Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
Deep Action Exfoliating Scrub
Product Description
A cult-classic, oil-free face scrub from Clean & Clear that uses naturally derived, plastic-free cellulose beads to physically buff away dead skin, excess oil and makeup. A hit of menthol delivers the brand's signature cooling tingle, while glycerin helps soften the deep-clean feel. Budget-friendly and built for daily exfoliation on oily and combination skin.
β¨ Texture & Feel
Plastic-Free Beads
Naturally derived cellulose micro-beads physically buff away dead skin and debris without polluting microplastics.
Signature Cooling Tingle
Menthol gives that unmistakable refreshing, invigorating cool sensation reviewers love.
Oil-Free & Rinses Clean
Lifts dirt, oil and makeup, then rinses away without residue so it won't clog pores.
Drugstore Value
A long-running, widely available daily exfoliator at a price most budgets can absorb.
π‘οΈ Safety & Compatibility
Contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens β the actives usually flagged in pregnancy. Generally considered safe.
A rinse-off formula with no oils, esters, fatty acids or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast.
Oil-free and designed to rinse clean without clogging pores (comedogenic rating ~1/5).
Contains parfum and menthol, which give the cooling scent but can sensitize reactive, rosacea-prone or fragrance-sensitive skin.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate cleanses well but can feel stripping or drying with daily use on dry or compromised skin.
Beads provide manual exfoliation. Avoid stacking with strong acids or retinoids in the same session to prevent over-exfoliation.
π¬ Ingredient Breakdown
π§ Water (Aqua) Base Solvent
The first ingredient and largest part of the formula. It dissolves and carries the other ingredients and gives the scrub its rinse-friendly, gel-cream base.
- Function: Universal solvent and carrier in nearly all rinse-off cleansers.
π¦ Glycerin Humectant Proven
A humectant naturally found in skin that draws in moisture, helping offset the stripping feel of a deep-cleansing scrub so skin doesn't feel as tight after rinsing.
- Source: A 2016 study found glycerin to be a more effective humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
- Benefit: Supports the skin barrier by pulling moisture into deeper layers.
πΏ Cellulose & Microcrystalline Cellulose Exfoliant Proven
The star of the scrub: plant-derived cellulose beads that physically buff away dead surface cells and debris. They replaced the old plastic microbeads, making the formula plastic-free.
- Source: Cellulose is the most abundant natural organic polymer on Earth (refined wood pulp).
- Benefit: Biodegradable physical exfoliant β no polluting microplastics.
𫧠Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) Cleanser Proven
A foaming, cleansing surfactant derived from palm or coconut oil. Milder than sodium lauryl sulfate, it lifts oil, dirt and makeup and gives the wash its lather.
- Function: Primary cleansing and foaming agent.
π¬ Lauryl Glucoside Co-surfactant Promising
A gentle, sugar- and lipid-based cleansing agent made from glucose and lauryl alcohol. It helps rinse away oil and pollutants while softening the overall cleansing system.
- Source: Naturally derived non-ionic surfactant, often used to balance harsher cleansers.
βοΈ Menthol Sensory Promising
A peppermint-derived compound that creates the signature cooling, tingling sensation as you massage the scrub in. It also has mild antimicrobial properties.
- Note: The "cool" feeling comes from menthol sensitizing nerve receptors, not from actually lowering skin temperature.
π§ͺ Phenoxyethanol Preservative Proven
A widely used preservative with antimicrobial properties that keeps the product safe from bacterial and microbial growth over its shelf life.
- Function: Broad-spectrum preservative used at low, regulated concentrations.
π‘οΈ Methylparaben Preservative Promising
A paraben preservative that prevents the growth of fungus, mold and bacteria, extending the product's shelf life. Note that newer reformulations of this scrub are marketed as paraben-free.
- Status: Regulatory bodies consider it safe at cosmetic levels; safety research has been mixed but largely reassuring.
β°οΈ Talc Abrasive Proven
A clay mineral that absorbs moisture, improves texture and adds a mild secondary exfoliating effect to support the cellulose beads.
- Function: Absorbent and gentle abrasive; cosmetic-grade talc is regulated by the FDA.
20 ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose, Lauryl Glucoside, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Methylparaben, Microcrystalline Wax, Sodium Hydroxide, Menthol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Benzotriazolyl Butylphenol Sulfonate, Ultramarines, CI 73360, Talc, Blue 1 Lake, CI 19140.
π Where It Fits in Your Routine
Use as your cleansing/exfoliating step 2β4Γ per week (not daily if your skin trends dry). Always follow with moisturizer, and never skip SPF in the morning β exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
π How to Use
Wet Your Face
Splash with lukewarm water to soften skin before exfoliating.
Massage Gently
Work a nickel-sized amount over the face in light circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Let the beads do the work β don't scrub hard.
Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse with water until clean. You'll feel the signature cool, minty tingle.
Pat & Protect
Pat dry and follow with moisturizer β and sunscreen in the morning.
π€ Who Is It For?
