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The best exfoliating body washes do more than cleanse—they smooth out rough skin using a blend of chemical or physical exfoliants and barrier-supporting ingredients. Whether you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris (a.k.a. strawberry skin), body breakouts, ingrown hairs, or general dryness, the right formula can make a major difference.

Many exfoliating body washes use chemical ingredients, like glycolic, lactic, or salicylic acid, to break down dead skin cells and clear out clogged pores. These acids (often labeled as AHAs, BHAs, or PHAs) do the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining even skin texture and controlling breakouts. Others may include physical exfoliants, such as fine scrub particles, to manually remove dead cells from the skin.

Our Top Exfoliating Body Washes

• Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki, $28
• Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
• Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash, $16
• Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash, $15

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?
• What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Before you brace yourself for a rough, red, irritated aftermath, know this: You’ll often find these paired with soothing ingredients like aloe, ceramides, or niacinamide to calm and protect the skin barrier. Ahead, we’ve rounded up the best exfoliating body washes for every skin concern, whether you're looking for a heavy-duty polish for a weekly reset or body care that’s gentle enough for daily use.

Best Overall: Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki

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Nécessaire

The Body Wash in Hinoki

$28

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Credo Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nécessaire The Body Wash in Hinoki

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Nécessaire's The Body Wash in Hinoki is a skin-care treatment disguised as a cleanser. Since we crowned the fragrance-free version as the best body wash for sensitive skin, it doesn’t surprise us that dermatologists also love the exfoliating, scented version. “This formula is incredibly well-balanced,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It exfoliates with a gentle blend of glycolic, lactic, and salicylic acids, while also nourishing the skin with niacinamide and glycerin.” She recommends it for body breakouts, dullness, and dryness, noting that it “supports the skin barrier instead of stripping it.” The woodsy Hinoki scent, inspired by Japanese cypress, instantly evokes a mountain spa vibe, and honestly, who wouldn’t want that in their shower routine?

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I hoard Nécessaire's body washes for one reason: They're good! But the Hinoki is my favorite, especially in the summertime when my skin is peppered with mosquito bites—which inevitably lead to dark spots. The exfoliating acids help them fade more quickly (think weeks, not months) and I love the sheer convenience of having a potent exfoliant and body wash in a single step. Bonus: The Hinoki scent is fresh and green, like a walk in the woods.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“I’m a certified Hinoki Head™. As evidenced by my well-loved bottle, I adore it, but I'd still be hoarding these body washes even if they hadn't added my favorite woody, slightly spicy fragrance to it. It forms a nice, medium lather, and the trio of exfoliating acids—AHA, BHA, and PHA—smooth out rough patches of skin—has definitely made a difference in the KP on my upper arms. I am not an early riser at all, but having my morning shower smell like a lush, tree-lined spa makes waking up with my alarm a little easier.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, salicylic acid, niacinamide
• Scent: hinoki, basil, magnolia, vetiver

Best for Keratosis Pilaris: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

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First Aid Beauty

KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub

$30 $25 (17% off)

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Dermstore

Allure former content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Smoothing Body Lotion

Kara McGrath

Why it’s worth it: If you've got keratosis pilaris, chances are you've cycled through more body scrubs and lotions than you can count—only to end up with the same stubborn bumps. “KP is one of those conditions where patients often feel like nothing works, and I find First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub actually delivers noticeable improvement with consistent use," says Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati.

This 2025 Best of Beauty-winning formula takes a two-pronged approach, pairing 10% glycolic and lactic acids (to dissolve the buildup of dead skin cells that clog hair follicles) with fine pumice buffing beads that instantly smooth rough texture. To keep all that exfoliation from feeling overly aggressive, soothing bisabolol calms potential irritation while vitamin E replenishes moisture and supports the skin barrier. “Treating KP requires patience, but this addresses the root issue rather than just temporarily softening the skin,” she says.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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"First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub has a potent, 10% alpha-hydroxy acid-infused formula, along with a gritty texture to double down on all the clogged pores, ingrown hairs, and keratosis pilaris along my body. This stuff means business, so I usually use this scrub once per week on problem areas, like my upper arms and back, and rougher patches of skin after cleansing." —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pumice buffing beads, glycolic acid, lactic acid, bisabolol, vitamin E
• Scent: none

