
Apricot Scrub Review | St. Ives
Today I wanted to review an old classic – the St. Ives Apricot Scrub! It has been a staple in many of our skincare routines, but is it worth it? Have you heard the recent scandal surrounding the scrub? Check out my review below!
What Is St. Ives Apricot Scrub?
St. Ives Apricot Scrub is a facial exfoliant scrub. I think there are very few people who don’t know the St. Ives brand, and their Apricot Scrub tends to be extremely popular. It also helps that it is affordable and easily accessible, both in stores and online.
I currently use the “Blemish Control” version to help reduce breakouts.
However, you may have heard about the controversy around the product in the last few years when two women filed a lawsuit against the company, stating that the scrub isn’t safe for use. It was reported that the scrub can actually be damaging, causing tears in the skin when used too roughly or too frequently.
If you’ve ever used the scrub before, you’ll know that it can feel very rough. It has bits of walnut that are used to exfoliate your skin but the lawsuit states that it could actually “lead to long-term skin damage.” Dang. If it’s true, that’s a bummer!
What’s It Like?
This apricot scrub is one of the more intense and strong scrubs that I’ve tried before. I definitely wouldn’t recommend it if you tend to have sensitive skin as the scrub is very abrasive, unless you were to use it very lightly.
I haven’t used it in awhile (since starting my Korean skincare routine) but I used to use this scrub about one a week or so. For me personally, I use the scrub in the shower so it’s easier to wash off. You only need a small portion of the product on your hand, then exfoliate your face lightly. It’s also really great for use on your legs prior to shaving to exfoliate the skin as well. Plus, exfoliant-type-scrubs always feel super good.
Obviously you’ll need to decide if it’s worth using even after reading the allegations against the scrub. I personally love how this facial scrub feels, even though it is rough. Like I said before, I wouldn’t recommend this scrub for those with very sensitive skin as it could just irritate your skin further.
This type of scrub also doesn’t have microbeads which is always a bonus. Help the environment, right?
Comparatively, the Green Tea and Enzyme Powder Wash that I’m currently using every night is far more gentle. The powder wash is still an exfoliant but it’s possible to use it every day.
What’s In It?
St. Ives Apricot Scrub ingredients: Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid (2.0%) Other Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Glycol Stearate SE, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Cetyl Acetate, Ceteareth-20, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Fragrance (Parfum), PPG-2 Methyl Ether, Phenethyl Alcohol, Methylisothiazolinone, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Extra bits to know (from St. Ives website):
Made with the 100% natural exfoliant walnut shell powder
Deep exfoliation scrub factor level
Hypoallergenic & Paraben free
Dermatologist tested & non-comedogenic (meaning it doesn’t block your pores)
What Does It Feel Like?
This apricot scrub is thick, creamy and definitely has some proper grittiness to it (perfect for a facial exfoliant!) Even with the claims that have come out about the scrub, I genuinely like it and make sure to use it lightly. The St. Ives scrub is also really great exfoliating your legs prior to shaving, so it’s got multiple uses!
Like I said before, I tend to use this scrub in the shower so it’s easier to wash off, plus I have the option of using it on my legs at the same time if I want to.
Every time I get out of the shower after using this scrub, my skin always feels so much cleaner and softer overall. I also make sure to use a good moisturiser afterwards so my skin isn’t dried out.
Final Verdict on St. Ives Apricot Scrub
In the end, I love how this facial scrub feels. It definitely seems like it gets the dirt and grime out from deep in your pores and leaves my skin feeling bright and clean every time I use it. It can be very rough, so it’s always important to use this scrub lightly and not too frequently. For my skin-type, I’ve found that using it once to twice a week is plenty and works to keep my skin clear.
Emma x

