From cleansing grains to microdermabrasion kits, exfoliators are a dime a dozen in the skincare world. Among the myriad options, walnut shell scrubs have carved out a niche for their unique ability to buff away dead skin cells and surface debris. Infused with ultra-fine crushed walnut shells, these gritty scrubs provide an invigorating deep cleanse that leaves skin feeling smooth and refreshed.
But not all walnut scrubs are created equal. With varying grit levels and ingredient formulations, it’s important to shop carefully to find the right match for your skin’s needs. Overly harsh formulas can cause microtears, irritation, and even worsen conditions like acne.
To help you navigate the walnut scrub landscape, I’ve put together this guide to the top 5 options on the market. I’ll also provide tips on how to select the best one for your unique skin type and concerns. From oily and acne-prone to sensitive and mature, there’s a dream walnut-based exfoliator out there for you.
Let’s get glowing!
Top 5 Smoothing and Polishing Walnut Shell Scrubs
1. OleHenriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub
This fan favorite scrub is formulated with a blend of walnut powder and aluminum oxide crystals to whisk away dead skin cells and residuals. The coarse grains provide an invigorating, deep cleanse while smoothing the skin’s texture.
OleHenriksen adds a hydrating base of oils like sweet almond, olive, and jojoba to moisturize as you exfoliate. The oils ensure your skin doesn’t feel stripped or parched post-scrub. This blend is ideal for normal to dry skin, lending a nourishing element to balance the walnut shells.
With a warming cinnamon-orange scent, this scrub provides a spa-like sensory experience. Use 2-3 times a week to reveal a healthy-looking radiance and glow.
Best for: Normal, dry, dull, uneven skin.
Price: $$
Where to Buy: Sephora, Ulta, Department Stores
2. St. Ives Blackhead Clearing Green Tea Scrub
This budget-friendly drugstore option harnesses crushed walnut shells to deeply exfoliate and fight acne. In addition to the physical exfoliation, it contains salicylic acid to penetrate pores and clear out blackheads.
Green tea extract helps soothe inflammation and calm breakouts, making this a great choice if you deal with regular acne flareups. The fine powdered scrub grains rinse cleanly without leaving behind oily residue.
Use this scrub 2-3 times a week to remove dead skin cell buildup that can clog pores. Your skin will feel super clean and fresh after use.
Best for: Oily, acne-prone skin.
Price: $
Where to Buy: Drugstores, Target, Walmart
3. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
This unique rice-based powder turns into an activating foam scrub when mixed with water. In addition to colloidal oatmeal, it contains ultra-fine crushed walnut shells to smooth and resurface. Papain and salicylic acid provide additional chemical exfoliation.
The foam gives an extra-gentle cleansing experience, great for those with sensitivity. Natural extracts like balm mint and ginkgo biloba soothe and condition as you exfoliate. With an impeccable rice powder base, it won’t cause irritation or dryness.
Use daily for ultra-smooth, glowing skin. Rinses cleanly without residue.
Best for: Sensitive, dry, aging skin. Excellent daily use option.
Price: $$$
Where to Buy: Dermalogica.com, Ulta, Department stores
4. SheaMoisture African Black Soap Bamboo Charcoal Detoxifying Scrub
This natural sugar and walnut shell scrub is infused with detoxifying bamboo charcoal. Bentonite clay draws out impurities from pores, while shea butter and plant oils moisturize as you exfoliate. Certified organic African black soap cleanses away dirt and excess oil.
The blend of walnut shell powder and sugar crystals provides thorough exfoliation without redness or irritation. Great for eco-conscious consumers, as SheaMoisture uses sustainably sourced ingredients and ethically traded shea.
Use 1-2 times per week to deeply cleanse congested, blemish-prone skin. Rinses cleanly without residue.
Best for: Oily, congested, acne-prone skin. Great eco-friendly choice.
Price: $$
Where to Buy: Ulta, Target, Walmart
5. Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Scrub
This ultra-gentle, vegan scrub contains a dream team of skin superfoods. The blend of crushed walnut shell powder and soothing, round jojoba beads buffs away dead skin without irritation. Free of microplastics, this formula is sustainably made and reef-safe.
Superfoods like kale, spinach, green tea, and alfalfa deeply nourish while you exfoliate. Antioxidants from these ingredients neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. Hydrators like sunflower and jojoba oil ensure your skin stays plump and moisturized.
Use this gentle scrub 2-3 times a week for an even, radiant complexion. Great for all skin types, including reactive and sensitive.
Best for: All skin types, especially sensitive and reactive. Excellent vegan choice.
Price: $$
Where to Buy: Sephora, YouthtothePeople.com
Now that we’ve covered the crème de la crème, let’s get into some tips for choosing your perfect walnut-powered scrub!
How to Select the Right Walnut Scrub for Your Skin Type
With the variety of formulations on the market, here are a few factors to keep in mind when choosing your ideal walnut shell scrub:
Consider Your Skin Type and Concerns
Walnut scrubs aren’t universally compatible for all skin types. When selecting yours, keep your specific skin needs and concerns in mind.
