Coconut Shell vs Walnut vs Apricot Scrub — Which Exfoliant Is Right for You?
Ellie NicolaouCoconut Shell vs Walnut vs Apricot Scrub
We use three different natural exfoliants in our soaps, each with a different texture, strength, and best use. Here's how to choose the right one for your skin.
- Coconut shell, Roughest. Best for tough areas like feet, elbows, and knees. The most textured, gritty exfoliation
- Walnut shell, Medium. A balanced all-rounder for general body exfoliation on arms, legs, and torso
- Apricot kernel, Softest. The gentlest option for delicate skin, lighter exfoliation, or anyone new to exfoliating soap
- All three are natural, biodegradable, and embedded in the same goat milk soap base
- Each scent in our range is available with all three exfoliants, choose your favourite scent and your preferred strength independently
The Three Exfoliants , In Detail
All three exfoliants are ground from natural shells or kernels, no plastic microbeads, no synthetic abrasives, no artificial particles. They're mixed into our goat milk soap base during the making process, so every bar contains a consistent distribution of scrub particles throughout. As the bar wears down, new particles are exposed, you get the same exfoliation experience from the first use to the last.
🥥 Coconut Shell
RoughestGround coconut shell powder is the most textured exfoliant in our range. The particles are hard, angular, and noticeably gritty, you'll feel them immediately when you lather the bar. This is a serious scrub for areas that can handle it.
What it's made from: The hard outer shell of the coconut is dried and ground into a fine-to-medium powder. Coconut shell is one of the hardest natural materials used in exfoliation, harder than walnut or apricot.
How it feels: Gritty, firm, and textured. You can feel the individual particles as they move across your skin. It creates a scrubbing sensation that's satisfying on tough areas but too intense for delicate skin.
Best for: Feet (especially heels), elbows, knees, hands, and any area where skin tends to be thick, rough, or calloused. Many people keep a coconut shell exfoliating soap specifically for these tough spots.
Not recommended for: Face, neck, chest, inner arms, or any area where skin is thin or sensitive. The angular particles are too abrasive for delicate areas.
🌰 Walnut Shell
MediumGround walnut shell sits right in the middle, firm enough to feel effective, but gentler than coconut shell. It's the most popular choice in our range because it works well on most body areas without being too intense.
What it's made from: The hard shell of the walnut is dried and ground into a fine powder. Walnut shell is moderately hard, softer than coconut shell but firmer than apricot kernel.
How it feels: Moderately textured with a balanced scrub. You can feel the particles working, but it doesn't feel aggressive or scratchy. The exfoliation is firm without being harsh, a comfortable middle ground.
Best for: General body exfoliation, arms, legs, torso, shoulders, back. The all-rounder that works well for most people on most areas. If you're only buying one exfoliating soap, this is the most versatile choice.
Not recommended for: Very sensitive skin or the face. While gentler than coconut shell, it's still a physical exfoliant that may be too much for delicate areas. People with very reactive skin should start with apricot kernel instead.
🍑 Apricot Kernel
SoftestGround apricot kernel is our gentlest exfoliant, the particles are softer, rounder, and create a mild scrub that's suitable for more delicate areas and people who prefer a lighter touch.
What it's made from: The inner kernel (seed) of the apricot fruit is dried and ground into a fine powder. Apricot kernel is naturally softer than shell-based exfoliants, and the particles tend to be rounder rather than angular.
How it feels: Smooth and mild. You can feel a gentle texture when you lather, but it doesn't feel gritty or scratchy. It's more of a light buffing than a heavy scrub, pleasant and easy to use with minimal pressure.
Best for: People with sensitive or easily irritated skin. People who are new to exfoliating soap and want to start gently. Delicate areas like upper arms, décolletage, and neck. Anyone who prefers a subtle exfoliation experience.
A note on face use: If you want to try exfoliating your face with soap, apricot kernel is the only option we'd suggest considering, and even then, only with very light pressure, once a week maximum, and a patch test first. Many dermatologists recommend chemical exfoliants rather than physical scrubs for facial skin. Consult your dermatologist if you have any concerns.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 🥥 Coconut | 🌰 Walnut | 🍑 Apricot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | Roughest | Medium | Softest |
| Particle hardness | Hard, angular | Moderately hard | Soft, rounded |
| Texture feel | Gritty, noticeable | Balanced, firm | Smooth, mild |
| Best body areas | Feet, elbows, knees, hands | Arms, legs, torso, back | Delicate areas, upper arms, neck |
| Skin type | Thick, resilient skin | Normal skin | Sensitive or delicate skin |
| Experience level | Experienced exfoliators | Everyone, best all-rounder | Beginners, cautious users |
| Frequency | 1-2x per week | 1-3x per week | 2-3x per week |
| Biodegradable | Yes, natural shell | Yes, natural shell | Yes, natural kernel |
Not sure which one to choose? Start with walnut shell. It's the most versatile, firm enough to feel effective, gentle enough for most skin types. Once you know your preference, you can go rougher (coconut) or softer (apricot) from there.
