We put the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish to the test after receiving a complimentary sample from the brand. Keep reading for our full product review.
I'm all about keeping it simple when it comes to my shower routine. It's soap and water only for me. And that's not so much because I don't like to try new things. The problem is whenever I dabble with anything other than plain soap, I tend to break out, especially if it has a fragrance. So when I had a chance to try out Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish, I was both excited and nervous.
First and foremost, what are the benefits of exfoliating? According to board-certified dermatologistRachel Nazarian, as we get older, the cell renewal cycle of our skin slows down, and dull skin accumulates. "Exfoliation can encourage the removal of these older cells on the surface, revealing smoother, fresher skin cells," Nazarian explains. "Exfoliation can also help improve skin tone and texture while minimizing the risk of pore-clogging and therefore decreasing the risk of acne pimples. Exfoliation also allows for better penetration of topically applied products, making them more effective."
Meet the Expert
Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. She specializes in cosmetic treatments, skin cancer, and dermatologic surgery.
The brand's Beauty Bar is a staple of mine, so I thought the exfoliating scrub could complement it well. Or, given my track record with bath and shower products, was I headed right back to the land of breakouts? Well, it turns out that after using the product for a week, I was definitely surprised by the results. Keep reading for my full review.
Dove Exfoliating Body Polish
Best for: All skin types.
Uses: This product sets out to gently remove those dead cells that cause roughness and dullness in order to reveal softer, smoother skin.
Potential allergens: Limonene
Byrdie Clean? Yes
Price: Around $6, but can vary depending on the retailer.
About the brand: Dove specializes in creating hair and skincare products that provide effective care while promoting an authentic, confidence-oriented version of beauty.
About My Skin: Sensitive and prone to breakouts
My skin type is pretty normal in general, but it tends to get a little sensitive when it comes to using scented body soaps, washes, scrubs, or any other products with fragrances. Plus, I have a little eczema on my legs that especially flares up during the winter and summer months.
Because of this, I keep my routine gentle and consistent by sticking to Dove’s White Beauty Bar as my body soap when I shower. Afterward, I follow it up first with Gold Bond's Ultimate Rough and Bumpy Daily Therapy Cream to soothe the itchy skin on my legs, and then I moisturize with ButtersRx After Shower Honey Almond Body Butter.
Dove says its product is safe for all skin types and recommends applying the Exfoliating Body Polish in a circular motion all over your body, three to four times a week in the shower or bath prior to cleansing with soap or body wash. For this review, I maintained my routine, and added in Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish in Crushed Almond and Mango Butter as the first step in my shower routine prior to washing.
The Feel: Light, gentle, and creamy
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When I dug into the jar to try my first scoop of Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish, I was pleasantly surprised by the texture. It’s easily the creamiest body scrub I’ve ever used.
The polish was super gentle, with only the slightest hint of that grainy feeling that typically comes with an exfoliating scrub. I’d say it was just rough enough to get the job done, but not so harsh and abrasive that it feels like you’re rubbing sandpaper on your skin. And I loved that the scent was light and not overpowering at all.
The instructions say to rub the product in a circular motion all over your body, which sounds simple enough. Except it didn’t take long for me to realize that it would take me more than a couple of scoops to get enough to cover my entire body. I could easily see myself having to re-up on this jar sooner rather than later if I used it consistently.
The Results: Soft and breakout-free
When I began rubbing Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish all over, I thought there was no way something this light and gentle could make any real difference on my skin. Well, it turns out I was wrong.
As I ran my hand over my body to rinse the scrub off, I was instantly blown away by just how soft my skin felt. Because I moisturize daily, I always thought I had decently smooth skin, but this introduced me to a whole new level of softness. I was literally thinking, "OK, sothisis what baby soft feels like on me." I honestly don't remember the last time my skin ever feltthatsmooth. Even after I got out of the shower and applied my moisturizing cream and body butter, I noticed my skin absorbed the products much more easily than it normally would prior to using the body polish.
