Scrub Your Worries—and Rough Patches—Down the Drain
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brands
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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
When skin sends out a dryness SOS, break out one of the best body scrubs for a softening, smoothing refresh. Skin-care routines often focus on the face, but don’t forget the importance of body care for maintaining suppleness all over. It doesn't hurt that most body scrubs are infused with delectable scents and gentle yet satisfyingly gritty textures that leave your skin feeling softer than a baby's butt.
While exfoliating body scrubs shouldn't replace body wash, they have ample benefits—removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores, for instance—that'll upgrade your everything shower. Plus, they can elevate the rest of your routine, too. "When your skin doesn't have that dead layer, it will be able to absorb skin-care products much better,” says David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City.
Our Top Body Scrubs
- Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub, $30
- Most Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub, $10
- Best Cleansing Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick, $44
- Best Moisturizing: Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine, $29
- Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Soft Services Buffing Bar, $30 (2-Pack)
- Best for Flaky Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub, $58
- Best Sugar Base: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub, $42
- Best Salt Base: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub, $48
- Best Budget: Dove Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Body Scrub, $8
Read on to find out which of the 11 best body scrubs fits your needs, and head to the FAQs to read firsthand about all the dos and don'ts of exfoliating from dermatologists.
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Best Overall: First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
First Aid Beauty
KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure content director Kara McGrath using First Aid Beauty’s KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub
Kara McGrath
Why we love it: First Aid Beauty's KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub is a Readers' Choice Award winner that addresses several texture concerns, including keratosis pilaris. Austin-based board-certified dermatologist Heidi Prather, MD, is a fan of First Aid Beauty’s fragrance-free formulation of this scrub, which is gentler on KP-stricken skin. "Because people with KP have a genetic tendency toward allergies and skin sensitivity, it is important to be mindful of products with fragrances, which can be irritating," she says. This concoction of glycolic and lactic acids provides intensive exfoliation to remove dead skin cells, excess oil, and keratin buildup from your pores. At the same time, pumice-based buffing beads polish the skin’s surface for a smoother, softer feel. Although its main purpose is to tackle KP, this scrub can also help treat rough patches of skin on your elbows, knees, and feet. By the way, if your skin can handle fragrances and adore fruity scents, our editors gave the Fresh Strawberry version of this scrub a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award.
Tester feedback from 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." —content director Kara McGrath
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pumice, glycolic acid, vitamin E
- Who it's for: those with chicken skin, KP, and other bumps or textural concerns
- Fragrance-free: yes, but also comes in Fresh Strawberry and Fresh Peach options
Most Scent Options: Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
Tree Hut
Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick using the Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub
Lexi Herrick
Why we love it: Tree Hut's Morrocan Rose Shea Sugar Scrub combines sugar and pumice beads to effectively buff away dead skin and rough patches, while alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) penetrate the pores to remove acne-causing bacteria and excess sebum. To keep dryness at bay as you slough away, this body polish is enriched with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich algae extracts, which also brighten the skin and help even out discoloration. Tree Hut's lineup of exfoliating scrubs earns bonus points for its extensive selection of over 20 fragrances.
Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick
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"Exfoliating but gentle, this scrub gives you a bubbly, rosy clean that allows you to create a spa experience in your own bathroom. I love the sweet scent and soft texture, and find myself using this for every shower!" —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, green algae, sugar
- Who it's for: people who want both exfoliation and hydration
- Fragrance-free: no; shop the 20+ scents here
Best Cleansing Bar: Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
Flamingo Estate
Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
Nordstrom
Flamingo Estate
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin using the Flamingo Estate Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Part cleanser, part scrub, Flamingo Estate’s Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick lives rent-free in our showers. This luxurious hunk of soap is ideal for sleepy mornings when you need a natural jolt of tingly energy, thanks to invigorating peppermint, French blue clay, and Big Sur sea salt. Poppy seeds provide the physical exfoliation—smooth, rounded, and free of the sharp edges that can sometimes feel overly abrasive. We’ll always be into a heavenly-scented steam session, no matter what time of day.
Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin
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“This bar of soap is extraordinary. The peppermint is simultaneously invigorating and soothing, and the poppyseeds exfoliate just enough. Whether you proudly display it on your vanity or try to hoard it, the fragrance will make itself known; truly, the peppermint scent wafts out of the shipping box before you even open it. Keep it whole—or maybe cut it into smaller pieces for your own slice of minty heaven.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: poppy seeds, peppermint, French blue clay, Big Sur sea salt
- Fragrance-free: no; contains essential oil-based fragrances
Best Moisturizing: Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine
Josie Maran
Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine
Sephora
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Josie Maran Argan Oil & Sugar Balm Body Scrub in Topless Tangerine
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Josie Maran’s Sugar and Argan Oil Body Scrub simply hits—especially in the Topless Tangerine scent. Pixie tangerine, pink grapefruit, and brown sugar come together for a divinely fragrant scrub-down that moisturizes while it polishes. Argan oil locks in hydration, while sugar buffs away roughness to reveal velvety-soft skin post-rinse. Snag the unscented tub or choose from several delicious fragrances for a lasting burst of yumminess.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Look, I’m guilty of not giving my body as much love as my face when it comes to skin care, but when a body scrub smells like I’m sipping on a tall glass of chilled, freshly-squeezed juice somewhere tropical and extra vibey, I go all in. I love that I get the satisfaction of sugar granules literally polishing away texture but there’s Josie Maran’s signature argan oil (and shea butter) making sure my skin is moisturized and buttery-soft, never stripped.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: argan oil, pixie tangerine, pink grapefruit, brown sugar
- Fragrance-free: yes; other scents include Bohemian Fig and Vanilla Vibezzz
Best for Keratosis Pilaris: Soft Services Buffing Bar
Soft Services
Buffing Bar
Sephora (2-Pack)
Soft Services (2-Pack)
Why we love it: The Soft Services Buffing Bar tackles body bumps and brings tough ingrown hairs to the surface using magnesium oxide-based microfine crystals. A 2022 Best of Beauty winner, this bar is an editor-favorite for sloughing away dead skin and pore-clogging oil, via a soothing blend of hydrating glycerin, moisture-replenishing shea butter, and soothing aloe. However, since it has a grittier feel and a more intensive formula than other options on this list, this product may not be suitable for you if you have sunburned or very sensitive skin.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“Of all of the KP remedies I've tried, the Soft Services Buffing Bar is one is the easiest, most low-maintenance solutions I've come across. A couple of swipes of this bar across my KP-affected areas left my skin softer and more even-toned for days at a time, with minimal effort added to my shower routine.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: magnesium oxide and alumina, glycerin, shea butter
- Who it's for: people with keratosis pilaris, rough skin, and ingrown hairs
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Flaky Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub
Kate Somerville
ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Resurfacing Body Scrub is an Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning formula we swear by for velvety-smooth skin, without an ounce of doubt. Lactic and salicylic acids chemically exfoliate, while physically exfoliating pumice-stone particles really get in there to buff away rough, stubborn patches. This scrub is also infused with honey and aloe to nourish and condition. The result? Soft, smooth, and radiant skin from head to toe. This sensorial green paste comes in a mess-free squeeze tube and smells faintly of papaya, pineapple, and pumpkin—all of which provide enzymatic exfoliation.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: pumice, papaya enzymes, lactic acid
- Who it's for: people with dry patches; rough knees and elbows
- Fragrance-free: no; contains essential oil-based fragrances
Best Sugar Base: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Body Scrub
Sol de Janeiro
Bum Bum Body Scrub
Amazon
Revolve
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Make summer last all year with Sol De Janeiro's delicious Bum Bum Body Scrub, a 2023 Readers' Choice Award winner. Just like the cream of the same name, it has the same scrumptious vanilla-caramel scent, but it’s the superfine, sand-like texture that’ll win you over even more. The gritty formula uses crushed cupuaçu seeds and sugar crystals to gently dissolve dead skin cells, Amazonian guarana (which has five times more caffeine than coffee) stimulates circulation, and pure-pressed coconut oil leaves behind silky, glowing skin. It also features a subtly shimmery finish—the perfect radiance boost your skin needs before a night out, if we might add.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sugar, coconut oil, guarana
- Who it's for: normal to dry skin
- Fragrance-free: no; scented with the brand’s signature Cheirosa 62
Best Salt Base: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Osea
Salts of the Earth Body Scrub
Amazon
Nordstrom
Credo Beauty
Why we love it: Osea’s Salts of the Earth Body Scrub is a favorite for its blend of mineral salts—derived from New Zealand, Hawaii, and the Himalayas—and seaweed, which provides a wealth of nutrients, like amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants. The lavender scent only adds to the experience, giving the scrub an extra-indulgent feel. Keep in mind that this scrub’s salt base may be too harsh for sensitive skin types, so those with easily irritated skin should proceed cautiously.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: salt, safflower seed oil, shea butter
- Who it's for: acne-prone skin, dry skin, oily skin
- Fragrance-free: no; contains lavender oil
Best Budget: Dove Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub
Dove
Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter Exfoliating Body Scrub
Amazon
Why we love it: If you prefer minimal grittiness (and a lower price tag), try Dove’s Body Scrub Brown Sugar & Coconut Butter. This exfoliator has a creamier formulation than most scrubs and features brown sugar to delicately polish skin without scrubbing it raw. The addition of skin-conditioning coconut butter will make your skin feel smooth to the touch once you hop out of the shower. This scrub is available in eight different scents (!), each featuring a unique blend of physical exfoliators, but the brown sugar-based pick is our favorite for its slightly grittier texture.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: brown sugar, coconut butter
- Who it's for: normal to dry skin, flaky skin
- Fragrance-free: no; scents include Brown Sugar, Vanilla Sugar, Cherry, Macadamia, Rose, Pomegranate, White Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of body scrubs?
