Face Scrub Ingredients

Face scrubs are facial washes that are designed to get rid of surface skin cells. This may result in a brighter complexion and less visible surface damage, such as wrinkles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although specific product formulations and ingredients vary widely by the manufacturer and product, several common ingredients are used in face scrubs to lend the products their exfoliating power.

Ground Tree Products

Ground tree products like ground apricot kernels or ground walnut shells are some of the most typical scrub ingredients, according to skincare expert Paula Begoun. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns against using a scrub containing such ingredients, despite their popularity. According to the Center, these particles have very rough edges that can create microscopic scratches on your skin's surface.

Polyethylene Beads

Plastic beads are the most popular scrubbing ingredients in facial scrubs, reports Begoun. She says they're gentler than ground tree products and have a "smooth, waxy feel." The University of Maryland Medical Center also suggests using plastic beads, noting that they don't have sharp, abrasive edges so they can slough off dead skin cells without cutting up your skin.

Aluminum Oxide

Aluminum oxide is composed of abrasive crystals. It can be found in at-home scrubs and is the same ingredient used in professionally administered microdermabrasion treatments, according to the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics. Begoun warns that the crystals are often too irritating and rough for most skin types.

Acids

Some exfoliating facial scrubs are enhanced with chemical exfoliants. These are preferable to physical scrubbing agents because they do not cause physical damage to the skin surface; instead they use chemicals to loosen and remove dead skin cells. Common exfoliating acids include beta hydroxy acid and alpha hydroxy acids, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Non-Exfoliating Ingredients

Scrubs typically come in a cream or gel base. This base may contain additional ingredients that may be beneficial to the skin. This includes common moisturizers, like glycerin or silicone, and skin-nourishing antioxidants like vitamin E or vitamin C.