What's the difference between this and a body wash or soap? Can I use it as a replacement?

A body wash or soap is primarily a surfactant-based cleanser designed to remove dirt, sweat, sebum (skin oils), and impurities from the skin's surface and rinse them away. Its main purpose is cleansing.

This scrub, however, is an exfoliating treatment. Its main working element is sugar crystals, which mechanically lift away dead surface cells through physical abrasion. While this process can remove some surface debris, it does not contain the necessary cleansing agents to effectively dissolve and wash away daily grime and oils. Using it as a replacement for your regular cleanser would likely leave a film and not provide a thorough clean.

Therefore, it should be used alongside your regular body cleanser. A common routine is to cleanse first with your body wash, then apply the scrub to the target areas for exfoliation, rinse, and finish with moisturizer. It adds a polishing step to your hygiene routine rather than replacing the foundational cleansing step.