Of hundreds of facial scrubs we've tried in our day, this cream version is one of the most gentle and hydrating to have hit our skin. Organic aloe, glycerin and olive oil pick up dirt while teeny jojoba beads loosen gunk from pores and lift dead cells. In fact, the beads are so soft, it feels like we're cleansing with a micronized version of the tapioca pearls found in boba tea.
Gentle gommage scrubs have been a staple of French cleansing for a while, but of-the-moment active ingredients — like microbiome-nurturing probiotics — help bring this creamy version into the 21st century. Though we were at first thrown by this scrub's complete lack of texture, we quickly found it did a tremendous job of smoothing our complexion. After applying to dry skin, wait two minutes before massaging it in and you'll see what we mean: it exfoliates without making our face feel tight or dry.
Those looking for an exfoliant that's both gentle enough for daily use and packs some of the more traditional properties of an old-school scrub will find the perfect balance in this oil-free option. Jojoba esters are more generously proportioned than in other scrubs we tried, but remain non-abrasive, while light sudsing action is achieved without sulfates. What's more, ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid ensure moisture isn't sucked from the skin while cleansing.
Using a liquid exfoliator that causes dead skin cells to ball up while in use ranks among the most satisfying at-home cleansing rituals. This version provides the same reward as others on the market, but packs organic plant extracts (like brightening licorice root and calming cucumber), along with fruit stem cells (from apple, grape and lemon leaf) to do the job without alcohol and other irritants.
Combine a skin-balancing ingredient list (composed of probiotics, fermented powdered oats, ethically-sourced vanillin and a cocktail of adaptogenic mushrooms) with a minimally textured powder and you have the perfect non-abrasive scrub for sensitive and acne-prone skin. It doesn't foam or emulsify like many cleansers, but manages to leave our skin feeling clean and supple.
