Based on its formula, is this product safe for sensitive, acne‑prone, or dry skin?

The scrub is especially suitable for acne‑prone skin thanks to salicylic acid and apricot kernel meal, but the presence of fragrance, triethanolamine, and PEG‑100 stearate may irritate very sensitive or dry skin, so patch testing is recommended.

What is the specific role and benefit of salicylic acid in this formula?

Salicylic acid is a beta‑hydroxy acid that penetrates oil‑filled pores, gently dissolves dead‑skin cells, reduces inflammation, and helps prevent and fade blemishes for clearer skin.

What is the optimal application frequency for this product, and does it contain controversial chemicals?

For most users, applying the scrub 2–3 times per week is sufficient; daily use can lead to over‑exfoliation and irritation. The formula includes controversial ingredients such as triethanolamine, PEG‑100 stearate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, and synthetic fragrance, which some consumers choose to avoid.

St Ives • 150ml

Blemish Control Scrub Apricot

Beauty

Product Insights

Blemish Control Scrub Apricot is a vegan facial exfoliant formulated to target blemish‑prone skin with a blend of physical and chemical actives. The scrub combines apricot kernel meal for gentle mechanical exfoliation and salicylic acid to unclog pores and reduce inflammation, while also containing moisturizing agents like glycerin and cetyl alcohol. Potential irritants include fragrance (parfum), triethanolamine, PEG‑100 stearate, sodium lauryl sulfoacetate, and the synthetic color titanium dioxide (CI 77891), which may cause sensitivity in delicate skin types.

Comparative Analysis

Positioned as a vegan, apricot‑based blemish control scrub, it differentiates itself from typical fruit‑flavored scrubs by pairing physical exfoliation with salicylic acid for targeted acne treatment.

Ingredients

AQUA, GLYCERYL STEARATE, ZEA MAYS KERNEL MEAL, CETYL ALCOHOL, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SALICYLIC ACID, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, PEG-100 STEARATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, JUGLANS REGIA SHELL POWDER, CI 77891, GLYCERIN, CARBOMER, POLYSORBATE 60, SODIUM LAURYL SULFOACETATE, PARFUM, CETYL ACETATE, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CETEARETH-20, DISODIUM EDTA, PRUNUS ARMÉNIACA FRUIT EXTRACT, LIMONENE, UNALOOL BASED ON NIELSEN SCANTRACK (TOTAL UK, EXCLUDING NI) DATA FOR FEMALE FACIAL SCRUB MARKET, 12-MONTHS TO 4TH NOVEMBER 2017 TUBE CAP Recycle Recycle 12M

84%

35%

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