Dr. Botanicals

Dr. Botanicals Apothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial Exfoliator

Name: Dr. Botanicals - Apothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial Exfoliator
Brand: Dr. Botanicals

Efficacy0/100IrritancyMedium

See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation

Lactic acid ~0.15–0.5%, below the ~2% it needs

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“Apothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial Exfoliator”

From product name

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.5%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Glycerin, Cetearyl alcohol + 12 more

Works

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin, sucrose.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–6.2%

Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.2–3.3%

Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~2–3%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~1.8–2.7%

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seedKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.1–1.7%

Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 estersKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture~0.9–1.35%

Crambe abyssinica seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.2%

Echium plantagineum seed oilKey activeEffect: HighA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin~0.4–0.95%

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.8%

Chondrus crispus extractKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency~0.1–0.35%

SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.05–0.2%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.4–0.9%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

2 strong irritants: Juglans regia shell powder, Sodium anisate

Medium risk

We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Juglans regia shell powder—High~3.7–5.6%est.

Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.3–0.7%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~1.8–2.7%est.

Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 estersHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product textureMedium~0.9–1.35%est.

Crambe abyssinica seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.5–1.2%est.

Echium plantagineum seed oilA plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skinMedium~0.4–0.95%est.

Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.4–0.9%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.7%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.15–0.5%est.

Phytic acidAn alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmeticsMedium~0.1–0.5%est.

Levulinic acidHelps stabilize a product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Ceratonia siliqua gumUsed to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistencyMedium~0.1–0.35%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.1%est.

Comedogenic

5 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

5 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.1–1.7%est.

Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.35–0.8%est.

Chondrus crispus extractRed algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency3/5~0.1–0.35%est.

Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.2–3.3%est.

Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~2–3%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.1–6.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Juglans regia shell powder~3.7–5.6%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Juglans regia shell powder

Cetearyl alcohol~2.2–3.3%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol

Glyceryl stearate se~2–3%

Key activeComedogenic 2/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 2/5

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1.8–2.7%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed~1.4–2.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed

Coffea arabica seed extract~1.3–1.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidation

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin

More about Coffea arabica seed extract

Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.1–1.7%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters~0.9–1.35%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters

Crambe abyssinica seed oil~0.5–1.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Crambe abyssinica seed oil

Echium plantagineum seed oil~0.4–0.95%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that because of its high content of alpha-linolenic acid help support skin barrier function and moisturize the skin

More about Echium plantagineum seed oil

Sodium levulinate~0.4–0.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate

Glyceryl caprylate~0.4–0.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.35–0.8%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter

Sodium anisate~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.7%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Xanthan gum~0.15–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Lactic acid~0.15–0.5%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Phytic acid~0.1–0.5%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

An alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), but is mostly used to stabilize product formulations in cosmetics

More about Phytic acid

Levulinic acid~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Helps stabilize a product formulation

More about Levulinic acid

Cellulose gum~0.1–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create thicker product consistency and stabilize emulsions

More about Cellulose gum

Chondrus crispus extract~0.1–0.35%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Red algae extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and create a nicer product consistency

More about Chondrus crispus extract

Ceratonia siliqua gum~0.1–0.35%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Used to stabilize product formulations and create thicker consistency

More about Ceratonia siliqua gum

Sucrose~0.05–0.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose

Citric acid~0.05–0.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Juglans regia shell powder, Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate se, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Prunus amygdalus dulcis seed, Coffea arabica seed extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Acacia decurrens/jojoba/sunflower seed wax polyglyceryl-3 esters, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Echium plantagineum seed oil, Sodium levulinate, Glyceryl caprylate, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Sodium anisate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Xanthan gum, Lactic acid, Phytic acid, Levulinic acid, Cellulose gum, Chondrus crispus extract, Ceratonia siliqua gum, Sucrose, Citric acid

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇬🇧 Lookfantastic (UK)50 ml

≈ $15.83

Buy

🇨🇦 Amazon CA (CA)

Price unavailable Out of stock

Check

🇦🇺 Amazon Australia (AU)

Price unavailable Out of stock

Check

🇬🇧 Amazon UK (UK)

Price unavailable Out of stock

Check

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Dr. BotanicalsApothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial ExfoliatorYOUR PRODUCT	CliniqueLiquid Facial Soap Tube	Natura SibericaBlueberry Siberica Face Radiance Revealing Jam Scrub	NIP+FABVitamin C Fix Scrub 75m
Match	—	31%	29%	29%
Price	—	—	$11.91	—
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 8	3 of 8	2 of 8
Key difference	—	Urea	Glycolic Acid	Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Irritancy	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: RéVive Le Polish Micro-Resurfacing Treatment so natural So Vegan Green Bean Coffee Scrub

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Dr. Botanicals - Apothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial Exfoliator" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (glycerin 4.10% - 6.20% and sucrose 0.05% - 0.20%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 16.40$ in the United States and for 11.83£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 9 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Effect of green Coffea arabica L. seed oil on extracellular matrix components and water-channel expression in in vitro and ex vivo human skin modelsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Healing fats of the skin: the structural and immunologic roles of the omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acidsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
5
Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
6
Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
7
Cosmetic and dermatologic use of alpha hydroxy acidsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
8
Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy and Tolerability of Glycolic Acid, Salicylic Mandelic Acid, and Phytic Acid Combination Peels in Melasmancbi.nlm.nih.gov
9
On the Safety Assessment of Galactomannans As Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org

Dr. BotanicalsApothecary Coffee Superfood Renewing Facial Exfoliator

Find on Amazon

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.