Acure Brightening Facial Scrub Ingredients Explained

4.5   from 2 ratings
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Published on July 13, 2020

Overview

What it is

Exfoliator with 35 ingredients that contains exfoliants and PHA

Cool Features

It is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for fighting acne, dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, oily skin and scar healing

Free From

It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, parabens, silicones or sulfates

Fun facts

Acure is from United States. This product is used in 55 routines created by our community.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concerns we determined from the ingredients in this product. Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

PHA
Exfoliators (2)

Benefits

Hydrating (3)
Good For Oily Skin
Redness Reducing (3)
Reduces Irritation (3)
Scar Healing
Acne Fighting
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!
Ingredient
Features
1
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
2
Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
3
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
0 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
4
Cleansing, Foaming
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
5
Abrasive
Exfoliant Icon
6
Abrasive, Absorbent, Cosmetic Colorant
0 / 0
Exfoliant IconGood for Oily Skin IconHelps fight Acne Icon
7
Cleansing, Foaming
8
Masking, Skin Conditioning
9
Humectant, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
10
Emulsifying
11
Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
12
Cleansing
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
13
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
0-2 / 0
Fragrance IconOil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
14
Skin Conditioning
15
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting
Antioxidant Icon
16
17
Astringent, Masking, Tonic
18
Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Tonic
Good for Scar Healing Icon
19
Astringent, Masking, Tonic
20
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Fragrance IconHelps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
21
Masking, Skin Conditioning
Helps reduce Skin Redness IconHelps reduce irritation Icon
22
Skin Conditioning
23
Cosmetic Colorant
24
Skin Conditioning
Helps hydrate Dry Skin Icon
25
Skin Conditioning
26
Skin Conditioning
27
Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
0 / 0
Oil IconHelps hydrate Dry Skin IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
28
Masking
Oil Icon
29
Astringent, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconEU Allergen Icon
30
Masking, Tonic
Oil Icon
31
Emollient
Oil Icon
32
Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
0 / 0
33
Skin Conditioning
34
Skin Conditioning
PHA IconGood for Skin Texture IconHelps with Anti-Aging Icon
35
Preservative
Preservative Icon

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 35 ingredients. Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
1
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
2
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice comes from leaves of the aloe plant. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice is best known for helping to soothe sunburns. It is also anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, antiseptic, and can help heal wounds.

Aloe is packed with good stuff including Vitamins A, C, and E. These vitamins are antioxidants, which help fight free-radicals and the damage they may cause. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice also contains sugars. These sugars come in the form of monosaccharides and polysaccharides, folic acid, and choline. These sugars are able to help bind moisture to skin.

It also contains minerals such as calcium, 12 anthraquinones, fatty acids, amino acids, and Vitamin B12.

Learn more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
3
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
4
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate isn't fungal acne safe.

5
What it does: Abrasive
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Juglans Regia Shell Powder is an exfoliant.

6
What it does: Abrasive, Absorbent, Cosmetic Colorant
Community Rating: Liked

Kaolin is a clay. It is used for oil control and to help minimize pores. Like other clays, kaolin has the ability to absorb excess sebum or oil. This can help clean out pores and mattify the skin.

Some types of kaolin may have exfoliating properties. When water is added to kaolin, it becomes a paste with small abrasive particles.

Most kaolin is a white color, but may be pink/orange/red depending on where it comes from.

The name 'kaolin' comes from a Chinese village named 'Gaoling'. Kaolin clay comes from rocks rich in kaolinite. Kaolinite, the mineral, has a silicate layered structure. Kaolinite is formed from chemical weathering of aluminum siilicate minerals.

Besides skincare, kaolin is commonly used to make glossy paper, in ceramics, toothpaste, and as medicine to soothe stomach issues.

Learn more about Kaolin
7
What it does: Cleansing, Foaming

We don't have a description for Sodium Lauroamphoacetate.

8
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Citrus Limon Peel.

9
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

Sodium PCA is the sodium salt of pyroglutamic acid and is naturally occurring on human skin.

The PCA stands for pyrrolidone carboxylic acid, a natural amino acid derivative.

Sodium PCA is a has conditioning, anti-inflammatory, and humectant properties. Humectants help hydrate your skin by drawing moisture from the air. This helps keep your skin moisturized.

Learn more about Sodium PCA
10
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Liked

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is the lauric acid sodium salt of lactyl lactate.

Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate is an emulsifier and surfactant.

Emulsifiers help stabilize a product. They do this by preventing ingredients from separating, such as oils and water which do not mix naturally. Surfactants reduce surface tension, making it easier to rinse pollutants off skin.

Due to its relation to lauric acid, it may provide antimicrobial benefits.

Learn more about Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
11
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Disliked

Glyceryl Laurate isn't fungal acne safe.

