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Kylie Jenner's Walnut Face Scrub criticised on Twitter by users who claim it is 'abrasive'

'Why is Kylie trying to destroy our skin?'

Sarah Young
Wednesday 15 May 2019 12:39 BST
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Kylie Jenner presents new walnut scrub

Kylie Jenner's new skin care line, Kylie Skin, doesn’t officially launch until 22 May but it's already facing criticism online.

On Friday, the reality star announced her latest business venture on Instagram, unveiling a range of six products designed to suit every skin type, including a foaming face wash, vanilla milk toner, walnut face scrub, moisturiser, eye cream and vitamin C serum.

However, one product has received backlash from beauty fans who claim its ingredients could be damaging.

In a short video promoting her new Walnut Face Scrub, Jenner described the product as being so gentle that customers can use it every day.

“I recommend two or three times a week, that’s how much I use it,” the 21-year-old said.

“Some walnut face scrubs are kind of harsh on the skin, this isn’t too abrasive. It really leaves my face feeling super-baby soft.

“It makes me look glowy and takes away dead skin cells.”

While Jenner insists that the product is her “secret to a fresh face”, others have hit out at the self-made billionaire for using walnut powder – an ingredient that many social media users say is excessively harsh on the skin.

“Well this is horrifying. A foaming face wash and a walnut scrub?!” one person wrote on Twitter.

“Tragic to think that millions of girls will buy this trash and destroy their skin barriers."

Another commented: “A WALNUT FACE SCRUB?! Why is Kylie trying to destroy our skin? Omfg.”

While a third added: “Licensed Aesthetician here, you should not be exfoliating everyday!!!!! 1x a week MAX!!

“And Walnut will cause micro tears in your skin, using it every day will result in couperose skin (broken capillaries).”

Beauty industry watchdog Estee Laundry joined in on the debate on Instagram referring to Jenner’s product as “AbrasiveAF”.

Alongside an image of Kylie Skin products, the caption read: “#Laundrites, what are y’alls thoughts on #KylieSkin?

“So far we’ve yet to see an ingredient list yet but they’ve mentioned the face scrub includes walnut particles—a fancier version of the #StIves scrub?”

The comment refers to a $5m (£4m) lawsuit filed against beauty brand St.Ives in 2017 where two plaintiffs claimed the crushed walnut powder used in its Apricot Fresh Skin Scrub created microscopic tears in the skin, exposing it to infections and irritation.

Unilever, the company that makes the cream, hit back with a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, however, accusing the plaintiffs of raising “made up” allegations.

U.S. District Court Judge Andrew J. Guilford agreed and dismissed the class action lawsuit claims.

So, is walnut powder really bad for your skin?

According to Dr Anil, a leading dermatologist specialising in anti-ageing treatments, walnut scrubs are not dangerous as long as you use them correctly.

“As long as used appropriately, they are safe,” Dr Anil tells The Independent.

“Anything abrasive can cause microtears, even any other scrubs on the market.

Walnut scrubs have been around for many, many years. It’s known for its antioxidants, removing dead skin cells and blackheads and can improve texture and dullness.”

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Dr Anil recommends that walnut scrubs should be used twice a week with a good moisturiser and sunblock on top.

However, if you have sensitive skin, Dr Anil suggests reducing this to once a week, especially if you use acid washes or scrubs with glycolic or salicylic acid in them.

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