ST. IVES INVIGORATING SCRUB!
Gigi here! Time to come clean, literally and figuratively. I know what you’re doing, just like the rest of us—displaying an expensive container of an exfoliant in your guest bathroom so that guests will think, “How does she afford that?” Meanwhile, you stockpile an arsenal of St. Ives’ Apricot Scrub.
This warm, muggy season can be unduly harsh to skin. Moisturizers which may work wonders for you throughout the rest of the year can cause problems. Sunscreen is a blessing, but several have comedogenic components. Add to that perspiration itself: it can serve as a breeding ground for lovely bacteria (picture the green characters from the Mucinex ad) or, if your complexion is quite dry, exacerbate that problem. Dermatologists suggest washing your face several times daily. I love outdoor activities. Where to conduct my toilette? Push livestock aside and use their water troughs? Beg off from a game of volleyball to cleanse with a flowered parasol over my shoulder? I think not.
The answer is clear—exfoliate daily, perhaps twice. St. Ives became known for its “Gentle Apricot Scrub” (nicely priced at about $4.79). This admirable company created some smooth moves; the ingredients include Jojoba Beads. Not only do these make short work of lifting imbedded impurities, but the beads are uniform in size. Other natural scrubs incorporate uneven pieces of walnut shell and seeds, which can damage rather than benefit.
St. Ives has branched out into more Apricot scrubs—“Invigorating,” “Blemish and Blackhead Control,” and “Renew and Firm.” Evidently they haven’t dealt with Megheads before. We read labels and analyze ingredients before we throw both caution and dollars to the wind and succumb to marketing ploys (of course, I jest). What does tend to happen is that four formulas can cloud anyone’s judgment; rather than stand in an aisle and study, it is easier to buy all. St. Ives knows this, so allow me to give you a “head’s up” before you shop.
The “Invigorating” scrub has no offensive ingredients, and the tube boasts of pure Swiss water and botanicals for moisture. The particles are larger than those of any other scrub. If you want to keep your skin glowing like that of Stylemama’s beautiful daughters, you may want to avoid this. Smaller equals better. It has the same enticing fruit scent of its forerunner, but rub in with utmost gentleness and avoid approaching eyes. Problems with parched hands, legs, elbows, and/or feet? Skin is basically skin, so do your body a favor and apply here as well.
“Blemish and Blackhead Control” has smaller grains but includes Salicylic Acid, as Angie recently described. It is the most merciful and effective treatment for adult breakouts; if your skin is sensitive at all, skip it. My marketing mind tells me that this product could have been combined with the “Invigorating” one; then again, profit margins would be less. Wait—they’re not thinking about money, are they?
“Renew and Firm” touts “gentle Alpha Hydroxy.” St. Ives’ version incorporates finer beads of this from fruit extracts and Vitamin C, and so it may be easier to tolerate than other sources. I am sensitive to little and handle it well. Old cell layers are shed and leave you looking luminous. But many women will find that accompanied by redness and burning. Careful before trying this product! Several ingredients moisturize, but I cannot locate one that specifically firms. Allow another crème to do this for you.
I feel terrible dissing anything St. Ives creates, but less is often more. If you don’t hear from me, it’s because the St. Ives police have arrested me, and I’ve exercised my right to remain silent . . . cease applauding, please!
What do you ladies think about St. Ives?
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Reviews
Gigi, love! Welcome back. We have missed you terribly! Thank you for imparting your drugstore wisdom yet again. Also, thanks for showing us the light on the rebranded St. Ives Apricot scrub. I used this scrub in my teens and it totally irritated my sensitive skin. Later, I read that the apricot seeds were tearing my skin. This explained so much! I will not be trying this again. I will happily sit in a jail cell with you when the St. Ive's police arrest us :)
Another great review from my dear, dear friend! I used to really love St. Ives when I was a young teen. But either it has changed or I have changed. My skin is way too sensitive. It seems to invoke serious redness and irritation for me now! I recently tried the new olive oil scrub they have. It seems to be much more gentle but it also has the unfortunate side effect of making my sin crazy oily. But I do 110% agree that exfoliation is on eof the major keys to having beautiful skin. I am slowly learning that this may be possible with a Clarisonic. And if the St. Ives Swiss Mounty comes after you-we will be ready for them!
