Although beauty spending has slowed this year amid economic turmoil, consumer fatigue and tariffs, that hasn’t stopped brands from introducing new formulas and product across various categories. Case in point: Within the body-care sector, we’re seeing a slew of new iterations of buffing bars — exfoliating body bars formulated with fine physical particles to remove dead skin cells and smooth the skin. (After all, exfoliation isn’t only for the face.) 

Buffing bars aren’t entirely new to the market: Over the years, they’ve become a functional and relatively un-glamorous staple in shower routines. However, new formulas that offer targeted skin treatments (think: hydration, brightening and anti-aging benefits), along with the deepening convergence of beauty and wellness, has elevated buffing bars’ status from a practical toiletry to a covetable luxury. (Consumers have also come around on bar soaps in general over the last few years, largely due to their low-waste, low-cost status.)

Eleonora Mazzilli, North American trend localization & business development director for forecasting company Beautystreams, tells Fashionista that she credits this shift to “the rise of solid beauty formats, and the ongoing ‘skinification of body care.'” She also points out they are “sustainable,” and travel-friendly, when compared to their liquid and gel counterparts.

“Exfoliating body bars deliver both practicality and indulgence: They smooth rough patches, prep the skin for active body care or self-tanning and boost absorption of moisturizers and serums, all while lasting longer and creating less waste than liquid scrubs,” Mazzilli says. “Their compact format appeals to eco-conscious consumers who want efficient yet sustainable solutions. At the same time, they offer a ritualized moment of care, the direct massaging motion connects body and mind, transforming a daily shower into a spa-like ritual.”

Additionally, buffing bars are a low-risk, high-reward investment: Lisa Payne, head of beauty trends at Stylus, explains that this is a compelling factor among budget-conscious shoppers. “The simple format, affordability and ease of use make this a win for both brand and consumer,” Payne says. “Buffing bars are easy to incorporate into in-shower routines, so not adding an extra step, but promising daily exfoliation for smooth skin.”

In today’s market, exfoliating bars must offer more than just simple exfoliation. They must be multitasking, with a variety of targeted, results-driven qualities to competitively stand out among ingredient-savvy consumers. Mazzilli suggests brands favor natural exfoliants like finely milled rice, volcanic sand or biodegradable microbeads, which are ideal for eco-credibility, as well as skin-conditioning ingredients like shea butter, ceramides or niacinamide. For multitasking results that smooth, refine and brighten in one step, buffing bars should incorporate actives like vitamin C or clarifying acids (AHA and/or BHA). The real overachievers may even target the brain, in addition to the skin.

“Looking forward, we anticipate solid formats incorporating neuro-active ingredients designed to interact with the skin’s neuroreceptors, helping not only with skin texture, but also mood, stress and emotional balance,” Mazzilli says.

Though experts advise brands to embrace new, innovative formulas, the application process is pretty universal for consumers: Use buffing bars two-to-three times a week, apply on roughness-prone areas such as the elbows, knees and heels and follow it with moisture-locking body lotion. 

So which expert-approved exfoliating body bars are worth the purchase? Payne reaches for the Soft Services Affogato L’Orange Buffing Bar Buffing Bar, thanks to its derm-inspired design and sensorial texture. Mazzilli echoes Payne’s sentiment about Soft Services, but also recommends the Malin + Goetz Mandelic Acid Exfoliating Bar and Nature Box’s Coconut 2-in-1 Massage & Scrub Body Bar as gentle, daily-use options, as well as the retinol-infused Topicals Slather Exfoliating & Smoothing Bar to scrub away rough bumps.

Ahead, see (and shop!) the best exfoliating body bars that deliver sensorial experiences and targeted treatments. 

Evolvetogether Exfoliating Body Bar, $19, available here

Marlowe Body Scrub Soap Bar, $12, available here

Topicals Faded Brightening & Cleansing Body Bar for Uneven Skin Tone, $28, available here

TonyMoly Plum Bum Gentle Daily Exfoliating Body Bar, $8, available here

Billie Body Buffer, $7, available here

Pacha Soap Co. Sand & Sea Soap Bar, $7, available here

Nécessaire The Body Exfoliant Bar, $15, available here

Koba Soak Me Up Soap Bar, $25, available here

Soft Services Affogato L’Orange Buffing Bar Body Exfoliant, $30, available here

Humanrace Energy Channeling Charcoal Body Bar, $18, available here

Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar, $18, available here

Mutha The Nudist Exfoliating Body Bar, $30, available here

Caldera + Lab The Body Bar Exfoliating Soap, $28, available here

Bag Balm Exfoliating Bar Soap, $7, available here

Buttah Skin Black Gold Skin Polishing Bar, $16 $11, available here

Gente Beauty The Ipanema Scrub Exfoliating Bar Soap, $12, available here

Jack Black Turbo Body Bar Scrubbing Soap, $16, available here

Aesop Polish Bar Soap, $27, available here

Wild Honey & Almond Exfoliating Bar, $20, available here

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