Over the years, scrubs have become an irreplaceable part of my skincare routine, both in my face and my body. I remember the very first one I got was a minty one from Avon (which now that I think of, it did a pretty good job!). Then I started trying different brands finding some were better than others and currently I found myself with half a dozen scrubs ready to be compared. 😉
NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR SPOT PROOFING SMOOTHING SCRUB
This scrub claims to work with your skin to help clear spots and defend against new breakouts from first use. It’s suitable for sensitive skin, it’s oil free and it contains salicylic acid. I’m lucky enough not to suffer from acne, probably one breakout from time to time but nothing chronic or serious. This product might prevent indeed from new breakouts, though, given that it cleanses your skin quite well, but I can’t test that particular claim myself. I do have some blackheads on my nose, and when I use this scrub I put particular emphasis there, however and sadly, I haven’t seen a meaningful decrease of them during all this time. I love the subtle sweet scent and how clean my face feels after using it, but if you’re like me, the blackheads will probs still be there.
GARNIER SKINACTIVE PURE ACTIVE INTENSIVE 3 IN 1 CHARCOAL ANTI-BLACKHEAD WASH, SCRUB AND MASK
This 3 in 1 wash, scrub and mask was really big when it came out earlier this year with this intensive version. The new formula claims to visibly reduce the appearance of blackheads and help protect against their reappearance. It has three uses: 1) as a wash it intensely purifies the look of skin and removes dirt and impurities given that it’s enriches with salicylic acid, a well-known antibacterial agent. I hardly use it as a wash, simply because I want to make the most of out the product’s claimed intensity, so I usually alternate between the two other uses.
2) As a scrub, it’s said to contain natural exfoliating particles to unclog the appearance of pores and visibly reduces the look of blackheads. So it’s not technically an anti-blackhead product, it just visibly reduces them. And I’m glad they clarified that because that’s exactly what I got from using it. My blackheads still exist, but they’re indeed reduced. I also quite enjoy the «intensive» exfoliating particles, especially when I want a deeper exfoliation. This is my favourite use of all.
3) As a mask it’s main purpose is to mattify. Enriched in ultra-absorbing active vegetal charcoal and blueberry extract, it reduces the look of shine while leaving the skin smooth. As I have dry skin except for the nose, my skin feels quite tight after using this mask. It indeed reduces shine, but I immediately put a rich moisturiser afterwards.
L’ORÉAL PURE CLAY GLOW SCRUB
This L’Oréal scrub has three pure clays (kaolin, montmorillonite and ghassoul) combined with red algae extract, known for its brightening properties. The mix is meant to leave a brighter, smoother and fresher skin after daily use. This is a new one for me and I haven’t tested long enough, but I can tell you my skin feels cleansed and smooth. I still didn’t reach the glowing part but so far I’m liking it 😉 The smell is a bit funny but okay, and it’s perfect for everyday use because it feels quite soft. I like the texture much more than the Neutrogena one.
BAMFORD REFINING EXFOLIATOR + MOISTURISING LOTION
This is my first time trying any Bamford product and so far I got a good impression. This cute little duo is formed by a refining exfoliator and a moisturising lotion. The first one is made with antioxidant Copper Salt – a powerful ingredient that protects against free radicals. It’s also blended with extracts of Apple, Lemon and Grape and volcanic exfoliants which work together to slough away dead skin cells. Feels nice and luxurious in your skin, the exfoliating particles are super small yet the skin feels super soft and cleaned when you use it. The moisturising lotion has the same fresh lemon fragrance and it’s the perfect complement to the exfoliator. I love how my skin feels afterwards. They recommend using it 2-3 times per week.
MURAD AGE REFORM AHA/BHA EXFOLIATING CLEANSER
This cleanser polishes away dullness and impurities for a smoother, younger-looking complexion. It smooths the texture of skin, clearing pores of dead skin cells and removing trapped dirt and impurities. Being it also a cleanser I like to use it at night after I removed all my makeup. Once again we see salicylic acid in the ingredients, this time mixed with lactic and glycolic acids to provide clarity, brightness and improve cell turnover. Jojoba beads are also included to gently polish, exfoliate and smooth skin while boosting hydration. I’m obsessed with how clean my face feels with this cleanser, and the fact that it also exfoliates my dead cells besides the impurities makes it a winner.
BONUS: WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME..? SHOWER SCRUB
Just because I only talked about face scrubs so far, I feel like I want to include as a bonus the shower scrub I’m currently using for my body. This is by What’s In It For Me..? and I made a full review on it HERE in case you’re interested -it’s still one of my faves body exfoliators! As you can see in the package, all the ingredients play a major role in the way the skin feels: walnut shell to naturally exfoliate, sweet almond oil to rejuvenate the skin, plus orange and jasmine flower extracts for an uplifting floral fragrance. <3
I hope you’ve enjoyed these reviews, lovelies! I’d love to know which is your go-to scrub at the moment, let me know in the comments 🙂
xoxo
Deb
