A relaxing bath or refreshing shower at the end of a long day is something we all look forward to. No matter whether you’re a warm water bather or a cold shower purist, there are few parts of our daily routine that give us as much time to unwind and reflect. And while a bath or shower can be the ideal sanctuary to decompress for the day, the ultimate purpose is bathing. We suggest having one of the best loofahs or shower sponges in hand to make washing an enjoyable experience.
Loofahs and shower sponges are a convenient way to make quick work of your bathing routine, in addition to making sure your choice of accompanying soap works harder and cleans deeper.
You will find there are many styles of cleaning tool available when you enter the realm of loofahs and shower sponges. Deciding on which is best suited to you depends on your main area of focus, preferred textures and general cleaning routine. Here are some of the most common tool styles and their major benefits:
- Loofahs – For the best user experience using a loofah, it’s highly important to ensure it is dried and stored properly in between uses to avoid any bacterial growth. These washing aids are usually made from naturally grown materials and so can easily become moldy if left damp for extended periods. However, when stored correctly, the exfoliating benefits of a loofah are well worth the effort.
- Washcloths – Although they offer a softer and less intense wash than some competing shower accessories, washcloths are a great tool for enhancing your cleaning routine and encouraging a more thorough wash. To top it off, they’re usually machine washable, allowing them to be used time and time again, unlike some loofahs and shower sponges.
- Silicone Scrubbers – Many of the most advanced and recently developed washing accessories are made from silicone. They are highly durable and also resistant to mold, making them ideal for bathing.
- Gloves – Wearing a pair of exfoliating gloves adds a handy layer to your hands which washes, scrubs and generally feels pleasant against your skin. This choice of washing accessory is particularly well suited to bathers who are particularly clumsy and often drop bath-related tools like bars of soap or sponges.
- Sponges – When it comes to lathering up, a sponge is top of the pile. They create more bubbles and suds to help effectively scrub away dirt.
We’ve rounded up a selection of the best loofahs and exfoliating sponges, as well as several tools that let you scrub your back and other hard-to-reach areas. And although buying them all would be excessive, having a selection to choose from allows you to target specific body areas. Luckily, whichever tools you end up picking, you’ll still end up with healthier skin with a more radiant glow.
1. Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber
BEST OVERALL
Deep clean and exfoliate your skin with the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber. One side is textured to remove damaged surface skin, the other is soft to leave you feeling invigorated. Two handles make it easy to use on your back and feet. This is one of our favorite shower accessories, and it’s a great solution if you want to wash your back. In addition, this back scrubber has also proven to be a huge hit among Spy readers over the years.
Read More: The Best Back Scrubbers for That All-Over Clean
2. Shower Puff Black Bath Sponge
BUDGET BUY
Loofahs need to be replaced fairly regularly, which is why this pack of Shower Puff Black Bath Sponges is a good option. You can get them in all black or in different color sets. Each puff is 4.7 inches across, which is a large enough size to scrub your entire body without being unwieldy. With more than 26,000 reviews from Amazon customers and a solid 4.6-star rating, this is one of the most popular shower loofahs on Amazon.
3. Greenrain Bath Body Brush with Long Handle
CONTENDER
If you have a hard time reaching your back or bending over to reach your legs, this Greenrain Bath Body Brush with Long Handle can be a good addition to your shower routine. This shower scrubber boasts more than 15,000 reviews from Amazon customers, and the head is covered with comfortable nylon bristles that exfoliate, while a long, curved handle makes it easy to reach your back. It comes in a variety of colors, too, so you can stock up for the whole family. Finally, the hole at the base of the handle makes it easy to hang.
Buy: Greenrain Scrubber Brush $9.99
4. Salux Nylon J-Beauty Wash Cloth
BEST REVIEWED
The Salux Nylon J-Beauty Wash Cloth features a patented Japanese-designed nylon fabric scrub. It’s machine washable, dries quickly and is considered to be softer than a loofah, but will still give your entire body a great exfoliating experience. This cloth is great for stimulating blood and skin circulation and because of that it is considered a great tool to have in your arsenal for combating cellulite.
