Origins Checks & Balances Face Scrub - 2.5 fl oz - Ulta Beauty: Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, For Normal to Acne-Prone Skin
$29.00 ($11.60/fluid ounce)
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4.7 out of 5 stars with 1110 ratings
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Guests are saying
The product has received mixed feedback from guests, with many expressing disappointment over its harsh texture compared to the previously loved Modern Friction scrub. While some guests appreciate its exfoliating properties and pleasant scent, others find it too abrasive and unsuitable for sensitive skin. The new packaging and smaller size have also drawn criticism. Overall, guests are looking for a gentler alternative that maintains the effectiveness of the original product.
Summary created by AI from text of reviews reflecting recent feedback provided across different star ratings (includes incentivized reviews)
4.1 out of 5 stars with 184 reviews
50% would recommend
2 recommendations
5 out of 5 stars
28 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

My favorite exfoliating face wash
A great exfoliating face wash, if you have sensitive skin it might be a little too harsh for you.
1 out of 5 stars
27 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Bring Back Modern Friction
This polishing scrub is not a suitable alternative to Modern Friction.
5 out of 5 stars
27 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

I would buy this product again!
I've been skeptical about buying exfoliating face scrub because I've tried a few and was completely disappointed. However, this one truly meets my expectations and has become my favorite facial scrub. It's lightweight and helps reduce my pores, leaving my skin feeling clean and smooth. Thank you Origin!
2 out of 5 stars
23 February, 2026
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

New packaging is garbage
I have been using this face wash for over 10 years and love it! However their new packaging is flimsy. The last two I have purchased have cracked at the hinge, making it difficult if not impossible to securely close and store. Between this, them not honoring promotions unless I reach out to have it corrected on the back end, and my last order of several products being shipped in 4 separate shipments, all lacking updates, I think I'm done with doing business with them. They just don't seem to be the same, sadly
1 out of 5 stars
7 December, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Broke out! Modern friction please!
Rec'd a sample and tried it not realizing you have discontinued modern friction. I broke out and had red rash! Sad that you have also removed Ginzing ultra hydrating energy boosting cream. Do not like the trend where all the fav products are culled!
5 out of 5 stars
5 November, 2025Verified purchase
(no review title)
Love this product it really cleanses the face well.
1 out of 5 stars
3 September, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Not Modern Friction
I should have read the reviews more carefully before purchasing this. When you search the website for Modern Friction, Origins implies that this scrub is essentially the same thing in new packaging. Modern Friction was unique in that it used smooth friction rather than gritty abrasion to polish skin. I'm guessing it was discontinued because people that couldn't be bothered to follow the directions kept on leaving bad reviews, but it really was great if you used it correctly. This new scrub is harsh and gritty, has the oily feel mentioned by other reviewers, and has me breaking out like crazy. Hopefully Origins will eventually come out with a scrub more similar to Modern Friction. If that's what you're looking for, this one definitely is not it.
2 out of 5 stars
26 July, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Too harsh
Please bring back Checks and Balances. It was creamy, not so harsh and left my skin moisturized. This product is like sand and it seems to leave my skin stripped.
4 out of 5 stars
5 July, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Beware: half the size as previous tube
This is my favorite face wash and has been for years. As others have said, the new packaging is top heavy and tips over all the time. It's also only half the size as the previous tube (2.5 fl oz instead of 5), so if you think you are getting a great deal, you have been duped. Aside from those disappointments, at least it's still the product I really like.
5 out of 5 stars
8 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Everything I want in a scrub!
I think this is my favorite product here! I'm 70 and my skin has changed but I have always needed exfoliation. After 50 years of using scrub cleansers, this is my favorite. It's lightweight and uses irregular minerals to scrub, not the "beads" in other scrubs that don't seem to get to the blackheads I still have at this age. And it has the added benefit of the same feel as the frothy checks and balances face wash....light and minty!
2 out of 5 stars
6 June, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Not impressed...Please bring back Modern Friction!
Unfortunately and disappointingly, I was not impressed. Modern Friction was the best facial scrub ever. Why hasn't Origins brought this product back after countless years of requests from customers?
4 out of 5 stars
3 May, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

It's good!!
I didnt expect it it be light/medium exfoliation, but it still gets the job done if you message your face for a bit. I recommend this with their frothy fash wash, total game changer!! :)
5 out of 5 stars
8 March, 2025
originally posted on http://www.ulta.com

The very best
This is my favorite face wash. It's often hard to find.
2 out of 5 stars
15 February, 2025
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Not a fan
When I saw this, I was so excited and bought some. That didn't last long. I liked that it cleaned my face, but as for a scrub, it didn't really meet my expectations. It was a smaller bottle with a larger price tag and I had to use more product to clean/scrub my face. It was a huge let down, especially since I LOVE checks and balances. I will not be purchasing this again.
2 out of 5 stars
21 December, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Nothing like Modern Friction
This formula is much harsher and not suitable for my skin. Modern Friction was terrific. I used it for years. Please bring it back!
1 out of 5 stars
18 December, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

BRING BACK MODERN FRICTION! this product SUCKS!
I have been using checks and balances frothy face wash and modern friction since I was a teenager, and it was the ONLY combo that kept acne and breakouts down. Now that modern friction is no longer available, I bought this hoping it would be a suitable replacement.... NOPE! not only is it a painful experience, but its been making me breakout more than I ever have, and I'm in my 30s! I have tried many different combinations to try to combat the pain and/or the oily feeling after using, and nothing helps with the breakouts. Seriously missing modern friction. I'm so disappointed in you guys for getting rid of a product that worked for one that just sucks.
1 out of 5 stars
21 November, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

NOPE!
Bring back Modern Friction! This product is harsh and actually hurts my skin when I use it. I won't buy any more of this.
1 out of 5 stars
8 November, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Bring back Modern Friction!
Bring back modern friction! This is not the same in a bad way.
1 out of 5 stars
12 October, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Must bring back Modern friction
Too harsh on skin. I use the checks and balances cleanser but the scrub is painful on my skin. Bring back modern friction.
2 out of 5 stars
17 September, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com

Feels like sandpaper!
This product does what it is supposed to do and my face feels clean and smooth afterward, but it is an unpleasant washing experience. This feels like sandpaper. I dislike using it and would not recommend it. It is a poor substitute for the previous polishing scrub, Modern Friction, which went on smooth and was a pleasurable washing experience.