St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub has remained a fixture in skincare aisles for decades. Long marketed as a natural, effective exfoliator, it holds nostalgic value for many, especially those who came of age in the ’80s and ’90s. But as ingredient transparency becomes more important to consumers, questions about the scrub’s formulation, safety, and staying power deserve a closer look.
St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub cleverly leveraged the allure of “Swiss Formula” skincare, positioning itself as a premium, sophisticated product linked to Switzerland’s skincare reputation. In a previous post, we explored affordable Swiss skincare brands, and St. Ives’ historical branding fits right into that narrative of Swiss beauty’s global appeal.
In reality, while St. Ives did have a small laboratory in Sion, Switzerland, and reportedly imported some Swiss ingredients, the bulk of its operations were based in Chatsworth, California (Source). The “Swiss Formula” branding was largely symbolic and eventually phased out.
Unilever acquired St. Ives in 2000 and has since continued to produce and distribute the line from the U.S. And just a fun fact: the name “St. Ives” actually comes from a charming seaside town in England, not Switzerland. So the “Swiss Formula” was more marketing than geography.
Despite facing strong reactions over the years including lawsuits and critical coverage in outlets like The Atlantic — the product remains. As we examine its ingredients, it’s clear this product’s legacy is as complex as its formula.
The Pros: Affordability, Effectiveness & Accessibility
- Budget-friendly: At under $6, it stands out as an affordable option in the physical exfoliation category.
- Vegan & cruelty-free: Certified by PETA, it contains no animal-derived ingredients and is not tested on animals.
- Effective exfoliation: Featuring walnut shell powder and corn kernel meal, it delivers a physical exfoliation for those who appreciate a noticeably exfoliated sensation.
Quick question: If walnut shell and corn kernel meal do most of the scrubbing, why is it called “Apricot” Scrub? Is apricot just the friendly face on the label? Granted, a name like “Walnut and Cornmeal Scrub” doesn’t exactly evoke beauty. The apricot seems to play more of a branding role than a functional one.
The Considerations: Ingredients & Skin Sensitivity
Despite its benefits, the ingredient list includes elements worth noting for those prioritizing clean, sensitive-skin-friendly formulations:
- Fragrance (Parfum) – Present but undisclosed, fragrance is a common irritant and often avoided in clean beauty due to potential allergens.
- PEG-100 Stearate & Ceteareth-20 – These ethoxylated compounds may harbor trace contaminants like 1,4-dioxane, a possible carcinogen. Although manufacturers typically purify these ingredients, greater transparency around testing would be welcome.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate – A milder surfactant than the harsher SLS, but it can still cause dryness or irritation in sensitive skin.
What “Made in the USA with US & Imported Parts” Really Means
The label follows FTC guidelines, indicating the product is assembled in the U.S. but contains ingredients or components sourced from abroad. This is standard for many mass-market skincare brands but highlights a common transparency gap around ingredient origins and supply chain ethics.
Brand Transparency: Progress and Opportunities
Owned by Unilever, St. Ives continues to promote its products as vegan and cruelty-free, and basic ingredient lists available on its official website.
However, transparency today feels more limited than in earlier years. In the past, consumers could easily find that the brand was manufactured in Chatsworth, California, a detail that offered some connection to place and origin. Today, labeling is broader such as “Made in the USA with US and imported parts” following FTC guidelines, but it leaves questions about where and how specific ingredients are sourced or processed.
In addition:
- Fragrance components remain undisclosed, despite being a common irritant.
- There’s little information about ingredient sourcing or purification, such as whether PEG-derived compounds are free from residual contaminants.
In an era when indie beauty brands are leading with radical transparency — sourcing origins, and full fragrance breakdowns — St. Ives could do more to meet the expectations of today’s ingredient-conscious shopper.
Back in the 1980s, the tub contained more product, a generous value. The price per ounce remains modest by today’s terms, which contributes to the product’s enduring appeal.
A Reliable, Budget-Friendly Scrub with Some Trade-Offs
If you want a cost-effective, vegan-friendly exfoliator that delivers immediate physical exfoliation, St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub remains a strong contender. But if you have sensitive skin or prioritize ingredient transparency and “clean” formulations, exploring gentler or more transparent options may be worthwhile.
As always, patch test before use.
And speaking of exfoliation throwbacks — remember the Buf-Puf? That textured polyester facial sponge from the same era is still in production (yes, really), though its glory days seem to be behind it. A reminder that even skincare fads can have staying power… just like this scrub.
Where to Buy
Available at most drugstores and online.
Shop on Amazon (affiliate link)
Official St. Ives website
🛒 Alternative Exfoliators
Purito Seoul Oat-In Silky Exfoliating Cleanser – $19.99
A creamy, fragrance-free exfoliating polish made with 33% oat-based ingredients. Gently buffs away dead skin without irritation. Vegan, cruelty-free, and ideal for sensitive skin.
Official website | Amazon storefront
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser — $88.00
A premium physical exfoliator with natural exfoliants like willow bark and apricot seed powder, designed for gentle buffing rather than harsh scrubbing.
More info on official website.
Klairs Gentle Black Sugar Facial Polish — $18.50
A K-beauty physical exfoliator using sugar granules and moisturizing oils, blending gentle exfoliation with skin soothing ingredients. (Lists fragrance as an ingredient. For those who prefer stricter clean formulations, may want to proceed with caution or patch test).
Klairs Amazon storefront
OSEA Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub — $58.00
A nourishing, whipped marshmallow texture with a warm jasmine, rose geranium & subtle basil scent profile.
Official website
Beauty of Joseon Apricot Peeling Gel – $13.00
A unique fragrance-free gommage-style gentle exfoliator for men or women. Gentle & effective, plant-based and cruelty-free.
Official website | Amazon storefront
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are independent and editorial.
