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Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watchesA loofah can come to the rescue when you want to bathe yourself in a thick, foamy lather. Of course, you could wash with a bar of soap or body wash, but using a loofah can help exfoliate the skin and thoroughly clean your body with its rich lather. Yet, choosing the right one can be difficult with so many manufacturers like Shower Bouquet, DadyMart, and The Body Shop.
Each product was tested on the following five factors.
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
She joined a Japanese beauty company as a new graduate and worked there for three and a half years. She counseled over 6,000 people annually and created personalized beauty regimens for each customer. She then joined mybest, where she has written articles covering everything from makeup to skincare. She is a cosmetics concierge, a specialist in cosmetic ingredients, and a certified image consultant.
One of the key benefits of using a loofah is its ability to slough off dead skin cells. We set out to test how effective each loofah was in this regard. Following the testing procedure below, we evaluated each product, rating them higher if they noticeably reduced dead skin cells.We used a skin cell checker to determine the amount of skin cells on someone's arm.We lathered the loofah, washed their arm, and rinsed it off.We dried any remaining moisture with a towel.Then we again used the skin cell checker to measure how many dead skin cells the loofah removed.
To wash the entire body, it's best if a loofah can produce a lot of lather in one go. Therefore, we tested how much lather each loofah generated using the following procedure. The more lather a sponge created, the higher it was rated.We applied two pumps of body soap and about a half cup of water to the loofah, then kneaded it 30 times.Then we measured the amount of lather produced.
A lush, thick lather is crucial to reduce friction against the skin while bathing. We tested the richness of the lather using the procedure below, giving a higher rating to sponges that managed to keep a coin afloat for at least 10 seconds.We applied two pumps of body soap and about a half cup of water to the loofah, then kneaded it 30 times.We transferred the lather onto a plate, then placed a coin on the foam to see if it stayed afloat for 10 seconds.
If the texture of a loofah is too coarse, it could potentially harm your skin. To test how gentle loofahs were on the skin, we had our team of three women and two men rate the gentleness of each sponge by evaluating the points below, giving a higher rating to those with a balanced feel on the skin.Does the loofah cause any pain?Is the loofah too soft?
It's beneficial if your loofah can comfortably cover all areas of your back. So, our team of three women and two men rated each sponge, giving a higher rating to those that could easily reach the back.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.The mybest team independently conducts its own tests to rank products.
Let's first go over the pros and cons of loofahs. We tested loofahs' ability to exfoliate, produce a good lather, and reach your back compared to a washcloth.
One appealing feature of loofah sponges is their ability to easily exfoliate dead skin and produce a thick, frothy lather. Compared to a washcloth, a loofah is typically made from rougher materials that can aid in removing dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling silky and smooth.
In addition, the multilayered construction helps to generate a finer, denser lather, a significant selling point.
One of the attractive features of a loofah is its ability to deliver smoother skin, but it can fall short in size. This can make it challenging to wash the hard-to-reach areas of your back effectively.
You’ll need a loofah measuring at least six by six inches to ensure your back gets a thorough cleaning. Therefore, we suggest considering a larger size when choosing your loofah.
Loofahs made from synthetic materials such as polyethylene and polyester are great for removing dead skin. They provide excellent exfoliation and offer a rich, fluffy lather without being harsh on your skin.
Loofahs made of synthetic material tend to be more effective at removing dead skin cells than those made from other materials. In our exfoliation test, we compared before and after using various loofahs.
Those made from synthetic plastic materials were the clear winners, showing a noticeable difference in skin texture, whereas natural loofahs and ones made from recycled materials fell short. If you're having issues with rough skin or stubborn dirt, we'd highly recommend a loofah made from synthetic materials.
The secret to thick lather lies in the design. Many plastic sponges have a multilayered, rose-like structure, which helps create a rich, luxurious lather. Sponges made from recycled milk carton materials, on the other hand, may not quite meet your expectations. So, if you’re a lather lover, we strongly suggest going synthetic.
Synthetic loofahs offer a gentle and soothing cleanse that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with minimal discomfort. On the other hand, natural loofah can be less agreeable for those with sensitive skin. Some of our testers reported a prickly sensation, with a few mentioning noticeable discomfort.
If your skin tends to be sensitive, you might want to steer clear of natural loofahs. In short, synthetic loofahs are likely your best bet if you have delicate skin or prefer a gentler scrub.
Loofahs are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact sponges that comfortably fit in the palm of your hand to larger ones that cover more area. The key is choosing a large enough loofah to clean your back effectively.
