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Buying guide

The Best Facial Scrubs

We compared four facial scrubs on owner ratings, prices, and specs. The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is our top pick for its balance of effectiveness and affordability.

Updated

The bottom line

The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is our top pick. It offers effective exfoliation at a budget-friendly price of $5.97. The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant is a close runner-up at $19.5, praised for its daily use suitability and mildness. For those on a tighter budget, the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub at $2.49 is a cheaper alternative with strong owner ratings. The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, priced at $23.98, is an also-great option for those seeking a premium experience with botanical ingredients.

Top pick
Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial CleanserClean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser $5.97

Best balance of price and performance

The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser offers effective exfoliation at $5.97, with 29612 owners rating it 9.2/10. It's suitable for those seeking a budget-friendly option. Those with severe acne may find it less effective.

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Runner-up
Dermalogica Daily MicrofoliantDermalogica Daily Microfoliant $19.50

Best for daily use

The Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, at $19.5, is suitable for daily use and has 13670 owners rating it 9.2/10. It's a good choice for those willing to spend more for mildness and effectiveness. Budget-conscious buyers may find it too expensive.

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Budget pick
St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face ScrubSt. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub $2.49

Best budget option

The St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub is the cheapest at $2.49, with 21934 owners rating it 9.2/10. It's a good choice for those on a budget. Those seeking a more premium experience may prefer the Dermalogica or Acure options.

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Also great
Acure Brightening Facial ScrubAcure Brightening Facial Scrub $23.98

Best premium option

The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub, at $23.98, uses botanical ingredients and has 29891 owners rating it 9.2/10. It's a good choice for those seeking a luxury experience. Budget-conscious buyers may find it too expensive.

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The field, ranked

  1. Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser Best balance of price and performance 9.0/10 $5.97 Amazon
  2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant Best for daily use 8.5/10 $19.50 Amazon
  3. Acure Brightening Facial Scrub Best premium option 8.0/10 $23.98 Amazon
  4. St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub Best budget option 7.5/10 $2.49 Amazon

Who should buy which

Those with sensitive skin or seeking a mild exfoliant should consider the Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Budget-conscious buyers will find the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub appealing. The Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser is a versatile choice for most skin types. The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub is suitable for those who prefer natural ingredients and are willing to pay a premium.

Owner complaints

A few owners of the Clean & Clear Oil-Free Deep Action Exfoliating Facial Cleanser mentioned it was not as effective in treating and controlling acne. Some users of the Acure Brightening Facial Scrub found it too expensive for the benefits they experienced.

Also-rans

None of the products earned a pick role, but the St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Face Scrub lost due to its lower effectiveness compared to the Clean & Clear and Dermalogica options. The Acure Brightening Facial Scrub lost due to its higher price point without a significant increase in effectiveness.

How this was put together

This guide is based on owner ratings (21934 for St. Ives, 13670 for Dermalogica, 29612 for Clean & Clear, 29891 for Acure), prices, and specs. No hands-on testing was conducted. The evidence is thinnest on the Dermalogica and Acure products, where expert reviews are lacking.