Oily, Acne-Prone Skin
Look for scrubs that contain additional acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid or tea tree oil. Avoid heavy oils, instead opting for gel-based formulas that won’t exacerbate shine and clogged pores.
Dry, Sensitive Skin
Seeking a formula with hydrating oils and butters will prevent your skin from feeling stripped post-scrub. Avoid harsh surfactants and fragrances that can trigger irritation.
Mature Skin
Gentler walnut scrubs with rounded exfoliant particles are best, as aging skin is thinner and delicate. Seek formulas with anti-aging antioxidants and collagen-boosting ingredients.
Sensitive Skin
Steer clear of abrasive, gritty scrubs as they can cause redness and inflammation. Opt for an ultra-fine walnut powder paired with soothing, moisturizing elements. Do a patch test before full use.
Seek the Right Balance of Exfoliants
Beyond just walnut powder, many scrubs contain complementary chemical and physical exfoliants. These help enhance the scrub’s efficacy without being overly harsh.
Some examples include:
- Salicylic or lactic acid: Shed dead skin cells
- Papain, bromelain: Natural enzyme exfoliants
- Jojoba beads, sugar crystals: Gentle manual exfoliation
- Bamboo charcoal: Clears away pore-clogging debris
In general, the finer the particle size of the walnut powder, the less abrasive the scrub will be. Harsher, jagged shells should be avoided by those with reactive skin.
Getting the right balance of exfoliating elements for your skin type helps ensure a smooth buffing without redness or irritation.
Look for Soothing, Moisturizing Ingredients
To counteract the potential drying effects of the scrub, seek formulas with hydrating oils, butters, and extracts. These provide moisturizing and soothing properties to balance the exfoliation.
Some great options include:
- Plant oils: Jojoba, sunflower, olive, almond, grapeseed
- Butters: Shea, cocoa
- Aloe leaf juice: Soothes and hydrates
- Green tea, chamomile, oatmeal: Calming botanicals
If you have chronically dry skin or conditions like eczema or dermatitis, opt for a scrub packed with these nourishing ingredients over a harsher formula.
Consider Added Skin Benefits
Beyond just sloughing and smoothing, many walnut scrubs also provide additional skin perks. Look for these key ingredients if you’re targeting other problems:
Vitamin C: Brightens dullness and evens tone Vitamin A/retinol: Smooths fine lines and stimulates collagen Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection Niacinamide: Improves texture and congestion Hyaluronic acid: Boosts hydration and plumps skin
Frequently Asked Questions About Walnut Scrubs
Still have some lingering questions about finding and using your ideal walnut scrub? Here I’ll address some commonly asked FAQs.
How often should I use a walnut shell scrub?
When first incorporating a walnut scrub into your routine, start by using it only 1-2 times per week. This allows your skin time to adjust to the exfoliation.
Those with very hardy skin types may be able to use their scrub more frequently, up to 3-4 times a week. But take care not to overdo it, as walnut shells can cause microtears and irritation with overuse.
Are walnut scrubs safe for sensitive skin?
Walnut scrubs can be risky for highly sensitive or reactive skin types. The angular shell particles may cause redness and inflammation. Seek out formulas specifically made for sensitive skin, using finely ground walnut powder. Do a patch test before first use.
Do walnut scrubs help with acne?
By removing layers of dead skin cells and debris, walnut scrubs can help prevent pore blockages that lead to breakouts. But they don’t treat the underlying causes of acne like bacteria, hormones, genetics. For best results, pair them with acne-fighting ingredients like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
What’s the difference between walnut shell vs. apricot scrub?
Apricot scrubs rely on soft, rounded granules from apricot pits while walnut scrubs use angular, irregular crushed walnut shells. This makes apricot scrubs gentler and better suited to sensitive skin. Walnut provides deeper exfoliation but may be too abrasive for some.
Are walnut shell particles biodegradable?
Most conventional walnut scrubs use plastic microbeads that persist in the environment. Seek out sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives that use jojoba beads, sugar, or salt crystals instead. Also avoid pouring scrubs with shells down the drain as they can cause waterway pollution.
Do you rinse off walnut shell scrubs?
Always rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water after using a walnut scrub. Residue left behind can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and dryness. Follow up your scrub with a gentle, non-comedogenic moisturizer to restore hydration.
Get That Healthy, Youthful Glow
Walnut shell scrubs can be a godsend for buffing away dry, flaky skin and revealing your luminous, smooth complexion. But not every formula plays nicely for every skin type.
Be sure to choose your scrub ingredients wisely based on your skin’s sensitivities and needs. An extra-nourishing, antioxidant-packed option may be just the ticket if you’re showing signs of aging. Acne-prone skin will benefit most from a deep cleansing formula with added blemish-busters.
Whatever you choose, don’t overdo the grit as walnut particles can be rough. Treat your skin gently and allow some adjustment time. With the right scrub, you’ll see a brighter, healthier, more even skin tone shine through!
