Brand

St. Ives

St. Ives was founded in 1980 in Switzerland before being acquired by Alberto-Culver and later Unilever. The brand became one of the most widely recognized mass-market skincare names through its Apricot Scrub, which was for decades the bestselling facial scrub in the US. The apricot scrub became controversial in skincare communities due to concerns about walnut shell physical exfoliants causing microtears in skin, leading St. Ives to diversify into chemical exfoliants and gentler formulations. The brand has since reformulated many products and expanded into face washes, moisturizers, and body care while maintaining its position as one of the most affordable skincare options at drugstores and mass retailers globally.

Drugstore Est. 1980 Trumbull, Connecticut, USA (via Unilever) Unilever

2 Products

20 Evaluations

51 Avg Score

2 Categories

Best St. Ives product by condition:

Dry 73 Oily 70 Combo 71 Acne 58 Sensitive 62 Aging 56

Brand Philosophy

St. Ives delivers accessible, nature-inspired skincare at the most affordable price points in the market. The brand has evolved from physical exfoliation to include gentler chemical exfoliation options while maintaining its core appeal: effective, simple skincare that anyone can afford.

Who It's For

Budget shoppers seeking basic skincare essentials at the lowest possible price points. The brand has evolved for those seeking gentler options beyond the original scrub.

Known For

Apricot Scrub -- once the bestselling facial scrub in the US
Among the most affordable skincare brands globally
Evolved to include chemical exfoliation options
Oatmeal and Shea Butter body lotions
Available at virtually every mass retailer

Signature Ingredients

Glycerin
Safflower Seed Oil
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Hydrolyzed Elastin
Mineral Oil

St. Ives at a Glance

Strongest Categories

St. Ives performs best in: Moisturizer (1 product, avg 61/100); Exfoliant (1 product, avg 42/100).

Best Conditions Served

Across all products, St. Ives scores highest for: Oily Skin (avg 69/100); Combination Skin (avg 66/100); Dull/Uneven Texture (avg 65/100). If your primary concern is one of these conditions, St. Ives products are particularly worth considering.

Certifications

Common certifications include Dermatologist Tested, Non-Comedogenic (claimed), Cruelty-Free (PETA), Paraben-Free, Dermatologist Tested (does not mean recommended), Paraben Free.

Best St. Ives by Skin Condition

The highest-scoring St. Ives product for each condition we evaluate.

Dry/Dehydrated

All St. Ives Products (2)

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Facial Moisturizer High

Moisturizer

St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer

Physical Exfoliating Scrub High

Exfoliant

St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

Frequently Asked Questions about St. Ives

What is the best St. Ives product?

Based on our scoring, St. Ives Timeless Skin Collagen Elastin Moisturizer is the highest-rated St. Ives product with a score of 73/100 for dry/dehydrated skin. Solid budget moisturizer with safflower oil. Hydrates adequately but lacks barrier-repairing ingredients.

Is St. Ives worth the price?

St. Ives products are positioned at the drugstore tier with an average score of 51/100 across 2 evaluated products. Check individual product scores to determine whether specific products justify the investment for your skin concern.

What skin type is St. Ives best for?

St. Ives scores highest for oily skin, with an average score of 69/100 across relevant products. They also perform well for combination skin and dull/uneven texture. Check condition-specific scores for the product you are considering.

Every St. Ives product above has been scored individually for each relevant skin condition. Click any product to see its full evaluation, ingredient analysis, and usage guidance for your specific concern.