The Best Facial Scrub

Posted on 30 August 2022

After 12 hours of research, an exhaustive comparison of 23 popular facial scrubs and our testing of 10 of them, we believe that the Pulpe de Vie Sucré presents the best value for money at the moment.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best mid-range

Pulpe de Vie Sucré (75 ml)

This ‘cocktail’ offers gentle and 100% natural exfoliation. Thanks to its grapefruit oil, organic cucumber extracts and honey, it purifies, tones, moisturises, repairs the skin and is suitable for all skin types.

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Pulpe de Vie Sucré Frappé Masque et Gommage Visage

This facial scrub, which doubles as a mask, is enriched with fruits for a real vitamin cocktail and seasoned with moisturising and purifying acacia honey. It offers fairly gentle exfoliation and should be applied once or twice a week. In addition, it is characterised by an impeccable, organic composition and a sweet, fruity scent.

 

 

Best budget

Acure Iluminador (118 ml)

With the main objective of brightening the skin’s appearance, it is used 3 times a week for an optimal and quickly visible result. It is particularly recommended for acne-prone skin.

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Acure Exfoliant Visage Éclaircissant

Thanks to its many natural active ingredients, it not only makes the skin smoother but also brightens the complexion. It also deeply cleanses and fights against blemishes, which is particularly appealing to users who suffer from acne. Gentle, it is suitable for all skin types except very sensitive ones. Its pleasant scent and very fine composition (Cruelty-free) make it an alternative of choice. And if you are already familiar with this treatment, you should know that it has recently been reformulated.

 

Best high-end

Dermalogica Daily (14 ml)

Ideal for mature skin or those showing the first signs of ageing, this exfoliating powder treatment detoxifies the skin, protects it from external pollution and revives dull skin tones.

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Ideal for mature skin and those living in urban areas thanks to its anti-pollution properties, this enzymatic and mechanical exfoliator is distinguished by its texture (powder to be diluted in water). It detoxifies and smoothes the skin while reviving the complexion’s radiance thanks to its natural extracts and the presence of enzymes. Results are quickly visible, especially on acne-prone skin. Although its composition could be improved, it is still acceptable.

 

Mid-range alternative

L’Oréal Paris Shine (50 ml)

This facial scrub is the only one in this selection that uses sugars that melt on application. The result is quite pleasant. It is, therefore, suitable for normal, combination and oily skin.

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L’Oréal Paris Gommage éclat pour le visage et les lèvres

Signed by L’Oréal Paris, this three-sugar, grape seed oil scrub is suitable for normal to oily skin, smoothing its texture. It can be used on the face and lips, although in our tests we found it to be slightly less effective on the latter. The sugars melted too quickly to act sufficiently on the lips. It is, therefore, necessary to use more product than with other exfoliators. We liked the sweet smell of caramel and Tiare flower. Moreover, it is sometimes considered too abrasive for sensitive and/or fragile skins, and several users denounce its dubious composition (PEG, quaternary ammonium…), even though it is cruelty-free. The range also offers a purifying exfoliator.

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-rangeBest budgetBest high-endMid-range alternative
Pulpe de Vie Sucré (75 ml) Acure Iluminador (118 ml) Dermalogica Daily (14 ml) L’Oréal Paris Shine (50 ml)
This ‘cocktail’ offers gentle and 100% natural exfoliation. Thanks to its grapefruit oil, organic cucumber extracts and honey, it purifies, tones, moisturises, repairs the skin and is suitable for all skin types. With the main objective of brightening the skin's appearance, it is used 3 times a week for an optimal and quickly visible result. It is particularly recommended for acne-prone skin. Ideal for mature skin or those showing the first signs of ageing, this exfoliating powder treatment detoxifies the skin, protects it from external pollution and revives dull skin tones. This facial scrub is the only one in this selection that uses sugars that melt on application. The result is quite pleasant. It is, therefore, suitable for normal, combination and oily skin.
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£ 8.99 on Amazon

 

Honorable mentions

Marilou Bio (£15.04 / 75 ml upon publication): an organic facial scrub suitable for all skin types. With a safe and certified organic composition, its very fine grains leave the skin soft and clean, and its natural active ingredients help to nourish and protect it. It contains extracts of verbena, sesame oil and shea butter, which have a revitalising, nourishing and protective effect. Recommended for use once or twice a week.

Cattier White Healing Earth (£10.17 / 100 ml upon publication): a commitment to freshness. This product is particularly suitable for oily to mixed skin types. It can be used on wet or dry face depending on the desired intensity of exfoliation, and leaves the skin soft, luminous and purified. Organic, it has many natural active ingredients capable of purifying, moisturising, protecting and soothing your skin. It contains white clay, jojoba oil, bamboo extracts and peppermint essential oil. Many use it as a mask before rinsing for a better result.

