Plus, they tend to be easier to clean than loofahs. “[Silicone scrubbers] aren’t a good medium for microbial growth and are therefore easily kept clean with soap and water,” cosmetic chemist Emmy Ketcham previously told Allure.
Is it better to use a loofah or a washcloth?
Wondering whether to go loofah or washcloth? “I recommend using a washcloth because it can be easily laundered for improved hygiene,” Dr. Engelman says. “A high-quality washcloth is typically made from softer, gentler materials that are less abrasive and better for the skin.” You can’t go wrong with bamboo or cotton.
Dr. Camp is also team washcloth.“Integrating a washcloth into your skincare routine can remove dead skin cells that contribute to the appearance of a dull complexion,” he says. “Washcloths can help to reveal healthy, bright layers of skin.”
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in Midtown, New York, and Commack and Hampton Bays, Long Island
- Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
- Emmy Ketcham, a cosmetic chemist and cofounder of Experiment Beauty
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 the best loofah alternatives, 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 dermatologists. 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.