β Perfect for you if:
- You have oily, combination or congested skin and want a deep-clean feel
- You love a cooling, refreshing, invigorating wash
- You want an affordable, widely available daily exfoliator
- You prefer plastic-free, naturally derived physical beads
β Consider alternatives if:
- You have dry, sensitive or rosacea-prone skin (menthol + sulfate may irritate)
- You're sensitive to fragrance or want a fragrance-free formula
- You prefer chemical exfoliation (AHA/BHA) over physical scrubs
- You're specifically avoiding parabens and synthetic dyes
π― Skin Type Compatibility
Oil-free, deeply cleansing and refreshing β exactly the skin type this scrub was built for.
Clears congestion in the T-zone while the glycerin base keeps things from feeling overly stripped.
Non-comedogenic and great for blackhead-prone skin, but go gentle β physical scrubbing can aggravate active, inflamed breakouts.
Works well a few times a week for a smooth, refreshed feel; daily use may be more than needed.
The sulfate cleanser can feel stripping β use sparingly and always follow with a rich moisturizer.
Menthol, fragrance and physical exfoliation make this a higher-irritation choice; gentler, fragrance-free options are safer.
π Results Timeline
Smooth & Refreshed
Skin feels deeply clean, smoother to the touch, with the signature cooling tingle right after rinsing.
~90% noticedLess Congestion
With a few uses, skin feels less greasy and clogged; makeup often goes on smoother over freshly exfoliated skin.
~65% noticedClearer-Feeling Pores
Regular users report fewer visible blackheads and a clearer, more even surface texture.
~50% noticedMaintained Smoothness
Skin stays smooth with consistent use β though over-exfoliating can tip some users into dryness, so don't overdo it.
~40% noticedβ Ratings by Platform
βοΈ Pros & Cons
β Praised
- Signature cooling, refreshing, invigorating sensation
- Effectively removes makeup, oil and grime
- Leaves skin feeling smooth and deeply clean
- Very affordable and widely available
- Plastic-free, naturally derived exfoliating beads
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic
β Criticized
- Fragrance and menthol can irritate sensitive skin
- Sulfate (SLES) can feel drying with daily use
- Contains methylparaben and synthetic dyes
- Physical scrubbing can be too rough on active acne
- Reformulations have disappointed some long-time users
- No targeted treatment actives β just physical exfoliation
π° Budget-Friendly Alternatives (Dupes)
Walmart's own store brand is explicitly sold as a "compare to Clean & Clear Deep Action" alternative β a near-identical bead scrub for roughly half the price.
A foaming deep-clean scrub with a comparable cooling, invigorating sensation. Slightly pricier and a larger 7 oz size, also containing glycerin.
Uses walnut shell and apricot pit exfoliants β grittier and more abrasive, no cooling menthol, but paraben-free and non-comedogenic.
π Comparison with Competitors
Clean & Clear Deep Action Scrub (Featured)
$6.99St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
$5.99Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub
$9.39Cetaphil Extra Gentle Daily Scrub
$9.99π¦ Storage & Shelf Life
12 months after opening
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and excess heat.
Squeeze tube
Yes β also sold in TSA-friendly travel sizes under 100ml.
β Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, yes. The formula contains none of the actives usually flagged during pregnancy β no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens. It does contain fragrance, menthol and a paraben, so the extra-cautious may prefer a fragrance-free option. As always, check with your doctor about your specific routine.
Yes. It's a rinse-off product with no oils, esters, fatty acids or polysorbates that feed malassezia yeast, so it's considered fungal-acne safe.
Yes, but cautiously. Because this is a physical exfoliant, avoid using it in the same session as strong acids (AHA/BHA) or retinoids to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Alternate them on different days and listen to your skin.
It's best for oily and combination skin, and works well for blackhead-prone skin. Dry and sensitive skin types should be more careful, as the sulfate and menthol can feel stripping or irritating.
Skin feels smoother and cleaner immediately. With regular use over 2β4 weeks, many users report fewer visible blackheads and clearer-feeling pores. Avoid over-use, which can lead to dryness.
It's your cleansing/exfoliating step, used 2β4 times a week. After removing makeup, massage it on, rinse, then follow with toner, serum and moisturizer. Use SPF in the morning since exfoliation increases sun sensitivity.
No. It's oil-free, rinses clean and is non-comedogenic (comedogenic rating around 1/5), so it isn't expected to clog pores.
About 12 months after opening, indicated by the "12M" jar symbol on the packaging. Store it in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh.
Verdict: A reliable, affordable drugstore exfoliating scrub that's earned decades of loyalty for its deep-clean feel and signature cooling tingle. It shines on oily and combination skin and now uses plastic-free beads β but fragrance, menthol and a sulfate cleanser make it less ideal for dry or sensitive skin, and there are no targeted treatment actives. For the price, it's a solid physical exfoliator if you fall in its sweet spot.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skinβs own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
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 Β«promisesΒ» 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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Brightening from 1 ingredient(s):
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
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.
Pro Tip Alert!
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 2 |
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
|
Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 3 |
Sodium Laureth Sulfate
Surfactant, Emulsifying, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Slip Modifier, Viscosity Increasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Cellulose
Viscosity Controlling, Absorbent, Bulking Agent, Opacifying, Slip Modifier
|
|