5. myHomeBody Premium Bath Sponge
BEST SHOWER SPONGE
The myHomeBody Premium Bath Sponge comes delivered in a reusable, zip-lock bag which can be used for handy storage if they are ever wet or damp. Each set includes three generously sized sponges, all of which have been ergonomically shaped for a better and more comfortable grip. The sponge itself is made from high-quality PU material, giving the bath sponge added durability for a longer life.
Buy: myHomeBody Premium Bath Sponge $12.99
6. Soft Silicone Body Brush
BEST HAND BRUSH
Silicone to exfoliate your body? Absolutely. Unlike traditional sponges, silicone boasts the ability to thwart bacterial growth and is easy to clean, drys quickly and doesn’t leave behind residue that breeds bacteria. This FDA-approved, BPA-free silicone body brush will not only exfoliate your skin but also give you a comfortable massage; a great way to incorporate self-care into your daily shower routine.
Buy: Innerneed Silicone Scrubber $6.99
7. Beach Bum Foam Bath Sponge
ALSO CONSIDER
This Beach Bum Foam Bath Sponge has a natural yellow sea sponge look (although they are synthetic), giving them a rustic beach house look. The pack includes two sponges, and each sponge has a hanging loop for easy storage in the shower.
8. KECUCO Bath Sponges
BEST GIFT
Everyone needs personal cleaning supplies, which is why the KECUCO Bath Sponges is a great go-to gift idea and stocking stuffer. The three sponges included in the set are made up of three colored layers, and all feature a rope loop for easy hanging for storage and drying. They’re generously sized to deliver a fuller grip and better coverage as you wash. Furthermore, these sponges are made of fibrous sponge, which makes them particularly gentle on skin while being dense enough to remove dirt and cleanse skin.
Buy: KECUCO Bath Sponges $8.99
9. Mesh Pouf Shower Sponge Loofahs
BEST RANGE OF COLORS
If you’re looking for the best loofahs, these basic mesh loofahs will get the job done. Enjoy the feel of this gentle shower mesh against your skin as it exfoliates and scrubs away dead skin cells. Create a rich lather by wetting and adding your soap/body wash and work the sponge loofah over your body to regain a natural glow. Four different colored loofahs are included in the pack.
10. Exfoliating Body Wash Cloths
BEST WASH CLOTH
These dual-side Exfoliating Body Wash Cloths offer a convenient two-in-one solution. You can use this on both your face and body and helps to promote soft silky skin that glows all throughout the year, and best of all this washcloth is delicate enough to feel like you’re in a spa, but also gives your skin the gentle exfoliation your skin needs.
Buy: Evriholder Dual Textured Cloth $10.50
11. Mr.Cui’shop Natural Exfoliating Loofah
BEST EXFOLIATING SPONGE
You can allocate a loofah for you, and one for you partner when you buy this two-pack of Mr.Cui’shop Natural Exfoliating Loofahs. Each brush comes complete with a hanging loop for easier storage and better ventilation when drying. The handle and head are attached, delivering better control when you’re scrubbing those hard-to-reach areas of your body. Additionally, this loofah is well suited for both oily and dry skin types.
Buy: Mr.Cui’shop Natural Exfoliating Loofah $14.98
12. Crafts of Egypt Natural Loofah Sponges
BEST NATURAL LOOFAH
Although most of the loofahs we see are made of synthetic materials, the concept of the Crafts of Egypt Natural Loofah Sponges is based on a natural material. The loofah is actually a gourd in the cucumber family that can be dried to create a naturally exfoliating material. For centuries, people have been using this plant to clean their bodies. To try out the natural version of the popular shower tool, consider these Crafts of Egypt Natural Loofah Sponges. Each of the three loofahs in this pack measures six by six inches and has a 100% cotton handle attached for easy hanging and drying.