Choose by Situation , A Quick Guide
Rough Heels and Feet
Feet can handle, and benefit from, a stronger scrub. The coconut shell exfoliant cuts through tough, calloused skin more effectively than the gentler options.
→ Coconut Shell (Roughest)General Body Exfoliation
Arms, legs, torso, and back. The areas most people want to exfoliate as part of their weekly routine. Walnut shell provides the right balance of effectiveness and comfort.
→ Walnut Shell (Medium)Sensitive or Delicate Skin
If your skin is easily irritated, reactive, or you've had bad experiences with scrubs before, start with the gentlest option. You can always move up to walnut shell later if you want more texture.
→ Apricot Kernel (Softest)First Time Using Exfoliating Soap
If you've never used an exfoliating soap before, start gentle. Apricot kernel lets you experience the concept without risking irritation. You'll know quickly whether you want something stronger.
→ Apricot Kernel (Softest)Post-Sport or Physical Work
After exercise or manual work, a satisfying scrub can feel great. Walnut shell is effective without being harsh on already-tired skin. If you want something more intense, coconut shell delivers.
→ Walnut or CoconutPre-Moisturiser Prep
Exfoliating before moisturising helps products absorb better. Any strength works here, choose based on the area you're treating and your skin's tolerance.
→ Any (based on area)What They All Have in Common
Regardless of which exfoliant you choose, the base soap is the same across all our exfoliating soaps:
Goat Milk Soap Base
Every exfoliating soap uses the same handmade goat milk soap base as our regular goat milk soap range. That means goat milk, natural oils (olive, coconut), fragrance oil, and skin-safe colour. No SLS, no parabens, no synthetic detergents.
Natural and Biodegradable
All three exfoliants are derived from natural plant materials and are fully biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads. Commonly used in natural body scrubs, ingredients like coconut shell, walnut shell, and apricot kernel help exfoliate the skin without contributing to microplastic pollution. After washing, they break down naturally, supporting a more sustainable and plastic-free skincare routine.
Same Scent Options
Each scent in our exfoliating soap range is available with all three exfoliant types. You choose the scent you love and the scrub strength you need, independently. That means 4 scent options × 3 exfoliants = 12 combinations to choose from.
Same Soap-Making Quality
Every bar is handmade in small batches in Melbourne with the same care and quality control as our entire product range. The exfoliant particles are distributed evenly throughout each bar so you get consistent performance from first use to last.
How Often to Use Each One
Coconut Shell (Roughest): 1-2 Times Per Week
Because it's the most abrasive, less frequent use is recommended. Use it on tough areas 1-2 times per week and use regular goat milk soap on the other days. Over-exfoliating with a rough exfoliant can irritate even resilient skin.
Walnut Shell (Medium): 1-3 Times Per Week
The middle ground allows for slightly more frequent use. Most people find 2 times per week to be the sweet spot for walnut shell, enough to maintain smooth skin without overdoing it.
Apricot Kernel (Softest): 2-3 Times Per Week
Because it's the gentlest, you can use it more frequently. Some people with resilient skin use it every other day. Start with twice a week and adjust based on how your skin responds.
On non-exfoliation days, use a regular goat milk soap or whipped soap for gentle everyday cleansing. Exfoliating soap is for maintenance, not for daily use. If you have sensitive skin or a skin condition, consult your dermatologist about appropriate exfoliation frequency.
Our Exfoliating Soap Range
We make 12 handmade exfoliating soaps, 4 scents × 3 exfoliant types. Every bar uses a goat milk soap base, natural oils, and natural scrub particles. No SLS, no synthetic dyes, no plastic microbeads.
Browse the full Exfoliating Soap collection to see all scent and exfoliant combinations. Every product page lists the complete ingredients and identifies which exfoliant is used. For a broader overview of what exfoliating soap does, read our benefits of exfoliating soap guide.
Three Strengths. Your Choice.
Coconut shell, walnut shell, or apricot kernel. Natural, biodegradable, handmade in Melbourne.
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