I am with Gem and Kellie 76. I also used this as a teen. However, know I that this product tears my skin I know why it did not work as a teen. Let's face it . . . my skin was much more forgiving back then. It just does not work for me. :(
I agree whole heartedly that the St. Ives can be very irritating to skin. I don't even HAVE sensitive skin and I've experienced it. My FAV exfoliating scrubs (gentle one's) have been the Juara Rice Scrub (smells FAB and doens't tear your skin at all) and Suki's scrub. Both are sublime! WELCOME back Gigi!!!!!!!!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
Gigi, I love to see your name on Thursdays! I love to see your name any day, but Thursdays mean I get to shove that little voice inside my brain that keeps intoning "Go-To-Saks-Fifth-Avenue" aside and replace it with the shy and patiently-waiting voice that says, "Listen-to-Gigi-Go-To-CVS-It-Is_On-The_Corner_And-You-Won't-Have-to-Take-A-Cab." That's the voice I'm looking for. Ah, but apparently not for this particular array of St. Ives scrubs, not for sensitive plant moi. This is interesting, because my facialist, Jillian Wright of GLOW, who is, by the way the NYC version of a facialist to the stars when those stars deigh to visit the Big Apple, recently did a feature in "InStyle" on the new St. Ives lines, but possibly not these ones. Jillian is a gentle-is-better gal, so I'm betting not.Gigi, what I wouldn't give to watch you kick cattle to the curb so you could swish around in their tub! Welcome back to Thursdays!
Joan, I tried the new Olive Oil one. It seemed a lot more gentle. The problem form me was that it made my skin a bit too oily, as I already have trouble with that.
:( no no no no no no no! I took years of modelingand maekup and beuty classes and we learned to test face wash for ph levels that were too gigh and although this scrub is fine ph wise, it has been proven to terribly hurt skinn cells, the apricot seeds are so harsh on the skin it creates tiny little rips and can cause infection and scaring. this is s no no for me.
j.baby
GIGI! I know you like songs…so I’m including one line that so pertains to you… everybody should be singing along with me, this famous lyric by Carly Simon…TAKE IT LADIES….
”Nobody does it betterMakes me feel sad for the restNobody does it half as good as youBaby, you're the best”
Your review was magnificent as always! You sure do have a huge following of fans! The drugstores all over America should get your posts email blasted to their stores (they should pay you for this) so that they could know what is IN and what WORKS as well as what they might as well put on sale for ½ price just to dump the stuff! You are always in the know and all drugstore product carrying retailers should be coming to you for advice on what they should carry! I used to use St. Ives apricot scrub years ago but found it to be too harsh. It seems like they were the pioneers of scrubs! Had I not read your review today I would have not even paid attention to the fact that they have branched out! Your helpful tips are always added to my glossary of good ideas to try and most of those tips I have tried after learning new ideas for myself are tips that were authored by YOU! As always, it’s absolutely refreshing and delightful to learn from you! Hope you are having a feel good day! I know WE are all feeling good because you are here with us today! Thanks for your magnificent insight! I also think YOU should write the instructions on the packages that the drugstores sell because you just are so great with providing information on the correct use of, as well as giving EXTRA tips for the products! I also bet you would make sure the writing on the packages would be READABLE to the average person who purchases these products! Almost all instructions on the things we buy require magnifying glasses to read and then they usually use a color like light orange that the eye struggles with to even see!
Jeanasina!
Just checked with Jillian, Kellie, and she says she doesn't recommend the St. Ives Olive Scrub for me. Much gentler, yes, but she really prefers I stick with the Suki Cleanser, the lemongrassy one. For those who can tolerate bigger crystals, using it straight from the jar does the vigorous job without distressing, but for me, adding water allows the consistency to be well modulated for a good treatment without the tearing the apricot one used to do.
I hate, hate, hate this scrub. A lot of people love it, but it does awful, terrible things to my skin, haha. It breaks me out even worse than before using the product, plus it dries out my skin. It also left me red, itchy, and miserable. I had an awful time with it. Maybe I'm allergic to an ingredient in it, but I hate it. It's my friend's HG scrub, so I bought it after her telling me how amazing it was, but it's just awful, in my opinion.
Welcome back Gigi! Great review :) I haven't used St Ives Apricot scrub since I was little, and "borrowed" some from my mom. Unfortunately, now my skin is supersensitive, so I'll have to pass on this one. Thanks for warning me :)
♥ bluedevilkittyhttp://mtycer.weebly.com/
Gigi you're back - How Absolutely Wonderful to see you again.I also used St Ives as a teenager - if it didn't do much for me then, I don't think there's any real hope now. I so agree about sunblock and blocked pores - pet peeve of mine.Loved your review - if you need a cellmate, tell them to lock me up along with you.Much Love and God Bless
Welcome back Gigi! I miss seeing your reviews on here! I used this back in my teen's and I would usually use this also when I visit my mother-in-law, it use to be in the bathroom all the time I'm guessing my young sister-in-law was the one using it. I did feel some burning sensation, but I thought it might of been from the Florida sunshine that always fryes my poor irish/french skin. LOL.... Would I buy this... NO. Would I use it in someone else bathroom, YUP. My favorite face scrub is Suki and at the moment I'm using Korres basil lemon scrub on my body and I LOVE it. It's very gentle and I'm totally in love with the smell. It does leave my skin feelling very soft.