Loofahs may fall short when reaching those hard-to-get areas on your back if they're too small. We recommend choosing larger ones, ideally measuring around six by six inches. Our testers appreciated these bigger loofahs for their ability to make back cleaning simple and easy.
While being comfortable to hold, sponges under five and a half inches may not quite get the job done when thoroughly cleaning your back. So, if this is your priority, it's probably best to bypass the smaller options when choosing your loofah.
Material | Polyethylene (PE) |
---|---|
Texture | Normal |
This bath sponge is our top pick for those who enjoy bathing in a thick, foamy lather. Shower Bouquet's XL Bath Sponge, formulated with bamboo charcoal, which is known for its skin and pore cleansing properties, takes our top spot. One of the most compelling features of this sponge is its ability to produce large amounts of rich lather just by kneading it. This is perfect for those who wish to bathe their whole body in a cloud of foamy bubbles and speed up bath time.
During our exfoliation test, three out of four testers reported that it effectively removed dead skin. This sponge is suitable for those seeking to remove excess dead skin cells and achieve silky-smooth skin. In our test for gentleness on the skin, testers reported the sponge felt soft and fluffy against their skin, with some noting a vigorous scrubbing sensation with little if any discomfort. Its soft texture makes it suitable even for people with sensitive skin. Plus, the sponge’s rose-folded design with multiple overlapping layers makes it large enough to reach your back, allowing you to wash your whole body with ease.
Length | 6 in. |
---|---|
Width | 6 in. |
Expiration date | unknown |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string |
Material | unknown |
---|---|
Texture | Normal |
The DadyMart Bath Shower Loofah Sponge is designed with a firm knot in the center to prevent the sponge from falling apart. In our exfoliation test, it achieved a high score, with three out of four reviewers confirming that it successfully removed dead skin cells and left their skin looking clear. Plus, it generates a fluffy, rich lather after kneading just 30 times, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an effortless foam.
In tests of gentleness on the skin, the somewhat firm texture received high praise from our testers, who commented on its balanced softness and firmness and how it caused minimal discomfort even during vigorous scrubbing. One drawback, however, is that its palm-of-the-hand size has limited reach while washing your body. Reaching your entire back may pose a bit of a challenge unless you can twist your arm back quite a bit.
Overall, if you're seeking a loofah that gives fluffy lather, helps remove dead skin, and has a bit of firmness against the skin, this product is a top contender.
Length | 5.5 in. |
---|---|
Width | 5.5 in. |
Expiration date | unknown |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string | unknown |
Material | Polyethylene |
---|---|
Texture | Normal |
WhaleLife's Bath Body Poufs are enhanced with natural bamboo charcoal to facilitate removal of dead skin cells, even for those with sensitive skin. As advertised, many of our testers rated the sponge highly for effectively removing dead skin. If you're looking to exfoliate and achieve smoother skin, this could be a great pick. An added bonus is that it produces plenty of rich lather, which could help reduce friction when used with a proper lathering technique.
However, some testers found the material a bit rough, leading to some discomfort against the skin. If you prefer a good hard scrub, be aware that this sponge might feel a bit harsh, so you might want to be gentle. Also, its palm-size design limits the washing area to within arm's reach. If you're looking for a body sponge that makes finely-formed lather and effectively removes dead skin, this pouf might be just what you're after.
Length | 4.7 in. |
---|---|
Width | 4.7 in. |
Expiration date | unknown |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string | unknown |
Material | Polyethylene (recyclable LDPE) |
---|---|
Texture | Normal |
Equate Beauty's Gentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge set comes in three colors: pink, green, and gray. While it doesn’t produce an impressive amount of lather, the thickness of the foam yielded high marks in our lather richness test. Also, many of our testers were able to reduce dead skin cells using this sponge, making it ideal for achieving smoother skin.
In terms of how it feels against your skin, opinions among our testers varied: some felt a bit of friction from the mesh fibers, but not to the point of pain, while others felt almost no pain even when scrubbing hard, resulting in a modest rating. People with sensitive skin might find it painful, but those with normal skin should be able to use it with no issues. Its hand-held size is a plus for easy handling, but its reach is limited for full-body washing, which held back its overall score.
Length | 5.6 in. |
---|---|
Width | 5.6 in. |
Expiration date | 1 month |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string | unknown |
Material | Polyester |
---|---|
Texture | Normal |
The Metene Bath Shower Loofah Sponge is made of polyester with a sturdy knot for durability. While the rich foamy lather it produces is definitely a plus, the amount of bubbles falls a bit short. It might leave those who enjoy lots of lather less than satisfied.