Best Drugstore: CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

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CeraVe

SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

$14

Amazon

$14

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the CeraVe SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to skin care, CeraVe is one of the best-known drugstore brands around, and their SA Body Wash for Rough & Bumpy Skin is a derm go-to for smoothing and restoring rough skin. “It cleanses and exfoliates while simultaneously helping to restore the skin barrier with three essential ceramides,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. In addition to barrier-repairing ceramides, the formula includes salicylic acid to clear pores and gently exfoliate, as well as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to deeply hydrate, soothe, and strengthen the skin. It’s fragrance-free and non-stripping, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ve dealt with strawberry skin on my thighs and upper arms for most of my life, and this is one of the few body washes that actually helps without irritating my skin. The gel texture feels silky going on, builds a satisfying lather, and somehow manages to exfoliate while leaving my sensitive skin feeling calm, moisturized, and noticeably smoother.” —Christa Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
• Scent: none

Best for Dry Skin: Glytone Exfoliating Body Wash

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Glytone

Exfoliating Body Wash

$16

Amazon (2 fl oz.)

$38

Dermstore (6.7 fl oz.)

Why it’s worth it: Glytone literally takes its name from its hero ingredient, glycolic acid, "which is one of the most well-researched AHAs for improving skin texture, tone, and overall radiance," says Dr. Bowles. Glycolic acid exfoliates dead skin cells that can otherwise contribute to rough patches and keratosis pilaris, while glycerin offsets dryness by drawing moisture into the skin. "It's effective without being overly harsh, and it works well for people dealing with rough skin or dullness on the body," says Dr. Bowles, who recommends letting it sit on the skin for a minute or two before rinsing to maximize the exfoliating benefits.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, glycerin
• Scent: none

Best for Acne: Byoma Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash

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Byoma

Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash

$15

Amazon

$15

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If you're prone to body acne, one of the easiest ways to keep breakouts at bay is by reaching for an exfoliating body wash. Byoma's Blemish Acne Clearing Body Wash combines 2% salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce excess oil, and bakuchiol (a gentle alternative to retinol) to promote skin cell turnover and reduce the appearance of uneven texture. "What I appreciate about this one is that it tackles body acne without completely wrecking the skin barrier, which is a common complaint I hear from patients who've tried more aggressive options," says Dr. Bowles. Alongside the salicylic acid, the formula features ceramides and glycerin to nourish and comfort skin. "The texture is lightweight, which helps with consistently remembering to use it,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, bakuchiol, glycerin, ceramides
• Scent: none

Best for Mature Skin: Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub

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Skinfix

Resurface+ Glycolic Renewing Body Scrub

$33

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to improve skin texture fast, Skinfix's Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub combines both chemical and physical exfoliants to get the job done. “It combines willow bark extract, glycolic and lactic acids with soothing aloe and skin-conditioning ingredients,” says Dr. Engelman. “It’s great for targeting roughness, uneven tone, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation on the body.” While it does contain physical exfoliant particles, the super-milled texture is ultra-fine and gentle, so it won’t scratch or irritate sensitive skin. “I especially like this for patients with more advanced sun damage or those prepping for body treatments like lasers or peels,” she says. Unlike your typical body wash, this one is meant to be used on dry skin before your shower. Then, rinse off with warm water.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5% glycolic acid, 5% lactic acid, willow bark extract
• Scent: subtle and fruity, thanks to orange and lemon extract, with zero added fragrance

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use an exfoliating body wash daily?

Using an exfoliating body wash every day isn’t always the best idea, especially if you have sensitive or dry skin. “I do not typically recommend using an exfoliating body wash every day, as this can dry out the skin and cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Chang. “I recommend using exfoliating body washes two or three times per week as tolerated, and alternate with a gentle hydrating body wash.” If your skin starts to feel tight, itchy, or irritated, it’s a sign to scale back and focus on replenishing your barrier with more moisturizing formulas in between.

What is the best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin?

