly. It smells like a combination of charcoal and Christmas trees, but not in a good way. And something else. Oh that’s right: rosemary. I’m not a fan. I love that like other First Aid Beauty products it is allergy-tested (whatever that means) and “fragrance free”, but it is over course scented with rosemary and other oils.

It does say it’s supposed to be good for smoothing rough patches and reducing the appearance of keratosis pilaris bumps. Maybe I should give it another try…if I can get past the rosemary.

Beaute Nouveau Botanical Beauty Sugar Balm Body Scrub & Creme Review

I had a feeling this would be too scented, but I just had to try it and it’s a local brand and I love to support local businesses and makers. I’m also a sucker for anything “tea” scented: this body scrub and creme combo had me at “early grey tea infused bourbon vanilla extract.” This texture is great – very gentle. More like the Herbivore Coco Rose and less like the harsher scrub of the Trader Joe’s lavender salt scrub. And it has a moisturizing balm built in so right after you have your scrub you are instantly moisturized in a non-greasy way. I think they tried to make the scent subtle but like most scented products with me, It can be a bit overwhelming at times. I have a friend who would love this though so I will pass along the beauty wealth 🙂 (more on this brand to coming soon)

My next step: I need to just make my own. I have a huge bag of semi-course Himalayan sea salt in my pantry along with organic sugar (for those times I’m feeling ambitious and actually bake something for my husband) and organic coconut oil – surely I can whip up some sort of natural scrub with that? Maybe I’ll add a little clay too. Does anyone have a great recipe?