12
What it does: Cleansing
Community Rating: Disliked

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is a natural ingredient from the fatty acids of coconut oil. It is a surfactant and helps with cleansing the skin.

By binding to water and oil, it helps gently clean skin. It also helps the spreadability of the product.

Sodium cocoyl isethionate is also added to help create foam without drying the skin. However, this is depending on the amount of Sodium cocoyl isethionate.

Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
13
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Olea Europaea Fruit Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the ripe fruit of the Olive. In other words - olive oil.

The primary contents of olive oil are glycerides of the fatty acids linoleic, oleic and palmitic.

Olive oil also contains antioxidants such as Vitamin E. Antioxidants may help reduce signs of aging by fighting unstable free-radical molecules. It also contains Vitamins A (retinol), D, and K.

The squalene in olive oil makes it a great emollient. Emollients help soothe and soften your skin by trapping moisture in. This makes olive oil a great skin moisturizer.

Studies show olive oil to have antibacterial and antifungal properties in low concentrations. Another study found olive oil irritated sensitive oily skin. We always recommend speaking with a professional about using this ingredient in your routine.

Learn more about Olea Europaea Fruit Oil
14
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Laminaria Digitata Powder comes from the dark brown seaweed, Laminaria Digitata. It is a potent antioxidant, which also provides soothing and hydrating benefits.

Many studies show the antioxidant components of Laminaria Digitata to help with anti-inflammation. Laminaria Digitata contains amino acids, proteins, sugars, and vitamins. Small amounts of minerals such as phosphorous, iron, potassium, and copper are also found the seaweed.

15
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Protecting

Lilium Candidum Callus Culture Extract is an antioxidant.

16
What it does:
Community Rating: Liked

This extract comes from the Cabbage Palm, AKA the Açaí berry! It has skin soothing, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties.

Acai berries are rich in antioxidants, including ferulic acid (The famous vitamin C stabilizer). Antioxidants protect your skin against damaging free-radical molecules.

You can also find carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, minerals, vitamin A, and Vitamin C in these berries.

Learn more about Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
17
What it does: Astringent, Masking, Tonic
Community Rating: Loved

Blackberry extract is rich in antioxidants and Vitamin C. The majority of antioxidants include flavonoid, phenolic, and anthocyanins.

Antioxidants help fight free-radicals. Free-radicals are molecules that may damage your skin cells, such as pollution. This may help reduce the symptoms related to aging.

18
What it does: Astringent, Skin Conditioning, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Rosa Canina Fruit Extract is from Rosehip. Rosehips are a fruit from a wild rose bush native to Eurasia and Africa.

Rosehip contains Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fatty acids and linolenic acids. These nourish your skin barrier. Having hydrated skin helps reduce the appearance of fine-lines and wrinkles.

Vitamins C and E are potent antioxidants and may help with anti-aging. The fatty acids are emollients that help soften and hydrate your skin.

Another potent vitamin found in rosehip is Vitamin A, or retinol. Retinol encourages collagen production in the skin.

Rosehip extract may help with brightening the skin. Several components, such as beta-carotene, are able to reduce pigmentation caused by sun damage.

Learn more about Rosa Canina Fruit Extract
19
What it does: Astringent, Masking, Tonic
Community Rating: Liked

Punica Granatum extract comes from the pomegranate.

Pomegranates are rich in fatty acids, including an unsaturated fatty acid by the name of Punicic acid. Other components of pomegranates include Vitamin E, and Vitamin C.

As an astringent, Punica Granatum Extract shrinks tissue by drawing water out of your skin. This leads to a tightening effect in the skin.

Learn more about Punica Granatum Extract
20
What it does: Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract comes from the common Marigold plant. Marigolds contain flavonoids.
Flavonoids are a group of substances found naturally in plants. They possess antioxidant and inflammation properties.

Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules are capable of damaging our cells and other genetic material. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radicals by donating extra electrons. This may help reduce the signs of aging.

Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract may help soothe your skin by reducing inflammation. Emerging studies show it inhibits NO production safely, therefore reducing inflammation.

Marigolds have been used in traditional medicine throughout Asia and Europe.

Learn more about Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract
21
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract comes from the Chamomile flower.

Chamomile is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Several compounds found in chamomile help with soothing, such as bisbolol.

Antioxidant components in chamomile make it an effective ingredient to help slow the signs of aging. Antioxidants help fight free-radical molecules, or molecules that may damage your skin.

Essential oils from chamomile have been found to improve wound healing due to its antimicrobial properties.

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used Chamomile to treat skin redness and dryness. Chamomile has also been used to help treat stomach issues.

Learn more about Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract
22
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract.

23
What it does: Cosmetic Colorant

We don't have a description for Copper Chlorophyll.

