DERMA Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
DERMA Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub
Product Description
Product overview
A clinically tested dual-action exfoliating scrub that combines physical microcrystalline cellulose particles with chemical exfoliants — salicylic acid (BHA), lactic acid (AHA), and niacinamide — to unclog pores, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and refine skin texture without drying out the skin. Suitable for face and body use 2–3 times per week.
Dual Exfoliation Power
Combines physical microcrystalline cellulose particles with chemical BHA and AHA exfoliation to deeply unclog pores and sweep away dead skin cells.
Texture & feel
SENSORYDual Exfoliation Power
Combines physical microcrystalline cellulose particles with chemical BHA and AHA exfoliation to deeply unclog pores and sweep away dead skin cells.
Salicylic Acid (BHA)
Oil-soluble acid that penetrates deep into pores to dissolve sebum plugs, reduce blackheads and whiteheads, and prevent future breakouts.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Regulates excess sebum production, soothes inflammation, minimises pore appearance, and helps even out skin tone for a clearer complexion.
Sea Salt Exfoliation
Natural sodium chloride (sea salt) provides gentle mechanical exfoliation while helping to purify and detoxify skin, supporting clearer complexion.
Lactic Acid (AHA)
Gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes surface cell turnover, improves skin texture, and provides mild humectant properties to prevent over-drying.
100% Vegan & Clean
Free from animal-derived ingredients, parabens, sulfates, alcohol, silicones, and oils. Clinically tested on blemish-prone skin with dermatologist approval.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA). While this is a rinse-off product with low concentration, most dermatologists advise pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to avoid BHA. Consult your doctor before use.
No fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or oils that feed malassezia yeast. This formula is considered safe for fungal acne-prone skin.
Oil-free, silicone-free formula rated 0/5 on the comedogenic scale. Will not clog pores or contribute to breakouts.
Contains no animal-derived ingredients. Free from parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and silicones.
This product contains parfum which may cause irritation for very sensitive or reactive skin types. Patch test recommended if you have known fragrance sensitivities.
A UV filter used to protect the product formula. Identified as an emerging allergen in a 2007 Contact Dermatitis study. Low risk in a rinse-off product but worth noting for allergy-prone individuals.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSSalicylic Acid ~0.5–2%Proven
A beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that is oil-soluble, allowing it to penetrate deep into pores to dissolve sebum buildup, dead skin cells, and debris. FDA-recognised as an OTC acne treatment ingredient.
- Mechanism: Dissolves the intercellular glue holding dead cells together inside pores (keratolytic action)
- Studies: Concentrations of 0.5–2% are recognised by the US FDA for topical acne treatment
- Benefits: Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and sebum-regulating properties
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) ~1–2%Proven
A versatile, well-researched skincare active that regulates sebum, calms inflammation, strengthens the skin barrier, and improves overall skin clarity and tone.
- Sebum Control: Studies show niacinamide can reduce excess oil production within 2–4 weeks of regular use
- Anti-Inflammatory: Proven to help improve acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis conditions
- Brightening: Inhibits melanosome transfer for more even skin tone over time
Lactic Acid (AHA) ~1–2%Proven
A gentle alpha-hydroxy acid that promotes surface-level exfoliation, loosens the bonds between dead skin cells, and has mild humectant properties to help retain moisture.
- Exfoliation: Promotes cell turnover on the skin surface for smoother texture
- Hydration: Unlike other AHAs, lactic acid has natural humectant properties
- Skin Thickness: Long-term use can help increase glycosaminoglycans in the skin
Sodium Chloride (Sea Salt)Supporting
Natural sea salt used as a physical exfoliating agent that helps to mechanically buff away surface impurities, providing the scrub's gritty texture for manual exfoliation alongside the chemical actives.
- Physical Exfoliation: Provides gentle abrasive action to dislodge surface debris
- Purifying: Natural antiseptic properties that support a cleaner complexion
Microcrystalline CelluloseSupporting
A natural plant-derived polymer used as a fine physical exfoliating particle. More gentle than plastic microbeads (which are banned in many countries), it effectively buffs the skin surface while being biodegradable and eco-friendly.
- Function: Acts as a natural, sustainable scrub particle for gentle physical exfoliation
- Benefit: Also helps reduce oiliness on the skin and improves formula absorption
18 ingredients
Aqua, Coco-Glucoside, Coco-Betaine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Lactic Acid, Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid, Cellulose, Mannitol, Sodium Chloride, Polyquaternium-10, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Benzophenone-4, Parfum, CI 77289
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 2–3 times per week after your regular cleanser. Follow with NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner for best results. Always apply sunscreen in the morning as BHA and AHA can increase sun sensitivity.
