The 10 Best Shower Sponges
Special Honors
Khali Khutta Wild Himalayan Nettle For those who prefer elegant, subdued design over bright colors, the Khali Khutta Wild Himalayan Nettle is an excellent choice. Each is knitted by hand with robust nettle fiber that gently exfoliates, and looks good doing so, thanks to natural coloring and a rich texture. khalikhutta.com
Boie USA Scrubber There's no need to worry about germs with the Boie USA Scrubber, since this antimicrobial option is made from a thermoplastic elastomer that dries quickly to stop bacteria buildup. Made in the USA, it sticks to your shower wall, and is completely recyclable when you're finished with it. boieusa.com
GourmetGiftBaskets.com Premium Spa If you know someone who really needs to unwind, the GourmetGiftBaskets.com Premium Spa gift crate is just the ticket. It has a loofah sponge, pumice brush, and more, all for creating exfoliated, glowing skin, as well as a bottle of rosé that can help create a truly relaxing evening of pampering. gourmetgiftbaskets.com
Editor's Notes
June 01, 2020:
While scrubbing from top to toe with a shower sponge can feel good, the truth is that these items can harbor all kinds of bacteria. Those who are prone to skin infections might want to give the sponge a rest, and those who don't want to give up scrubbing should take some precautions: replace your sponge regularly, allow it to air dry in a well-ventilated area after every use, don't over-scrub delicate skin, and never share a sponge with anyone else. If you're the type to really worry about germs, you might consider switching to a washcloth, since these can be easily laundered after each and every use.
With that said, anyone looking for a standard shower poof would do well to consider the Shower Bouquet Swirl. With four in every pack, they represent a good value, and they're large enough to work up a satisfying lather. For a more typical sponge experience, there's the Spongeables Skinutrients and the Spongellé Beyond Cleansing, both of which are infused with soap for convenience that's hard to beat. They don't last as long as many, however. Or, if you want a natural scrubber, there's the Crafts of Egypt 100% Natural or the Constantia Beauty Gift Set. Keep in mind that these are not mass-produced in a factory; there may be variations in size, texture, and color.
Finally, we removed the Wingswind Back Scrubber, opting instead for the Salux Beauty Skin Cloth. The latter has something of a cult following among travelers, as it dries rapidly, is exceptionally lightweight, and packs down small. If you want to really exfoliate your back, the Üya Company Back Scratch works, too, but it's neither portable nor inexpensive.