This Really Works: Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub

The right scrub can work magic on your skin by removing dead skin to reveal flawless texture, youthful tone, and the kind of glow that makes people ask, “Are you dating someone new?”  Finding one that won’t remove the good oils, however, can be tricky. You also don’t want it to scratch your skin: those micro tears can spell big trouble as you age, and you’ll regret those harsh exfoliants over time. You have to be downright picky to find the Holy Grail of facial scrubs. I’ve tried everything from Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub ($5.99) to high-dollar items like Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment ($85) and while I did love the results of the latter, I also like a price tag that doesn’t require me to adjust my shopping budget for the month.

So I tried Origins GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser ($20). No scratching, no stripping, and no crazy tight feeling or itchiness post-use. After two weeks of double spinning/barre workouts plus hours spent on NYC’s subway (I made that scrub work for it), I’m really impressed. The main ingredients—panax ginseng and caffeine —delivered a gorgeous glow, so much so that my boyfriend asked if I’d gotten a facial that day (high praise from a man who is immune to treatment results at this point). The exfoliating beads don’t scrape the skin and I love the essential oil blend: it’s refreshing without screaming “GRAPEFRUIT!” Tracing my finger across my skin resulted in zero drag, which is key (your finger skipping across your skin is a danger sign the lipid layer is gone).

Try leaving it on like a mini-treatment for a couple of minutes while you brush your teeth. Then wipe your face clean with a washcloth and follow with your favorite moisturizer for a radiant day.