The Hit List: Worst Facial Exfoliator

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The Hit List: Worst Facial Exfoliator

Date: November 12, 2009 - Posted in: Hit List

What’s the Worst Facial Exfoliator…?

What brand/product wins this category? Any particular reason it wins?

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66 Responses to “The Hit List: Worst Facial Exfoliator”

Adriana

Thursday, November 12, 2009

i think Pure Zone from L’OREAL
tremorviolet

Thursday, November 12, 2009

That cheap St. Ives Apricot Scrub that we all used to use in high school. That stuff is horrible, so harsh and scratchy.
- Catherine
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I second this. Seriously.
  - Eli
    
    Thursday, November 12, 2009
    
    I third :)
    - mlou
      
      Thursday, November 12, 2009
      
      4th. Definitely can break blood vessels/capillaries
    - Susie
      
      Thursday, November 12, 2009
      
      fourth…
- deepblue
  
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  
  I totally agree! It’s so harsh -it’s better to remove rust from a car with that product than put it on the face!
- Michelle
  
  Saturday, November 14, 2009
  
  I totally agree. I used it in high school and i didn’t realize that the scrub was causing me to break out!!!
  but i have found it to exfoliate my lips good.
Laura

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Anything with nut shells fragments are too abrasive and create (micro) tears in the skin! OUCH!
Amy

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I echo the sentiment about St. Ives Apricot Scrub. That stuff is scratchy, and it is also really hard to rinse off. And heaven help you if you get any in your hairline and you are rinsing it off over the sink. I used it one morning and that night I was still feeling little bits of apricot…whatever that stuff is, in my bangs! You know??? I could not rinse it all out unless I washed my hair and I couldn’t do that at the time! LOL! What a mess.
- Lindah
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I love this stuff! It is super harsh, but I like to be harsh to my face since I get so much dead skin buildup! BUT, I use it when I’m taking a shower so it’s soooo much easier to wash off ^_^
  - Stacey
    
    Thursday, November 12, 2009
    
    I confess, I love it too HAHA! I haven’t found anything better and while it doesn’t really wash my face I think it does a good job removing dead skin and my face does feel smoother and fresh after! I have oily skin though and it’s the total opposite of “sensative” LOL
Christopher drummond

Thursday, November 12, 2009

St. Ives has a horrible scrub that uses ground apricot pits…it will tear your skin up….should be banned. Seriously.
JennBee

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Apricot scrubs, hands down! Horrible!
Michelle

Thursday, November 12, 2009

One more for the apricot scrub! Worst ever…
Steph

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I think I’m alone here by admitting I llike the apricot scrub! I use it in the shower after I wash my face and it gets rid of any rough patches & keeps my blackheads under control.
- Ashley
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Don’t worry, I actually liked it too! Just the Blackhead Control one though. However, too drying for my skin, leaving more dry patches, although it never felt too rough.
  - amy
    
    Thursday, November 12, 2009
    
    I like the St Ives Apricot Scrub too, as it makes my skin very clean and soft every time I use it. I think it is because I don’t have very sensitive skin and I don’t rub very hard. I actually never encountered an exfoliator I dislike.
    - Cat
      
      Thursday, November 12, 2009
      
      I like the apricot scrub, it doesn’t break me out, but doesn’t do anything amazing for me. I find that most exfoliators are like that with me.
- Jackie
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Ditto. I love the stuff!
- Janella
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I second that too! i love the scrub, again everyones skin type is different, those who have sensitve skin should not use it. I love it though it makes my face feel so smooth after as welll as the rest of your skin!
  - Petra
    
    Thursday, November 12, 2009
    
    i love that St.Ives one, too. I agree it’s rather harsh, but when you have really oily skin, in the summer, it feels great. At least for me. It never aggrivated my skin and I wasn’t allergic to the formula either. Nowadays, my skin is a bit less oily, so I use it less frequently. But I find it helps great with the salicylic acid, and gets rid of flakey skin. But yes, it can get into the hairline. :) However, for me, usually all scrubs do that. (At least it’s not black, like the Mac VA. one- black is fun, but i always mess up my towel,if i don’t wash my hair afterwards )
- Beda
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I also like the Apricot Scrub. StIves provides many variations. I like the medicated one. I have had people mention to me how good my skin looks and I love how soft it feels. Maybe it is that I am older (37) now and my skin needs to be exfoliated more, IDK.
  