Body scrubs offer numerous benefits, particularly for individuals with drier skin. "The good ones that aren't too rough or harsh on the skin will help make the skin feel nice and smooth by helping remove a dead layer of the skin," says Dr. Kim. "When your skin doesn't have that dead layer, it will be able to absorb skin-care products much better.”
As you can expect from their name, body scrubs tend to contain physical exfoliators, which polish the top layer of skin to remove dead skin buildup. Most body scrubs have sugar- or salt-based granules that dissolve as you massage them onto your skin, minimizing the chances of micro-tears and irritation. However, you can also find non-dissolving options made with skin-polishing bases like coffee grounds, plant seeds, and even ultra-fine rice powder. Gary Goldfaden, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hollywood, Florida, previously told Allure to consider the base of your physical exfoliant when looking for a new body scrub to prevent issues like irritation. "People with oilier complexions have larger sebaceous glands, which makes their skin thicker and better able to tolerate more abrasive particles," he explained.
Are body scrubs safe for sensitive skin?
If you struggle with body acne or sensitive skin, it's understandable that you might be hesitant to put anything rough-feeling on your skin. Still, Dr. Kim explains to Allure that body scrubs are perfectly safe when used sparingly and gently. "I would recommend [body scrubs] only once or twice a month for people with sensitive skin," he says. "It's also important to moisturize the skin immediately after showering when it's slightly damp."
Dr. Goldfaden also had some exfoliating advice for sensitive skin: Generally, use products with smaller granules, which are less likely to irritate, cut, or rub your skin. As always, if you experience an adverse reaction to a product, stop using it immediately and consider consulting your dermatologist or exploring alternative body scrub options.
Meet the experts
- Heidi Prather, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
- David Kim, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City.
- Gary Goldfaden, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Hollywood, Florida, and the founder of Goldfaden MD.
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 best body scrubs, 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 board-certified dermatologists we interviewed for the piece. 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.
Jessica Simpson Is Making a Music Comeback With Western-Glam Nails — See Photos
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 23: Jessica Simpson speaks onstage during NBC's "Today" at Rockefeller Plaza on July 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
I can hardly wrap my mind around the fact that it's been 15 years since Jessica Simpson has performed new music. One of the most prominent pop voices of the Y2K era, she has worn many hats—a mom, a fashion entrepreneur, and more—but music seemed to take a backseat for a bit. But fans of her powerhouse vocals are thrilled to see that she's not only back with a new album, Nashville Canyon, Pt. 2, she's also ready to take it to the stage and screen. And that's exactly what she did on Wednesday morning with flair down to her fingertips.
Simpson performed on Today for the first time in nearly two decades for the show's outdoor concert series, bringing the live and TV audiences new music, as well as some of the hits for which she became so well-known. Her look could best be described as Western bohemian glam, with an iridescent, fringy jacket over a pale pink, corsetted dress and topped off with a large cross necklace. She also wore oversized rings, including a massive turquoise piece—but that's not the only place on her fingers where stones showed up.
Photo: Getty Images
Each long nail featured a different design. There's leopard print with a bejeweled zodiac symbol for Cancer, silver mixed with pearls, a metallic French tip, and more turquoise—and that's just some of what's on her left hand. The eclectic gem party continued on the right hand, which included the word “Fade”—the name of her new single—written in three-dimensional red polish on her middle finger.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Her beauty look was rounded out with a bronder-than-usual color on her go-to long, voluminous hair, and she went for a full-out face in muted tones, including a super-glossy lip.
