(Beauty Report Card)

This Cult-Favorite Shower Tool Transformed My Body Care Routine

My washcloths are in the trash.

July 22, 2023

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I’ve always been meticulous about my body care routine. I was a washcloth loyalist for years, using the tried-and-true tool to diligently apply my favorite soaps and scrubs. However, when I entered my mid-20s, I found that my beloved shower tool was no longer doing what it needed to do. No matter how much or how hard I scrubbed, my skin never felt as smooth as it once did and I had trouble keeping bacne at bay. That is, until I ditched my washcloth for the Japanese Salux towel and built a new body care routine around it.

It was around this time that I had taken interest K-beauty skin care principles and had developed a multi-step routine for my face. So, naturally, I figured I could do the same with my body care, too. I went into research mode scouring the internet for every article and blog post I could find on K-beauty skin care for the neck down. Initially, I landed on the Korean Italy towel as my washcloth replacement, but upon watching Youtube reviews, I realized it would be too abrasive for daily use. Eventually, I found an old Into The Gloss story singing the praises of the Salux. Made in Japan, it’s a long cloth made from nylon and polyester with soft exfoliating ridges that aren’t coarse. It comes in a beautiful baby pink color (not going to lie, the pink is what hooked me). Fortunately, the Youtube reviews of this shower tool back it up, so I found it on Amazon, made my purchase, and the rest is history.

In the five years since my game-changing discovery, the rest of my body care routine has evolved to support my daily physical exfoliation via the towel, opting for gentler formulas with AHAs for further clarifying benefits and hydrating ingredients to prevent dryness. I’ve traded in my African black soap and Dr. Bronner’s body wash for a more moisturizing option. Beyond soap, I’ve also incorporated treatment-centric products that support my ever-long battle against congestion and hyperpigmentation into my regimen. Ahead, the holy grail products I use with my beloved Salux towel to keep my skin looking and feeling its best.

The Salux Shop

Salux Cloth (Pack of 6)

$30

The product that started it all. I typically buy six at a time (they last around three months, so I designate four for at-home use and two for travel for the year) in the classic pink color.

Raw Sugar

Avocado & Cactus Pear Moisture Loving Body Wash

After lots of trial and error, I found a cost-effective soap that offers the right amount of slip and doesn’t dry out my skin.

COSRX

Galactomyces 95 Tone Balancing Essence

$24

I never considered using this essence on my body until an AHA deodorant I tried a couple years ago resulted in a nasty rash and residual hyperpigmentation. Once my skin is completely dry, I apply a small amount to my armpits, chest, and under-boobs to hydrate and brighten.

Hyperskin

Hyper Even Fade and Glow AHA Mask

$48

Reintroducing AHAs to my underarm area was definitely a gamble, but it’s paid off in spades. I use this mask once a week (instead of the essence) to help fade the aforementioned hyperpigmentation.

Corpus Naturals

Natural Deodorant

$26

This deodorant is pricier than other options, but each stick lasts for months. The Santalum scent is divine and most importantly, it doesn’t give me rashes or irritation.

Flamingo

Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

$10

I refer to this lotion as Hot Girl Amlactin. It hydrates, exfoliates, and smells SO good. The travel and jumbo sizes have both been discontinued, so fingers crossed this version sticks around.

Provence Beauty

Rose Oil

After spending way too much money on body oils that were ultimately “just OK”, I was delighted to find a worthwhile option for under $10. I apply it to my driest areas right out of the shower and again after I finish applying lotion.

Supergoop!

Glow Oil SPF 50

$38

I already have the Unseen Sunscreen, Glow Stick, and Glow Screen in my arsenal, but I hadn’t heard of the Glow Oil until my best friend pulled it out at the start of our vacation earlier this month. I used it throughout the trip and will be stocking up on a few bottles of my own, care of my FSA card.

Megababe

Bust Dust

$16

This baby eliminates boob sweat and the irritation that comes along with it.

Phlur

Sandara Eau de Parfum

$96

$48

I complete my routine with this bright and woodsy perfume. I love it dearly, but I will absolutely be switching to the upcoming Beyoncé fragrance as soon as I get it in the mail this fall.