Why This Facial Scrub is a Staple in My Skincare Routine

In the world of skincare, few products get as bad a rap as the facial scrub. After a 2016 lawsuit claimed that the cult-favorite St. Ives Apricot Scrub caused microscopic tears in skin, physical exfoliants of all kinds took a quick downturn in popularity. Even after the lawsuit was eventually dismissed, the backlash against facial scrubs wasn’t so quick to fade.

Like most teens in the aughts, I used my apricot scrub religiously. When I heard that the satisfyingly gritty, fruit-scented paste might be damaging my skin, I reluctantly threw it out. But after years of experimenting with exfoliation—both chemical and physical—I discovered a product that made me believe in facial scrubs again: Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher. Powered by lava powder (no walnut shell fragments here), this emerald-green elixir buffs away buildup and dead skin, leaving my complexion feeling smooth and baby-soft.

The formula: Omorovicza Refining Facial Polisher is part mud mask, part facial polish. Mineral-rich Hungarian moor mud—a nod to the brand’s beginnings as a thermal bath in Budapest—gives it a plush, almost moussey texture. Lactobionic acid and fruit enzymes boost the exfoliation power, helping to loosen the bonds between dead skin cells so they can shed more easily.

The texture: The perfect texture in a facial scrub is hard to nail. Too grainy, and it can be overly harsh and abrasive. Too smooth, and it just doesn’t do anything. This scrub finds the perfect middle ground—it has just enough finely-milled grit to effectively exfoliate without causing any irritation.

The scent: Light and herbal, but not in a crunchy way. While not overpowering, it does smell like a spa—one that I definitely can’t afford to go to.

The experience: Standing in the shower, I massage a generous dollop into my wet skin. I can feel a gentle tingle as it stimulates my circulation. With all scrubs, it’s important to be very gentle and use light pressure—you don’t need to scour. I like to let it sit on my skin for a few minutes so the mineral-rich mud can work its magic before I rinse.

The results: My skin is noticeably smoother, softer, and less dull after a gentle scrub session. I do notice a bit of pinkness immediately after rinsing, which fades over the next few minutes. When I use the Refining Facial Polisher weekly, I see fewer blackheads and congestion around my nose and chin. My foundation also goes on smoother and doesn’t cling to dry, flaky patches, which is often an issue for me.

The verdict: If you want to dip your toes back into the world of facial scrubs, Omorovicza’s Refining Facial Polisher is a great one to try. It takes everything I love about my old apricot scrub habit—the satisfying sloughing, the silky-smooth results—and elevates it. The truth is, damaging your skin through over-exfoliation is possible no matter what type of exfoliant you’re using. The key is to be gentle, go slow, and listen to your skin.