Eau Thermale de Jonzac (£15.38 / 75 ml upon publication): a popular product. The organic scrub based on thermal water is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive. In gel form, it is used once or twice a week to cleanse and purify the skin, which becomes softer and finer. During our tests, we appreciated the extreme fineness of its grains and its soft effect. We particularly recommend it for very sensitive skin.

 

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¿Cómo elegir su exfoliante facial?

The number of exfoliating cosmetics on the market is simply mind-boggling. Between natural products, gels, creams or even pastes, the choice becomes rather complicated.

Gommage pour visage
The products we have tested. | Source: Selectos

Generally, we can distinguish four main types of facial scrubs that are more or less adapted to different skin types:

  • Soft scrub: these are composed of very fine grains and/or skin-friendly ingredients. Although they are conceived for sensitive skin, they are also suitable for those who exfoliate relatively frequently.
  • Gommage: intended for all skin types, it aims to restore vitality to the skin and reactivate microcirculation. It is the simplest form of exfoliation.
Gommage pour visage
The mechanical scrub contains particles that effectively peel off the skin. | Source: Selectos
  • Moisturising scrub: they usually have a composition rich in vegetable oils. These exfoliants are often called “semi-mechanical”, as the product itself contains exfoliating properties and acts partly without having to be scrubbed. They are the ally of sensitive and very dry skin.
  • The fruit acid scrub: with fruit acids (AHA, BHA…), they are closer to peeling… They aim to soften the epidermis and fight against imperfections. They aim to break the corneocyte junctions (keratinised cells, which are dead cells), which causes a peeling without rubbing. They are generally not recommended for people with sensitive skin but are ideal for oily, combination or dehydrated skin.
Gommage pour visage
The enzymatic scrub is designed to smooth the skin and combat imperfections. | Source: Selectos

As you know, your facial scrub should be chosen first and foremost according to the sensitivity of your skin and the desired effect. Once you have determined this, pay attention to these criteria:

  • The composition: if you are looking for a product to make your skin healthier, it is best to opt for a composition that is as natural as possible. Be aware that some manufacturers of cosmetics always put natural products first, but if you look at the components, they don’t always tell the whole truth… Try to check the composition carefully before you buy.
Gommage pour visage
Wherever possible, opt for organic products. | Source: Selectos
  • The organic aspect: If you are looking for a natural composition, we advise you to opt for organic cosmetics, which are made from all-natural ingredients, without pesticides, for example. The eco-label certifies that what is applied to the skin is not harmful.
Gommage pour visage
The most important thing? Choose the right facial scrub for your skin type. | Source: Selectos

 

How did we test?

To test the facial scrubs, we used each of them for a week according to the recommendations for use. After noting down the amount needed to completely exfoliate the face, we checked the thickness of their grains as well as their quantity. We also judged the texture of the different exfoliants on the skin.

We then assessed by touch whether the skin felt softer after applying the treatment. We also judged whether the different fragrances tended to linger on the skin and whether they were rather light or heady. Finally, we meticulously checked the composition of each product.

 

Otros exfoliantes faciales probados 

Avril Bio (£9.00 / 50 ml upon publication): disappointing for the brand. Having already tried many products from this organic brand, we had high expectations for this facial scrub. Unfortunately, it turned out to be rather greasy, although it was pleasant to apply. We also criticised its composition, which was much less satisfying than what Avril was used to. In addition, its fragrance, although enjoyable, tended to linger on the skin longer than that of other exfoliants. However, if these criteria do not discourage you, you should know that it is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones, thanks to its very fine grains. 

Yves Rocher Granita (£6.24 / 30 ml upon publication): a certain feeling of occlusion. When applied, this product completely prevents the skin from breathing. Although this is temporary and can be said of all exfoliators, the sensation seemed much stronger and more annoying with this one. A pity, especially considering its very high-quality composition (allergen-free) and the extreme fineness of its grains, which are suitable for sensitive skin.

Lavera 3 en 1 (£10.35 / 125 ml upon publication): a 3-in-1 to be considered. Although not as well known in the cosmetics world, this seductively priced Bio treatment has gained many followers thanks to its 3-in-1 formula. Whether as a cleanser, mask or scrub, this product will ensure a matte, smooth tone and a blemish-free face (it tends to appeal to users with acne). However, it does contain salicylic acid, which, although it helps to combat facial blemishes, is considered controversial (especially in products that can be inhaled or ingested).

 

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje

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