However, the biggest win for me was that it didn't break me out. I justknewI would start seeing those familiar red bumps pop up across my chest and back area, but after day four, I realized it just wasn't going to happen. There wasn't a single bump on my body.
Overall, I estimated that this whole experience added an additional five minutes to my shower routine, and while that may not sound like much, when you're on the go and pressed for time, every second matters. So you'll definitely want to plan ahead to get this in during your routine.
It's worth stressing that you shouldn't exfoliate every day. "If you exfoliate the skin too often, or too aggressively, you can actually weaken your skin barrier, leaving you prone to inflammation, infection, even scarring," explains Nazarian. "Early signs of too much exfoliation include redness, burning, or itching."
The Value: Great bang for your buck
Prior to this review, I wouldn’t have even considered taking a chance on any kind of body scrub without fully anticipating a breakout. So the fact that I can get this kind of smooth skin without irritation using a product that costs less than $10 is mind-blowing for me. At $0.57 to $0.86 per ounce, Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish is a steal, especially compared to pricier brands. Just keep in mind that it takes a big scoop to cover your entire body, so you’ll probably have to re-up after a couple of months.
Similar Products: You've got options
Soap & Glory Flake Away Body Polish: This bergamot and rose-scented exfoliating scrub from Soap & Glory ($15) uses shea butter and sugar to transform those rough and dry layers into soft-to-touch skin. Like Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish, this product is ideal for all skin types. However, it’s a little pricier, comparatively speaking.
Tree Hut Tropical Mango Shea Butter Scrub: A whopping 18-oz. jar of Tree Hut's vegan, cruelty-free exfoliating scrub ($9) makes for an even better deal than Dove's polish. It combines an array of oils with shea butter, sugar, and mango puree to help you get that skin glow-up.
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub: If you’re a coffee lover, you will definitely want to try this unique vegan, cruelty-free scrub from Frank Body ($17), which combines actual coffee grinds with Vitamin E and antioxidant-rich oils to give smooth, flawless skin while fading scars and marks. It's a bit pricier compared to Dove’s body polish and contains nuts due to the sweet almond oil, but if you aren't allergic and are looking for an indulgent pick-me-up, this may be the pick for you.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an affordable, gentle body exfoliator, Dove’s Exfoliating Body Polish is a promising choice. It far exceeded my expectations and proved to me once and for all that you can actually get a gentle, effective exfoliator for less than $10 without the risk of irritation, even if you have sensitive skin like mine.
FAQs
Reviewed: Dove's Exfoliating Body Polish Is a Miracle Scrub for Sensitive Skin? ›
Dove Rice Milk Body Polish
The Rice Milk Body Polish is one of my favorite scrubs from Dove! Not only does it smell velvety, but it also provides a moderate exfoliation that's perfect for those with sensitive skin. It has a rich, whipped texture that creates a creamy lather as you rub it on your skin.
Dove Rice Milk Body Polish
The Rice Milk Body Polish is one of my favorite scrubs from Dove! Not only does it smell velvety, but it also provides a moderate exfoliation that's perfect for those with sensitive skin. It has a rich, whipped texture that creates a creamy lather as you rub it on your skin.
You can use the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish three to four times a week, or once a week if you have sensitive skin, then you can gradually increase the frequency as you wish.
Can Dove Exfoliating Body Polish be used on the face? ›It's not just great for your face, either: exfoliating skin on your whole body is just as important to keep it happy, smooth and radiant. It's like giving your body a well-deserved hand to help clear away its dead skin, making way for younger cells to come through.
What is the difference between Dove body scrub and Dove body polish? ›The key difference between these two formulas is that a body scrub is meant to clean and exfoliate, whereas a body polish does not clean the skin, only exfoliate it.
How often should you use Dove exfoliating body polish? ›Dove says its product is safe for all skin types and recommends applying the Exfoliating Body Polish in a circular motion all over your body, three to four times a week in the shower or bath prior to cleansing with soap or body wash.
Is body scrub safe for sensitive skin? ›Even the most sensitive skin types can benefit from a body scrub. They're ideal for removing dead skin cells, which can help you skin feel instantly smoother and help your skin absorb moisturizer more effectively. They can also clear clogged pores and keep ingrown hairs at bay.