The best exfoliating body wash for sensitive skin is one that uses gentle chemical exfoliants and includes barrier-supporting ingredients. “For those with sensitive skin, I recommend gentle exfoliants like lactic acid and PHA, both of which are unique in that they exfoliate and hydrate at the same time,” says Dr. Chang. She adds that low concentrations of salicylic acid and glycolic acid may also be tolerated, but higher concentrations can be too harsh. “I also typically prefer chemical exfoliants over physical exfoliants, which may cause excessive irritation and inflammation of the skin.” Look for formulas with added hydrators, such as ceramides, aloe, or hyaluronic acid, to keep the skin calm and balanced.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best exfoliating body washes, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

We treat viral products with a healthy dose of skepticism, but some experts say the best showerhead filters can actually make a meaningful difference in your routine. Why? It’s not uncommon for your local water supply to contain rust, sediment, chlorine, or an excess of minerals like calcium and magnesium. While these so-called contaminants don’t make the water dangerous to drink, they can make it harder (hence the term “hard water”) on your skin and hair, explains Omer Ibrahim, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist. Over time, they can contribute to dullness, dryness, irritation, and itchiness. People with sensitive or extra dry skin, eczema, or rosacea may feel these effects more acutely, says Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.

Installing a showerhead filter, many of which use materials like activated carbon and calcium sulfite to remove contaminants from water, can alleviate some of those issues. “Patients sometimes report that their skin feels less tight and their hair appears softer after switching to a quality filter,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Our Top Showerhead Filters

• Best Overall: Jolie Filtered Showerhead, $169
• Best Bath Tub Filter: Canopy Baby Bath Tub Filter, $89
• Best Universal Filter: AquaBliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter, $37
• Best Handheld Showerhead: Aquasana Showerhead Filter, $100
• Best for Aromatherapy: Canopy Filtered Showerhead, $150
• Best Budget: Sprite Slim-Line Shower Head Filter, $28

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How does hard water affect my skin and hair?
• How does a filtered showerhead benefit my skin and hair?
• Are there any shower water filters that actually work?
• What are the disadvantages of shower filters?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Pause for the aforementioned skepticism: The science on the efficacy of showerhead filters is still limited, and your results will largely depend on the content of your area’s water supply, but showerhead filters can potentially help alleviate dry skin and brittle hair—all while making your “everything showers” feel a little more special. Below, we tapped experts and editors to share which filtered showerheads are worth trying.

Best Overall: Jolie Filtered Showerhead

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Jolie

Filtered Showerhead

$169

Amazon

$169

Ulta Beauty

$169

Revolve

Why we love it: With its comprehensive filter and intentional design, Jolie’s Filtered Showerhead is well worth the investment and hype, according to Dr. Ibrahim. “While this one is on the pricier side, it is a full filter system with an aesthetically pleasing showerhead,” he says. (It comes in four chic colors, a.k.a. no eyesores here.) Setup is easy-breezy, too: Remove your existing showerhead and screw on the Jolie in its place. You should be able to remove and replace the showerheads by hand, but the included wrench comes in handy if you need to loosen or tighten any pipe threads along the way (and the included plumber’s tape can further seal off the pipe connections to prevent leaks). Once it’s in place, the filter will improve your water quality and keep the water pressure strong.

Plus, Dr. Spearman appreciates the brand’s transparency around its filtration system. Jolie utilizes KDF-55 (a type of copper-zinc alloy filter) and calcium sulfite to minimize levels of chlorine, heavy metals, and minerals in your shower water for up to 90 days. After that, you can just swap in a new filter for $38 a pop—or opt for a subscription on Jolie’s website that brings the cost to $35 per filter.

