Humanrace, Pharrell Williams’ multi-category skincare performance ecosystem, launches two new body care essentials: a Smoothing Body Scrub and Recovery Body Lotion. After six months of loyal use, the brand’s existing skincare lineup convinced us these new releases were worth testing for a full week. Verdict: both have become non-negotiable bathroom staples that complement the rest of the Humanrace system perfectly.
The expansion marks Humanrace‘s evolution beyond premium skincare into a broader recovery philosophy. Rather than positioning body care as an afterthought, the brand treats it as a necessary daily ritual. Built on a foundation of intentional formulation (every ingredient has a stated purpose), the new duo works synergistically: the scrub preps skin through physical and chemical exfoliation, while the lotion seals in recovery.
Building the Ritual
The complete routine starts with a soap bar. For body cleansing, bar soap remains the most effective and eco-friendly choice, and Humanrace‘s offering reflects this philosophy. We alternate between the Reenergizing White Clay Body Bar for general use and the Energy Channeling Charcoal Body Bar for post-workout sessions, when activated charcoal’s detoxifying properties feel particularly relevant. From there, the Smoothing Body Scrub follows naturally.
The Smoothing Body Scrub
At first application, the plush, grain-rich texture feels indulgent without being abrasive. Rice particles provide gentle physical exfoliation; mandelic and salicylic acids handle chemical refinement. The transformation is immediate: upon contact with water, it becomes a milky lather that rinses cleanly and leaves skin noticeably brighter and smoother. Shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and tiger leaf extract prevent that tight, stripped feeling many exfoliants leave behind. We used it daily for a week without irritation, though the formula suggests balancing frequency with your skin’s sensitivity.
The Recovery Body Lotion
Where the scrub refines, the lotion repairs and soothes. The lightweight formula absorbs quickly without greasing up clothing or sheets. Frankincense and ginger root deliver warming, circulation-boosting properties that genuinely ease post-workout muscle soreness. Magnesium promotes relaxation, while copper gluconate, peptides, and ceramides target skin resilience and barrier function. The texture is silky without being heavy, making it ideal for daily use or as part of a post-movement ritual. Paired with the scrub, the duo creates a purposeful system that addresses both refinement and recovery.
Face Care Integration
The body care system integrates seamlessly with Humanrace‘s skincare collection. We cleanse with either the Retrograde Gel Cleanser for deeper purification or the Rice Powder Cleanser for a more gentle, natural feel. As the brand’s founder notes in his approach to formulation, every product earns its place through performance. For daily face moisturizing, the Humidifying Face Cream serves as our foundation. When skin feels depleted or tired, the Mystifying Moisturizer Gel Hydratant becomes essential. Its 7D hyaluronic acid and blue light protection make it equally effective as a daytime treatment and night cream, particularly when skin needs intensive recovery.
The combined effect is subtle but significant: skin feels consistently soft, hydrated, and genuinely recovered rather than merely moisturized. The sustainability angle is a bonus: refillable vessels use 50 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the heat-sealed refill system eliminates 1,200 plastic caps per product cycle. For a deeper dive into skincare foundations, see our moisturising cream guide and 11 Summer Skin Essentials for Your Travel Bag, where we detail the Rice Powder Cleanser as part of the essential skincare edit.
Smoothing Body Scrub, $48 USD (190 ml) | Recovery Body Lotion, $52 USD (145 ml) | Recovery Kit, $90 USD.