Simpson might have been out of the music spotlight for a while, but now that she's returned, we can't wait to see what other glam inspo she brings to the stage.
Gird Your Loins: Meryl Streep’s Devil Wears Prada Bixie Is Back — See Photos
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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Big day for Meryl Streep fans (also known as literally everyone on Earth). Not only did Only Murders in the Building announce its season five premiere date (September 9, if, like me, you were wondering), but the award-amassing actor has finally been spotted filming scenes from The Devil Wears Prada 2 in New York City. And yes, the infamously inhospitable editorial boss lady, Miranda Priestly, is sticking to her signature style after nearly 20 years—including that iconic hairstyle.
After years of mental fan fiction and rumors of a sequel, lovers of the 2006 fashion-focused film recently rejoiced at the official announcement of The Devil Wears Prada's next chapter. And with each sneak peek at Anne Hathaway's Andy Sachs looks—whether spotted by paparazzi or shared by Hathaway herself on social media—the anticipation is building. But I have to admit, as much as I've been looking forward to the inevitable influx of aspirational style inspo, I've been most excited to see Streep step back into the role of Miranda Priestly, and new photos snapped on the sidewalk do not disappoint.
Streep was spotted in NYC on Wednesday, July 23, decked out as Miranda, looking—and you're not going to believe this—extremely chic. A vibrant purple blouse was tucked into a leather Gabriela Hearst pencil skirt that matched her platform pumps, her peachy trench coat flowing with her confident gait. And there, topping it all off, was the hair.
Photo: Getty Images
Miranda Priestly is still sporting an extremely elegant bixie—that sweet spot between a bob and a pixie that can truly be customized to anyone's personal style. In this case, it's sleek yet soft, with a side part and voluminously swooping bangs that hit right at the top of her sunglasses.
Photo: Getty Images
Did anyone think this legendary character would come back with a waist-length low ponytail or massive curls? Of course not. But that doesn't dampen the excitement of the big, if not predictable, reveal. And there's something oddly comforting about seeing Streep in the short crop so closely associated with the queen of making people uncomfortable.
7 Best Primers for Oily Skin to Keep Makeup Locked In
Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brands
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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
Face primer is essential for keeping your makeup from melting off by midday, especially in the summer. But when it comes to the best primers for oily skin, the search gets trickier. You need a formula that not only locks everything in place but also mattifies, minimizes pores, and won’t clog or irritate acne-prone skin. Also important in your search: oil-fighting ingredients. (Try cellulose and niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps balance skin tone and control excess oil.)
To find the best primers for oily skin, Allure editors tapped makeup artists for their go-tos and tested over 15 formulas that claim to mattify, smooth, and control oil. During testing, we looked at how long they kept makeup on, how well they blurred pores, and whether they truly helped curb shine. Ahead, the expert-backed, editor-approved primers that actually hold up all day.
Our Top Primers for Oily Skin
- Best Overall: Nars Soft Matte Primer, $38
- Best Blurring: Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm, $36
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer, $29
- Best Blurring: One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Primer, $34
- Best Lightweight: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, $38
- Most Mattifying: Benefit The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer, $36
- Best Drugstore: E.L.F. Power Grip Matte Primer, $10
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
Best Overall: Nars Soft Matte Primer
Nars
Soft Matte Primer
Nordstrom
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer
Deanna Pai
Why it’s worth it: Of all the formulas we tried, the Nars Soft Matte Primer came out on top because it combines everything we’re looking for in a primer for oily skin. First off, the gel-like texture is super lightweight, something we can't say for all the mattifying primers we tested. It glides on easily, instantly knocks out shine, and smooths over pores, uneven texture, and fine lines without feeling like a film on your skin. And it doesn’t make your face look flat or chalky—as with the brand’s setting powder, it gets rid of excess oil but still leaves skin with a natural finish that reflects just the right amount of light.
During testing, we were especially impressed by how well it held up throughout the day. Like a setting spray, it kept our makeup in place from morning to night—even through sweat and oil buildup—and gave us a clean, smooth base for foundation. Plus, it somehow manages to keep skin feeling hydrated and plump (rare for a mattifying formula!).
