Natural Cleansing Exfoliator with Cucumber 120ml: Physical exfoliating cleanser
Dr. Botanicals is the award-winning botanical skincare brand from London. Ethically sourced plant ingredients, cruelty-free formulations, crafted with the UK's botanical heritage in mind.
Why you'll love it
Pumice gives a firm, effective polish, stronger than a seed or shell scrub
Five plant oils cushion the exfoliation so skin is not left stripped
Apricot Kernel Oil sits second, so the formula is genuinely nourishing
Cucumber Seed Oil adds a cooling quality
Avocado and Coconut oils nourish as you cleanse
A generous 120ml size that lasts several months
Works on face and body, including rougher areas
What it is
An exfoliating cleanser built on pumice, which is a firmer exfoliant than the seed and shell powders used elsewhere in the range.
Pumice is volcanic rock, ground fine for cosmetic use. It is more abrasive than poppy seed or walnut shell, which makes it effective on genuinely rough skin - heels, elbows, and congested areas of the back - and too much for delicate facial skin used with any pressure. The right technique matters more here than with a gentle scrub: let the grain do the work and keep the pressure light.
What keeps it usable is the base. Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil sits second, with Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) and Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed oils behind it. That is a genuinely rich cushion for a physical scrub.
Key ingredients
Pumice
Finely ground volcanic rock providing a firm physical exfoliation, effective on rough or congested skin.
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil
A light, well-absorbed oil, second in the formula, that cushions the exfoliation.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil & Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Two nourishing oils that soften the skin during and after exfoliation.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Oil
A light oil that adds a cooling quality to the treatment.
Who it's for
This exfoliator is for rough or congested skin, and particularly for the body - back, chest, elbows and heels - where a firmer exfoliant is genuinely useful.
It suits normal, combination and oily skin. On the face, use light pressure and once a week at most; dry or sensitive skin should use a gentler scrub from the range. It contains apricot kernel oil, so take care with a stone-fruit allergy. Avoid inflamed spots and broken skin.
What to expect
Skin feels noticeably smooth immediately, more so than with a seed or shell scrub. Rough areas on the body improve within two to three treatments. There should be no redness afterwards - if there is, you are pressing too hard.
How to use
Massage a small amount into damp skin using light circular motions, then rinse thoroughly.
Let the pumice do the work rather than pressing. On the face, thirty seconds and once a week is enough. On the body, spend longer on rough areas such as elbows and heels. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a moisturizer.
Product attributes
Brand: Dr. Botanicals
Product name: Natural Cleansing Exfoliator with Cucumber 120ml
Product type: Physical exfoliating cleanser
Size: 120ml
Cruelty-free: Yes
Is it vegan: No - contains collagen, which is animal-derived
Contains SPF: No
Key ingredient: Pumice
Supporting ingredients: Apricot Kernel Oil, Sunflower Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil and Cucumber Seed Oil
Primary concerns: Rough texture, congestion and dullness
Suitable for: Normal, combination and oily skin; ideal for the body
Texture: Rich cream with a firm exfoliating grain
Finish: Smooth and clean
Routine position: In place of your cleanser, weekly on the face
Recommended use: Once a week on the face; more often on the body
Application areas: Face and body, avoiding the immediate eye area
Frequently asked questions
Is pumice too harsh for the face?
It is firmer than a seed or shell scrub, so use light pressure and no more than once a week on the face. Dry or sensitive skin should choose a gentler scrub from the range.
How hard should I press?
Lightly. Let the grain do the work - redness afterwards means too much pressure.
Where does it work best?
On the body: back, chest, elbows and heels, where a firmer exfoliant is genuinely useful.
Does it contain stone-fruit derivatives?
Yes, apricot kernel oil. Take care with a stone-fruit allergy.
Can I use it on active spots?
No. Avoid inflamed spots and broken skin, and work around them.
Do I need a moisturizer afterwards?
Yes, always after exfoliating.
How often can I use it on the body?
Two or three times a week is fine on rough areas.
Is it vegan?
Yes. All the ingredients in this formula are plant-derived or mineral.
How long does 120ml last?
Several months at weekly use.
Caution:
This is a cosmetic product for external use only, and all results will be temporary; individual results may vary. Carry out a patch test before application, and do not apply to broken, damaged, or sunburnt skin. Avoid contact with eyes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs. If redness, irritation, or discomfort occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a healthcare practitioner. Consult your healthcare practitioner before starting a new skin treatment, or if pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication. Do not ingest. Store out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry place, and keep out of the reach of children.