Step Away From Walnut Face Scrubs And Opt For These Gentler Exfoliators Instead

We’ve come a long way since the heyday of St. Ives Apricot Scrub—or so we thought. Kylie Jenner’s recent foray into skincare has reignited the debate over harsh physical exfoliators, getting the online beauty community up in arms over her Walnut Face Scrub. (It’s currently sold out on her site, which gives us pause for those who bought it). Essentially a dupe of the scrub by St. Ives (which *does* work wonders on dry elbows and knees, but also was at the centre of a lawsuit not too long ago), Jenner’s version uses walnut powder, an ingredient that has often been criticized for causing micro-tears in the skin. That’s partly why we’ve seen, in recent years, a shift away physical exfoliators and towards chemical resurfacers—aside from being, generally, more effective at penetrating the skin and increasing cell turnover.

The consensus among dermatologists is that both chemical and physical exfoliators (see: microdermabrasion) have their place, but the chemical route is the superior choice for daily at-home use. Today, there are also plenty of in-between options: physical exfoliators that make the most of non-sandpaper-like ingredients to *gently* buff away dead skin without, figuratively speaking, scorching the earth.

Prev

Next

1/7

Sunday Riley Good Genes
($207, Sephora)

This cult product from Sunday Riley is beloved for its powerful AHA formula. It works like a serum—to be applied underneath your moisturizer—and melts away dead skin cells, leaving skin looking plump and glowing. With regular use, it can also help reduce the appearance of sunspots. You’ll just have to ignore its funky smell—but really, if a product (especially a chemical exfoliant) smells like a bouquet of roses, it’s more than likely not going to be the most effective.

Buy Now