Do you use Dove Exfoliating Body Polish before or after shower? ›With Dove Exfoliating Body Polish, it's easy. Just use it in the shower between your shampoo and body wash to use when you feel your skin needs a pick-me-up. And here's an extra tip – exfoliating before you shave or use self-tanner will help the rest of the products in your routine work their magic.
Do you use Dove Exfoliating Body Polish before or after body wash? ›If you're wondering when to use an exfoliating body scrub, make sure you use it after you have showered or bathed, and after you have used shower gel, soap or body wash. This ensures your skin is clean and prepped for exfoliation, and the warm water ensures your skin is damp and soft.
How many times a week should you use an exfoliating scrub? ›Most experts advise that you exfoliate two to three times per week — as long as your skin can handle it. Chemical exfoliants tend to be fine to use more regularly. Physical methods, on the other hand, may be too abrasive to use multiple times a week.
What is the difference between a body scrub and a face scrub? ›
Body scrubs have a thicker consistency, larger particles, and a higher concentration of acids than facial scrubs. These ingredients may be too aggressive for facial skin. Some common components in body scrubs that are too abrasive or irritating for the face include sea salt, sugar, coffee, oatmeal, and perfume.
Do you use body scrub on wet or dry skin? ›Skin should be damp to get the full benefit of exfoliation, plus a warm temperature will help to open your pores and soften the surface of your skin. This is the perfect opportunity to relax your body and mind and conjure up that feeling of a special self-care ritual.
How often should you exfoliate your body? ›2 to 3 times a week generally offers a safe starting point. You can exfoliate more frequently if your skin tolerates it well.
Which is the best Dove scrub? ›Dove Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Deep Exfoliating Body Polish is just the right exfoliator for you as it effectively removes dead skin cells while keeping the skin's pH balanced, giving you soft and radiant skin.
How often should I use body polish? ›Body polishes are more rigorous in nature, so you should stick to once a month at most. Between treatments, you can use an at-home body scrub to lightly exfoliate dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. It's important to not overdo body polishing.
How long do you leave exfoliating rub on? ›If you use a scrub or chemical exfoliator, apply the product gently using small, circular motions. Do this for about 30 seconds, and then rinse off with lukewarm — not hot — water. If you use a brush or sponge, use short light strokes. Never exfoliate if you have open cuts or wounds or if your skin is sunburned.
How often do dermatologists recommend exfoliating? ›For people with dry or sensitive skin, exfoliating twice a week is the maximum frequency dermatologists recommend. You may want to exfoliate only once a week or even every other week if you use products that can cause dryness and irritation, such as retinoids.
Can I use Dove exfoliating scrub everyday? ›Products that contain grainy particles or beads, like our Exfoliating Body Polish, are best to use three to four times a week – but it's a good idea to build up to using them. Signs of over exfoliation can include redness, skin feeling tight or uncomfortable, rashes and dry or flaky patches.
What should I avoid in body wash for sensitive skin? ›Dr. King says this means "avoiding harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate that can strip the skin of its natural oils and contribute to dryness and irritation." She also advises against acids like salicylic and glycolic since they can also be drying and irritating to sensitive skin.
What is the difference between body scrub and body exfoliator? ›The basic difference between a scrub and an exfoliator is that the scrub contains exfoliating particles in a cream-based concoction. But an exfoliator can be a chemical or a mechanical agent applied to the skin to remove the dead cells from your skin.
Does exfoliating help sensitive skin? ›
No, there's no magic wand involved - but a little face exfoliation can benefit even the most sensitive skin, so long as it's done right. Scrubbing your skin is off the menu - sensitive or otherwise. However, exfoliating your face regularly is your ticket to glowing, polished skin.
Do you wash after exfoliating? ›Exfoliation Before Cleansing
Scrubbing first can remove residue, dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of your skin. Following this step with cleanser helps wash away any dead skin cells or particles on skin's surface that were lifted by the scrub.
