Clinique men's face scrub: what it does and how to use it

What is in Clinique For Men Face Scrub?

The US version contains salicylic acid, silica and rounded granules. Clinique lists it for all skin types and dullness, and describes it as fragrance free, oil free and allergy tested. The listed US price is $29 for 3.4 fl oz. Check the ingredient list on the tube you buy, because formulas can change.1

Is Face Scrub the same as Exfoliating Tonic?

Face Scrub, Exfoliating Tonic and Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic are separate products, despite names that make the bathroom shelf sound like a filing system. The instructions here are for Clinique For Men Face Scrub, not either tonic or Clinique's other scrubs.3

How do you use it before shaving?

1. 1Wet your face with lukewarm water.
2. 2Apply Face Scrub, keeping it away from the eye area.
3. 3Massage gently in small circles until the scrub turns white. General exfoliation guidance suggests about 30 seconds, without hard pressure.
4. 4Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
5. 5Use your cleanser, then shave. Clinique places this particular scrub before both cleansing and shaving.
6. 6Finish your routine with moisturizer. If you are using it in the morning, apply sunscreen after moisturizer.

Many exfoliators go after cleansing, but Clinique gives Face Scrub a different order: scrub first, cleanser next, shaving after that. Follow the directions for the named product rather than copying the routine for a liquid exfoliator. Clinique's UK men's guidance explains that exfoliating before shaving removes excess skin cells that could clog the razor, which already has enough to get through.125

Should you use it every day?

Start with around twice a week, following Clinique's UK men's scrub guidance. The US Face Scrub directions specify the application order but do not give a weekly frequency. Daily shaving does not mean daily scrubbing. Exfoliation frequency depends on your skin and the method you use; more aggressive exfoliation needs to happen less often. Do not borrow the twice daily schedule for Clarifying Lotion or the daily schedule for 7 Day Scrub Cream.234

On days without the scrub, use a gentle, nonabrasive cleanser and your fingertips rather than another scrubbing tool. Regular face washing is generally limited to morning, night and after heavy sweating. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft towel. An extra wash after exercise is not a reason to add an extra exfoliation session.6

Who should be careful with this scrub?

A scrub is an option for oily, thicker skin, but dry, sensitive or acne prone skin can find mechanical exfoliation too irritating. Mechanical exfoliation means physically removing dead surface cells with a scrub or tool. A mild chemical exfoliator, which dissolves those cells, can be a better fit for those skin types. Avoid aggressive exfoliation if you have a darker skin tone or develop dark marks after spots, bites or burns, because it can increase pigmentation.4

Review the products you already use before adding Face Scrub. Prescription retinoids, retinol and benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive or cause peeling; adding exfoliation can worsen dryness or breakouts. Do not exfoliate over active breakouts, open cuts, wounds or sunburn. That includes any cuts left by shaving.45

What results should you expect?

The intended result is smoother skin with fewer surface flakes and less oil buildup before a shave. General exfoliation can make skin look smoother immediately by removing dead surface cells. There is no specified timeline for longer term results with this scrub. Judge whether the routine is useful by surface smoothness and how comfortably your skin tolerates it, not by increasing pressure or frequency to chase a faster change.15

Will it remove blackheads or dots on your nose?

Salicylic acid dissolves dead skin cells and helps prevent follicles from clogging, but that general ingredient benefit is not a promise that this scrub will clear blackheads. Some visible dots are sebaceous filaments: normal structures that carry oil to the skin's surface. They are usually flatter, smaller and lighter than blackheads. Exfoliation can reduce their appearance, but cannot permanently remove them. Avoid squeezing them, which can irritate or damage skin.7

When should you stop or get advice?

Stop scrubbing if your skin becomes red, irritated, stings or burns. Do not try to correct those symptoms with more exfoliation. A dermatologist can help decide whether exfoliation suits your skin, especially if you are already using products that cause sensitivity or peeling. If your concern is severe acne rather than surface flakes, see a dermatologist instead of relying on a scrub.47