A good face scrub will improve the texture and appearance of your skin by buffing away dead skin cells and encouraging cell turnover, leaving you with a smoother, brighter and clearer complexion. They also work to deep-clean pores, helping to reduce acne, scarring, blemishes and blackheads, and allow other skincare products to penetrate the skin and work more effectively.
Many face scrubs used to contain microbeads, which are small, plastic exfoliating particles that don’t degrade or dissolve in water. However, they increased water pollution and were an environmental hazard for aquatic animals, who often ingested them. In 2018, microbeads were banned in the UK and replaced with more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as oats and jojoba beads.
Out of the 20 face scrubs we tried, our top 10 are:
- Winner: Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher (Score: 93/100)
- Runner-up: Sothys Face Scrub (Score: 92/100)
- Best chemical face scrub: Dr. Levy 3 Deep Cell Renewal Micro-Resurfacing Cleanser (Score: 91/100)
- Best for oily skin: Simple Daily Skin Detox Clear Pore Scrub (Score: 91/100)
- Best vegan face scrub: Freya + Bailey Shady! Divine Face Scrub (Score: 91/100)
- Best budget face scrub: St Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub (Score: 91/100)
- Best moisturising face scrub: Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator (Score: 90/100)
- Best cruelty-free face scrub: Procoal Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Face Scrub (Score: 90/100)
- Best for dry and acne-prone skin: Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (Score: 90/100)
- Best for sensitive skin: Clarins Fresh Scrub (Score: 89/100)
Types of face scrubs
There are two types of face scrub on the market. Both are effective, so it’s down to personal preference when it comes to picking the right one for you. They are:
1. Physical
These contain abrasive particles or grains - such as sugar, jojoba beads and silica - that physically remove dead skin cells. Those with sensitive or irritation-prone skin should always check the ingredients, as some - such as apricot shell - may be too abrasive for your skin type.
2. Chemical
This type is good for acne-prone skin, as they include ingredients such as retinoids, fruit enzymes and acids (eg salicylic acid), which dissolve dead skin cells and deep-clean pores. They may occasionally cause your skin to tingle too - this should be stated on the pack.
How often should you use a face scrub?
Always read the instructions of individual products but most brands recommend using a scrub once a day, two to three times a week. It's important not to over-exfoliate though, as overuse can be too abrasive for your skin, leaving it weak and stripped of natural oils.
Apply your scrub after cleansing or washing your face. If using a physical scrub, skin should be gently exfoliated with the product and rinsed off. A chemical scrub is usually applied to dry skin via a cotton pad (in the same way you would use a toner), avoiding the eye area.
Can face scrubs be used on all skin types?
Always check the product to see if it’s suitable for your skin type but, in general, oily, normal and combination skin types can typically use all face scrubs. Those who have dry skin or suffer from skin conditions such as eczema or rosacea need to look out for products that state they are suitable. Anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin should stick to a non-abrasive scrub that can help protect the skin barrier while reducing the risk of spreading bacteria.
How we test face scrubs
Our panel of 278 beauty testers trialled 20 face scrubs at home over two weeks, assessing everything from how easy they were to apply to how skin looked and felt after use. Take a look at our 10 highest-scoring scrubs below.
1
Winner: Best physical scrub
Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher
Our panel said that using this face scrub was like having a facial treatment, as it smoothed and brightened the skin, leaving it looking clearer and healthier. Testers liked its spa-like scent and 93% were left satisfied with the product and would continue to use it. Hungarian moor mud and green microalgae help to restore and revitalise the skin, while copper and fruit extract work to eliminate dead skin cells. It’s also paraben-free. This facial scrub is gentle enough to use a few times each week.
Key specifications
Type: Physical, gel
Size: 100ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Silica
Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive
Read fullOmorovicza review(Score:93/100)
If you’re looking to brighten dull-looking skin, this is the one for you. Designed to gently remove dead skin cells and improve texture, our testers agreed that it left skin clearer and smoother. Here, shea oil helps to nourish the skin and gives it a radiant finish. It’s simple to use and spreads easily across the face, too. Our testing panel said the cream was thick and luxurious with a grainy consistency. They also said it felt like it deeply exfoliated skin without being too harsh.
Key specifications
Type: Physical, gel
Size: 50ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Rice powder and silica beads
Suitable for: All skin types
Read full Sothys review(Score:92/100)
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3
Best chemical scrub
Dr. Levy Switzerland 3 Deep Cell Renewal Micro-Resurfacing Cleanser
Containing organic rice extracts with glycolic and lactic acid, this chemical-based scrub aims to gently cleanse and renew skin to give you a brighter complexion. It also claims to enhance the skin's moisture levels and promote plumpness. Our panel loved how gentle it felt, stating that it improved the skin's texture and overall appearance, and reduced the size of pores. They liked its fresh smell and creamy texture, describing it as a treat for the skin. Testers also agreed that their complexions looked smoother after use.
