# St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub for dry skin

**Lovi Fit: Average fit for dry skin.**
Dry Skin Fit: Average · Effectiveness: Average · Safety: High.

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Italy.

Brand: [St. Ives](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/brands/st-ives)
Category: [Exfoliants](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/best/exfoliators)

This fit is calculated for the concerns frequently associated with dry skin: flakiness, tightness, dehydration, fine lines, and wrinkles. For scores based on a full skin profile (12D face scan, goals, preferences), use the Lovi app.

Works for dry skin; other exfoliants fit it better.

## Why this fit

- Offers moderate exfoliation due to the presence of Juglans Regia Shell Powder, which can provide physical exfoliation for your dry skin. Glycerin offers general hydration, but the formula lacks sufficient emollient and occlusive ingredients to fully address your dryness and flakiness.
- The product is safe for your dry skin as it does not contain prohibited or harsh ingredients that would cause irritation.
- The formula is safe for your dry skin, as it is free from harsh or prohibited ingredients that could cause irritation.

## Fit by skin type

- [Oily skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/oily-skin): Low
- [Dry skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin): Average (this page)
- [Combination skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/combination-skin): Low
- [Sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/sensitive-skin): Average
- [Acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/acne-prone-skin): Low
- [Skin with dark spots](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dark-spots): Low
- [Mature skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/mature-skin): Average
- [Dry sensitive skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-sensitive-skin): Average
- [Oily acne-prone skin](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/oily-acne-prone-skin): Low

## Key ingredients

Apricot Extracts, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Glycerin, Exfoliants

## What the research says

- A single application of a moisturizing fluid containing hyaluronic acid 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract significantly increased skin hydration by 29% and reduced transepidermal water loss at 24 hours compared to baseline and an untreated control site in twenty healthy women. ([Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/))
- Topical application of 1-1.5% glycolic acid suppresses UVB-induced inflammation by modulating NF-κB signaling pathways in human keratinocytes and mouse dorsal skin. ([Journal of Dermatological Science, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28330776/))
- Bitter apricot essential oil inhibited human HaCaT keratinocyte growth with an IC50 of 142.45 ug/ml by inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through death receptor, mitochondrial, and NF-kB pathways. ([International Immunopharmacology, 2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26971222/))
- Kombucha-mediated fermentation of apple, apricot, and cherry leaf agro-waste extracts increased phenolic content and enhanced antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing properties while reducing oxidative stress in skin cells without cytotoxicity compared to unfermented extracts. ([International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2026](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42353048/))
- The cytotoxic effect of sodium lauryl sulphate on normal human keratinocytes was significantly decreased when combined with cocamidopropyl betaine, Tween 20, and Tween 80 at concentrations well below the critical micelle concentration. ([Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, 2003](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12677096/))
- The emollient V0034CR significantly reduced TEWL compared to vehicle and vehicle plus glycerol, and significantly increased corneometry scores compared to vehicle and vehicle plus petrolatum in healthy volunteers with dry skin, demonstrating combined barrier function improvement from petrolatum and hydration improvement from glycerol. ([Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532576/))
- Ten days of treatment with a cream containing 20% glycerin significantly increased skin hydration measured by corneometer values in 17 healthy volunteers compared to a placebo cream, but showed no influence on transepidermal water loss or skin sensitivity to an irritating surfactant. ([International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2001](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18498456/))
- Niacinamide/glycerin body moisturizers provided better rapid and prolonged improvement of cosmetic xerosis through functional improvement of stratum corneum barrier function compared to no treatment and conventional moisturizers in female subjects. ([Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2012](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22206073/))

## Why other exfoliants fit dry skin better

- Phytosphingosine increased filaggrin metabolism and skin hydration in human skin by stimulating filaggrin biosynthesis and degradation leading to natural moisturizing factor formation. ([Archives of Dermatological Research, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28936777/))
- Topical dexpanthenol formulated in lipophilic vehicles improved stratum corneum hydration and reduced transepidermal water loss compared to vehicle control in humans. ([Arzneimittel-Forschung, 2000](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10965426/))

## What reviewers say

This product is widely adored for its affordability and ability to deliver extremely smooth, glowing skin through deep physical exfoliation, making it a staple for those with oily or non-sensitive skin. A significant minority of users and dermatologists warn against its coarse walnut shell powder, citing it as too abrasive and a cause of irritation or micro-tears, particularly for those with sensitive or acne-prone conditions. The summary is based on a very large amount of data and this should definitely be taken into account.

