Top 10 Recommended Scrubs to Eliminate Roughness and Texture | Truly Effective Items Discovered Through Actual Testing

Old keratin removal scrubs aimed at achieving smooth, silky skin are sold by many brands, offering a wide range of options. From classic products like Sabon to niche brands such as Aesop and Lush, and even easily accessible items at drugstores, the price range is broad. However, many people wonder, “Will it really improve darkening on elbows and knees?” and “How much difference do product effects actually make?” In this article, we objectively tested 29 popular scrubs, including bestsellers from leading brands, and compared them across six evaluation points. We also present a ranking of 10 carefully selected products.

Insights from Actual Data on All 29 Bestselling Scrubs

We defined the ideal scrub as “an item that gently removes old keratin without roughness on elbows and knees, while being gentle on the skin and comfortable to use.” We tested the top 29 scrubs ranked by sales on Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, and Yahoo! Shopping. The six evaluation criteria are:

• Smoothness of elbows
• Smoothness of arms
• Moisturizing after washing
• Skin comfort of particles
• Fragrance quality
• Ease of container use

How to Choose the Right Scrub by Type | Three Key Points from Actual Data

Through our testing, we identified three crucial decision-making axes when selecting a scrub.

Point 1: Texture greatly influences effectiveness
Creamy-textured scrubs tend to adhere better to the skin, effectively removing keratin while maintaining moisture. Gel types, on the other hand, are suitable for those prioritizing a refreshing sensation.

Point 2: Particle size and skin comfort are separate issues
Large particles can still be gentle if balanced well with surrounding oil components. Prioritizing actual usage experience is essential.

Point 3: Container design motivates continued use
Tube, jar, and pouch types, especially those that are easy to handle with wet hands, influence ongoing usage.

Detailed Reviews of the Top 1–5 Highest-Rated Scrubs

1st Place: Geranium Body Scrub (Aesop)

Score: 4.77 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 4,160 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

A premium scrub with a creamy texture that leads to smooth, silky skin
Aesop’s Geranium Body Scrub features a thick gel with well-bound particles, allowing for close contact with the skin. It effectively removes old keratin while preserving moisture. Our tests rated it highly across all four categories: elbow smoothness, arm smoothness, post-wash moisture, and particle skin comfort. The refreshing scent, described as green, citrus, and fresh, is especially popular among those who prefer herbal, organic fragrances. The lightweight plastic tube is easy to handle with one hand, adding to its convenience.

Highlights:

• Creamy texture adheres well, effectively exfoliating
• Refreshing, clean scent
• Lightweight tube for easy single-handed use

Note:

• No significant drawbacks found

2nd Place: Wrapping Body Polisher (Kanebo Cosmetics)

Score: 4.69 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 4,280 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Multi-approach with multiple scrub ingredients, a new release gaining attention in 2025
Kanebo’s Wrapping Body Polisher combines three types of scrub particles to target different keratin concerns. The tube container is user-friendly, though opening and closing may require some effort. Its creamy texture adheres well to the skin, showing high effectiveness on elbows and arms. The calming floral scent with woody notes creates a luxurious bath experience. However, some users reported a tightening sensation after use, so thorough moisturizing afterward is recommended.

Highlights:

• Gentle, creamy texture that feels good on the skin
• Effective on elbows and arms
• Calm, high-quality fragrance

Note:

• Opening/closing may require effort
• Some users may experience tightness post-use

3rd Place: White Tea Body Scrub (SABON)

Score: 4.67 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 6,380 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Balances smoothness and moisture with a luxurious White Tea scent
SABON’s White Tea scrub is a premium product praised for its ability to deliver both a smooth, silky feel and hydration. Users reported that their skin became softer and less rough, with a notable improvement in texture. It leaves skin moist without tightness. The elegant, refreshing White Tea fragrance is subtle and widely appreciated. The particles are gentle, but over-scrubbing may cause discomfort, so gentle massage is advised. The glass container is heavy and difficult to open with wet hands, and the included spatula helps with portioning.

Highlights:

• Achieves both smoothness and hydration
• Elegant, universally appealing scent
• Good particle feel, easy to spread

Note:

• Larger particles may cause pain if pressed too hard
• Heavy glass container, handling with wet hands is tricky
• Requires using the spatula

4th Place: Ice Mint Body Scrub (Shiro)

Score: 4.66 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 3,388 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Refreshing sensation combined with gel-like comfort, ideal for summer use
Shiro’s Ice Mint Body Scrub features a gel-like texture that feels smooth and gentle. The particle size is well-balanced, causing minimal irritation, suitable even for sensitive skin. It effectively improved roughness on elbows and provided a near-silky feel on arms. The menthol component offers a cooling, refreshing sensation, and the post-wash moisture is maintained. The scent, however, may be polarizing—some find it too strong. The container is slippery, making it hard to open with wet hands. Its gel texture allows for smooth application, making it perfect for hot weather.