Buy: CraftsofEgypt Natural Loofah Sponges $16.99
13. EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves
BEST SCRUB GLOVES
EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves are a great way to scrub because they’re as versatile as your hands, allowing you to reach small areas like between your toes and behind your ears. The gloves come in different textures to suit your skin’s needs, whether you need something exfoliating or gently cleansing.
14. Delicate Girl Loofah Pads
BEST FOR FACE
While most loofahs are designed for cleaning and exfoliating your entire body, these Delicate Girl Loofah Pads are designed for the skin on your face. Made from 100% natural loofah combined with soft terry cloth, these pads can be used with a cleanser for a deep clean, or they can be simply rubbed over your face on their own to remove dry skin. However you intend to use them, soak the pads in warm water first to soften the loofah and protect your skin. Clean the pads every week, and replace them every month to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Buy: Delicate Girl Loofah Pads $9.79
15. BAIMEI Bath and Shower Sponge
MOST DURABLE
Somewhere between a loofah and a shower sponge, the BAIMEI Bath and Shower Sponge is a great skin cleaning shower sponge tool to keep in your shower. The one-piece loofah sponge lathers well with a minimal amount of soap and dries out quickly thanks to its porous construction and hanging handle. Plus, the size, which is just under six by five inches, fits easily into one hand. This pack includes two sponges of different colors, which means there’s one for you and one for your partner, too.
16. Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber
SILICONE PICK
The Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber’s loop handle makes it easy to store and dry after use. It also provides greater security in hand by allowing you to loop the handle over your fingers. This scrubber is made from food-grade silicone to further prevent bacterial growth and help the scrubber stay clean between washes. Plus, many customers find the silicone bristles clean more effectively than when they are using a washcloth, loofah or traditional brush.
ON SALE NOW
Buy: Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber $7.99
17. Surlees 2.0 Back Scrubber
AMAZON’S CHOICE
We love the ergonomic design of these shower back scrubbers, which will put even the best loofahs to shame. With an extra-long 15-inch handle and harder bristles than the previous version of this brush, the Surlees body and back scrubber will let you clean and exfoliate every part of your body. These shower brushes are also available in a range of colors if you’re the type of bather that likes to match grooming tools to your bathroom decor.
Buy: surlees 2.0 Plus - Back Scrubber for Shower $9.99
18. IMPRESA Eco-Friendly Loofahs
MOST ECO-FRIENDLY
IMPRESA Eco-Friendly Loofahs utilize recycled materials in their production and are completely recyclable after use. Each pack includes six loofahs spread across three colors. They also feature a useful hanging loop that fits comfortably over most styles of faucet, making them a handy choice for anyone who always likes to keep their cleaning tool close at hand.
Buy: IMPRESA Eco-Friendly Loofahs $9.99
19. C.S.M Body Brush
ROUND PICK
The clue is in the name of the C.S.M Body Brush, as it’s designed to enable a complete body clean. This ergonomically designed, luxury wash tool targets dry skin and ingrown hairs to improve the quality of your skin while improving blood circulation. Its circular design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and can be held securely in place using the integrated loop. With this advanced style of brush at your mercy, your skin could be looking smoother and more radiant in just a few washes.
20. LOVE, LORI Shower Foot Massager
BEST FOR FEET
Although feet are at the bottom of our bodies, they should be at the top of our cleaning list. That’s why the LOVE, LORI Shower Foot Massager is a wise investment. Whether you frequently experience smelly feet or not, your soles and toes will be cleaner with this cleaning tool in your arsenal. The flexible silicone bristles pay attention to acupressure points for a deeper, massaging clean. The back of the pad is covered with small suckers to hold it in place while you shower. Furthermore, the suckers can also be used to attach the massager to the wall to dry once you’re done cleaning for the day.
