If you’re searching for the best natural body scrub, you want more than just soft, smooth skin — you want pure ingredients, effective exfoliation, and a product you can trust. At Saltspring Soapworks, we’ve been perfecting body care for decades, and our salt and sugar scrubs are carefully crafted to give your skin exactly what it needs.

This Q&A will guide you through everything you should know about body scrubs: how to use them, which type is right for your skin, and why Saltspring Soapworks scrubs are a natural choice for healthier, glowing skin.

How to Use a Body Scrub (Step-by-Step)

1. Stir before use. Mix the scrub so oils and exfoliants are evenly distributed.

2. Scoop a portion. Transfer a small amount into a shower-safe container (avoid dipping wet hands into the jar).

3. Start with clean, wet skin. 

4. Massage gently. Apply in circular motions — neck down, legs up — to boost circulation and smooth rough areas.

5. Rinse with warm water. Avoid hot water, which can dry the skin.

6. Moisturize afterward if needed. Apply your favourite lotion or body oil to lock in hydration.

Pro tip from Saltspring Soapworks: Massage a little scrub into your hands or feet, rinse and dry, before bed for a rehydrating, stress-relieving treatment. 

Salt Scrub vs. Sugar Scrub — Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Both are excellent exfoliators, but each offers unique benefits:

Citrus Sugar Scrub

• Best for dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin

• Larger raw sugar granules = invigorating exfoliation (especially on dry skin)

• Helps clear clogged pores and prevent moisture loss

• 

Grapefruit Sea Salt Scrub

• Best for normal to oily skin

• Finer, grittier particles = gentler on wet skin

• Sea salt helps regulate oil, detoxify, and reduce inflammation

• Naturally rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Trace minerals support circulation and healthy skin renewal

Our recommendation: Many customers keep both on hand. Sugar scrubs for dry, delicate areas like elbows and feet; salt scrubs for oilier areas and all-over refreshment.

Can I Use Body Scrubs on My Face?

We don’t recommend it. Body scrubs are too abrasive for delicate facial skin. For your face, we suggest our Seaweed Hemp Face Scrub, formulated for gentle, natural exfoliation.

When Should I Use a Body Scrub?

• When skin feels dry, rough, or flaky

• Seasonally, to refresh skin at the start or end of weather changes

• Before shaving, especially legs and bikini area, to help prevent ingrown hairs

Always patch test when trying a new skincare product.

When Not to Use a Body Scrub

Avoid scrubs if you have:

• Sunburn

• Cuts, rashes, or bruises

• Bug bites or stings

Exfoliating daily is also not recommended. Your skin needs 24–48 hours to recover between treatments.

Do Body Scrubs Clog Drains?

No. Once rinsed, Saltspring Soapworks scrubs dissolve fully in warm water.

Shelf Life of Saltspring Soapworks Scrubs

Our scrubs last 4–6 months. Because they contain no added water, they don’t require synthetic preservatives. Natural essential oils, plus the salt and sugar themselves, provide antibacterial support.

** Keep water out of the jar, close the lid tightly, and store in a cool, dark place.

Can I Use Scrubs on Lips or Children’s Skin?

• Lips: Yes, gently — once a week, diluted with water. Stop if irritation occurs.

• Children (13+): Yes, with a patch test first, as children’s skin can be more sensitive.

⚠️ Oils may make the tub or shower floor slippery.

Can I Use Scrubs During Pregnancy?

Our scrubs are made with pure, natural ingredients in safe dilutions. However, we recommend speaking with your healthcare provider before using essential oil-based products while pregnant.

Wet Skin or Dry Skin — Which Is Better?

• Wet skin: For a gentler, everyday exfoliation.

• Dry skin: For a more intense exfoliation (use sparingly).

Should I Apply Lotion After Scrubbing?

Yes! Exfoliating allows lotion or body oil to absorb deeper, boosting hydration. Apply right after towel-drying to lock in moisture.

Are Saltspring Soapworks Scrubs Vegan?

Yes — all of our scrubs are 100% vegan.

Do You Test on Animals?

Never have, never will.

Why Saltspring Soapworks Makes Some of the Best Natural Body Scrubs

At Saltspring Soapworks, our scrubs are designed to be more than exfoliators — they’re natural skin treatments. We use:

• Raw, mineral-rich sea salt and sugar for effective, skin-loving exfoliation

• Pure essential oils for natural fragrance and added skin benefits

• Nourishing plant oils that hydrate as they exfoliate

• Zero fillers, zero parabens, zero artificial fragrance

That’s why so many of our customers call them the best natural body scrubs they’ve ever used.

Ready to try one for yourself? Explore our Salt Scrub and Sugar Scrub — handcrafted on Saltspring Island with care for your skin and the planet.