Acne Control Face Scrub Apricot
Acne Control Face Scrub Apricot
Product Description
Product overview
A deep-exfoliating face scrub featuring 2% salicylic acid and 100% natural walnut shell powder to unclog pores, prevent breakouts, and reveal smoother, clearer skin with a refreshing apricot scent.
Deep Pore Cleansing
Walnut shell powder physically exfoliates dead skin cells while salicylic acid penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and debris.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDeep Pore Cleansing
Walnut shell powder physically exfoliates dead skin cells while salicylic acid penetrates pores to dissolve sebum and debris.
Acne Prevention
2% BHA (salicylic acid) helps prevent new breakouts by keeping pores clear and reducing acne-causing bacteria.
Natural Exfoliants
100% naturally-derived walnut shell powder and corn kernel meal provide effective physical exfoliation.
Radiance Boost
Apricot fruit extract delivers antioxidants and vitamins to leave skin looking fresh, smooth, and glowing.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains 2% salicylic acid. ACOG considers topical products with 2% or less SA generally safe, but consult your doctor before use during pregnancy. Avoid applying to areas that contact baby while breastfeeding.
NOT fungal acne safe. Contains Polysorbate 60 and Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol which may feed malassezia yeast and worsen fungal acne.
Oil-free formula tested to not clog pores. Low comedogenic rating of 1/5 makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.
PETA certified cruelty-free globally. This formula contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Physical exfoliants may be too abrasive for very sensitive or reactive skin. Use gentle pressure and limit to 2x weekly if you experience irritation.
Avoid using with retinol, AHAs, or other BHAs on the same day to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid 2%Proven
A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates oil-filled pores to exfoliate from within. FDA-approved acne treatment that dissolves dead skin cells and excess sebum.
- Mechanism: Oil-soluble acid that penetrates pores to dissolve sebum plugs and dead cells
- FDA Status: Recognized as effective OTC acne treatment at 0.5-2% concentration
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties help calm existing breakouts while preventing new ones
Walnut Shell Powder HighNatural Exfoliant
Finely milled walnut shells provide physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores. Sourced from California orchards.
- Source: 100% natural, biodegradable exfoliant from walnut shell
- Function: Physical scrub particles polish away surface debris and dead cells
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly alternative to plastic microbeads
Corn Kernel Meal MediumNatural Exfoliant
Gentle, natural exfoliant that works alongside walnut shell powder to provide effective yet tolerable physical exfoliation.
- Function: Softer exfoliating particles for a balanced scrub texture
- Benefit: Helps absorb excess oil while polishing skin surface
Apricot Fruit Extract LowAntioxidant
Rich in carotenoids (vitamin A precursors) and antioxidants. Sourced from California and North Africa.
- Benefits: Provides antioxidant protection and skin-softening properties
- Vitamins: Natural source of vitamins A, C, and E
Glycerin MediumHydrator
A humectant that draws moisture to the skin, helping to counterbalance the potential drying effects of salicylic acid.
- Function: Attracts and retains moisture in the skin
- Benefit: Helps prevent the tight, dry feeling some experience with acne treatments
23 ingredients
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid (2.0%). Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal, Cetyl Alcohol, Triethanolamine, Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Acetate, Benzyl Alcohol, Carbomer, Ceteareth-20, Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, Polysorbate 60, Fragrance (Parfum), Disodium EDTA, Benzoic Acid, Sorbic Acid, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse as your cleansing step 3-4 times per week. On non-scrub days, use a gentle cleanser. Always follow with moisturizer.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash lukewarm water on your face to dampen the skin. Avoid hot water which can strip natural oils.
Apply Scrub
Squeeze a dime-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way with this concentrated formula.
Massage Gently
Using gentle, circular motions, massage onto face for 30-60 seconds. Cover forehead, nose, chin, and cheeks. Avoid eye area.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with lukewarm water until all scrub particles are removed. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Follow Up
Apply toner, serum, and moisturizer. Use SPF 30+ during the day as BHA can increase sun sensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin prone to breakouts
- You struggle with blackheads and clogged pores
- You want an affordable acne-fighting cleanser
- You enjoy physical exfoliation and scrub textures
- You need a deep clean after wearing makeup or sunscreen
- You want a vegan, cruelty-free option
Consider alternatives if:
- You have very sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin
- You have active, inflamed acne or broken skin
- You suffer from fungal acne (malassezia)
- You prefer chemical-only exfoliation
- You are pregnant and prefer to avoid salicylic acid
- You have dry skin that gets easily irritated
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Oil-free formula with salicylic acid controls sebum, unclogs pores, and mattifies without stripping.
Great for targeting T-zone oiliness. Focus application on oily areas, use lighter pressure on drier cheeks.
2% salicylic acid effectively treats and prevents breakouts. Non-comedogenic formula won't clog pores.
Works well for occasional deep cleaning. Use 2x weekly to maintain clear pores without over-exfoliating.
May be too drying for regular use. Limit to 1-2x weekly and always follow with a rich moisturizer.
