Few men’s grooming products have proliferated with the speed of the near omnipresent facial scrub. JOE gives the verdict on five of the top sellers.
By Robert Carry
Nivea For Men Exfoliating Face Scrub
The claim: ‘A foaming gel containing extra fine scrub particles, vitamin E and minerals that deeply cleanses to unblock pores and clear away built-up dirt and impurities. Smoothes complexion by lifting off dry, rough and dead skin.’
The verdict: Nivea for Men is a long-time favourite among Irish men, and for good reason – solid products.
The micro-beads are tiny, the smallest of any product we have tried, and there seems to be very few suspended in the liquid. Also, Nivea have chosen to take it easy on menthol, mint and other such stimulating ingredients making it ideal for those who have an aversion to them. Instead, it has a mild, pleasant, non-descript smell. As a result, either by design or by accident, this is the ideal face scrub for people who have more sensitive skin types.
One issue is with the fact that smaller and fewer micro beads means it doesn’t clean quite as deeply as the other products in the range. In fact, once it’s on your face it is a lot like a normal face wash. It’s very much a case of horses for courses with this one – an out-and-out winner for sensitive skin, better skipped by those with normal skin types who are after a deep exfoliating face scrub.
The info: Nivea for Men Exfoliating Face Scrub is, as you might expect from the maker, reasonably priced. It came in at €5.99 for us and because it recommends you use it three times a week, it’s going to last you a considerable time. It does, however, come in a considerably smaller tube than most of its rivals at 75ml. It’s available in most major supermarkets and pharmacies. For more info visit: www.niveaformen.com
The rating: 3/5
Oxy Maximum Face Scrub
The claim: ‘Intense action with scrubbing agents to combat spots, blackheads and oily skin. Oxy is now specifically engineered to help deal with male skin prone to spots, blackheads and excess oil.’
The verdict: With this product, Oxy throws everything but the kitchen sink at your face in an attempt to get it looking its best. There are two types of micro-beads – the larger and more abrasive silica granules, which work on the rough, top skin layer and the smaller, more rounded jojoba beads. It also features a chemical aimed at reducing excess oil excretion, a real bonus for many punters.
The result is a face scrub that gives a genuinely deep clean, working hard on blackheads and stripping away dead skin. The product, largely, has no smell – the manufacturer has opted to leave out menthol and mint, making it a good, deep-cleaning option for those who are not big on the refreshing ingredients.
Overall, this is a well-rounded product that goes a long way towards doing what it says on the tin. The refreshing aspect is absent, but it’s not for everyone in any case.
The info: Oxy Maximum Face Scrub is at the more expensive end of the scale – ours came in at €7.99 off the supermarket shelves. It’s not exactly going to break the bank, but it’s still considerably more expensive than the €4.99 Moosehead, for example. You also get less – it comes in a dose of 100ml. Click here for more info.
The rating: 3/5
Moosehead Look Buff Face Scrub
The claim: ‘Fights ingrown hairs and congested pores. Enriched with jojoba oil and shea butter. Get smooth with Moosehead Look Buff Face Scrub, packed with moisturising ingredients and exfoliating beads to give your skin a deep clean. Say good-bye to ingrown hairs and congested pores whilst improving your skin’s elasticity. This gentle scrub also helps calm and heal dry and itchy skin.’
The verdict: This Australian brand is the new boy on the block by comparison with many of the other products, but they have been holding their own and building a loyal following in the process. This particular product won’t do any harm to its growing reputation.
When you squirt the face scrub onto your palm, the micro-beads are notably large. This sets the alarm bells ringing in that the larger the beads, the more abrasive the affect. However, as you work the scrub into your face they quickly begin to dissolve – both shrinking and becoming more rounded. This makes it far less tough on your face than many of the other scrubs. As such, Moosehead is a good shout for those with more delicate skin types.
Many of the facial scrubs include menthol, mint and other ‘refreshing’ ingredients and you get a blast of menthol once this one hits your face. They can serve to wake up the skin, giving a pleasant tingling sensation and a fresh, cool feel after drying. Some manufacturers, however, kind of overdo it a tad and can leave you feeling like you’ve just been tear-gassed – especially if you get the product too close to your eyes. Moosehead does a good job of getting the balance right, leaving your face feeling refreshed without the Oh-my-God-I’ve-been-maced drama.
The info: This product is by far the cheapest we’ve tested, coming in at just €4.99. It is available in McCabes, McCauleys and various independent pharmacies around the country. For more information click here.
The rating: 4/5
Clearasil Stayclear Clear ‘n Refine Daily Scrub
The claim: ‘Gentle gel scrub with light exfoliants to help stimulate skin cell renewal. Leaves skin clearer and even toned. Specially developed for daily use to help clear and prevent breakouts.’
The verdict: While most of the products in our range suggest you use them a couple of times a week, this gender-neutral brand says it can be used twice a day, every day. While this is fine for many, it would probably be best avoided by those with sensitive skin. That said, there is nothing particularly tough about the product in and of itself.
The micro-beads are small, and clean quite gently. It has a pleasant smell and once on your face it foams up far more than the other products we tested. It is, in effect, a combined face wash/face scrub product, something it needed to be given the fact that it is designed for use twice a day.
Another strike in its favour is the fact that Clearasil products come equipped with its spot-fighting ingredients. This stuff isn’t just for teenage girls. If you’re a sufferer, it could be the one for you.
The info: Clearasil Stayclear Clear ‘n Refine Daily Scrub is in the middle of the price range – we picked one up for €6.99. That’s not bad, especially when you take into account the fact that it comes in a whopper 150ml container. That’s twice the amount you get from the Nivea product. Clearasil products are available countrywide in pharmacies and supermarkets. Click here for more information.
The rating: 3/5
Clinique Skin Supplies for Men – Face Scrub Exfoliant Visage
The claim: ‘Quickly revives skin. Removes dead flakes and oil. Clears way for a closer shaves.’
The verdict: Clinique were the first skincare brand to boldy venture into the male market with a full range of products for men way back in 1976. Since then, the highly respected line has developed into the Rolls Royce of men’s skincare.
This particular product is pitched as a pre-shave exfoliant, but it is, essentially, a face scrub. The first thing you notice about it when you squirt it onto your hand is that it feels remarkably dry. It is literally crammed with micro-beads. They are quite rounded, however, which means you can rub the product into your face without worrying that it might scratch.
It is also packed full of refreshing ingredients which your skin really feels the benefits of once you rinse. One thing to note, though, is that when it says on the pack to keep away from your eyes, make sure you do.
This was the most effective product we came across in terms of how it cleared away dead skin, tackled blackheads and generally left the skin feeling super-clean and soft.
The info: Clinique is available through department stores and some pharmacies, we’ve yet to spot it in a supermarket. The price might have something to do with that – it is the most expensive we’ve come across, we found one for €23.99, but it comes in a reasonable 100ml bottle. You also need just a tiny amount per wash, so it lasts and lasts. A worthwhile investment. Click here for more info.
The rating: 5/5
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