  I recently bought one from Aveno and it was a waste of money =/
- Emily
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I like it too!!! Just don’t use a lot and don’t SCRUB and youre ay-okay! Also, I don’t use it but once every other week or so.. just when i start to see my skin getting gummy.
- Stacey
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Same here! ^ DOn’t feel bad, I like it too haha!
Cayley

Thursday, November 12, 2009

i know people will hate me….but i think the mac volcanic ash exfoliator was horrible,it made my skin itch and the scent made me sneeze…and i’m not usually sensitive to that kind of stuff
Jessie

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I’m probably going to be shot for this… but the NEW formulation of MAC’s Volcanic Ash Exfoliator, it’s SO scratchy compared to the other formulation and it feels like it’s ripping holes in my face.
- Bananarchy
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Not worst but certainly underwhelming!
  - Jessie
    
    Friday, November 13, 2009
    
    It was so terrible for me… it feels like glass cutting my skin. Maybe I just got one that had huge pieces in it or something. It’s extremely upsetting to me because the other one made my skin amazing :(
    - Bananarchy
      
      Friday, November 13, 2009
      
      I did find it waaaay too coarse and did not get aggressive with the rubbing because of that and since I couldn’t rub it in it did a lousy job…
- Michelle
  
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  
  The first time I used the Volcanic Ash my skin was bright red — it looked like it had been rubbed with sandpaper. Now, I make sure my face is wet and I just use a small amount and gently rub it in. It works okay for me now — but it is not a gentle by any means.
- Han
  
  Saturday, November 14, 2009
  
  This and the Volcanic Mask were horrible. I got red irritated face. My skin is not that sensitive. Disappointed and returned both. MAC and my skin don’t get along.
Tekoa

Thursday, November 12, 2009

St. Ives Apricot scrub. The shells are alright but the lotion makes my skin burn. Feeling pain does not mean the product works better!
Kate

Thursday, November 12, 2009

St. Ives is the worst! The thing is, while you’re using it, you don’t know how bad it is – it feels like you need to be using a scrub that harsh to “make a difference”.

I use a Clarisonic now and that’s the majority of my exfoliation (sometimes I use a fruit-acid mask that chemically exfoliates) and it’s like night and day!

Belt sander grinding with the apricot scrub doesn’t help anyone’s facial skin – however, I used up the rest of my stash of St. Ive’s as a body scrub and that stuff worked a treat on my thighs, upper arms and butt!
- VetTechDivaTN
  
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  
  Kate, which fruit-acid mask do you currently use? I am looking for a good mask…
Ashley

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The one that has been the worst for ME personally must have been the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub. It totally burned my skin over time, and dried it out. I think I’m also sensitive to most acne meds.

Otherwise, any acne/drying facial scrub. Although I have oily skin, using anything drying just leaves my skin oilier, with dry patches and uncomfortable skin. Has anyone used a good scrub that is gentle and moisturizing and good for combo skin?
- Kerri
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Ashley: you should try the St Ives one, but make sure you get the GENTLE one for sensitive skin. I have an oily t-zone, normal cheeks but really sensitive skin. This stuff does wonders. I have never used the other versions of the scrub…..others here say they are scratchy. But the gentle one is not scatchy at all. It doesn’t leave skin dry or tight or make it oily either. It leaves my skin soooo amazingly radiant. No other exfoliator has ever done that for me.
  
  For me the worst exfoliator is Clean and Clear Warming Scrub… it leaves a waxy layer on my skin that is IMPOSSIBLE to remove. Gross.
  - Ashley
    
    Friday, November 13, 2009
    
    I’ve tried 2 (I think, maybe 3) of their sensitive versions, and it was about as effective as exfoliating with cotton balls. They were just as drying as the Blackhead Control scrub, only without any exfoliation.
    
    If the RoC cream exfoliator doesn’t end up working, I might just settle to using one of those face brushes to exfoliate, much more hassle-free!
Alison

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Yeah, that St. Ives apricot scrub is like grinding broken glass into your face.
Sans

Thursday, November 12, 2009

agreed. biore pre stips …yuck! if only some one would have warned me when i was 16 NOT to use it!
Amelia

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I hate ocean salt by Lush, hate the smell (smell like a bad lemon), and it’s so incredibly painful to use, the grain of salt are huge and they scratch my skin so bad
- Art
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  i totally second this…. ocean salt was such a mistake to buy.. how can you scrub your face with coarse salt grains the size of beads???
- Julia
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  I actually love the sea salt as an exfoliant in Ocean Salt– you can add some water to dissolve the salt to customize the scrubbiness.
  
  My least favorite scrub is, once again, the apricot scrub. The blackhead one broke me out whenever I used it :(
Christy

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I don’t like St. Ives Apricot Scrub either. I used to love it, but I think they changed the formula and it aggravated my skin to the point where I would break out from it. I also don’t like Yves Rocher Purify Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. The beads got stuck in my pores and I’d get little white heads because of it.
Sarah M

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The worst exfoliator I’ve ever used is one by Origins. I think it was called Modern Friciton but I can’t remember exactly. It was far to abrassive for me. My skin became so red and blotchy, and started flaking despite putting on tonnes of moisturiser. I also think part of the problem was that I was misadvised on how to use it by the sales girl. Not a good experience by any standard. :-(
- Bananarchy
  