Key specifications
Type: Chemical, cream
Size: 150ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Organic rice extracts, glycolic acid and lactic acid
Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive
Read our full Dr. Levy review(Score: 91/100)
Designed for oily skin, Simple’s face scrub contains thyme, zinc, witch hazel and bamboo exfoliators to draw out dirt and pollutants and eliminate clogged pores. The formula aims to prevent new blemishes while gently cleansing any rough or uneven patches. It was popular among our testers, as they appreciated the grainy particles that gently exfoliated without feeling too abrasive. It made skin softer after just one wash and noticeably less greasy in under a week. As a result, the panel felt fresh-faced with a clearer, smoother complexion.
Key specifications
Type: Physical, gel
Size: 150ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Bamboo
Suitable for: All skin types, especially oily skin
Read the full Simple review(Score: 91/100)
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5
Best vegan scrub
Freya + Bailey Shady! Divine Face Scrub with Coconut and Activated Charcoal
One of our testers described this as the “gentlest of scrubs”, and many appreciated its fine grain and creamy texture. The whole panel saw an improvement to their skin, which was brighter, clearer and smoother. The vegan and cruelty-free scrub is designed to be ultra-exfoliating and leave you with a radiant complexion. Using 98% naturally derived ingredients, it contains coconut oil, activated charcoal and liquorice to hydrate and enhance skin cell renewal.
Key specificationsType: Physical, cream
Size: 50ml
Key exfoliating ingredients:Charcoal
Suitable for: All skin types, especially oily
Read the full Freya + Bailey review (Score: 91/100)
Smooth to apply and gentle to massage in, our testers said that this apricot scrub thoroughly exfoliated their skin. The fresh fragrance and simple packaging was a hit –100% of the panel agreed it was easy to dispense and that a little product wenta long way. Natural walnut shell powder and oil-free salicylic acid help buff away dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion, while the scrub also works to deep-clean pores to prevent blackheads and blemishes.
Key specifications
Type:Physical, cream
Size:150ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Walnut shell powder and salicylic acid
Suitable for: All skin types
Read the full St. Ives review (Score: 91/100)
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This scrub targets areas of the skin that are prone to pore congestion, such as the forehead, nose, chin and jawline. It's formulated with a blend of jojoba beads and cocoa butter, which work to buff away dead skin cells. All testers liked the creamy texture, stating that it felt natural and soothing. It wasn't too abrasive either, but was still invigorating. The pump dispensed a good amount of product at a time and the panel was satisfied with using it a couple of times each week. A small amount made a noticeable improvement to the skin's texture.
Key specifications
Type:Physical, cream
Size: 70ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Jojoba beads
Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive
Read the full Liz Earle review(Score: 90/100)
8
Best cruelty-free scrub
Procoal Activated Charcoal Exfoliating Face Scrub
Now 11% Off
Our testers thought the exfoliating beads in this paraben-free face scrub were small yet effective, and loved its gentle, balanced texture. They were satisfied with using it a few times a week and 93% noted that their skin felt softer and smoother. Only a small amount was needed per use to achieve thoroughly cleansed and healthier-looking skin. Key ingredients include: calendula flower oil to stimulate collagen (important for skin hydration and elasticity), allantoin and pumice for natural exfoliation, and charcoal to draw out dirt and grime.
Key specifications
Type: Chemical and physical, cream
Size: 70ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Allantoin, pumice and charcoal
Suitable for: All skin types, especially dry
Read the full Procoal review(Score: 90/100)
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9
Best for dry and acne-prone skin
Murad Age Reform Aha/Bha Exfoliating Cleanser (200ml)
Containing a blend of salicylic, lactic and glycolic acid, Murad’s scrub claims to clarify and brighten the complexionand dissolve skin cell buildup. With added jojoba beads, it works to physically polish and retexture the skin, too. The formula also contains hydrating agents to counteract any dryness and prevent irritation. Our testers appreciated the scrub’s generous size (200ml) and it's fine beads, which easily dissolved when massaged in. While it didn't feel overly exfoliating, it unclogged pores and made the skin look clearer and softer. Many testers noticed that their moisturisers and serums were easier to apply afterwards, and one stated that it helped with their acne.
Key specifications
Type: Chemical and physical, gel
Size: 200ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Jojoba beads, salicylic, lactic and glycolic acids
Suitable for: All skin types except sensitive
Read full Murad review(Score: 90/100)
Designed for dehydrated skin, the Clarins Fresh scrub uses two different-sized beads for exfoliation –while the larger beads exfoliate, the finer beads refine skin texture. The scrub also boosts the skin’s natural hydration process by removing impurities and dead skin cells. Most testers saw an improvement to their skin, with 93% agreeing that their complexion looked smoother and brighter. The light, gentle consistency provided a mild exfoliation, so some advised using the product on consecutive days. One tester noted it would be particularly good for sensitive skin.
Key specifications
Type: Physical, cream-gel
Size: 50ml
Key exfoliating ingredients: Organic rice extracts, wood cellulose
Suitable for: All skin types, especially sensitiveRead full Clarins review (Score: 89/100)
Sunayah Arshad
As a beauty tester and writer at the GHI, Sunayah reviews products and tools to get the low-down on how well they (actually) work. You can go to her for all your beauty questions!
