estee lauder revitalizing supreme+ scrub review

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial promises to bring the pampering of a spa facial to your shower.

But… When was the last time you had a scrub at a spa?

Exactly. This exfoliant reminds me more of St Ives Apricot Scrub than a luxurious spa treatment. Is it less harsh at least? Let’s find out:

What’s In Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial?

TRIDECYL STEARATE, TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, AND DIPENTAERYTHRITYL HEXACAPRYLATE/HEXACAPRATE

Thought that brands would replace mineral oil with Argan oil (or another natural oil)? Think again.

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial replaced it with the synthetic trio of Tridecyl Stearate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate (let’s call them TTT, shall we?).

TTT are three ingredients with emollients and thickening properties. In plain English, when used together they recreate the textural and aesthetic feel of mineral oil – and leaves skin just as soft and smooth.

Related: 5 Myths About Mineral Oil You Need To Stop Believing Now

COCONUT OIL

Coconut oil is an oil derived from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts. It is high in saturated fats, like lauric, myristic and palmitic.

These fats make coconut oil one of the most moisturising oils as there. Something that’s particularly useful in a scrub. Here’s why:

Physical exfoliation – the act of manually removing dead skin cells with a scrub – is always a bit traumatic for skin. You’re removing cells that weren’t ready to come off yet.

Coconut oil reduces the irritation potential and keeps skin soft and supple as exfoliation is going on. But isn’t it comedogenic?

It depends on your skin type. I usually don’t recommend coconut oil to oily and acne-prone skin. But Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial is a rinse-off product to use only once or twice a week, so it shouldn’t cause any problems.

Related: The Complete Guide To Coconut Oil: What It Does And Who Should Use It

Texture

At first sight, it looks like a lightweight, creamy lotion. It doesn’t have too many particles, but they feel a little jagged and harsh on the skin.

Fragrance

Strong. Floral. A little perfumey.

How To Use It

After cleansing, massage it in circular motion on damp skin. Rinse thoroughly. Use no more than twice a week.

Performance & Personal Opinion

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial looks gentler than it is. At first sight, you can hardly see any exfoliating particles in the creamy lotion base.

But you can definitely feel them when you start massaging them on your face. They’re a little jagged and feel like you’re scrubbing with sand…

The first time, I used normal pressure and bam, two minutes later, my cheeks were all red and tight – a sure sign I had exfoliated a little too much. Ouch!

If you have sensitive skin, don’t go there. Everyone else, this could work for you if you used very gentle pressure. When I tried it like that, it did leave my skin softer and smoother without any redness.

But I still won’t repurchase. One: I don’t want to be super careful when I use it. The scrub should be gentle enough already!

Two: scrubs don’t do anything extra. Salicylic acid unclogs pores and treats breakouts while glycolic acid hydrates skin – all that while exfoliating the surface of the skin.

Why settle for a one-trick pony like this scrub that easily irritates your skin if you’re not careful?

Related: Physical VS Chemical Exfoliation: Which One Is Right For You?

estee lauder revitalizing supreme global anti-aging instant refinishing facial

Who Is This For?

If you can’t live without a scrub and your skin isn’t too sensitive, this can work for you.

Who Is This NOT For?

I’m not a fan of scrubs and don’t recommend them to anyone. But it’s especially NOT suitable for sensitive and oily, acne-prone skin.

Packaging

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial comes in a gold tube that’s sleek and practical.

Does Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Global Anti-Aging Instant Refinishing Facial Live Up To Its Claims?

CLAIM TRUE?
This high-performance exfoliating treatment sweeps away dry, dulling surface cells so skin looks brighter, smoother, softer and more radiant. It can do this if you massage it on very gently. If you use normal pressure, you’ll just irritate your skin.
Gentle yet effective, it brings the pampering of a spa facial to your shower. It’s effective, but it’s definitely NOT gentle.

Price & Availability

$59/00/£42.00 at Asos, Feel Unique, and Sephora

Do You Need It?

No. No one needs a scrub, especially an abrasive one.

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Dupes & Alternatives

Ingredients

Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau , Tridecyl Stearate , Tridecyl Trimellitate , Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate , Butylene Glycol , Glyceryl Stearate , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil , Silica , Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride , Acetyl Glucosamine , Cetearyl Alcohol , Ceteareth-20 , Hexyldecyl Stearate , Moringa Oleifera Seed Extract , Opuntia Tuna Extract , Laminaria Digitata Extract , Whey Protein\Lactis Protein\Proteine Du Petit-Lait , Algae Extract , Disodium Cocoamphodipropionate , Caprylyl Glycol , Sorbitol , Artemia Extract , Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 , Bisabolol , Caffeine , Glycerin , Sodium Hyaluronate , Stearyl Alcohol , Oleth-10 Phosphate , Fragrance (Parfum) , Carbomer , 1,2-Hexanediol , Isoceteth-20 , Triethanolamine , Potassium Sorbate , Disodium Edta , Chlorphenesin , Phenoxyethanol , Yellow 5 (Ci 19140) , Red 4 (Ci 14700)