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Origins Checks & Balances Face Scrub - 2.5 fl oz - Ulta Beauty
$29.00 ($11.60/fluid ounce)
In Stock
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About this item
Highlights
- Origins Checks and Balances Polishing Face Scrub
- Key ingredients: Bamboo, Mineral Silica, Tourmaline, Mint
- Skin Types: Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination
- Benefit: Visibly Minimizes Pores, Smoothness, Exfoliation
- Reduces the look of pores
- Clarifies and revitalizes skin
- Vegan (Free-of animal derived ingredients)
Description
What It Is: A gentle yet effective exfoliating face scrub that uses polishing power from nature—Bamboo and Mineral Silica—to help reduce the look of pores and reveal smoother-looking skin.
What It Does: Gentle face scrub whisks away dull, dead skin cells and surface impurities with the natural polishing power of Bamboo and Mineral Silica for a refreshed and more refined look. See immediate reduction in pore visibility (like 92% of women*). Infused with Mint Essential Oil to help balance the senses and Red Tourmaline, believed to cleanse energy and balance the spirit. (*Clinical testing on 25 women, immediately after one product use.)
How To Use: After cleansing, massage face scrub into damp skin using a circular motion, avoiding the eyes. Rinse and pat dry. Use this exfoliating scrub for face only, not recommended for neck. Use up to 4x a week.
We Formulate Without:
1,500+ ingredients in compliance with the EU’s stringent regulations. In addition, we are also free of: Parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine (DEA) and polyethylene beads. Every Origins product is vegan we are proudly a brand free of animal derived ingredients.
Packaging contains 37% recycled content
What It Does: Gentle face scrub whisks away dull, dead skin cells and surface impurities with the natural polishing power of Bamboo and Mineral Silica for a refreshed and more refined look. See immediate reduction in pore visibility (like 92% of women*). Infused with Mint Essential Oil to help balance the senses and Red Tourmaline, believed to cleanse energy and balance the spirit. (*Clinical testing on 25 women, immediately after one product use.)
How To Use: After cleansing, massage face scrub into damp skin using a circular motion, avoiding the eyes. Rinse and pat dry. Use this exfoliating scrub for face only, not recommended for neck. Use up to 4x a week.
We Formulate Without:
1,500+ ingredients in compliance with the EU’s stringent regulations. In addition, we are also free of: Parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing agents, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin, diethanolamine (DEA) and polyethylene beads. Every Origins product is vegan we are proudly a brand free of animal derived ingredients.
Packaging contains 37% recycled content
Health Facts: Paraben-Free, Contains Bamboo Extract, Phthalate-Free
Product Form: Scrub
Beauty Purpose: Exfoliating
Recommended Skin Type: Normal, Oily, Dry, Acne-Prone, Combination
Net weight: 2.5 fl oz (US)
TCIN: 82550464
UPC: 717334253124
Item Number (DPCI): 342-01-5713
Origin: Made in the USA
Healthcare Disclaimer:
Content on this site is for reference purposes only. Target does not represent or warrant that the nutrition, ingredient, allergen and other product information on our Web or Mobile sites are accurate or complete, since this information comes from the product manufacturers. On occasion, manufacturers may improve or change their product formulas and update their labels. We recommend that you do not rely solely on the information presented on our Web or Mobile sites and that you review the product's label or contact the manufacturer directly if you have specific product concerns or questions. If you have specific healthcare concerns or questions about the products displayed, please contact your licensed healthcare professional for advice or answers.
If the item details aren’t accurate or complete, we want to know about it.