Pai immediately after applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer
Deanna Pai
Pai 8 hours after applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“My skin is naturally oily, not to mention acne-prone—so I sit in the space of needing a good mattifying primer, but being worried it'll feel heavy or occlusive. That's never been the case with this one, which can somehow make my skin look more matte throughout the day. I recently wore it when the temperature reached the upper 90s and, on top of it, I had to wear a mask due to a cough. This primer held up like no one's business: It kept shine from forming on my forehead and nose, and my full-coverage foundation didn't budge until I washed it off.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice bran extract, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower extract
- Formula: gel
- Finish: soft matte
Best Blurring: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: If you're looking for a skin-blurring primer and tinted balm in one, the 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award–winning Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm is basically an IRL smoothing filter. You can wear it on its own or under foundation (it even comes in a clear version, pictured above, if you prefer no tint), and it always feels lightweight and breathable, which is a big win for oily skin. The balm-to-powder formula means it won’t sit on your face and leave a greasy residue. Instead, it melts in and actively mattifies, thanks to ingredients like silicone for blurring, vegan squalane to balance oil, and upsalite to absorb excess sweat throughout the day. There’s also a dose of hyaluronic acid for hydration, because oily skin still needs moisture to keep the barrier healthy.
Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry immediately after applying the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder
Curry 8 hours after applying the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“I get super oily and sweaty in the summer (don't we all?), so I need an oil-free primer that keep my makeup intact for longtime wear in the humid New York heat. Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin balm does just that—and more. What I love the most about this bb is its cream-to-matte finish and lightweight feel. Plus, a little goes a long way. So while this balm isn't the cheapest on the market, it'll last you a long time (like months), even if you're wearing it every day.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
More to know
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- Key ingredients: squalane, upsalite, hyaluronic acid
- Formula: balm-to-powder
- Finish: natural-matte
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer
Huda Beauty
Easy Blur Primer
Sephora
Huda Beauty
Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer
Lily Wohlner
Why it’s worth it: It’s rare to find a pore-blurring primer that’s also silicone-free, but Huda Beauty’s Easy Blur Primer is the diamond in the rough. Since some silicones can potentially clog pores and trigger breakouts, this one is a great pick for anyone with acne-prone skin as it smooths and blurs without the risk of congestion.
It also absorbs oil all day, thanks to milk thistle extract and glycerin, and gives skin a smooth, airbrushed finish under makeup. Where it really shines is in how well it fills in pores—hi, skin-smoothing polymers—even if you skip foundation entirely. Pro tip: On no-makeup days, try applying it under your moisturizer. It gives your skin a soft-focus finish that has people thinking you’re wearing a base even though you’re not.
Wohlner immediately after applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer
Wohlner 8 hours after applying the Huda Beauty Easy Blur Primer
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“I have combination skin, so it’s not suuuper oily, but I always feel a little self-conscious about my pores when I skip a blurring primer. This one has become my go-to (I’m almost out, which says a lot) because it strikes the perfect balance between keeping oils at bay without making me look flat. I still get a bit of glow, but it controls end-of-day shine and gives my skin a porcelain-like finish, with or without makeup. I rarely leave my apartment without throwing a layer on my T-zone, it just makes everything look a little smoother.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: milk thistle extract, glycerin, polymers
- Formula: gel
- Finish: natural-matte
Best Blurring: One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer
One/Size
Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer
Sephora
Why it’s worth it: The most powerful of all the primers on this list, the One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Primer is beloved by makeup artists Christian Briceno and Dani Parkes, the latter of whom says it’s one of the only primers she’s found actually keeps the skin matte all through the day. “This primer truly grips makeup while controlling oils,” Parke notes.
Another welcome plus? It also blurs the pores so effectively that it creates a smooth base to apply your foundation or concealer, Briceno says. But don’t get it twisted—it’s not going to sap your skin of all moisture. This formula is also loaded with hyaluronic acid, which visibly plumps and boosts moisture without the shine. One thing to note? “Avoid using oil-based products on top of it, as they tend to separate from the skin and look flaky,” says Briceno.
Expert tip from makeup artist Dani Parkes
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If you want another layer of oil-blocking protection, Parkes loves to spray the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray, which claims to be waterproof, transferproof, smudgeproof, and sweatproof for 16 hours, to lock in her client’s makeup looks.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: mineral silicate complex, hyaluronic acid
- Formula: cream
- Finish: super matte
Best Lightweight: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
Milk Makeup
Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Who doesn’t love a good two-in-one? When it comes to makeup, we’re all about products that instantly make skin look better and deliver long-term benefits. That’s exactly what you get with Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Primer. (Its sister product, the Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award.) This lightweight, water-cream primer blurs pores and controls shine on contact, but it also packs some of the most skin care-forward ingredients of any primer on this list. Think: niacinamide to visibly minimize pores, bakuchiol to smooth texture, and lentil extract for oil control.
