Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Clarifying Body Wash and Body Scrub Review

This summer had me staring down at my legs a lot, specifically at those raised bumps that flare up as soon as I’m done shaving. They’re what some call chicken skin, strawberry skin, or, scientifically speaking, keratosis pilaris. I’ve seen those pesky bumps ever since I started shaving at the age of 12, and I’d just accepted them over the years. But I decided recently that I want to turn this situation around and help my skin feel softer and smoother. When the announcement of Sol De Janeiro’s new Bom Dia Body Wash and Body Scrub popped up in my inbox, I wanted to see if these exfoliating products could put me on the path toward velvety skin.

What are the Sol de Janeiro Bom Dia Body Wash and Bom Dia Body Scrub?

Sol de Janeiro’s Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash and Bom Dia Body Scrub are the two newest launches to join the brand’s Bom Dia collection, which consists of the Bom Dia Bright Body Cream and Brazilian Crush Cheirosa 40 Bom Dia Bright Perfume Mist. The Bom Dia Bright Clarifying AHA BHA Body Wash retails for $26 and can be used every day for a “deep cleanse.” This gel-based body wash’s main ingredients include salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid—or BHA) and lactic acid and fruit alpha hydroxy acids (both AHAs). Salicylic acid helps to free the pores of excess oil and dirt while lactic acid sloughs away dead skin cells. Fruit alpha hydroxy acids—from mango and banana specifically—exfoliate dead skin cells, making skin feel soft and smooth.

Meanwhile, the Bomb Dia Body Scrub retails for $42 and claims to serve as “a facial for your body.” In other words, it’s supposed to help transform skin from feeling rough and bumpy to soft and smooth. The scrub is meant to be used two to three times a week instead of every day to avoid over-exfoliating—and therefore irritating—the skin. The body scrub aims to address specific skin concerns, including keratosis pilaris and scaly patches of skin. It uses glycolic acid and crushed marcujá seeds to turn over dead skin cells and salicylic acid to cleanse the pores.

Both the body wash and body scrub have the Bom Dia collection’s signature fragrance, Cheirosa ‘40, which is a blend of "black amber plum" and "vanilla woods."

Bom Dia Body Wash

Nothing makes my skin feel as soft and smooth as an exfoliating body wash containing ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and benzoyl peroxide, and the Bom Dia Body Wash held up to my expectations. After using the soap everyday for a week—per the brand’s suggestion to use it daily—I noticed that some of the pesky bumps on my legs subsided, not to mention that the skin on my back and arms felt smooth as marble.

Unlike other skin-smoothing body washes I’ve used—like the benzoyl peroxide-containing PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash, for example—this gel formula tugs at your sense of smell in a good way, thanks to its sweet, fruity aroma. I prefer to use body washes that are either unscented or have a citrus aroma attached to them, so the fragrance—and how much I enjoyed it—came as an unexpected, pleasant surprise. Even though the aroma is a nice greeting, it goes away after lathering the soap into the skin on my arms, legs, and back over the course of five minutes. If the fragrance is your favorite thing about this product, though, you can ensure that it lingers by applying the Bom Dia Bright Cream and/or the Bom Dia Bright Perfume Mist post-shower.

The only complaint I have is that, on one occasion, I experienced some itching on my back the morning after using the body wash during my nighttime shower. I suspect the irritation was a result of my skin’s finicky, sensitive nature. If you also have sensitive skin, you may want to incorporate this wash more gradually into your routine to allow your skin to adjust to its exfoliating ingredients.

$26 on Sol de Janeiro

Bom Dia Body Scrub

After washing my body with the Bom Dia Body Wash, I wanted to jump right into using the Bom Dia Body Scrub. As soon as I opened the jar, I was welcomed by the sweet, earthy smell of plums. Its whipped texture glided against the surface of my damp arms and legs without being too abrasive. It proved to be compatible with my sensitive skin, too, given that I didn’t experience any itching post-shower. One use wasn’t enough to alleviate my bumpy, keratosis-ridden legs, but after four uses, I noticed that my legs looked the smoothest they’d been in years. Some bumps still remain, but I’m optimistic that I’m inching closer to attaining keratosis pilaris-free legs with the use of one or both of these Sol de Janeiro items.

$42 on Sol de Janeiro

Are the Bom Dia Body Wash and Body Scrub worth it?

Yes, if you want smooth skin and a relaxing shower experience

While I recognize that the body wash and scrub retail for a hefty $26 and $42, respectively, I think that this duo is worth it. Not only did these products help smooth my bumpy legs but their warm, earthy fragrance also put my mind and body at ease before heading off to bed. The benefits I saw make their prices all the more worth it to me. But on one final note: If you decide to purchase the Bom Dia Body Wash and you have sensitive skin, I recommend going slow when integrating this product into your routine, given that it made my back itch. Otherwise, here’s to elevating your showering experience and getting your smoothest skin yet!

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