  Thursday, November 12, 2009
  
  Syrsly? That stuff is amazing. I love it!
  - Sarah M
    
    Friday, November 13, 2009
    
    Yeah. I have heard great things about it and to be honest this was a few years back so my opinion may differ if I were brave enough to try it now but it was just such a bad experience. I don’t know if I had used it wrong or had an allergic reaction. :’-(
bowsweetie

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I’m shocked at all the negative st.ives reviews..I am in LOVE with that stuff lol I have dry skin and it works really well for me..I’ve been using it for years and I have never experienced any damage to my skin.. But I guess everyone is different
DonnaN

Thursday, November 12, 2009

St. Ives is the WORST! Definately NOT for sensitive skin….it’ll CUT YA!!
IZzySA

Thursday, November 12, 2009

err, St. Ives is the top selling brand on the market for exfoliators..lol.

not saying it is great tho.. I think it works better on feet and knees!
Jackie

Thursday, November 12, 2009

i dont think i’ve liked any exfoliant i’ve ever purchased… and i’ve used too many.. the body shop, st ives, clean and clear, neutrogena..
so i guess i’ll say anything that isn’t homemade :)
Stacey

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I think St Ives works for people with oily skin that is NOT sensative and who live in humid climates:)
Jennifer

Thursday, November 12, 2009

*Shrugs* I’ve never used an exfoliator before so I can’t compare, but I like Philosophy’s Microdelivery exfoliator wash and I rather like it. It keeps the blackheads on my skin really smooth and I’ve only used it twice so far.
Bridgette

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Woah almost everybody has alot of hate for St. Ives Apricot scrub! I was thinking about getting that stuff but I guess I will stick to my YSL scrub.
Yesenia

Thursday, November 12, 2009

WOW!!! im in schock with all the negative comments about ST Ives apricot scrub. i am in love with it. but i do agree its not for sensitive skin; its more for oily skin; but the worst one ived used its lush ocean salt; made my skin red for almost a week.. HORRIBLEE!
- Michelle
  
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  
  I think it is because most estheticians actually recommend not using the apricot scrub. Any shells that have irregular or jagged edges can do harm in the long run. They can literally get into your pores and tear them — or they can “rest” in pores and cause more bacteria. Generally, it is recommended to use a scrub with spherical beads that won’t tear pores. But different things work for different people . . .
montrese

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I currently am using the Clean & Clear in shower facial “Steam” scrub…I really like it! I use it at night & it leaves my skin really soft. I have combination skin with an oily t-zone & normal cheeks…I use black soap & dove in the morning & ppl always compliment my skin… :-)

PS…I really liked the St.Ives Apricot Scrub too! Lol I guess it’s just NOT for everybody.
- Ashley
  
  Friday, November 13, 2009
  
  Are you referring to this one:
  http://www.cleanandclear.com/productDetail.do?productid=73
  
  Of their old version in the blue tube:
  http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v366/cemikese/tiyf/in-showerfacial.jpg
  
  If you’ve used both, are they basically the same product? I remember using some of their old “Morning Burst” products and really disliking them because they had that menthol feel to them (which irritates my skin). The old one has such good reviews, and I was wanting to try it out until I found out it was remade into a new product.
Missy

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I don’t know the exact name of it but Biore scrub was the worst it was sooo gentle it didn’t do a thing. It was a complete waste of time. The beads or micro beads were so smooth they just slipped and slided all over my face.
Vix

Friday, November 13, 2009

I have to agree with what a lot of people said: the St Ives apricot scrub.

I have ridiculously dry skin, particularly in the t-zone, and this scrub did nothing to eliminate my dry, flaky bits, just made my skin raw and trapped pieces of shell in my hairline for years to come. I gave up on it.

I also have to agree that the Lush Ocean Salt scrub was a major disappointment. I’m a huge fan of Lush products generally, but this was so difficult to use, it wasn’t worth it at all.
dudisea

Friday, November 13, 2009

Lush Ocean Salt, I must confess. Although many ppl swear by it I find it to be too abrasive, it almost tears up my skin. I regret ever buying it
Dorie

Friday, November 13, 2009

I hated the Neutogena Blackhead Eliminating Scrub. It had to be the worst scrub EVER! I used it, and it dried my face out like the Sahara desert! Dreadful! And then I broke out and my face didn’t clear up until 4 months later. Just stay away from this product.
allison

Friday, November 13, 2009

Count me in the group of St Ives haters too!!! I used this stuff as a teenager and it was horrible. Not for sensetive/oily skin…shoot, I dont think it is for skin at all. Its THE PITS!!! :D
Shealyn

Friday, November 13, 2009

I must join a lot of ladies in the hate for the St. Ives. I have very sensitive dry skin and that stuff…bruuuutal. I just use a tiny bit of Neutrogena scrub with my Body Shop aloe cleanser in the shower.
Diana

Friday, November 13, 2009

St. Ives is horrible. I also don’t like the aveeno microbeads one, which is disappointing because most of their stuff works well.
Gigi

Friday, November 13, 2009

St. Ives Apricot Scrub and too bad because it smells good.