Queen Helene Gentle Oatmeal'n Honey Natural Facial Scrub

I do not use facial scrubs anymore. I find them to be too abrasive and not delivering as smooth and radiant complexion as I want them to (in comparison with AHAs and BHA). When you are getting a bit older, skin healing properties are not as powerful anymore. It is harder and harder for skin to heal any even micro damages. A lot of scrubs do damage the skin, which may not be visible on the surface. And a low grade inflammation is very bad for the skin, leading to collagen breakage, and quicker aging. But once in a while get nostalgic and try something out (most of the times I do regret it).

Packaging/Pricing:

 

170g (6oz) for ~4-5$. Nothing bad to say about packaging.

Ingredients:

Water, Juglans Regia (Walnut) Shell Powder, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Stearic Acid, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Meal, Honey, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Kaolin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Isopropyl Myristate, Dimethicone, Triethanolamine, Fragrance, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Phenoxyethanol.

Excellent (only beneficial ingredients, proven research)

Good (mostly beneficial, not extensive research or just not quite outstanding properties)

OK (mostly thickeners, emulsifiers, mild preservatives, pH adjusters, all that is necessary, but not a skincare per se) 

Bad (irritants and anything bad that shouldn't be in skincare, usually fragrance)

 

Ingredients Discussion:

 

I know how tempting it is to choose this product because of its "natural" claims, but please don't. If you want to use a scrub versus chemical exfoliant (still I would highly encourage anyone to switch to salicylic or glycolic acid product), pick one with polyethylene beads in it. Artificial particles have perfect spherical shape, and would not damage your skin (but would exfoliate). Crushed nut shell pieces have sharp corners to them and do micro damage to the skin.  This product has added fragrance to it as well. Role of surfactant plays not so mild sodium lauryl sulfate (which personally I try to stay away from in my face washes). Glycerin, honey and oat really would not have an opportunity to positively affect your skin. Kaolin (or clay) can over dry some skin (as well as SLS). Just a bad list overall.

Consumer Thoughts:

 

I actually didn't end up using this product on my face, but on my body. It is harsh enough to be a good body scrub. The scent is disgusting, which makes me not enjoy using it at all even (even for the body).

Verdict:

 

Do not like this product. Do not recommend. 1 out of 5.