How to use
HOW TO USEWet Your Face
Splash your face (and/or body) with lukewarm water. You can use this after your regular daily cleanser for a deeper exfoliation session.
Apply a Pea-Sized Amount
Squeeze a small pea-sized amount onto your fingertips. A little goes a long way — you do not need a large quantity for effective exfoliation.
Gently Massage
Using circular motions, gently massage the scrub across your wet face and/or body. Avoid the delicate eye area. Do not press too hard — let the granules and actives do the work.
Leave Briefly & Rinse
Allow the scrub to sit on the skin for 30–60 seconds so the salicylic acid and niacinamide can work. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and pat dry.
Follow Up
Continue with your Derma Skin Clear Toner, serum, and moisturiser. In the morning, always finish with sunscreen as AHA/BHA can increase photosensitivity.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have oily or combination skin with visible blackheads and whiteheads
- You want a budget-friendly scrub with proven active ingredients (BHA + AHA + Niacinamide)
- You need a face AND body exfoliant in one product
- You prefer vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free formulas
- You experience frequent breakouts and clogged pores
- You want clinically tested results in as little as 7 days
Consider alternatives if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (contains salicylic acid and lactic acid)
- You have very dry or eczema-prone skin that is easily irritated by exfoliation
- You prefer fragrance-free products (this contains parfum)
- You prefer a purely chemical exfoliant without any physical scrub particles
- You have known sensitivity to benzophenone-4 (UV absorber)
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESIdeal match. Salicylic acid dissolves excess sebum deep in pores while niacinamide helps regulate oil production. Leaves skin matte and refreshed without over-drying.
Great for targeting the oily T-zone while lactic acid provides gentle hydration to drier areas. Balances well across different facial zones.
Specifically formulated for blemish-prone skin. Non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe, and oil-free. Clinical testing showed visible results in 7 days.
Works well as a weekly maintenance scrub to keep pores clear and skin smooth. Niacinamide and lactic acid support overall skin health.
Contains fragrance (parfum) and benzophenone-4 which may irritate very reactive skin. The physical scrub particles can also be too abrasive. Patch test first and limit to once per week.
The BHA and physical exfoliation may be too stripping for very dry skin. If used, follow immediately with a rich moisturiser and limit use to once per week.
Results timeline
MONTHS 2–3Immediate Smoothness & Freshness
Skin feels visibly smoother, deeply cleansed, and refreshed immediately after rinsing. Pores appear temporarily refined and excess oil is removed.
90% noticed cleaner-feeling skinVisibly Clearer Skin
With 2–3 uses in the first week, blackheads and whiteheads begin to reduce. Skin texture starts to feel noticeably more refined and less congested. NIVEA claims visibly clearer skin in 7 days.
75% noticed reduced blackheadsBlemish Reduction & Pore Refinement
Niacinamide begins regulating sebum production, reducing overall oiliness. Active breakouts begin to calm down. Pore appearance is visibly reduced and skin tone becomes more even.
70% noticed fewer new breakoutsLong-Term Clarity & Prevention
Consistent use prevents the reappearance of blackheads and whiteheads. Skin texture is significantly smoother and more refined. Overall complexion appears healthier and more balanced.
65% reported sustained improvementRatings by platform
1K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Excellent value for money — budget-friendly with proven active ingredients
- Dual exfoliation (physical + chemical) for thorough pore cleansing
- Vegan, paraben-free, sulfate-free, silicone-free formula
- Clinically tested with dermatological approval for blemish-prone skin
- Versatile face and body use in one product
- Leaves skin smooth and refreshed without feeling stripped or overly dry
- Only a pea-sized amount needed per use — lasts a long time
- Noticeable improvement in blackheads and skin texture within first week
Criticized
- Contains parfum (fragrance) — not ideal for very sensitive skin
- Contains benzophenone-4 — a potential allergen for some individuals
- Scrub granules may be too fine for those who prefer more aggressive exfoliation
- Not safe for pregnancy due to salicylic acid content
- Can leave temporary redness if too much product is applied
- 150ml tube can run out fast when used on both face and body
- Takes more water than expected to rinse off completely
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESContains 2% salicylic acid in a foaming gel wash. Higher BHA concentration but lacks niacinamide and lactic acid. No physical exfoliation — purely chemical. More widely available in the US market.
