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  4. 7 Best Loofahs of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]
7 Best Loofahs of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

7 Best Loofahs of 2023 [Tested and Reviewed]

A 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.

We've compared seven bestselling loofahs available online and tested them to recommend the best product for you.

Each product was tested on the following five factors.


  • Exfoliating properties
  • Amount of lather produced
  • Richness of the lather
  • Comfort against the skin
  • Ability to clean your back
Last updated 08/30/2023
Dr. Lauren Levy
Expert
Board Certified Dermatologist
Dr. Lauren Levy

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.

Dr. Lauren Levy's Profile
…Continue reading
Yuri Hiraiwa
Guide
Head of Cosmetics and Beauty at mybest
Yuri Hiraiwa

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.

Yuri Hiraiwa's Profile
…Continue reading

How We Tested the Products

Scroll to testing method
We gathered the 7 bestselling Loofahs and put them through rigorous testing.
  1. Exfoliation

    1
    Exfoliation

    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.

  2. Amount of Lather

    2
    Amount of Lather

    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.

  3. Richness of Lather

    3
    Richness of Lather

    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.

  4. Gentleness on the Skin

    4
    Gentleness on the Skin

    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?

  5. Ease of Back Washing

    5
    Ease of Back Washing

    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

Company Facility
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.

Table of Contents

What Are the Benefits of Using a Loofah Compared to a Washcloth?

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.

Loofahs Produce a Rich Lather and Leave Your Skin Feeling Smooth

Loofahs Produce a Rich Lather and Leave Your Skin Feeling Smooth

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.

Smaller Loofahs May Not Reach All Areas of Your Back

Smaller Loofahs May Not Reach All Areas of Your Back

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.

How to Choose a Loofah - Buying Guide

Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best loofahs.
1

For Effective Exfoliation and Luxurious Lather, Consider Loofahs Made from Synthetic Materials

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.

Our Testers Were Able to Exfoliate Well With Synthetic Loofahs

Our Testers Were Able to Exfoliate Well With Synthetic Loofahs

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.

For a Rich, Foamy Lather, Avoid Loofahs Made From Recycled Milk Cartons

For a Rich, Foamy Lather, Avoid Loofahs Made From Recycled Milk Cartons

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.

Natural Loofah May Not Suit Those With Sensitive Skin

Natural Loofah May Not Suit Those With Sensitive Skin

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.

2

In Terms of Size, Bigger Is Better

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.

In Order to Clean Your Back, Aim for a Sponge at Least Six by Six Inches

In Order to Clean Your Back, Aim for a Sponge at Least Six by Six Inches

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.

Was the Buying Guide helpful?

7 Best Loofahs Ranking

Here are the best loofahs we found after testing them. We ranked them against each of our weighted testing criteria.
Recommended
Price Performance
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For exfoliation
Products
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mybest Score
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Key features
Ranking spec
Details
Ease of exfoliating
Foam volume
Foam density
Skin-friendly
Ability to reach your back
Length
Width
Material
Lather texture
Texture
Expiration date
Machine washable
with string
1

Shower Bouquet

XL Bath SpongeSB-4

Shower Bouquet XL Bath Sponge 1枚目
4.13

mybest's Top Choice! Envelope Yourself in a Cloud of Bubbles With a Soft Sponge That’s Gentle on the Skin

3.98
3.98
4.50
4.20
4.08

6 in.

6 in.

Polyethylene (PE)

Lots of lather

Normal

unknown

unknown

2

DadyMart

Bath Shower Loofah Sponge

DadyMart  Bath Shower Loofah Sponge 1枚目
4.01

Thick, Fluffy Bubbles With a Gentle, Pain-Free Scrub

3.90
4.01
4.50
4.08
3.60

5.5 in.

5.5 in.

unknown

Lots of lather

Normal

unknown

unknown

unknown

3

WhaleLife

Bath Body Poufs

WhaleLife Bath Body Poufs 1枚目
3.98

Bathe With a Thick, Rich Lather While Exfoliating Your Skin

4.35
4.05
4.50
3.60
3.60

4.7 in.

4.7 in.

Polyethylene

Lots of lather

Normal

unknown

unknown

unknown

4

Equate Beauty

Gentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge

Equate Beauty Gentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge 1枚目
3.87

Creates Dense Foam and Removes Dead Skin, Leaving the Skin Smooth

3.98
3.77
4.50
3.78
3.44

5.6 in.

5.6 in.

Polyethylene (recyclable LDPE)

Lots of lather

Normal

1 month

unknown

unknown

5

Metene

Bath Shower Loofah Sponge

Metene Bath Shower Loofah Sponge 1枚目
3.83

Produces a Fluffy, Dense Lather, but Not Great for Cleaning the Back

3.60
3.95
4.50
3.90
3.48

4.3 in.

4.3 in.

Polyester

Lots of lather

Normal

1-3 months

unknown

6

Crafts Of Egypt

Egyptian Natural Loofah

Crafts Of Egypt Egyptian Natural Loofah 1枚目
3.74

Produces Decent Lather, but Feels Prickly Against the Skin

3.75
3.91
4.50
3.40
4.26

6 in.

6 in.

Loofah

Less lather

Hard

unknown

unknown

unknown

7

The Body Shop

Skin Sponge

The Body Shop Skin Sponge 1枚目
3.54

Too Small to Clean Your Back and Rough on the Skin

3.75
4.50
4.04
3.16
3.60

5.25 in.