Jeanasina, thank you for this: "I also bet you would make sure the writing on the packages would be READABLE to the average person who purchases these products! Almost all instructions on the things we buy require magnifying glasses to read and then they usually use a color like light orange that the eye struggles with to even see!I had double cataract surgery last year, and have the eyesight, so my ophthalmologist tells me, of a 20 year old, only needing drugstore magnifiers. Well I would like to find that 20 year old and ask her whether she can read some labels for me! Those product manufacturers must know that the customers with sufficient disposable income to buy their wares need larger print that that of a gnat! Feh! This should be our next great campaign, ladies! Save the planet, sure, but squinting creates crow's feet!
I have to admit I'm a fan of almost anything with the nifty apricot seeds in it. There's a body wash (gosh I can't remember if it's st. ives, but I'm thinking not. I'm having a BRAIN FREEZE!!) Origins has an apricot scrub that's nice too.I love the exfoliating aspect. It was weird at first to have something grainy rubbing against my skin, but in the end, TOTALLY worth it. Now if they could just mix apricot and coconut.. I'd be in HEAVEN.
www.JenniferSuarez.com
You're completly right about sunscrean having comedogenic agents and the need to exfoliate!
It's funny it's as if St. Ives Apricot Scrub symbolized a right of passage for the hormonal teenager. I can't think of one friend that didn't have this squat little tube on her vanity. I tried to love it, even knew back then the importance of exfoliation but no thank you! my skin was red and sensitive enough with the "help" of this scrub. They should probably make a How to Survive Puberty Kit that include this and the infamous sun-in displayed in the what not to use section, right? Great to have you back Gigi!
Well sounding off with the rest of you, I loved st ives in the 80's and as a teen. I haven't used the products for a long time but I did find some information from a cosmetic review, you thought I was going to say consumer reports, right? LOL.
St. Ives Review
6/25/2009
Overview
St. Ives is a Swiss skin care line that offers facial and body treatments particularly geared toward women. Unlike many other high-end cosmetic and beauty lines, St. Ives products are commonly sold in drugstores across the country. Currently this brand is made up of three different lines, which are Facial Products, Body Wash, as well as Hand & Body Lotion. The official website offers a convenient apparatus that displays products according to skin type. Furthermore, there is an FAQ section provided on the website to address certain customer questions and concerns.
Under the Facial Products, you’ll find topical treatments to address afflictions like dry skin, acne breakouts, wrinkles, sensitive complexions, and facial sagging. Some of these products are the Apricot Scrub, Apricot Cleanser, Clear Pore Cleanser, Blue Clay Firming Mask, Collagen Elastin Moisturizer, and Apricot Face Wash. The primary active ingredients found in St. Ives treatments are Apricot Extract (deep cleans the skin and exfoliates), Salicylic Acid (helps clear pores), Silica, Tea Tree Extract, Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (exfoliates dead skin cells), Olive Leaf Extract, Olea Europaea, and Vitamin E (heals and nourishes skin). Although there is no 100 percent money-back guarantee provided for St. Ives treatments on the official website, there may be a refund option available through the store where you purchase St. Ives. The official website offers an “online dermatologist” link to assist individuals with some skin care queries.
Product Details
St. Ives is a drugstore skin care brand that’s been around for many years now. This line is mainly marketed toward women, but of all skin types. Similar to many other brands, St. Ives products aim to help users with general skin care problems like acne blemishes, deep facial lines, cleansing, collagen loss, dull complexions, hyper pigmentation, and exfoliation. The key active component that’s most commonly found in these treatments is Apricot Extract. Unfortunately at this time there are no testimonials provided on the official website to promote St. Ives products, nor is there any clinical data presented.
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
In the end, St. Ives is a skin care brand that’s been around for some time now. Although this drugstore brand may be commonly used by many women, you may have some difficulty determining if these topical treatments are right for you personally. Especially since no clinical research or testimonials are provided on the official website. To learn more, you may find it helpful to check out St. Ives treatments in person at a local drugstore.
Our Top Pick For 2009: Dermapril-SP
Dermapril-SP was rated the best-in-class performer, with a cutting-edge formula and results visible immediately after use. Matrixyl 3000™, the primary active ingredient in Dermapril-SP, is backed by clinical research that showed reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles of as much as 33% after two months of use. Additionally, the formula contains the European miracle ingredient Argatensyl™, which creates an immediate tightening effect on applied areas, making results visible within minutes of use.