Highlights:

• Gel-like texture with good skin contact
• Refreshing yet moisturizing finish
• Moderate particle size with gentle feel

Note:

• Menthol scent may not appeal to everyone
• Slippery container, difficult to open when wet

5th Place: Biomet Skin Smooth Scrub Gel (Wakan)

Score: 4.66 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 2,980 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Recommended medicated scrub with a gentle scent, easy to use
Wakan’s Biomet Skin Smooth Scrub Gel contains skin-protecting and whitening active ingredients, classified as a quasi-drug. The lightweight, slim tube is convenient for bathroom use. Some users found the scrub particles resistant to dissolving, causing discomfort. The subtle bergamot scent is pleasant and not overpowering, suitable for those sensitive to fragrances. It effectively leaves elbows smooth and provides a moist, comfortable finish. Ideal for those seeking a gentle, effective scrub with a mild aroma.

Highlights:

• Contains functional ingredients (quasi-drug)
• Slim, lightweight tube for easy handling
• Mild bergamot scent

Note:

• Particles may remain, causing some discomfort

Top 6–10: Unique and Recommended Scrubs in Detail

6th Place: Salt Scrub (Tokiwa Pharmaceutical)

Score: 4.64 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 670 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Ideal for users wanting both moistness and smoothness, with a creamy texture. It effectively removes old keratin and improves roughness on elbows and arms. The fresh citrus scent is invigorating. The larger particles are designed to be gentle, with a smooth texture. The pouch container has a large opening for quick dispensing but is not self-standing, making storage less convenient. A budget-friendly option for smooth skin.

7th Place: Fango Body Scrub Wash (Kose)

Score: 4.63 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 1,539 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Focused on achieving a silky, smooth finish. The very fine particles create a soft, lotion-like feel. It’s effective on rough areas like elbows, leaving skin smooth. The subtle herbal-floral-woody scent is unisex and pleasant. The tube allows easy portioning, with a cap designed for easy opening. It leaves skin moist and smooth, making it a recommended choice for those prioritizing post-wash softness.

8th Place: Body Scrub Patchouli Lavender Vanilla (SABON)

Score: 4.62 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 6,380 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

A premium scrub for those wanting moist, smooth skin. Many users reported that rough skin became soft and smooth with continued use. It offers high moisture retention and minimal stickiness or tightness after washing. The sweet vanilla scent is gentle and popular among fragrance lovers, though some may find it too sweet. The particles are gentle, melting into oil-like consistency when spread, making application easy. The heavy glass container is a drawback, especially when opening with wet hands.

9th Place: Scalp & Body Scrub (MagicNumber)

Score: 4.61 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 2,200 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

A versatile multi-scrub suitable for scalp and body, launched in 2025. Its creamy, smooth texture adheres well, providing a silky, smooth feel on elbows and arms. The elegant pear and musk scent appeals to many. The tube makes it easy to dispense, but the cap is stiff, requiring effort to close, which affects usability.

10th Place: Salt Rock (Lush)

Score: 4.55 (as of 2026/02/12)
Price: 4,430 yen (as of 2026/02/12)

Contains mineral-rich sea salt to effectively remove old keratin. Can also be used as a shampoo, claimed to add volume and shine to hair. The deep jar makes it difficult to scoop out when the content is low. Salt can clog the lid’s grooves, hardening over time, which hampers opening. The scent, featuring mimosa and jasmine, is said to be faint or almost absent. The creamy texture with small particles is gentle on the skin, reducing pain and effectively improving roughness, leaving skin smooth and glossy.

Practical Tips for Choosing a Scrub Without Mistakes

The core insight from our testing is that choosing a scrub should match your skin type and usage scene. For dry skin, opt for moisturizing, creamy types; for a refreshing feel, choose menthol or gel types. Regular use and container usability are also key factors for continued satisfaction.

Supervised by: Kaori Hakozaki (Science-based Beauty Expert)
Guide: Yurie Nishiumi (Former Cosmetic Developer / MyBest Cosmetics, Skincare, Haircare Specialist)

Note: In this article, “dullness” refers to dirt, old keratin, or dryness-related dullness.
Note: The products listed do not guarantee specific effects or efficacy. Please check each product’s description and instructions before purchasing.