Exfoliating scrub soaps are designed with texture and physical cleansing power in mind, incorporating natural abrasive elements to polish the skin and stimulate circulation.
Purpose and Formulation: These bars are formulated with solid exfoliating particles suspended throughout the soap base. Common scrub ingredients include finely ground coffee beans, oatmeal, poppy seeds, loofah slices, or mineral clay (like bentonite or kaolin). The primary function is to remove dead skin cells, which is beneficial for improving skin texture, preventing ingrown hairs, and preparing the skin for moisturizing. Coffee grounds are often used not only for exfoliation but also for their caffeine content, which is believed to help temporarily firm the skin and stimulate blood flow. Oatmeal is often used in sensitive skin exfoliating bars because it is gentle and has calming, anti-inflammatory properties. The balance in these soaps is critical: the scrub material must be effective enough to exfoliate but not so coarse or sharp as to irritate or damage the skin barrier. They are best used a few times a week rather than daily for individuals with normal or combination skin.