More to know

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• Type of filter: KDF-55, calcium sulfite
• Notable features: easy, universal installation
• Set includes: showerhead, replacement filter, wrench, plumber’s tape
• How long it lasts: 3 months

Best Bathtub Filter: Canopy Baby Bath Tub Filter

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Canopy

Baby Bath Tub Filter

$89

Amazon

$89

Nordstrom

Why we love it: Whether you’re gearing up for tub time with your little one or you’re more of a bath person yourself, Canopy’s Baby Bath Tub Filter will make your next soak more comfortable. It’s made to filter out chlorine and particles that can cause redness, flaky skin, and overall irritation, but it’s the filter’s nice-to-have features that really make it stand out. Its built-in temperature indicator changes color so you know when the water is safe for baby’s skin, and its spout cover prevents accidental bumps—which contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai says is a huge bonus. (No ouchies here!) While Pai doesn't have a hard-water issue, she saw no harm in eliminating any water-quality-related issues since her older daughter has eczema. “I’ve noticed that my younger baby's skin is smooth and soft post-bath, even before I slather her in lotion,” she says. “No sign of eczema in the baby so far, and while I can’t definitively credit the filter, I appreciate the unsung work that it might be doing!”

The filter also installs without any finicky tools: First, slide one of the included attachment bands over your faucet, then follow with the filter itself. Press it into place on the band, and you’re good to go—all you need is your trusty rubber duck.

More to know

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• Type of filter: activated carbon, calcium sulfite, copper-zinc
• Notable features: dishwasher-safe parts, temperature indicator
• Set includes: bath tub filter, filter cartridge, 2 attachment bands
• How long it lasts: 3 months

Best Universal Filter: AquaBliss SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter

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AquaBliss

SF100 Daily Revitalize Shower Filter

$37

Amazon

$37

Walmart

Why we love it: Don’t want to update to a new showerhead? You don’t have to with the AquaBliss Daily Revitalize Shower Filter. This teensy addition to your shower setup removes metal and sediment buildup floating in your water with a comprehensive, layered filtration system. But it isn’t all about what it takes out: This filter also infuses your shower water with vitamin C to help reduce chlorine and boost your skin and hair’s radiance, so it’s a preventative and proactive step in one sleek gadget. It also has a universal fit that works with any showerhead, including rain showers, which is a major plus for Dr. Spearman. She also recommends AquaBliss for its replacement filter subscriptions (one less task to remember!).

More to know

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• Type of filter: sand, stainless steel mesh, cotton, calcium sulfite, Redox media (copper-zinc alloy), activated carbon
• Notable features: vitamin C infusion
• Set includes: filter housing, filter cartridge, 2 screened washers, adapter, plumber’s tape, 2 replacement seals
• How long it lasts: 4 to 6 months, depending on usage frequency

Best Handheld Showerhead: Aquasana Handheld Showerhead Filter

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Aquasana

Handheld Showerhead Filter

$119

Amazon

$119

Walmart

Why we love it: Dr. Luftman highly recommends Aquasana’s line of filters for their ease of use and efficient chlorine filtration. Even though the Handheld Showerhead Filter has a few additional components, its setup is still pretty straightforward: The filter goes onto the shower pipe first, and the brand recommends flushing it with water until it runs clear before adding on more parts. Then you can screw on the hose, cradle, and wand by hand, no wrench required. Its filtration system meets the NSF water treatment standard for chlorine reduction, removing up to 90% of it from your water. (Originally called the National Sanitation Foundation, NSF is a global health nonprofit that independently tests products like water systems, food equipment, and dietary supplements to certify that they do what they claim and are safe to use.) Chlorine can strip away your body’s natural oils, Dr. Luftman explains, so avoiding it can help keep your hair and skin hydrated (and color-treated hair vibrant for longer).

More to know

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• Type of filter: coconut shell carbon, copper-zinc
• Notable features: rain and massage settings
• Set includes: shower filter, hose, cradle assembly, shower wand (pliers recommended to tighten the filter’s collar, but not included)
• How long it lasts: 6 months

Best for Aromatherapy: Canopy Filtered Showerhead

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Canopy

Filtered Showerhead

$150

Amazon

$150

Nordstrom

$150

Sephora

Why we love it: Bring the spa to your bathroom with Canopy’s Filtered Showerhead, a fave among derms and hairstylists alike. Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously vouched for its intensive filtration system consisting of granular activated carbon, a copper-zinc complex, and calcium sulfite to remove contaminants. Adir Abergel, a hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs, also gave it a shoutout: “I tell all my clients about the Canopy. It helps you hold color longer and also seals the cuticle to maintain shine.” And about those spa vibes: This showerhead comes with a tiny essential oil diffuser that hooks onto its arm, so you can indulge in the aromatherapeutic benefits of Canopy’s energizing and relaxing scents. (Just add a few drops onto the felt body.) Matcha Blossom or Vanilla Noir, anyone?

