I know that St Ives products, especially the apricot scrub, have been getting bad press lately, but this has been one of my favorite face washes for years. Like many, I have a pretty rapid skin turnover rate, partially because of tretinoin, and thus need a good exfoliation every day, but I also I don’t want a face wash that leaves my skin stripped of oils.
SO… here we go!
St Ives has two products that I really like: the Apricot scrub, which everyone knows; and the Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange facial scrub. I will give a brief review of both. First off, St Ives is a long running company with a well-used product for nearly two generations. In my experience, products that are found on the shelves for years relatively unchanged are there for a reason: because people like them. It is found in nearly all drug stores and grocery stores. It is inexpensive and it smells nice. I know my dermatology friends are crying inside because fragrance is evil but for me I don’t like things, especially on my face, that smell bad. We can argue the fragrance thing later.
Apricot Scrub
The issues that many have with the Apricot Scrub are that it is too abrasive, and that is what has gotten it a bad rap. I think for me that is actually the biggest draw, and it is nice that it uses exfoliators that decompose. I do not use the apricot scrub every day but reserve it for when I need a little deeper exfoliation. Remember, you need to know your skin, so don’t go overboard. People have also talked about how it can cause, “Micro-tears” I think this is a funny term because, yes, they do and so does every other thing that you use to exfoliate.
The cleanser aspect itself is actually pretty gentle. After I use it, I do not feel that my face is devoid of oils or overly dry. I just feel that my face is clean. Typically I like to use this in the shower at night, when I like to do my more aggressive skin care treatments. I am gentler around my eyes and lips and give a little more pressure on my forehead and cheeks that often need a little more buff. St Ives Apricot Scrub has a gentle, neutral smell similar to oatmeal that is undetectable when washed off. The packaging has recently been redone from its more classic look but is not offensively gaudy and is not an eye sore in my shower. It has been one of the longest standing products I have used.
*There is also a blemish control version as well that has added Salicylic acid. As for me, I use an acid toner daily so I don’t see the benefit of added salicylic acid but this is the one my husband likes the most.
Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub
Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub has a bit of a ridiculous name but that is originally what attracted me to this product. I have stuck with it because it works. This one I use as my daily go-to face wash. It has a gentler exfoliation compared to the Apricot Scrub, and like the Apricot Scrub gives a good fresh clean feel that is not too drying. Again, it has a gentle, slightly citrus smell, which basically smells like “good morning!” and, like the Apricot Scrub, after it is washed off is undetectable. Overall I have liked this product enough that I have not really had the need to look for others.
Recap
- Apricot Scrub is a great intense exfoliator that may be too intense for some. Recommend use as needed
- Pink Lemon and Mandarin Orange Scrub is more gentle and great for a daily fresh face
- Both are easy to find and inexpensive from a trusted brand
- Smells nice but no so potent that you have to smell it all day (again sorry dermatology friends)