Although its name is kind of intimidating, it's very moisturizing. I have very flaky skin and it does not dry out my skin. It does itch a bit, but that's always the case for me with exfoliating facial products. Although it itches, it does not irritate my skin. My skin has been clearing up, and my blackheads have gotten significantly smaller after a little over a week of use every night. That might also be due to the other products I have been including in my skincare regime.