Ingredients:
water\aqua\eau, silica, calcium carbonate, glycerin, stearic acid, cetyl esters, cetyl alcohol, caprylic/capric triglyceride, kaolin, potassium stearate, glyceryl caprylate, decyl glucoside, mentha viridis (spearmint) leaf oil*, citrus aurantium bergamia (bergamot) fruit oil*, lavandula hybrida oil*, pelargonium graveolens flower oil*, anthemis nobilis flower oil*, styrax benzoin gum, limonene, linalool, bambusa arundinacea (bamboo) stem extract, tourmaline, sodium hyaluronate, laminaria saccharina extract, glycine soja (soybean) oil, sucrose**, caprylyl glycol, caffeine, ethylhexylglycerin, butylene glycol, tocopherol, xanthan gum, peg-100 stearate, magnesium aluminum silicate, bentonite, sodium phytate, phenoxyethanol, titanium dioxide (ci 77891)' '[*essential oil, ** organic sucrose (brown sugar)]
Allergens & Warnings:
Avoid eye area. If product enters eye, rinse with water. If irritation occurs, consult a doctor.Shipping details
Estimated ship dimensions: 1.26 inches length x 1.57 inches width x 5.28 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 0.19 pounds
Return details
This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.
Q: How often can I use this face scrub?
submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 8 days ago
A: You can use this exfoliating scrub up to 4 times a week.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 8 days agoAi generated
Q: Does the face scrub contain any animal-derived ingredients?
submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 8 days ago
A: No, the face scrub is vegan and free of animal-derived ingredients.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 8 days agoAi generated
Q: What are the key ingredients in the face scrub?
submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 8 days ago
A: The face scrub contains Bamboo, Mineral Silica, Tourmaline, and Mint as key ingredients.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 8 days agoAi generated
Q: What benefits does the face scrub provide?
submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 8 days ago
A: The scrub visibly minimizes pores, smooths skin, and provides exfoliation, clarifying and revitalizing the skin.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 8 days agoAi generated
Q: Is this face scrub suitable for sensitive skin?
submitted by AI Shopping Assistant - 8 days ago
A: The scrub is recommended for normal, dry, oily, acne-prone, and combination skin types.
submitted byAI Shopping Assistant - 8 days agoAi generated
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Guests are saying
The Origins Checks and Balances Polishing Face Scrub has received mixed reviews. Guests appreciate its exfoliating properties, pleasant scent, and effectiveness in making skin feel smooth and clean. However, many guests miss the discontinued Modern Friction scrub, finding this product harsher and less effective. Some experienced skin irritation, while others found it beneficial for their skin type.
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 176 reviews
50% would recommend
2 recommendations
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.
4 out of 5 stars
17 September, 2024Verified purchase
Decent product
Its good, I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase it again and it's expensive but it was good.
1 out of 5 stars
17 August, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com
DOES NOT WORK AS WELL AS MODERN FRICTION
ORIGINS... Modern Friction was a perfect product to clear clogged pores and soften skin without irritation, why was it discontinued? The C&B Polishing Face Scrub does not work the same magic that Modern Friction did. I have been a loyal Origins customer since the 1990s and each time a beloved product is discontinued - AND THERE HAVE BEEN SO MANY! - it's like losing a close friend. If you're going to discontinue a winning product, replace it with one that is at least as good, if not better. Surely you've heard the age-old adage... "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"? I will not be purchasing this product again. If I could give ZERO stars, I would have.
1 out of 5 stars
9 August, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com
Not a good replacement for Modern Friction
I have used Modern Friction for years. It's a must have for my skin care. After it was discontinued, I tried this Checks & Balances Scrub; it is not a good replacement at all. Doesn't clean my pores as well, nor does is feel as good after. My face is struggling. Please bring Modern Friction back! Please!
5 out of 5 stars
1 August, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com
Polished smooth skin
Reminds me of the original Modern Friction that left my skin polished & smooth. I look forward to the days I use this scrub!!
2 out of 5 stars
18 June, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com
Undecided
I've used Modern Friction for years. I feel like after a long day, it really cleaned out my pores and exfoliated the dead skin. It has been unavailable for some time now and I tried the Checks and Balances scrub. I used C&B frothy face wash and love it. Unfortunately, I don't feel this scrub is a suitable replacement for Modern Friction, it's a bit of a disappointment. In the last year there has been updates to a number of products and none were for the better.
1 out of 5 stars
31 May, 2024
originally posted on http://www.origins.com
NO no
Please bring back Modern Friction Nature's Gentle Dermabrasion. This scrub is like a sand scratching the skin. I gave it a try few times. Will not repurchase.