Editor's Pick: Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub Review

Garnier sent the Skincare.com team a complimentary sample of their Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub to try. Check out our review of this charcoal-infused exfoliator, below!

Think charcoal only belongs in an outdoor grill? Think again. Charcoal is one of the buzziest ingredients in skin care as of late, which is why you’ll likely come across the ingredient in the formulas of a handful of cleansers, masks, and exfoliators. We get it: Slathering your face in black soot doesn’t scream clean, but that’s precisely what most charcoal-infused formulations set out to do. Case in point? Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub. Ahead, we share our review of Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub, its benefits, and how to use it—plus, all the (dirty) details on why charcoal might just be the new MVP of your skin care routine!

The Beauty Benefits of Charcoal-Formulated Skin Care Products

It’s worth knowing what makes charcoal useful in skin care. Products formulated with charcoal can help to attract dirt and other impurities like a magnet and help lift them away from the surface of your skin. Less dirt and impurities on your surface skin not only means the opportunity for a radiant-looking complexion to reveal itself, but also less opportunity for noticeable congestion to form.

One of the biggest misconceptions in skin care is that skin that doesn’t feel dirty is in fact clean. On a daily basis, our body’s largest organ is exposed to a number of environmental conditions, including pollution, smoke, and plain old dirt. Our skin can absorb a lot of these unwanted toxins, and while it may not look or feel dirty on the surface, it still needs to be cleansed. Over time, a buildup of toxins and impurities can lead to the appearance of a dull-looking, lifeless complexion. Not to mention, air pollution and UV rays can contribute to the development of free radicals, which can break down skin’s natural collagen and elastin fibers and lead to premature visible signs of skin aging. As such, it’s beneficial to look for products formulated with ingredients such as charcoal, into your weekly skin care routine. Bye-bye toxins, hello clean skin! 

 

The Benefits of Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub

The name gives it away—this scrub can help eliminate blackhead-causing dirt, oil, and impurities like a magnet from skin’s surface. But that’s not the only thing it can help achieve. The gel exfoliator—which is also formulated with the acne-fighting power ingredient salicylic acid—also helps deeply cleanse skin, visibly tighten the look of pores, and smooth the appearance of skin’s texture.

How to Use Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub

First, wet your hands and face with lukewarm warm. Next, squeeze Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub into your hands and rub them together. Apply the scrub to your face and massage gently for up to two minutes. Rinse thoroughly. Use daily or weekly, as needed. Follow up with your favorite oil-free moisturizer. For optimal results, the brand recommends pairing Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub with Clean+ Shine Control Cleansing Gel.

Caution: When using this product, skin irritation and dryness may occur if you use another topical acne product at the same time. If irritation occurs, only use one topical acne-fighting product at a time.

Who Should Use Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub 

Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub is particularly effective for oily/combination skin. If you have sensitive or dry skin, this likely won’t be the right formula for you.

Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub Review

Admittedly, when I first heard about charcoal being used in skin care, I was pretty skeptical (and afraid). Can you blame me? I usually throw charcoal onto a grill to cook burgers…why on earth would I put it on my face? Perhaps it was my utter hatred for congested skin or my sheer curiosity, but I (of course) had to see for myself what this formula was truly capable of. The first time I tried Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub was over two years ago, long before I was provided a complimentary sample of the product by the brand. I’ve been hooked ever since. Here’s why.

There are few things that bother me more than blackheads. They litter my complexion and almost always find a way back, no matter how many times I deep-clean my pores. Like the uninvited house guest that shows up on your doorstep every so often, blackheads appear seemingly out of nowhere sans invite. And it’s never (ever!) a good time for them to arrive. So, when I heard that this scrub could help give the dirt, oil, and grime that can ultimately be the cause of blackheads the old heave-ho, I was all ears. The formula is transparent—with little black beads interspersed within it—and goes on thick. The fine black microbeads help with gently exfoliating my skin without irritation. Some scrubs feel too harsh and abrasive on my skin, but not this one. After use, my skin looks bright, polished, and clean, and feels incredibly smooth. I use it 3-4 times per week on my combination skin, though this may be too frequent for some. The formula does contain salicylic acid, so I did notice excess dryness when I paired it with other salicylic acid products. As a result, I only use one salicylic acid-based product at a time. Other perks of this scrub include an affordable price tag (less than $10!), travel-friendly tube packaging, and a mild, fresh scent that’s incredibly soothing. It’s certainly one of my drugstore holy grail products. Will it be yours? There’s only one way to find out.

Garnier Clean+ Blackhead Eliminating Scrub, $7.99