Physical exfoliants may irritate sensitive skin. Consider gentler chemical exfoliants like PHA or lactic acid instead.
Results timeline
MONTH 2+Smoother Skin Texture
Skin feels instantly smoother and cleaner after rinsing. Dead skin cells are physically removed, revealing fresher skin underneath.
95% noticedClearer Pores
Blackheads begin to diminish as salicylic acid works to dissolve pore-clogging sebum. Skin appears less congested.
78% noticedReduced Breakouts
Fewer new pimples forming as consistent use keeps pores clear. Existing breakouts healing faster.
65% noticedBrighter Complexion
Overall skin tone appears more even and radiant. Texture improvements become more noticeable with continued use.
55% noticedRatings by platform
30K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Extremely affordable at under $6 for 6oz
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed immediately
- Pleasant, natural apricot scent
- Effective at clearing blackheads with regular use
- Non-comedogenic and oil-free formula
- Widely available at drugstores nationwide
- Cruelty-free and mostly vegan
- Cult classic with decades of loyal users
Criticized
- Walnut shell particles may be too abrasive for some
- Can cause dryness if overused
- Not suitable for sensitive or inflamed skin
- Contains fragrance that may irritate some users
- Not safe for fungal acne sufferers
- Tube packaging wastes product at the end
- Physical exfoliation controversial among dermatologists
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESAlso contains 2% salicylic acid with physical exfoliants. Similar texture and results. Slightly gentler scrub particles.
2% salicylic acid with microbeads instead of walnut shell. Gentler exfoliation but similar acne-fighting power.
Sea kelp and French green clay formula. No salicylic acid but gentler physical exfoliation with added brightening benefits.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Check for changes in smell, color, or texture.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep cap tightly closed to prevent drying out.
Squeeze tube (50%+ recycled plastic). Cut tube at end to access remaining product.
Yes, 6 oz size is TSA compliant for checked baggage. Purchase travel size (1 oz) for carry-on.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. This scrub contains 2% salicylic acid, which the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists considers generally safe at this low concentration when applied topically. However, it's always best to consult your healthcare provider before using any salicylic acid products during pregnancy. While breastfeeding, avoid applying to areas that may come in contact with your baby.
No, this product is NOT safe for fungal acne. It contains Polysorbate 60 and Acetylated Lanolin Alcohol, which are fatty acid derivatives that can feed the malassezia yeast responsible for fungal acne. If you have fungal acne, look for products specifically formulated to be malassezia-safe.
Avoid using this scrub on the same day as retinol, vitamin C serums, or other AHA/BHA products. The combination of physical exfoliation plus salicylic acid is already potent - adding more actives can lead to over-exfoliation, irritation, and a damaged skin barrier. Use this scrub on alternate days from your other actives.
This scrub is best suited for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin types. The oil-free formula with salicylic acid helps control excess sebum and prevent breakouts. Those with normal skin can use it 1-2x weekly. It's not recommended for dry, sensitive, or reactive skin types as the physical exfoliation may cause irritation.
You'll feel smoother skin immediately after first use. Visible improvement in blackheads typically occurs within 1-2 weeks of consistent use (3-4x weekly). Reduced breakouts are usually noticed by weeks 3-4. For best results, use consistently for at least 4-6 weeks before evaluating effectiveness.
Use this as your first cleansing step on damp skin. Apply to wet face, massage gently for 30-60 seconds, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with toner, any serums, moisturizer, and sunscreen (AM). Use 3-4 times per week maximum, using a gentle cleanser on non-scrub days.
No, this product is non-comedogenic and has been tested to not clog pores. It has a comedogenic rating of approximately 1 out of 5. The oil-free formula and salicylic acid actually help to unclog pores rather than block them. However, individual reactions can vary, so discontinue use if you notice increased breakouts.
The product has a PAO (Period After Opening) of 12 months. After this time, the salicylic acid may become less effective and the product's texture or scent may change. Store with cap tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maximize shelf life.
Verdict: St. Ives Acne Control Apricot Scrub is a budget-friendly classic that delivers effective results for oily and acne-prone skin. The combination of 2% salicylic acid with natural walnut shell exfoliants provides both chemical and physical exfoliation to unclog pores and prevent breakouts. While the scrub texture isn't suitable for everyone—particularly those with sensitive skin or fungal acne—its unbeatable price point, pleasant scent, and decades of proven results make it a solid choice for those who enjoy physical exfoliation. Use 2-4 times weekly with gentle pressure, always follow with moisturizer, and you'll likely see smoother, clearer skin within weeks.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Juglans Regia Shell Powder
Abrasive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Glyceryl Stearate SE
Surfactant, Emulsifying
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasingagent - Aqueous, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Emulsifying, Viscosity Controlling
|
|
|
| 0 |
Zea Mays Kernel Meal
Abrasive
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cetyl Alcohol
Emulsion Stabilising, Fragrance, Opacifying, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Foam Boosting, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Emollient, Masking, Viscosity Controlling
|
|