Buy: LOVE, LORI Shower Foot Massager $13.95
21. Zosenda Dry Brushing Body Brush
BEST SET
If you’re undecided about which specific tool should be your go-to device, or if you’re already smart enough to know you’ll need multiple tools to achieve the best results, the Zosenda Dry Brushing Body Brush kit is for you. It includes multiple tools for exfoliating every area of your body, from your face to your feet. And while most of the tools have a single purpose, the brush has a detachable handle, meaning it can also be used alone for a more intense scrub.
Buy: Zosenda Dry Brushing Body Brush $14.99
22. Loofah Shower Sponge
BEST SPONGE
This Loofah Shower Sponge will leave your skin feeling silky smooth. Included in this generous pack are six beautiful loofah sponges. Just one will create a truly enjoyable amount of lather every shower time. This pack would make a great stocking stuffer for a partner who loves time in the bathroom.
Buy: A La Paix Loofah (6-pack) $13.99
23. Lulu Essentials Natural Loofah Pads
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Available in a pack of four, these premium Lulu Essentials Natural Loofah Pads are hand-sized to provide ideal body coverage. And they boast a two out of five on the roughness scale, so you’ll find exfoliating comfortable — even if you have sensitive skin. Each pad contains hand-picked luffa seeds which have been sewn together to form a pad, and, combined with an easy-to-use band, they provide maximum control as you wash.
Buy: Lulu Essentials Loofah Pads $10.50
24. Utopia Towels Luxury Washcloths Set
BEST TOWELS
You know how at hotels they always have stacks of freshly washed towels in different sizes? This set from Utopia Towels comes in a pack of 12, making it easy to stock up and have a pile ready to go every time you shower. The towels themselves are 12 x 12 inches, making them a good size for washing in the shower or as a face towel after showering.
Buy: Utopia Bath Towels $13.99
25. YOOVE Loofah Back Scrubber
BEST INFUSED
If you want your loofah to do more than clean and exfoliate your skin, you’ll love the idea of the YOOVE Loofah Back Scrubber. This shower sponge is infused with bamboo charcoal to draw out excess oil from your skin, eliminate toxins and deodorize while you wash. This pack includes one normal loofah pouf, one loofah pouf on a 15.5-inch handle and one self-adhesive hook so you can hang up your loofahs directly in your shower.
Buy: YOOVE Loofah Back Scrubber $13.39
26. Baiden Mitten Superior Exfoliator Glove
BEST GLOVE
The Baiden Mitten Superior Exfoliator Glove boasts the ability to help eradicate your skin’s imperfections by working with your skin’s natural healing abilities and not against them. In addition to exfoliating your skin, this tool acts as a gentle microdermabrasion to help treat skin discoloration, soften stretch marks, firm your skin and even helps with blackheads & large pores for your face. Using this tool once weekly will help keep your skin healthy.
Buy: Baiden Bath Mitten $48.97
What Are the Benefits of Using Exfoliating Tools?
Using a loofah, shower sponge, brush or other washing accessory to exfoliate your skin is one of the best ways to enhance the overall condition of your skin. For people who want to maintain a youthful look, regularly using moisturizer, protecting your skin with sunscreen and using exfoliating tools are key elements of a beauty and grooming routine. When you’re taking a shower or bath, loofahs and other exfoliating tools help rub away dry and dead skin, allowing the exfoliating process to unclog pores, level skin tone and encourage better circulation. Furthermore, by doing this, you can help prevent acne breakouts as well as help your skincare products to penetrate deeper and more effectively into your skin.
If bacne, aka back acne, is a concern for you, then you’ll want to make sure to choose either a loofah with a handle or a dedicated back scrubber. Some of the best loofahs and shower scrubbers are designed with a long, curved handle, which makes it easy to scrub your back and clean the dead skin, oil and clogged pores that can lead to back acne. There are washcloths, body scrubbers and loofahs designed for this purpose, and the type of option you select is all about personal preference.