When it comes to skincare, scrubs have a bit of a bad reputation, and for good reason.

I’ve been pretty public about my distain for majority of face scrubs for my acne prone, sensitive skin.

Why?

I mean, we've all heard the horror stories about the infamous St. Ives Apricot Scrub. Worse yet, my DIY scrubs I grew up attempting that involved baking soda and anything acidic.

Plus- even the word scrub- it implies strong, harsh cleaning, lots of “elbow grease”- but that’s simply too intense for our delicate skin (more on this later)

While it might have been a staple in many of our teenage skincare routines, even dermatologists and skincare nerds have raised concerns about its potential to cause microtears in the skin.

The problem lies in both the size and shape of the exfoliating particles—those large, jagged walnut shells can create tiny cuts on your skin, leading to irritation, inflammation, and even worsening skin conditions.

And the elbow grease pressure we’ve been using scrubs with previously.

Eep! Guilty.

But!

Not all scrubs are created equal, and there are some out there that won't leave your skin feeling like it's been through a cheese grater.

In a bit, I'll share with you three scrubs that I don't hate—in fact, I love and repurchase them.

They strike the perfect balance between effective exfoliation and gentle care, leaving your skin smooth and glowing without the risk of damage.

What Makes a Good Scrub?

The key is to find one that exfoliates effectively without being too abrasive.

Look for scrubs with fine, rounded particles rather than sharp edges like those found in crushed up walnut shells (or shells of any kind really).

These particles gently buff away dead skin cells without causing harm.

A good scrub should include hydrating ingredients to nourish your skin while exfoliating.

Look out for glycerine, hyaluronic acid and skin loving oils, which can help hydration during the exfoliation process, ensuring your skin remains happy.

Important note: Your scrub is not your face wash! It’s an exfoliating step.

Please don’t use a face scrub to “wash” or cleanse your face.

How to Use a Scrub Gently

Even the best scrub can cause irritation if not used properly (as can any skincare step when incorrectly used)

To ensure you get the most out of exfoliating, limit your scrubbing to 1-3 times per week, depending on your skin type.

Over-exfoliating can strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation.

It’s important to be gentle during application too—use light, circular motions and let the scrub do the work, avoiding the temptation to press too hard, as this can cause damage.

A helpful tip is to use your pinkies as a reference for the amount of pressure to apply.

After exfoliating, follow up with hydrating steps like a soothing toner, hydrating serum, and a good moisturiser to lock in moisture and protect your skin.

Now, let's get into the scrubs that have earned a place in my skincare routine.

1. DermaVeen Gentle Exfoliating Scrub

If you're looking for a scrub that’s as gentle as it is effective, the DermaVeen Gentle Exfoliating Scrub is a top pick, and it’s very budget friendly (especially compared to my other picks!) It’s formulated with rice and finely milled oatmeal, which not only acts as a mild exfoliant but also soothes and hydrates the skin.

This scrub is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it helps remove dead skin cells without causing irritation.

2. Dermalogica Milkfoliant

Dermalogica’s Milkfoliant is a game-changer in the world of exfoliation and was the first “scrub” I ever used that made me fall madly in love.

It’s a powder-to-foam exfoliant that uses oat and coconut extracts to gently polish the skin while calming redness and irritation.

What sets this product apart is its use of fruit enzymes and AHAs to provide both physical and chemical exfoliation- but there is almost no physical feel of “grit”.

It’s a true soft polish and perfect for anyone who is extra sensitive or textually picky. Better yet? As of today, it’s on sale at Adore Beauty.

3. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

For those days when your skin needs a little extra love, the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is a fancy-dancy spa like scrub that has a special place in my heart.

We were first introduced via Mecca Beauty Loop box, and she’s been on my mind ever since.

Why?

This dual-action exfoliator uses a combination of physical exfoliants and fruit enzymes to deeply cleanse and renew the skin (can you see a trend happening?).

While it’s more intense than the previous two scrubs, it’s still gentle enough for weekly use.

It’s said “Just a short two-minute treatment will leave your skin feeling like you’ve just had a professional facial—smooth, soft, and glowing.” however, even a 30 second gentle buff will leave sensitive skin types happy- no need to push to the bottle prescribed 2 minutes.

Summing it up!

Exfoliation is an essential step in any skincare routine, and if you’re scrub inclined, it’s important to choose the right one to avoid causing more harm than good.

By opting for scrubs with gentle, effective ingredients, and using them with care, you can enjoy all the benefits of physical exfoliation without the risk of damaging your skin.

Want to read a bit more about scrubs?

Here’s some articles I’ve referenced and read for this write up:

Guide to Face Scrubs | Written by: Paula Begoun

Why You Should Avoid the St. Ives Apricot Scrub | By: Healthline

The Dos and Don’ts of Exfoliating, According to Dermatologists | By: SELF

Physical vs. Chemical Exfoliation: Which Is Right for You? | By: Allure

Note: Some of the links in this article provide Thedermreviews a small commission, which goes towards fair pay for creatives and writers.