The straightforward answer is after. While people have often tried using it before, it is not with the best results. Soap tends to clean out dead skin cells, debris, dirt, and oils, which means they don't really have much to do after a body scrub. In fact, they act as a base to prepare the body for a body scrub.
Do you shower after exfoliating? ›According to dermatologists, you should exfoliate first, then wash your hair, and then wash your body. This will ensure that each shower product you use has time to work. If you have concerns about your skin, you should follow this order as closely as you can. This will help prevent acne, razor burn, or dry hair.
Do you shave or exfoliate first? ›According to Sarah Allen, MD, a board-certified Internal Medicine physician and co-founder of The SkinClique, it's best to exfoliate before shaving. "It is great to remove dead skin and debris to leave your skin feeling silky smooth," she says.
Should you exfoliate older skin? ›Having an exfoliant in your skincare routine as you get older is a good, possibly essential, move in helping your skin be the best it can be, thanks to all the associated benefits: Speeding up cell turnover, protecting against collagen depletion and helping to maintain elasticity.
Does exfoliating help with wrinkles? ›Exfoliating is actually a must for an anti-aging skincare routine. By exfoliating away dead, dull skin cells, you're revealing brighter, newer skin underneath and also increasing cellular turnover, softening and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.
What happens if you don't exfoliate your body? ›Adult skin that's not regularly exfoliated may experience acne and more rapid visible aging. It is often not very vibrant in tone, and easily becomes clogged with dirt, excess oil, and dead skin cells. Blackheads are also more likely to occur.
Do you put body scrub on your face? ›Not only will it hurt to exfoliate, it's also important that you don't hurt the skin's healing process. Second, the skin on your face is different from the skin on your body. So never use a body scrub on your face—doing so is unlikely to provide any benefits, and it could even unintentionally damage your facial skin.
Which is better exfoliator or scrub? ›How They Are the Same. The overall goal of using a facial scrub or skin exfoliator is to improve the look and feel of your skin. It reduces uneven skin tone, makes it softer, and allows all your skincare products to absorb better on freshly exfoliated skin.
Is a body scrub better than a massage? ›
Body scrub vs. massage: is there any difference? Body scrubs remove dead skin cells, help to improve blood circulation and cleanse the Skin via exfoliation. While a scrub massage helps your body to relax and leaves your skin refreshed and glowing.
What does Dove exfoliating body polish do? ›REMOVES DULL DRY SKIN & RESTORES SKIN'S NATURAL NUTRIENTS - When used as a body scrub, Dove Exfoliating Body Polish gently removes dead skin cells to reveal a new layer of beautiful, radiant skin.
Is it necessary to apply moisturizer after scrub? ›Apply Moisturizers
if you just finished exfoliating your face, or any other body part, the most important thing to remember is to stay moisturized. While one exfoliation won't completely strip your skin of all of its oil, it will remove most of it, leaving the surface dry.
In shower or bath, scoop a generous amount of body polish with hand. Spread all over body in a circular motion and rinse. Enjoy Dove Exfoliating Body Polish 3-4 times per week.
Should you exfoliate in the morning or night? ›When it comes to morning versus night exfoliation, you're going to reap the best benefits from exfoliating in the morning time. This is due to the oils your skin produces overnight. You'll be able to more smoothly remove all impurities, dead skin, and oils, when you exfoliate in the morning, rather than at night.
What is the black stuff when I rub my skin? ›The “black stuff” when you rub your skin is nothing but dead cells, dirt and surface grime. It comes off due to friction caused by rubbing your skin.
What are the best times to exfoliate? ›Though any time of day will work, exfoliating in the morning is ideal because the skin repairs itself at night,1 potentially leaving a layer of dead skin cells just begging to be sloughed off.
Do dermatologists recommend Dove body wash? ›Dermatologist recommended skin care products
They champion Dove because of our long-term commitment, and that's why Dove is still the No. 1 dermatologist-recommended brand for body wash, bars, antiperspirants and deodorants in the US today.