The treatment helps the skin regain a more youthful biochemical makeup by supporting the natural production of three building blocks – Collagen, Fibronectin and Hyaluronic Acid. The result is a rapid rejuvenation, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles and other cosmetic signs of age caused by sun exposure, smoking, stress, and other common factors.
In clinical trials, Matrixyl 3000™ decreased the appearance of wrinkles by as much as 33% over a six week period. With the immediate tightening benefits of Argatensyl™, this formula has a completely unique combination of short-term cosmetic results as well as sustained, cumulative benefits to the skin. Common reported results include smoothing and firming; softer skin; diminished appearance of fine lines and wrinkles; and healthier looking, glowing skin. Based on the high cost and quality of the ingredients, Dermapril-SP is reasonably priced. Customer satisfaction seems high and Dermapril-SP offers a risk-free trial, so users can evaluate the product prior to paying the full retail price.
My friends and I used to use this in our teens and I still think that some of my friends continue to use this product. I used to like St. Ive's scrub but I heard from an esthetician that it's really damaging to your skin if you scrub too hard. It's too abrasive to be using on your skin on more than once or twice per week. I haven't really found an exfoliant or scrub that I'm satisfied with so I'm keeping my eyes open.
I used to use the Apricot scrub back when I was a teen, but, haven't used it in ages. I will have to take another look at this, as the Invigorating sounds nice. Great review Gigi, glad to hear from you!
I will keep it away from my sensitive skin, as my dermatologist recommended years ago. Thank you for the review - time doesn't change everything, it seems.
Great review as always. I was so excited because the St. Ives Apricot Scrub has been on my list of "not even if I have to go without washing my face for eternity and beyond" will I use this product. As old as I am (126) the grains used in this scrub have always been referred to as too large with the potential to damage skin. Might as well just rub my face on the sidewalk. So when I saw Gigi reviewing this I got all hot under my tinted moisturizer with SPF that they must have finally taken the hint and improved it. No, apparently they took the same formulation and decided to quadruple the variety but actually just gave us back the same product. There are a number of good drug store items out there these days so if St. Ives wants to compete in the facial scrub arena they are going to have to deliver one that is appropriate for the face. As a foot scrub, however, it does the job nicely. My favorite scrub is Philosophy's Daily Microexfoliator, but I don't use it more than 2-3 times a week.
Gigi, so glad to see you back here!! I hope you're feeling better now. I agree with the above comments - all the St Ives scrubs are too harsh for my face. I am OLD! Suki's lemon exfoliating stuff is my HG. I've used my old St Ives scrub on my body, especially my feet, and it's just fine there!
Carole
I had always thought the St. Ives scrubs where body scrubs, for some weird reason. I echo Karen on the Philosophy - I love all their facial scrubs and products.
To be honest, I wouldn't use any of the St. Ives scrubs because I'm prone to broken capillaries and I've already had several treated by laser. St. Ives scrubs probably have come a long way since using nut shells as the exfolliant, but I wouldn't want to take a chance. I do buy them for my boyfriend though, and he likes them.
Indi
i have used it before, the regular Apricot scrub, many years ago, and found it didnt do much for me... Too bad, i liked the concept.
I used this scrub last year and wasn't a huge fan. I mean, it worked...there just wasn't really a WOW factor for me! Nowadays for physical exfoliation I use Neutrogena's Acne Stress Control exfoliating facial scrub (something like that). I love it and it's not too irritating.
This is still one of my favorites. I find that if I don't rub it on too hard it will work wonderfully as an exfolliator. I vote this a great product for a great price.
Beste Hilsin
Gigi! Great review! I used St.Ives scrub for years, then I realized it was just making the irritation on my face even worse. I have since moved on to a gentler exfoliator, but St. Ives saw me through my teenage years.
I have used this. It makes my face very smooth. It's cheap and effective. I used it recently and am experiencing one of the worst breakouts I have had in months. Coincidence? Perhaps not. I don't know if it was the scrub or the fact that I've been going to the gym and sweating or if my makeup brushes have reached maximum filth capacity (yes, that is the clinical term). I just don't have the time to let them sit and dry after washing them - it takes them more than 24 hours! I can't go in public without makeup, I'd scare the children. Anyway, I don't think it's worth it. I have Cosmedicine Medi-Morphosis but I don't like to use that often cause it's sooo great that it's almost too fabulous for daily use. I did like the Neutrogena Acne Stress Control scrub - it scrubbed well and had green tea extracts to soothe the redness from scrubbing. It worked well for me.
