You’ve seen the brand. Ben Sherman is everywhere, usually on a crisp button-down or a mod-style Harrington jacket. But then you’re wandering through the grooming aisle or scrolling through a clearance site and you see it: a massive 19-ounce tub of Ben Sherman body scrub.
It’s big. It’s cheap. It looks like it belongs in a high-end barbershop. But is it actually doing anything for your skin, or is it just a tub of scented salt? Honestly, men’s skincare is often a minefield of over-marketing, and this scrub is a perfect example of something that people buy for the brand and stay for the—well, the grit.
The Grit Factor: What’s Actually Inside?
Let’s be real. Most guys don't want a "gentle, cloud-like exfoliation." If you’re using a scrub, you usually want to feel like you’re actually getting the grime off. The Ben Sherman exfoliating body scrub for men is not for the faint of heart. It’s a physical exfoliant, meaning it uses actual particles—often sugar-based—to sand down the rough patches on your elbows, knees, and back.
It’s infused with some heavy hitters like shea butter and Vitamin E. If you look at the label, you'll also see Vitamin A and C mentioned. Why does that matter? Basically, while the scrub is ripping away the dead skin cells (the stuff making you look dull), the shea butter is supposed to swoop in and prevent you from turning into a piece of sandpaper.
The scent profiles are surprisingly sophisticated for the price point. We’re talking:
- Bourbon + Oak: Smells like a library if the librarian was a lumberjack.
- Sea Salt + Peppermint: The "I woke up late and need to be at the office in 15 minutes" vibe.
- Sandalwood + Musk: Classic, heavy, and very "Ben Sherman."
- Gold Amber + Sage: Earthy and a bit more modern.
Why Ben Sherman Body Scrub Isn't Just for "Self-Care"
Some people think body scrubs are a luxury. They aren’t. If you’re an active guy, or if you deal with the dreaded "backne," a scrub is a tool. Ben Sherman’s formula specifically targets the thicker, oilier skin that most men have.
Think about your post-workout shower. Soap gets the sweat off, but it doesn't always get the deep-seated gunk out of your pores. Using the Ben Sherman body scrub a couple of times a week helps clear those pathways.
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It’s also a secret weapon for a better shave. If you use it on your neck or chest before you take a razor to those areas, it lifts the hair and clears away the dead skin that causes ingrowns. Just don’t do it after you shave. That’s a mistake you only make once. It burns. Trust me.
The Problem with Sensitive Skin
Here’s the nuance: this stuff is aggressive. If you have eczema or very reactive skin, the "Gold Amber + Sage" is going to feel like a personal attack. Some users have complained that the scent is overpowering. And honestly? They’re right. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, the Sandalwood Musk will linger on your skin for hours. Some love that—it's like a built-in cologne—but for others, it's a bit much.
Also, it’s a salt/sugar-based hybrid in some formulations. If you have a small cut you didn't know about, you’re going to find it real fast.
How to Use It Without Ruining Your Skin Barrier
You don't need a lot. A scoop about the size of a golf ball is usually enough for your whole body.
First, get your skin wet in a warm shower. This softens the "stratum corneum"—that's just a fancy word for the top layer of dead skin. Turn the water off or step out of the stream. If you try to scrub while the water is hitting you, the product just dissolves and goes down the drain. Waste of money.
Massage it in circular motions. Focus on the rough spots. You don’t need to press hard; let the grit do the work. Rinse it off thoroughly.
The biggest mistake? Using it every day. Your skin needs time to regenerate. Twice a week is the sweet spot for most. If you over-exfoliate, you’ll strip your natural oils, and your body will panic and produce more oil to compensate. Then you’re back to square one with breakouts.
The Verdict on Value
Is it the best scrub on the planet? Probably not. You can find artisanal, small-batch scrubs that use crushed diamond dust or whatever the latest trend is. But for a massive 19.02 oz container that usually retails for a fraction of "luxury" brands, the Ben Sherman body scrub is a workhorse.
It’s portable, too. The twist-top is actually leak-proof, which is a rarity for these tubs. Most of them end up leaking oil all over your gym bag, but this one stays sealed.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your skin type: if you have oily skin or work a physical job, go for the Bourbon + Oak for a deep, gritty clean.
- Test a patch: Apply a small amount to your inner forearm first to make sure the fragrance doesn't irritate you.
- Moisturize immediately: After you dry off, use a basic lotion. The scrub has opened up your pores, making it the best time for your skin to actually absorb moisture.
- Watch the frequency: Start with once a week. If your skin doesn't get red or flaky, move up to twice.