More to know

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• Type of filter: granular activated carbon, copper-zinc, calcium sulfite
• Notable features: felt essential oil diffuser
• Set includes: showerhead, showerhead filter, aroma oil sleeve, felt diffuser, Canopy’s Unwind Aroma Oil
• How long it lasts: 3 months

Best Budget: Sprite Slim-Line Shower Head Filter

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Sprite

Slim-Line Shower Head Filter

$28 $25 (11% off)

Amazon

$25

Walmart

Why we love it: You don’t have to make a dramatic investment to try a showerhead filter, especially if you have lingering skepticism. (Fair!) Sprite’s Slim-Line Shower Head Filter is another pick from Dr. Luftman that clocks in under $30. It removes chlorine, dirt, and odors from shower water with the brand’s patented Chlorgon filter. Translation: As part of its filtration process, it converts chlorine into chloride salt, which is harder for the skin to absorb and thus less likely to cause any barrier damage. While it doesn’t come with a ton of bells and whistles, this filter is easy to install, beginner-friendly, and won’t disrupt your setup if you’re happy with your current showerhead.

More to know

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• Type of filter: copper-zinc, calcium sulfite
• Notable features: Sprite Showers app for tracking filter use (Apple, Google Play)
• Set includes: filter housing, filter cartridge
• How long it lasts: 6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

How does hard water affect my skin and hair?

Considering hard water contributes to soap scum (as in, that gross layer of grime that can build up on your shower floor if you don’t clean it often enough), it’s no surprise that it can also lead to buildup on your body and hair, according to Dr. Ibrahim. “For people who have hard water in their shower, they’ll often see a layer of soap scum on their walls–that’s due to the minerals reacting to soap to form this insoluble layer,” he explains. When that layer of “scum” develops on your body, it can exacerbate dryness and inflammation, especially for those with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, and even acne.

As for your hair, that layer of minerals leads to a dry, brittle texture and dull color (a major bummer if you pay for expensive color treatments). “Hard water can also exacerbate dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis,” adds Dr. Ibrahim.

How does a filtered showerhead benefit my skin and hair?

These filters, also known as water softeners, cleanse your tap water of mineral buildup and replace them with sodium through a process called ion exchange, Washington, DC-based dermatologist Adam Friedman, MD, previously told Allure. This process lowers the water’s concentration of mineral sediments, minimizing buildup and, potentially, irritation. To that end, “shower filters can help as long as they include a water-softening system,” says Dr. Ibrahim. These “water-softening systems” include filtration mediums such as KDF-55 (a combination of carbon and zinc) and calcium sulfite. By removing these minerals from your shower water, they can deliver calmer, healthier skin—not to mention shinier, softer hair. Consider them a worthwhile investment for your self-care routine.

Are there any shower water filters that actually work?

Showerhead filters can certainly make a difference, provided that their filtration systems are targeting the right contaminants. That’s why it’s important to look into your area’s water quality report, Dr. Spearman says. Once you know what’s actually in your shower water (say, if it contains higher-than-average levels of chlorine), you’ll have a better idea of whether a specific showerhead filter can help with your issues.

What are the disadvantages of shower filters?

For one thing, a showerhead filter is another thing to maintain around the house. The filter needs regular replacements, which means ongoing costs, Dr. Luftman points out. There’s also a chance that it affects the water pressure in your shower, she adds.

For another, keep your expectations realistic, Dr. Spearman says. Not only do filters lose efficacy over time (which is why you need to replace them), they also can’t feasibly address every single issue with your shower’s water quality. It’s better to look for subtle improvements in the long-term, like you’re gradually benefiting your skin and hair one shower at a time.

Meet the experts

• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
• Debra Luftman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills and Calabasas, California
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Adir Abergel, a hairstylist and creative director of Virtue Labs

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.