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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 tools 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: Traditional shower loofahs are a type of scrubber made from layers of a mesh material, and they can be made from natural or synthetic materials. Made to mimic the absorbency and texture of sponges, they provide an instant lather and effective exfoliation.
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.
Exfoliating Gloves: Wearing a pair of exfoliating gloves adds a handy layer to your hands that 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 on top of the pile. They create more bubbles and suds to help effectively scrub away dirt.
Back scrubbers: We know it’s hard to reach your back in the shower, but the best back scrubbers make it easy. Back scrubbers come with handles so you can reach parts of your body you otherwise would have trouble reaching.
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
You can deep clean and exfoliate your skin from head to toe with the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber. One side is textured to remove damaged surface skin, and the other is soft to leave you feeling fresh and clean. Two handles make it easy to reach your back and feet, and it’s an especially great tool for folks with body acne. No matter your skin type, it’s an extremely handy exfoliating scrubber.
Why Is It the Best Loofah? Okay, so the Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber might not technically be considered a loofah by today’s standards, but we do think it’s the best overall shower scrubber for anyone that loves an all-over squeaky clean feeling. Not only do SPY editors love this back scrubber, but it’s also one of the most popular bath products ever featured on SPY.
Buy: Aquis Exfoliating Back Scrubber $13.99
2. WhaleLife Bath Body Poufs
AMAZON’S CHOICE
Loofahs need to be replaced fairly regularly, which is why this pack of WhaleLife Bath Body Poufs 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 38,000 reviews from Amazon customers and a solid 4.6-star rating, this is one of the most popular shower loofahs on Amazon, making it one of the best loofahs for men, women and everyone in between. Ultimately, it’s got your name written all over it.
Buy: WhaleLife Bath Body Poufs $8.59 (orig. $12.99) 34% OFF
3. MainBasics Bath Shower Loofah (Set of 3)
BEST VALUE
The best shower loofahs don’t need to be complicated, which is exactly why we like the MainBasics Shower Loofah, which comes in a value pack with three loofahs for under $10. It has everything you’re looking for in the best loofah — a long-lasting mesh body, a convenient loop for hanging, multiple color options and a great lather.
MainBasics Bath Shower Loofah (Set of 3)
4. Crafts of Egypt Natural Loofah Sponges
BEST NATURAL LOOFAH
Okay, maybe we are talking about SpongeBob SquarePants. 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 $17.99 (orig. $24.99) 28% OFF
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 shower 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 longer life, making it one of the best shower sponges on the market.
Buy: myHomeBody Premium Bath Sponge $13.99 (orig. $22.99) 39% OFF
6. Surlees 2.0 Back Scrubber
BEST LONG-HANDLED SCRUBBER
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
7. Lather Natural Sea Wool Sponge
ACTUAL SEA SPONGE
The Natural Sea Wool Sponge from Lather is a gorgeous loofah option sustainably harvested off the coast of Florida and fully ready for scrubbing your body from head to toe. It’s made for all skin types and sits at just $18, which is pretty decent for an all-natural shower sponge. If you’re the type of bather who believes that even the best loofah can’t quite compete with nature’s loofah, then try this natural sea sponge the next time you slip into the bath.
Buy: Lather Natural Sea Wool Sponge
8. Paradiso Soft-Weave Washcloths
BEST WASHCLOTH
These dual-sided Paradiso Soft-Weave Washcloths offer a convenient two-in-one solution. You can use the rougher textured nylon side of this washcloth to exfoliate your skin and then use the soft terry cloth side to clean and moisturize. You get five washcloths here, so designate one for your face and one for your body.
Buy: Paradiso Soft-Weave Washcloths $11.05 (orig. $12.90) 14% OFF
9. Salux Nylon J-Beauty Washcloth
HIGHLY RATED ON AMAZON
This Japanese beauty tool combines everything we love about the best loofahs, back scrubbers and washcloths into one great product. The Salux Nylon J-Beauty Washcloth 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.
10. Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber
BEST SILICONE BRUSH
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.
Buy: Avilana Exfoliating Silicone Body Scrubber $9.99
11. Public Goods Sea Sponge
BIODEGRADABLE SHOWER SPONGE
Though any natural loofah made from the loofah plant or an actual sea sponge will be biodegradable and sustainable, Public Goods has a track record you can trust. That’s why you might consider the Public Goods Sea Sponge. Sourced from Greece, this sponge is soft enough for your face but strong enough for exfoliating body skin if you need it to.
12. Well Beings Cotton Shower Pouf
BEST ORGANIC COTTON
Organic cotton all over your body? Talk about a high-end loofah. This “pouf” makes one of the best loofahs for the sheer fact that it’s made with immense care. Try getting anything like this from Amazon. This Canadian-made cotton loofah is ready to pair with any body wash your body prefers. It’s even safe to throw in the wash if it begins to get a little dirty, saving you money on replacements in the future.