In our exfoliation tests, we saw virtually no difference, suggesting it might not be suitable for those who struggle with rough skin and want to wash away dead skin. On the other hand, testers praised its softness during the gentleness test, noting its pleasing, gentle touch against the skin. It's a great choice for those who prefer a gentle wash. However, its smaller design doesn't do well for cleaning your back, limiting its overall appeal.
Length | 4.3 in. |
---|---|
Width | 4.3 in. |
Expiration date | 1-3 months |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string |
Material | Loofah |
---|---|
Texture | Hard |
Crafts Of Egypt's Egyptian Natural Loofah is made from natural loofah from Egypt. It comes flat and compressed, so make sure to soak it in warm water for fifteen minutes before use. Both the quantity and density of the lather earned high marks in our tests. Although it doesn't create loads of bubbles, our test coin didn’t sink in the lather. In exfoliation tests, while some testers reported effective removal of dead skin cells, most noticed little difference, suggesting it's not ideal for those wanting to smooth out rough skin.
During our skin feel tests, testers noted the slightly prickly, painful sensation from the rough, hard fibers, suggesting it could cause discomfort even for individuals with normal skin. While the large size enables thorough washing, including hard-to-reach back areas, it might not be the best choice for those who prioritize skin comfort.
Length | 6 in. |
---|---|
Width | 6 in. |
Expiration date | unknown |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string | unknown |
Material | recycled milk cartons |
---|---|
Texture | Hard |
The Body Shop Skin Sponge is made from recycled milk cartons. While it whips up a generous amount of lather, it’s not very dense. In our lather richness test, the coin sank in nine seconds, yielding less than impressive results. Those who enjoy washing with a rich, fluffy lather may find it lacking. In terms of exfoliation, the results were mixed. Some testers found it did not effectively remove dead skin cells, while others reported a reduction. If you struggle with rough skin, this sponge might leave you less than satisfied.
Due to its small palm-of-the-hand size, it might be difficult to wash the middle of your back. Testers also noted the rough texture, comparing it to the hardness of a dish sponge. It's likely not the best choice for those seeking a gentle skin feel.
Length | 5.25 in. |
---|---|
Width | 3.75 in. |
Expiration date | unknown |
Machine washable | unknown |
with string | unknown |
We tested the loofahs on the following five criteria.
Products we tested
It's beneficial if your loofah can comfortably cover all areas of your back. So, our team of three women and two men rated each sponge, giving a higher rating to those that could easily reach the back.
While it might be convenient to hang it in the bathtub, doing so can promote the growth of bacteria and mold due to the moisture. After rinsing off the soap, try letting it dry on the bathroom counter or in a bedroom.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Apps
Business apps, Cooking apps, Dating appsHome goods
Bath supplies, Ceremonial occasion supplies, Cleaning suppliesHome electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, AV accessories, Blenders and food processorsPC
Computer supplies, Desktop computers, TabletsCamera
Camera bags and backpacks, Camera supplies, Digital single lens camerasBeauty
Blushes, Bronzers, CleansersHealth
Body care products, Health accessories, Health foods and supplementsFood and drinks
Alcohol, Breads and jams, Cocktails and ready-to-drink alcoholic beveragesKitchen
Coffee and tea products, Cooking utensils, CupsFashion
Footwear products, Men's shoes, SandalsShoes
Accessories
Wristwatches, Accessories and jewelry, Umbrellas and parasolsKids and baby
Baby carriers, Baby food, Baby formulaInterior
Beds, Beds and bedding, ChairsHobbies
Aromatherapy products, Art supplies, Arts and collectiblesOutdoor
Barbecue grills and fire pits, Camping beds and cots, Camping gearHome, garden, and tools
Agricultural materials and gardening supplies, Exterior and garden furniture, Materials and repairing agentsSports and fitness
Sports shoes, Surfing supplies, Badminton suppliesPets
Bird and small animal supplies, Cat supplies, Dog suppliesMedia
Books and magazines, CD, Children's books, picture books and illustrated encyclopediasGames
Gaming accessories, Nintendo Switch games, PC gamesAutomotive
Car accessories, Car navigation systemsGifts
Christmas gifts, Father's Day gifts, Gifts for childrenMobile devices
Mobile phone and smartphone accessories, Wearable devices and smart watches