- Liked: Effective exfoliation (mostly mentioned)
- Liked: Unbeatable value (often mentioned)
- Disliked: Too harsh (often mentioned)
- Liked: Pleasant scent (sometimes noted)
- Liked: Reduces breakouts (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Causes irritation (sometimes noted)
- Disliked: Difficult to rinse (rarely noted)
- Disliked: Drying effect (rarely noted)

## How to apply

- Use this exfoliant as part of your PM routine once a week, increasing slowly to twice a week if your dry skin tolerates it well. Always remember to apply SPF every morning to protect your newly smoothed skin.
- Apply the exfoliant after cleansing and toning, but always before your rich moisturizer.
- Gently press 2-3 drops of the exfoliant into your skin and let it absorb for a minute. Avoid rubbing to prevent any irritation on flaky areas.
- Apply the product directly to dry clean skin to ensure the best possible tolerance for your dry type. This helps address flaky patches without causing extra stress.
- Avoid the sensitive eye area and do a quick patch test before your very first use. Do not mix this with other strong acids or retinoids on the same night.
- Video: https://storage.pora.ai/028e5e793422a3b665c02ff502cf5a68.mp4

## Questions and answers

### How well does St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub work for dry skin?

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub offers moderate physical exfoliation for dry skin, and its glycerin helps provide general hydration. However, it lacks sufficient ingredients that lock in moisture to fully address your dryness and flakiness, though it is unlikely to cause irritation. A product of this type needs rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to maintain moisture and protect dry skin.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### Which ingredients make this exfoliant a good fit for dry skin?

Glycerin helps provide general hydration and walnut shell powder offers physical exfoliation for your dry skin. However, this skin type needs products with rich hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides and hyaluronic acid to fully lock in moisture.
Sources: [Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/)

### What does Apricot Extract do for dry skin?

Apricot Extract helps hydrate dry skin and leaves it feeling soft and smooth. Plant extracts of this type generally need added rich oils and butters to deeply comfort flaky skin and repair the skin barrier.
Sources: [International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2017](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29280987/)

### What does Walnut Shell Powder do for dry skin?

Walnut shell powder is a harsh physical scrub that is generally too rough for dry skin because it creates tiny tears and worsens flakiness. Dry skin needs gentle, hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and mild milk cleansers to stay soft and smooth without irritation.

### Where does this exfoliant go in a skincare routine for dry skin?

This exfoliant goes into a weekly routine for dry skin, as exfoliating steps start once a week. Because this product lacks sufficient smoothing oils and rich softening ingredients to fully address dryness and flakiness, a dry skin routine needs extra nourishing masks, moisturizing creams, and rich barrier-protecting ingredients.

### Can I use this exfoliant with retinol, and in what order?

You can use this exfoliant and retinol, but not in the same routine, because combining them may easily cause dryness and irritation on dry skin. Use the exfoliant on a separate day or time, and apply your retinol in your evening routine when treating your skin.

### How often should I use this exfoliant?

You can start using this exfoliant once a week to see how your skin reacts, and then carefully use it more often if you tolerate it well. Dry skin needs a product of this type that also includes rich moisturizing oils and butters to deeply soften flaky areas.

### Can this exfoliant clog pores, cause breakouts or purging for dry skin?

This exfoliant is unlikely to cause breakouts or clog pores on dry skin, as its ingredients do not commonly block pores. However, because it lacks rich moisturizing ingredients, dry skin needs formulas packed with heavy softeners and protective barriers to fully comfort and smooth flakiness.

### Is this exfoliant fragrance-free and alcohol-free?

It has no drying alcohol and contains fragrance (parfum, limonene, and linalool). Cetyl alcohol and cetearyl alcohol are fatty alcohols, which soften the skin.

## Alternatives for dry skin

- [MISSHA Ultra Hyalon Cleansing Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/missha/ultra-hyalon-cleansing-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.90 at Amazon
- [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- [La Roche-Posay Hydrating Gentle Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/la-roche-posay/toleriane-hydrating-gentle-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €17.59 at Amazon

## Pairs well with

- Cleanser: [CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/cerave/hydrating-facial-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €9.19 at Amazon
- Hydrating Toner: [Pyunkang Yul Calming Deep Moisture Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/pyunkang-yul/calming-deep-moisture-toner/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €15.16 at Amazon
- Moisturizer: [Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/elizabeth-arden/advanced-ceramide-lift-and-firm-night-cream/for/dry-skin) — Superior fit — €53.50 at Amazon

## Where to buy

No store in Italy has a checked price for this product, so the page shows none.

## Ingredients

Water, Juglans Regia Shell Powder, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Methyl Cocoyl Taurate, Cetyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Prunus Armeniaca Fruit Extract, Zea Mays Meal Kernel, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Parfum, Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium Edta, Yellow 5 Ci 19140, Ci 16035, Titanium Dioxide Ci 77891, Limonene, Linalool
## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi calculates every fit score from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this fit score: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin (this page)
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/p/st-ives/fresh-skin-apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin