When my L’Oreal Hydrafresh Anti-shine facial wash is about to run out, I decided to look for a new facial cleanser and I found this St. Ives Blemish Control Green Tea Scrub. I have used a couple other variants before this and the results are so - so. Despite that, I had high hopes with this variant because of its green tea and salicylic acid content plus its claim as acne treatment.
Like most St. Ives facial scrub, this one comes in a white tube with flip top cap. The scrub itself is light green and the green beads are finer compared to other St. Ives scrub I have tried before. I initially used this once a day (every morning and L’Oreal Hydrafresh Anti-shine at night) but when later used it twice a day when my L’Oreal facial wash ran out. I have been using this for more than a month already and below is my review (first post using my new review format).
Product Description:
Review
Packaging and Appeal. The packaging is nothing remarkable or praise-worthy. It is common among other St. Ives variants as well as other skin care products. But I love that it has both flip top and twist cap. With the flip top cap, I find it easier to dispense the product since I never have to struggle when opening or closing the tube with wet hands. The twist cap on the other hand can be a struggle to manage with wet and slippery hands. Additionally, I never have to worry about losing the cap or having it fall somewhere since I will just use the flip portion of the cap instead of detaching the entire cap. I also love the product’s light green color (yes, green is my favorite color!) but I love the fine beads more. All those times I thought St. Ives Scrubs have coarse beads but I am a bit surprised to learn that this variant has finer ones. As such I never have to worry about damaging my skin even when used everyday. Of course gentle lathering is still necessary as caution.
Scent. Aside from its color, I love this scrub’s scent too. It doesn't smell like green tea at all but more like sweet and floral. The scent makes me feel good each time I wash.
Effectiveness. While I have good words about its packaging and scent, I’m afraid it’s not the same with its effectiveness. I bought this hoping that it will help improve my skin in a natural way but sadly, it didn't give me the result it claims. It is causing me breakouts and whiteheads (that almost look like milia). After using this for a few days, five pimples appeared in one area of my face and then a few more in other areas. It makes my forehead look “bumpy” and it really disappoints me especially when I put on powder or foundation. What’s worse is that it gives my skin that dirty feel. I’m sure that pimples and other negative effects are caused by this scrub because when I stop using and switch back to my previous facial wash, my skin starts to improve and the problem starts to occur again when I wash my face with this. Actually during washing, I see no problem with using this. There’s not stinging or burning sensation and there’s no redness or tightening feeling after washing. It’s not even making my skin overly dry. But the good result is only until there and it’s not enough for me (or to any other girl who wants healthy looking skin).
Ingredients.
This facial scrub boasts its salicylic acid content that is beneficial for acne medication. Unfortunately, this is not doing me good given the results I mentioned above. This also claims to be oil-free, dermatologist-tested and paraben-free - some of the factors that made me decide to get this one. Green tea that is known to improve the appearance of the skin is also one of the main ingredients.
Price. I consider this cheap because for the 133 ml tube, it only costs Php 189. Cheaper than L’Oreal, Olay, Nivea or Celeteque facial wash.
Availability. It’s available in various grocery stores and toiletries section of various malls all over the country.
Would I buy this product again?
No. I can't even use up the large tube I bought.
Conclusion
While the product label says to use this daily, excessive exfoliation can take a toll on the skin. Probably that is what happened to me hence the negative effects. I stopped using this daily and will try to use once or twice a week to see the effects. I have also been using this to exfoliate my underarms as well as my stomach, lower back and hips since I have some blemishes there and thankfully, it hasn’t caused me any problem yet. Up to now, I am still hoping that it would work somehow, that the pimples are not really breakouts but purging. I will post an update in the coming weeks, if there is any.
As what I always say (as well as many other beauty bloggers and skin care experts), each of us has varying skin care needs. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. In the end, it all comes down to one factor - your skin’s specific needs. Find out the type of your skin and learn what it needs to make it healthy. It can be scary at times but don’t stop yourself from trying new products until you find what is best for you. However when doing so, buy in sachet or sample sizes to prevent wasting your money in case the product is not working as claimed.
| Aspects | Rating |
| Packaging | 3/5 |
| Effectiveness | 1/5 |
| Scent | 3/5 |
| Ingredients | 3/5 |
| Price | 4/5 |
| Availability | 3/5 |
| Overall Rating | 2.83/6 |
Would I buy this product again?
No. I can't even use up the large tube I bought.
Conclusion
While the product label says to use this daily, excessive exfoliation can take a toll on the skin. Probably that is what happened to me hence the negative effects. I stopped using this daily and will try to use once or twice a week to see the effects. I have also been using this to exfoliate my underarms as well as my stomach, lower back and hips since I have some blemishes there and thankfully, it hasn’t caused me any problem yet. Up to now, I am still hoping that it would work somehow, that the pimples are not really breakouts but purging. I will post an update in the coming weeks, if there is any.
As what I always say (as well as many other beauty bloggers and skin care experts), each of us has varying skin care needs. What works for me may not work for you and vice versa. In the end, it all comes down to one factor - your skin’s specific needs. Find out the type of your skin and learn what it needs to make it healthy. It can be scary at times but don’t stop yourself from trying new products until you find what is best for you. However when doing so, buy in sachet or sample sizes to prevent wasting your money in case the product is not working as claimed.
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