Gigi, You're the best. Only because of you have I ventured into the drugstore. Last buy was NYC eyeshadows. Not Chanel, but not the price either. Love the Monistat Anti Chafing gel for a primer. Good bye Smashbox.
Glad you are doing well Darlin' Gigi! I have tried this off/on over the years,mostly when I was traveling and didn't want to haul the kitchen sink full of products with,LOL! I use on my body but alas,it's WAY too abrasive and rough for my face...I think that it's good marketing that "insists" we exfoliate manually but I am finding that "at my age",less is indeed more sometimes...Drugstores everywhere bow low when you speak...they whisper when you walk by...
I like St. Ives hand and body lotions. Thanks for the great review in the apricot scrub.
I really like their renew and firm. I want to try the gentle apricot scrub and the one for the body!
I've tried this scrub before but it's way to rough on my skin. I know I shouldn't have rubbed it too hard the first time but hey, skin is skin and the product formula should be more gentle.
I like how you described the difference between each type & didn't just provide an overall review on the product. I used this as a teen but I haven't gone back to it in a long time. I might give the Blemish & Blackhead Control scrub a try.http://saimese.blogspot.com
Who hasn't used St. Ives Apricot Scrub at least ONCE in their life?! I think everyone has, even if it was borrowing a friend's for a last min sleepover! LOL!In HS I swore by this stuff! It made my skin feel fresh and smooth. But I have noticed now that I'm older, it is a bit harsher on my skin. Also I don't know if they've messed with the formula or what, but it doesn't seem to cleanse like it did in HS. But on those $$ pinching days, I'm sure I'll turn to it for some fairly priced exfoliation!
¤wuzzyangel¤
St. Ives will always have a soft spot in my heart as the very first skincare line I tried as an oily-faced kid. It worked well then, but hasn't been able to stand up to the test of my adult acne. The scrubby bits in it scratch my face and just irritate my acne. I love this scrub for the rest of my body, but not my face anymore.
I absolutely loooove this stuff and it is the only thing my boyfriend uses. He has a rather oily and flakey face (if that makes any sense) and this is really the best thing for him.
haha...there wasn't a girl I knew in college who didn't have St. Ives scrub in their shower caddy!I am somewhat fond of the Blemish-prone version, but eventually just started to use it as a body scrub. I haven't had a tube of it in quite a while though.
i love this to this day, it's still cheap and efficienti am looking into trying even cheaper and natural things from home like epsom salt and brown sugar... advice?
-Miss Yaya
http://myownjudge.blogspot.com/
Well I have made many at home exfoliants from sugars and salts. For my face I really like to use sugar as an exfoliant. I use both white sugar and brown sugar. You can just mix a little with your regular face wash, and make it into a scrub. Or you can mix other ingredients with the sugar to make your own product. The sugar will leave you skin feeling so soft..
I used to use this in my teen years as well. At the time I thought it was alright stuff. But then a couple years ago I used it again. It made my skin a lot oilier and left this weird residue on my face. I don't think this particular product is very good. But over the years I have had good results with St. Ives stuff. Their lotions are usually very moisturizing and very good smelling. They also have face washes. I used a tea tree gel face wash from them and it smelled really good, cleansed really well, tightened my skin, and really helped keep my acne in line. I have tried some of the other face washes in a pump from them. All of the face washes I have tried from St Ives seem to be great.
I like this product, you do have to be gentle with it though. But for the price it works pretty darn good.
Kim
this stuff is amazing for skin that needs a serious scrub! I love it and it's so inexpensive!
I have been using this scrub off and on for years. It definitely does the job of exfoliating. I don't need to put a lot of effort into rubbing this product on my skin for it to be effective. I use it maybe once a month for really good exfoliation. It's like a hot oil treatment for your hair, not for daily use, but good to use every now and then.
this product is great i love using it after i have gotten a breakout it calms my skin and feels so smooth afterwards i have used this product for about 5 years now i will never use another facial scrub.
I have been using this product for years. This is the exfoliator I always seem to come back to. I have used many...I mean many other, more expensive scrubs but this one does the job, its the right coarse-ness and consistency, leaves my skin feeling so clean and soft but not overly scrubbed. I love it!
I have the blackhead and blemish control one and the bottle itself says that walnut shells are used as exfoliators... I don't agree with you saying that the beads are uniform in size... My batch was not good! It gave me skin that wasn't any better than it was before, certainly no smoother! It hurt to use this product.
I love this product! I'd forgotten about it and I used it as a teen. Yet another product I will have to keep my eyes out for.