3.75 in.

recycled milk cartons

Less lather

Hard

unknown

unknown

unknown

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1
Top Choice Loofahs
No.1 in Foam density
No.1 in Skin-friendly

Shower BouquetXL Bath SpongeSB-4

mybest Score
4.13
Ease of exfoliating
3.98
|
Foam volume
3.98
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
4.20
|
Ability to reach your back
4.08
View on Amazon
XL Bath Sponge Image 1
Lowest price
$16.99
MaterialPolyethylene (PE)
TextureNormal
Lather texture
Lots of lather

mybest's Top Choice! Envelope Yourself in a Cloud of Bubbles With a Soft Sponge That’s Gentle on the Skin

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.

Length6 in.
Width6 in.
Expiration dateunknown
Machine washableunknown
with string
Was this Ranking helpful?
No.2
No.1 in Foam density

DadyMart Bath Shower Loofah Sponge

mybest Score
4.01
Ease of exfoliating
3.90
|
Foam volume
4.01
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
4.08
|
Ability to reach your back
3.60
Lowest price
$2,010.00
Materialunknown
TextureNormal
Lather texture
Lots of lather

Thick, Fluffy Bubbles With a Gentle, Pain-Free Scrub

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.

Length5.5 in.
Width5.5 in.
Expiration dateunknown
Machine washableunknown
with stringunknown
No.3
No.1 in Ease of exfoliating
No.1 in Foam density

WhaleLifeBath Body Poufs

mybest Score
3.98
Ease of exfoliating
4.35
|
Foam volume
4.05
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
3.60
|
Ability to reach your back
3.60
Lowest price
$9.99
MaterialPolyethylene
TextureNormal
Lather texture
Lots of lather

Bathe With a Thick, Rich Lather While Exfoliating Your Skin

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.

Length4.7 in.
Width4.7 in.
Expiration dateunknown
Machine washableunknown
with stringunknown
No.4
No.1 in Foam density

Equate BeautyGentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge

mybest Score
3.87
Ease of exfoliating
3.98
|
Foam volume
3.77
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
3.78
|
Ability to reach your back
3.44
Lowest price
$5.95
MaterialPolyethylene (recyclable LDPE)
TextureNormal
Lather texture
Lots of lather

Creates Dense Foam and Removes Dead Skin, Leaving the Skin Smooth

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.

Length5.6 in.
Width5.6 in.
Expiration date1 month
Machine washableunknown
with stringunknown
No.5
No.1 in Foam density

MeteneBath Shower Loofah Sponge

mybest Score
3.83
Ease of exfoliating
3.60
|
Foam volume
3.95
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
3.90
|
Ability to reach your back
3.48
Lowest price
$11.99
MaterialPolyester
TextureNormal
Lather texture
Lots of lather

Produces a Fluffy, Dense Lather, but Not Great for Cleaning the Back

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.

Length4.3 in.
Width4.3 in.
Expiration date1-3 months
Machine washableunknown
with string
No.6
No.1 in Foam density
No.1 in Ability to reach your back

Crafts Of EgyptEgyptian Natural Loofah

mybest Score
3.74
Ease of exfoliating
3.75
|
Foam volume
3.91
|
Foam density
4.50
|
Skin-friendly
3.40
|
Ability to reach your back
4.26
Lowest price
$17.99
MaterialLoofah
TextureHard
Lather texture
Less lather

Produces Decent Lather, but Feels Prickly Against the Skin

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.

Length6 in.
Width6 in.
Expiration dateunknown
Machine washableunknown
with stringunknown
No.7
No.1 in Foam volume

The Body ShopSkin Sponge

mybest Score
3.54
Ease of exfoliating
3.75
|
Foam volume
4.50
|
Foam density
4.04
|
Skin-friendly
3.16
|
Ability to reach your back
3.60
Lowest price
$7.00
Materialrecycled milk cartons
TextureHard
Lather texture
Less lather

Too Small to Clean Your Back and Rough on the Skin

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.

Length5.25 in.
Width3.75 in.
Expiration dateunknown
Machine washableunknown
with stringunknown

How We Tested the Loofahs

Loofahs Evaluation
We examined seven top-selling loofahs from leading retailers like Amazon and Walmart. Our goal was to find the one that truly stood out from the rest. Here at mybest, we believe an excellent loofah should excel at removing dead skin cells, generating a substantial amount of dense foam, providing a gentle touch to the skin, and ensuring thorough back cleaning.

We tested the loofahs on the following five criteria.


  • How effective is the exfoliation?
  • How much lather does it produce?
  • How rich is the lather?
  • How gentle is it on your skin?
  • How easy is it to wash your back?

Products we tested

  1. Crafts Of EgyptEgyptian Natural Loofah
  2. DadyMart Bath Shower Loofah Sponge
  3. Equate BeautyGentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge
  4. MeteneBath Shower Loofah Sponge
  5. Shower BouquetXL Bath SpongeSB-4
  6. The Body ShopSkin Sponge
  7. WhaleLifeBath Body Poufs
1

Exfoliation

Exfoliation
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.
2

Amount of Lather

Amount of Lather
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.
3

Richness of Lather

Richness of Lather
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.
4

Gentleness on the Skin

Gentleness on the Skin
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?
5

Ease of Back Washing

Ease of Back Washing

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.

Tips for Keeping Your Loofah Sanitary

Tips for Keeping Your Loofah Sanitary
Do you take care of your loofah after using it? If not, it may harbor bacteria or mold. So, let's discuss how to properly care for a loofah.

  • First, thoroughly rinse off all the soap from the loofah.
  • Then make sure to let it dry in a cool, dry place.
Dr. Lauren Levy
Board Certified DermatologistDr. Lauren Levy

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.

Top 5 Loofahs

No. 1: Shower BouquetXL Bath SpongeSB-4

No. 2: DadyMart Bath Shower Loofah Sponge

No. 3: WhaleLifeBath Body Poufs

No. 4: Equate BeautyGentle Exfoliation Bath Sponge

No. 5: MeteneBath Shower Loofah Sponge

View Full Ranking

The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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