Editor’s tip
LargeChevron
“Let this sit for about a minute before applying any foundation on top,” says Wohlner. “I find that it takes a sec to absorb into the skin, so waiting to apply makeup will help give it the most dramatic effect.”
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract, moonstone
- Formula: water cream
- Finish: soft matte
Most Mattifying: Benefit The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer
Benefit
The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer
Nordstrom
Revolve
Why we love it: If you’re after long-lasting oil control, Benefit’s The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer is an Allure favorite. The original Porefessional Pore Primer is a classic (we were using it back in our high school days), but this newer version takes that pore-blurring power and cranks up the mattifying effect. The texture is different, too: It’s silky and a bit milky, rather than having a silicone-y slip, which makes it easy to smooth over your whole face without pilling. It leaves behind a velvety, soft-focus finish that keeps shine in check all day. Bonus: The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide (spotting a theme?), oil-absorbing rosehip extract, and mineral powders to help blur large pores over time. So, the more you use it, the better your skin will look.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, rose hip extract, mineral powders
- Formula: water cream
- Finish: matte
Best Drugstore: E.L.F. Power Grip Matte Primer
E.L.F.
Power Grip Matte Primer
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Similar to the Milk primer, E.L.F's Power Grip Matte Primer—a matte version of the fan-fave Power Grip Primer—has a sticky, tacky texture that holds onto makeup all day long, and Parkes is a mega fan for her oily skin clients. “The texture and feel of this primer helps your makeup last so long, and it’s super mattifying, so it reduces oil buildup throughout the day,” she says. Similar to other oil-busters on this list, its claim to fame is that it has niacinamide, which Parkes says helps clear your pores over time.
Expert tip from Parkes
LargeChevron
“Use this primer if you want your makeup to blend better on your skin—the soft matte finish creates the perfect smooth base for application,” Parkes says.
More to know
LargeChevron
- Key ingredients: niacinamide, lemon myrtle blend
- Formula: gel
- Finish: matte
Frequently Asked Questions
Which primer type is best for oily skin?
According to Briceno, silicone-based primers are the way to go if you have oily skin. “They contain silicate, which helps absorb the oils in the skin, creating a smooth, grippy texture for makeup,” he says. Another bonus of silicate? It provides that velvety-looking finish that improves the appearance or pores and helps control areas of the face with excessive oil production, Briceno says. One caveat: If you have acne-prone skin, be aware that silicones can trap bacteria, so make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly when removing it.
If you don’t see a silicone callout on the package, you’ll know that a primer is good for oily skin if the bottle has words like “mattifying” and “pore blurring,” says Parkes.
What should you keep in mind when shopping for a primer for oily skin?
“Make sure your primer pairs well with your skin-care products,” says Briceno, who prefers water-based moisturizers since they layer best with silicone primers. “They’re lightweight and absorb more easily into the skin,” he explains. If you’re using a thicker moisturizer, give it a few minutes to fully sink in before applying your primer to avoid pilling. Briceno also advises steering clear of alcohol-based products, which can overdry the skin and trigger even more oil production. Instead, he recommends gel-based formulas, which are more durable and help keep oil in check.
What ingredients should you look for in a primer for oily skin?
When shopping for a primer for oily skin, it’s important to keep ingredients in mind. Briceno recommends looking for niacinamide, which helps regulate oil and refine pores, along with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica and kaolin clay to mattify and smooth skin texture.
Silicones such as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are great for blurring imperfections and minimizing the look of pores. For those prone to breakouts or congestion, charcoal and salicylic acid can help keep skin clear while controlling excess oil.
Are primers better for oily skin than dry skin?
Both skin types can benefit from primers, but there are clear differences between primers made for oily skin and options made for drier skin types. “Primers for oily skin control shine and prolong wear usually by providing the skin with a grip barrier, so the makeup stays looking fresh for an extended time,” says Briceno. On the other hand, primers for dry skin focus on hydration and provide skin with luminosity. Parkes says a hydrating moisturizer or face oil will do the job for dry skin, too. Where these two types of primers align is with their purpose: They both make your makeup look its best without the need for multiple touch-ups.
Meet the experts
- Christian Briceno, a makeup artist based in New York City
- Dani Parkes, a makeup artist based in New York City
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best primers for oily skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more 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.