24
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Chondrus Crispus Extract comes from a red algae native to the northern Atlantic coasts of Europe and North America.

Chondrus Crispus Extract helps hydrate the skin and is rich in antioxidants.

The antioxidants in chondrus crispus help fight free-radical molecules. These molecules may damage skin cells and DNA. Antioxidants present in chondrus crispus include lutein and zeaxanthin.

Lutein has the ability to filter blue light from screens.

Other contents of chondrus crispus include polysaccharides, peptides, and amino acids. These help hydrate the skin.

Learn more about Chondrus Crispus Extract
25
What it does: Skin Conditioning

We don't have a description for Argania Spinosa Callus Culture Extract.

26
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Chlorella Vulgaris Extract comes from the microalga, Chlorella vulgaris. It is hydrating and contains antioxidants. Studies also show Chlorella Vulgaris may help in rebuilding collagen and elastin.

Antioxidants help with the signs of aging by neutralizing free-radical molecules. Free-radical molecules, if left unchecked, may damage skin cells and DNA. On top of that, Chlorella Vulgaris helps condition and hydrate the skin.

Chlorella Vulgaris is made up of lipids, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll.

This ingredient is commonly used as food additive in Japan.

Learn more about Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
27
What it does: Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Disliked

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil is the oil derived from the seeds of a Sunflower. Sunflower seed oil is non-fragrant. It is an emollient, meaning it helps to soften the skin.

Sunflower seed oil contains many fatty acids. The fatty acids found in sunflower seeds include (from highest amount to least): linoleic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, oleic acid, and linolenic acid.

These fatty acids help the skin create ceramides. Ceramides play a role in repairing the skin barrier.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil helps moisturize the skin. This in turn helps the skin look more rejuvenated and smoother.

Sunflowers are rich in vitamin E.

Historians believe Indigenous cultures of North America domesticated sunflowers before corn. Thus they relied on sunflower oil for a variety of uses. One such use is moisturizing skin and hair.

Sunflower seed oil may not be fungal acne safe. We recommend speaking with a professional if you have any concerns.

Learn more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
28
What it does: Masking

Cymbopogon Flexuosus Leaf Oil is an oil.

29
What it does: Astringent, Masking, Skin Conditioning

Mentha Viridis Leaf Oil is an oil.

30
What it does: Masking, Tonic

Salvia Sclarea Oil is a volatile oil obtained from the Clary Sage, Salvia sclarea L., Lamiaceae

31
What it does: Emollient

Lavandula Hybrida Oil is an oil.

32
What it does: Emulsion Stabilising, Masking

Cellulose Gum is a water-soluble polymer that comes from cellulose. It is used to change the texture of a product and to help stabilize emulsions.

As an emulsifier, cellulose gum specifically thicken the texture of water-based products.

This ingredient is considered hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Cellulose Gum can be found in cosmetics, food, and other household goods such as paper products.

Learn more about Cellulose Gum
33
What it does: Skin Conditioning

Sodium levulinate is the a sodium salt of Levulinic Acid. If dissolved in an aqueous solution, the two ingredients become identical.

It is a skin conditioning agent, meaning it helps soften and hydrate your skin.

According to Cosmetic Ingredient Review, the highest amounts of sodium levulinate are found in mouthwashes at 0.62%.

Learn more about Sodium Levulinate
34
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Gluconolactone is a PHA. PHAs have a larger structure than AHAs and BHAs and are more gentle. It is an created by reacting gluconic acid with an alcohol.

When applied, Gluconolactone has the same affect on skin as AHAs such as lactic acid. It helps dissolve the dead skin cells in the top layer of your skin. This helps improve texture and brightens the skin.

Gluconolactone is a humectant and helps draw moisture to your skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated.

PHAs are more gentle than AHAs due to their larger structure. They do not penetrate as deeply as AHAs and take a longer time to dissolve dead cells. Studies show PHAs do not cause as much irritation.

PHAs also exhibit antioxidant activity by neutralizing free-radical molecules. This can help with anti-aging.

In a 2004 study, Gluconolactone was found to prevent UV damage in mouse skin cells. However, we still recommend wearing SPF especially after using exfoliating ingredients.

Learn more about Gluconolactone
35
What it does: Preservative
Community Rating: Disliked

Potassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.

Potassium sorbate is potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.

Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.

Potassium sorbate is often used with stronger preservatives.

Learn more about Potassium Sorbate
Embed Ingredients

Here's what our community thinks of the 35 ingredients in this product ✨

43% are loved or liked
0% have mixed ratings
20% are disliked or very disliked
37% have no rating yet

When to use

We've created a guide with info on when you should use Acure Brightening Facial Scrub. We've also included some recommended products to use it with, as well as some routine inspiration!

Read our guide on when to use Brightening Facial Scrub ->
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