Features salicylic acid with ceramides and hyaluronic acid for barrier support. Fragrance-free and gentler, but has no physical exfoliation particles and contains PEGs that are not fungal acne safe.
A leave-on masque rather than a rinse-off scrub. Higher salicylic acid concentration (2%) with charcoal and kaolin clay. More intensive treatment but lacks niacinamide and physical exfoliation.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEStorage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Squeezable plastic tube with flip-top cap
No — 150ml exceeds the 100ml carry-on liquid limit. Decant into a smaller container for air travel.
Frequently asked questions
FAQThis scrub contains salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA), both of which are generally advised against during pregnancy and breastfeeding by most dermatologists. While topical salicylic acid in low-concentration rinse-off products is considered lower risk than oral forms, it is still recommended to consult your healthcare provider before use. Many doctors prefer pregnant patients to avoid BHA entirely and switch to gentler alternatives like azelaic acid-based products.
Yes, this scrub is considered fungal acne safe. It does not contain any of the common triggers for malassezia overgrowth, such as fermented ingredients, fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or oils. The formula is oil-free and relies on gentle surfactants (coco-glucoside, coco-betaine), cellulose-based exfoliants, and proven actives like salicylic acid which can actually help manage fungal acne by keeping pores clear.
Because this scrub already contains salicylic acid (BHA) and lactic acid (AHA), you should be cautious about layering additional exfoliating actives in the same routine session. Avoid using retinol, high-strength vitamin C serums, or other AHA/BHA products on the same days you use this scrub to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. You can alternate: use this scrub 2–3 times per week, and use retinol or vitamin C on the remaining days.
This scrub is specifically formulated for oily, combination, and blemish-prone skin types. It excels at controlling excess sebum, unclogging pores, and reducing blackheads and whiteheads. Normal skin types can also benefit from it as a weekly maintenance exfoliant. However, it may not be ideal for very dry, eczema-prone, or highly sensitive skin due to the physical scrub particles and active acids in the formula.
NIVEA's clinical testing indicates visibly clearer skin in as little as 7 days with regular use (2–3 times per week). Most users report immediately smoother and cleaner-feeling skin after the first use. Noticeable reduction in blackheads and whiteheads typically appears within the first 1–2 weeks. Longer-term benefits like sustained blemish prevention and improved skin texture develop over 4–8 weeks of consistent use.
Use this scrub as Step 2 in your routine, after your daily cleanser, 2–3 times per week. Apply to wet skin, gently massage, leave briefly, then rinse. Follow with your toner (NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Toner is recommended), serum, moisturiser, and sunscreen (AM). Do not use daily — 2 to 3 times per week is the recommended frequency to prevent over-exfoliation.
No, this product is non-comedogenic with a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5. It contains no oils, silicones, or known pore-clogging ingredients. In fact, it is specifically designed to do the opposite — unclog pores using salicylic acid (which penetrates into pores to dissolve sebum plugs) and physical exfoliation to remove surface debris. The oil-free, silicone-free formula is one of the cleanest scrub formulations available on the market.
The scrub has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 12 months. This means you should use it within one year of first opening the tube. Store it below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Since only a pea-sized amount is needed per use (2–3 times per week), the 150ml tube should last approximately 3–4 months for face-only use, or 6–8 weeks if also used on the body.
Verdict: The NIVEA Derma Skin Clear Anti-Blemish Scrub is an outstanding budget-friendly exfoliant that punches well above its price point. Its triple-active formula of salicylic acid, niacinamide, and lactic acid — combined with gentle physical exfoliation — makes it one of the most effective drugstore scrubs for oily and blemish-prone skin. The vegan, non-comedogenic, fungal acne safe formula is impressively clean with only 18 ingredients. The only drawbacks are the inclusion of parfum and benzophenone-4, which may not suit very sensitive skin, and the pregnancy caution due to salicylic acid. For anyone battling blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores on a budget, this clinically tested scrub from a trusted German derma brand is a strong recommendation.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-glucoside
Surfactant, Cleansing, Foaming
|
|
|
| 1 |
Coco-Betaine
Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Sufactant, Foam Boosting
|
|
|
| 1 |
Microcrystalline Cellulose
Abrasive, Absorbent, Anticaking Agent, Bulking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Slip Modifier, Viscosity Increasing Agent
|
|
|
| 1 |
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Viscosity Controlling, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming
|
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