Scrubs vs Cleansers: Differences and How to Use Them

• Cleansers have a foamy or creamy texture and are designed to remove surface oil and debris
• Scrubs are gel or cream-based and have coarse granules to deep clean and exfoliate dead skin cells  
• Cleansers can be used daily while scrubs should be used 1–3 times per week, depending on your skin type

Face scrubs and cleansers are both popular skin care products that leave the skin feeling clean and refreshed. Cleansers gently clean away excess oil and impurities, while face scrubs exfoliate and buff away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter complexion. Whether you choose to use a scrub versus a cleanser will be based on individual choice, as all skin types can benefit from using both.

What Is a Face Scrub?

Skin regularly sheds dead cells, but sometimes these cells can accumulate on the surface, resulting in a dull-looking complexion. Oil and debris can also clog pores, causing mild acne symptoms such as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads.   

Face scrubs work by mechanically or physically exfoliating the upper layer of the skin. They slough off debris, brighten and refresh the complexion, and help tone the skin by boosting circulation. They also enable better penetration of other skin care products. The main strengths of face scrubs are their ability to deeply clean pores and soften skin. 

Face scrubs are gel or cream-based products that are packed with tiny exfoliating granules. These granules are typically derived from fruit, seed and nut extracts. Many face scrubs contain added ingredients to hydrate and soothe skin after exfoliation, such as aloe vera, coconut milk and cucumber.

How to use a face scrub

It is important to treat your face gently when using a scrub. Overscrubbing or applying too much pressure can irritate skin – worse, this can cause tiny tears on the skin’s surface.

1. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser; do not dry
2. Place a nickel-sized amount of scrub in the palm of your hand
3. Apply the scrub to your face with your fingers and massage lightly for about 30 seconds in an upward circular motion; avoid the eye area
4. Rinse your face thoroughly with cool or luke-warm water; pat dry 
5. Continue with your regular skin care routine

Face scrub vs. body scrub

Face scrubs are formulated with small particles for use on the delicate skin of the face. Body scrubs have a thicker consistency and contain larger exfoliating granules to address the thicker skin on the balance of the body. They can effectively treat areas of rough skin such as the elbows or heels. 

What Is a Cleanser?

Cleansers are designed to lift dirt, oil and other impurities that accumulate on your skin but they do not exfoliate or buff away dead skin cells. Most cleansers have a cream or foam consistency and for most people, are gentle enough to be used twice a day. 

Cleansers contain a variety of active ingredients and are formulated to treat a range of skin types and conditions. Some contain hydrating ingredients to treat dry skin, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. Other ingredients help control acne with the antibacterial benefits of azelaic acid and salicylic acid, well-known for its ability to reduce oiliness and target blackheads.

How to use a face cleanser

1. Wet your face
2. Place a dime-sized amount of cleanser in the palm of your hand and gently massage onto your face using small circular motions; include the eye area
3. Rinse your face thoroughly with cool or luke-warm water; pat dry 
4. Continue with your regular skin care routine

Main Differences Between Scrubs and Cleansers

Scrubs and cleansers have different purposes. Cleansers are designed to be used as part of a daily skin care routine to keep skin clear and fresh; scrubs are for occasional use to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells and debris from the top layer of skin. 

Should You Use a Scrub, a Cleanser, or Both?

Scrubs and cleansers provide different benefits. As such, both should be considered as staples in your skin care regimen to keep your skin looking its best. However, it is important to select the right products for your skin type. 

For normal skin, look for cleansers and scrubs with ingredients such as vitamin C, salicylic acid or retinol to boost skin cell turnover, hydration and softness. 

Cleansers are gentle and therefore ideal for dry and sensitive skin. Opt for fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, soap-free products that contain hyaluronic acid and lactic acid or natural oils such as jojoba and avocado oil to moisturize and protect skin.

Face scrubs can help clear away patches of rough, flaking skin. Look for a scrub that is specifically formulated for dry skin as regular scrubs may be too abrasive. Limit use to once per week or every two weeks to prevent damage or irritation.

For oily and acne-prone skin, both cleansers and scrubs can help control oiliness and prevent blackheads and breakouts by clearing away skin debris and excess oils that would otherwise clog pores. 

Ideal ingredients include salicylic and glycolic acid, to target oiliness and acne. Tea tree oil and benzoyl peroxide also work to clear oil and kill acne-causing bacteria.

Which should you use first?

When using cleansers and scrubs in the same routine, begin with your cleanser. By clearing away any makeup, oil or dirt from the surface of your skin, you’ll have a clean base to apply a scrub. 

How often should you use them?

To maintain clean and healthy skin, cleansers should ideally be used twice a day, as part of your daily routine. However, if you have dry or sensitive skin, you may prefer to wash once a day, in the evening.

Due to the nature of its exfoliating properties, face scrubs should be used less often to avoid irritating and overdrying skin. For normal or oily skin, you may safely use scrubs 1–3 times a week. Dry, sensitive or combination skin types should not exfoliate more than once a week.

For all skin types, if you notice redness, stinging or irritation, you may be disrupting the skin barrier function, the outermost layer of skin. Discontinue use of the product until your skin recovers. If your skin still reacts afterward, try using it less often or switch to another product; the ingredients may be causing an adverse reaction.

Takeaway

While face scrubs and cleansers both leave your skin feeling clean and refreshed, they provide different benefits for your skin. Cleansers are gentle solutions to remove oil and debris from the skin’s surface. Scrubs offer a deeper cleanse by removing dead skin cells and restoring a dull complexion.  

All skin types can benefit from using both cleansers and scrubs—even sensitive and dry—but care must be taken to choose the right product with appropriate ingredients for your skin type. 

To avoid irritating your skin, use scrubs with caution and monitor for any irritation. All skin types can use scrubs up to 3 times a week – with the exception of dry and sensitive skin. This group should opt for just once a week.