Show Publisher: In VivoPublished: 24 October 2018 Number of pages: 2 
Since 2016, Unilever has been fighting a lawsuit filed against their St. Ives Apricot Scrub for the possibility of skin damage that could allegedly be caused by the use of crushed walnut shells in the product. Unilever dismisses the claims of these possible “micro-tears” of the skin as “junk science”, as it asks a California court for a summary judgement in the matter. Will the suit be dismissed, or will the court find that the product causes an “unreasonable safety hazard”? Find out more about the details of the suit in this informative Rose Sheet article. Was there anyone who ever thought scrubs didnt cause micro tears? Your literally scraping granules across your face! It seems so obvious! Also
Id like to just point out how completely silly their concerns are (unless you are dangerously sick with a horrible disease like late stage AIDS that weakens your immune system). I am a sophomore level student studying medical laboratory science- was studying nursing before that. Im not pointing that out because Im trying to sound oh-so-smart. Im pointing it out to show how basic what Im going to tell you is. One of the FIRST medical facts I learned was that your skin is ALWAYS filled with these microabraisions. I mean, it makes sense right? If sugar scrub creates them, then imagine what happens every time you scratch your arm, or bump into something, or tear open a package, etc, ETC.... We go through so many motions in our daily life that cause this normal wear and tear. Its something our bodies are extremely used to, and repair daily. I promise you all that your immune systems are more than equipped to deal with germs that get into micro-cuts, again, unless you have some horrible debilitating disease. If someone further along in medical education wants to correct me I am completely all ears but for now I think the concern this lawsuit is over is completely ridiculous and that this is probably just an attempt to grab a pricey settlement because of the lack of a warning label somewhere People looking for softer skin sometimes turn to St. Ives Apricot Scrub to exfoliate. But a class action lawsuit recently filed claims that the popular scrub can damage skin and “is unfit to be sold or used as a facial scrub.” Kaylee Browning and Sarah Basile filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in central California against Unilever, the parent company of St. Ives. According to Top Class Actions, the plaintiffs claim the crushed walnut shells in the scrub can damage skin, and they balk at the use of “dermatologist tested” on the label. They allege that no dermatologist would recommend the scrub and believe the company should disclose that the scrub can cause microscopic tearing of the skin. They’re seeking $5 million. A Unilever spokesperson provided TODAY with a statement: “As a general practice, we do not comment on pending litigation. We can say that for over 30 years, consumers have loved and trusted the St. Ives brand to refresh and revitalize their skin. We are proud to be America’s top facial scrub brand and stand by our dermatologist-tested formula.” RELATED: EOS lip balm caused blisters, rash, lawsuit claims The scrub splitScrubs divide dermatologists. The lawsuit cites a New York magazine article where dermatologists debate scrubs, with one, Dr. Dennis Gross, claiming "it’s like using sandpaper on your face." However, others say it promotes healthy cell growth. "When scrubs are used appropriately, they can remove keratin plugs associated with acne and boost collagen production, helping skin to look healthy and smooth," said Dr. Apple Bodemer, assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. But Bodemer does not recommend people use them. “I generally don’t feel that anyone needs an exfoliant,” said Bodemer. “I think that gentle cleansing by using your fingers … helps the skin flake off.” RELATED: Is there enough SPF in your sunscreen? Maybe not, lawsuit claims Nut or sugar scrubs can cause tiny tears in the skin. While the tearing can’t be seen, these miniscule openings can make it easier for bacteria or other irritants to get into the skin and cause infections. “You are disrupting the barrier,” said Dr. Adam Friedman, associate professor of dermatology at George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. “Your skin is dry and cracked but you are breaking your skin down further with these scrubs.” It's important to note that scrubs don't cause wrinkles. Breakdowns deeper in the skin's layers contribute to wrinkles. Kicking the scrub habitBodemer and Friedman say that if people feel like they need to exfoliate, they should use a chemical exfoliant, which is safer. But, by properly caring for skin, people can avoid the build-up of dry skin that makes them turn to exfoliants. Use a mild or neutral soap and lukewarm water to wash the face no more than twice a day. Then apply a moisturizer on damp skin. This prevents it from drying out. RELATED: 7 ways to soothe and protect winter skin, from milk baths to DIY scrubs "If you simply hydrate the skin, you give it buoyancy," he said. Even though Bodemer doesn't recommend exfoliation, she advises people who do like scrubs to only use them once every few weeks. The skin needs time to heal. She also urges them not to rub vigorously. Simply put it on the face and gently wipe it off. “Do not really go at it and rub the skin with the scrub," she said. "That creates more damage.” Did St. Ives get sued?A federal court tossed claims in the St. Ives Apricot Scrub class action lawsuit that alleged the product actually caused harm to consumers' skin through over-abrasion. Lead plaintiffs accused the soap maker, Unilever, of including walnut shells in St.
Is it safe to use St Ives Apricot Scrub?Unfortunately for consumers, use of St. Ives as a facial exfoliant leads to long-term skin damage that greatly outweighs any potential benefits the product may provide. St. Ives' primary exfoliating ingredient is crushed walnut shell, which has jagged edges that cause micro-tears in the skin when used in a scrub.
Do dermatologists recommend St Ives Apricot Scrub?Ives apricot scrub's walnut shell-based exfoliant may be too harsh for your skin. Many dermatologists and estheticians are not fans of St. Ives exfoliating scrubs because they are too harsh for your skin.
Is St. Ives dermatologist recommended?Ives claims consumers have been highly satisfied with their exfoliant products for more than 30 years, and these products are dermatologist tested and approved. The truth is that pros and cons exist for all mechanical exfoliants, not just St. Ives products. Should You Choose Exfoliants?
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