13. Grove Co. Recycled Plastic Loofah
ECO-FRIENDLY LOOFAH
The Grove Co. Recycled Plastic Loofah offers one way to get your scrub on while minimizing your carbon footprint. The loofah itself is soft and made from partially recycled plastic and also includes a nylon hanging loop. But just as important, whether you subscribe or buy the loofah one-off from Grove Co., every order is plastic-neutral and every shipment is carbon-neutral.
14. 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.
Buy: EvridWear Exfoliating Dual Texture Bath Gloves $8.99 (orig. $10.99) 18% OFF
15. Casamera Scrubber
BEST BODY SCRUBBER
The Casamera Scrubber is an all-around great loofah/shower sponge-style scrubber for multiple reasons. It features a double-sided scrubbing design, a honeycombed side for a standard wash and an exfoliating side for deeper cleaning. The scrubber also comes with five different natural infusions, including peppermint, red clay, charcoal, walnut shell and matcha, that can help you achieve particular skincare goals. Lastly, it’s made from natural ingredients, so it’s 100% compostable. Use it till it’s dead and then you can literally bury it in your garden.
16. Manscaped Body Buffer
BEST SCRUBBER FOR MEN
If you’re regularly getting sweaty, muddy or just all-around grimy and grody, the Manscaped Body Buffer could be the perfect body-cleansing solution for you. Made from 100% food-grade silicone, this scrubber features soft silicone teeth to exfoliate skin and a convenient PopSockets-like handle so you can easily maintain your grip. We know that the fluffy, poufy nature of loofahs might make some guys uncomfortable, and this body scrubber is a worthy alternative. Instead of searching for the best loofah for men, try this body scrubber instead.
17. Mooerca Exfoliating Loofah Sponge Pads
BEST FOR FACE
While most loofahs are designed for cleaning and exfoliating your entire body, these Mooerca Exfoliating Loofah Sponge 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: Mooerca Exfoliating Loofah Sponge Pads $12.69 (orig. $13.49) 6% OFF
18. IMPRESA Eco-Friendly Loofahs
VALUE 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 $10.99
19. Maryton Foot Pumice Stone
BEST FOR FEET
It’s not a loofah or shower sponge but when it comes to cleaning your feet, you’ll be much better off using the Maryton Foot Pumice Stone. With two levels of coarseness, this pumice stone promises to exfoliate dead skin and smooth over dry foot skin. Plus, you get four stones, so you can polish and care for your feet for months.
Buy: Maryton Foot Pumice Stone $8.99 (orig. $11.99) 25% OFF
20. LOVE, LORI Shower Foot Massager
ALSO CONSIDER 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 $14.99 (orig. $19.99) 25% OFF
21. Bulk Homme Bubble Net
FACE LOOFAH OF THE FUTURE
Bulk Homme recently sent SPY its facial skincare set and one of the most interesting products was the brand’s unique Bubble Net. The Bulk Homme Bubble Net is basically a deconstructed loofah. All you do is dab a little bit of product on it, start rubbing and you’ll quickly have more foam than you know what to do with. Though we haven’t tested the Bubble Net with a range of grooming products, if it lathers up other facial or body washes as well as it does with the Bulk Homme Face Wash, then you are in for one unbelievably foamy, cleansing and enjoyable wash.
Buy: Bulk Homme Bubble Net $7.50
22. PMD Clean Brushes
BEST EXFOLIATING BRUSHES
They’re not loofahs or shower sponges, but if you’re looking for a great face and body cleanse, the PMD Clean Pro and PMD Body Clean exfoliating brushes are two luxurious options.
PMD recently sent SPY both brushes for review, and in our testing, we found them to be highly effective yet gentle and safe in the shower. Though they might be a little bit much for daily cleansing, for people who don’t mind spending a bit more for self-care, these body brushes can make for a nice weekly skin treat and a luxe loofah alternative.
Buy: PMD Clean Body $111.30 (orig. $159.00) 30% OFF
Buy: PMD Clean Pro $104.99 (orig. $149.00) 30% OFF
What Are the Benefits of Using Exfoliating Tools?
Using a loofah, shower sponge, brush or another 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 may 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.
How Often Should You Replace a Loofah?
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 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.
In general, we would advise replacing your shower loofah every 30-60 days depending on how often you use it. You might think that because they’re used for cleaning, these tools are always kept hygienic, but warm, wet environments are breeding grounds for bacteria, and loofahs are full of little nooks and crannies where mold and bacteria can thrive.
You can also rely on your eyes and nose. If your loofah is starting to sag or show signs of mildew, then toss it in the trash and grab a fresh one.