How do you know which type to use? AHAs are often used to improve skin tone and mild areas of discoloration. BHAs, on the other hand, are ideal for oily or acne-prone skin due to their pore-unclogging properties. If you have highly sensitive skin, a less intrusive PHA exfoliant may be the route to go down.
What to apply after body polish? ›After applying, thoroughly rinse your body with warm water. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply an organic moisturiser to thoroughly lock in moisture and hydrate your skin..
Can you use Dove body polish everyday? ›
You can use the Dove Exfoliating Body Polish three to four times a week, or once a week if you have sensitive skin, then you can gradually increase the frequency as you wish.
Does body polishing remove dark spots? ›Does body polishing remove dark spots? Yes, body polishing removes dead skin, dirt, and germs, which may help lighten the appearance of dark spots.
Which is the best dove scrub? ›Dove Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Deep Exfoliating Body Polish is just the right exfoliator for you as it effectively removes dead skin cells while keeping the skin's pH balanced, giving you soft and radiant skin.
Does Dove good for sensitive skin? ›With its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula, this Dove Beauty Bar is perfect for sensitive skin care routines, making it the moisturizing soap for sensitive skin. Take care of your skin with the Dove sensitive skin bar, the Dove green soap.
Is Dove pampering body wash good for sensitive skin? ›For sensitive skin, balance is everything – that's why we created Dove Sensitive Skin Hypoallergenic Body Wash. With an ultra-mild formula, this body wash for sensitive skin is kind to skin while providing the hydrating care it deserves, leaving it soft and moisturized in just one shower.
What type of scrub which can be great for soothing irritated skin? ›Lavender-based body scrubs can be great for soothing irritated skin, healing inflamed skin, and calming and relaxing your senses. Right before bedtime is a great time to use a lavender body scrub.
How often should I use Dove exfoliating body scrub? ›Our exfoliating body polishes have a creamy, moisture-rich lather that effortlessly coats your skin, making it easy to get the results you want, without any fuss. How often should I exfoliate? For all skin types, start exfoliation once per week and then gradually increase to 3-4 times per week.
What does Dove Exfoliating Body Polish do? ›REMOVES DULL DRY SKIN & RESTORES SKIN'S NATURAL NUTRIENTS - When used as a body scrub, Dove Exfoliating Body Polish gently removes dead skin cells to reveal a new layer of beautiful, radiant skin.
Is Dove Sensitive good for itchy skin? ›Caring for dry-itchy skin Dove Irritation Care Body Wash has received the National Eczema Association seal of acceptance. It helps relieve sensitive, dry-itchy and irritation-prone skin in just one shower, to leave it feeling moisturized and comfortable.
What soaps do dermatologists recommend? ›Recommended soaps are Dove, Olay and Basis. Even better than soap are skin cleansers such as Cetaphil Skin Cleanser, CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser and Aquanil Cleanser. Deodorant soaps are often very harsh and drying.
How do I choose a body wash for sensitive skin? ›
Avoid using body washes with harmful chemicals. Many poor-quality skincare products contain toxins that can strip away the natural oils from your skin, thus leaving it dry and irritated. It is advisable to opt for safe and gentle skincare products made with natural ingredients.
Am I allergic to Dove body wash? ›Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using the topical emollient and call your doctor if you have severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where the product was applied.
Which Dove soap is good for dry and sensitive skin? ›Dove Beauty Bar is a great option for people with dry or sensitive skin, as it is made with 100% pure moisturizing cream and contains no harsh chemicals.
Do I use body scrub before or after soap? ›When should you use a body scrub? If you're wondering when to use an exfoliating body scrub, make sure you use it after you have showered or bathed, and after you have used shower gel, soap or body wash. This ensures your skin is clean and prepped for exfoliation, and the warm water ensures your skin is damp and soft.
What can I put on sensitive irritated skin? ›- Steroid creams. An OTC hydrocortisone cream can help reduce inflammation and eliminate itch. Try Cortizone 10.
- Numbing creams. Some anti-itch creams contain a topical numbing agent that relieves itchiness and burning. ...
- Soothing bath. A cool oatmeal bath can sooth blistered, burning skin.