Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (2024)

Table of Contents
Face Wash vs Face Scrub Here Are The Deets on Face Wash Can Face Scrubs and Face Wash be Used Interchangeably? The Benefits of Physical Exfoliation 5 Stress Relief Sports to Boost Your Mood How to Be Stress Free with 5 Chill Outdoor Activities The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature 4 Health Benefits Of Going To The Beach We <3 Hiking: 4 Benefits of Connecting with Nature How To Be Stress Free By Going To The Park New St. Ives Body Wash Made With More Natural Ingredients Self-Care Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Shower Seasonal Skin Care: Body Wash for The Changing Seasons Is Physical Exfoliation Bad for Your Skin? What is Maskne? How to Deal With Acne from Face Masks What Is Acne and What Can You Do To Help Clear It Up? What is Salicylic Acid and How’s it Help Fight Acne What is the Importance of SPF for Acne Prone Skin? What is Niacinamide and How Does it Help Your Skin? products not tested on animals Face Mists and Why Add it to Your Skincare Routine When to Use Face Mist for Glowing, Hydrated Skin Why Using Moisturizer Before Makeup is a Must Skin Care Routine Order 101 Skin Care Hacks: Seven Easy Tips to Get Glowing Skin Damaging Skincare Mistakes to Stop Immediately 8 Beauty Tips to Get Glowing, Flawless Skin Should You Wash Your Face Before or After Showering? How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face? 5 Benefits of Moisturizing You Need to Know How to Wash Your Face The Right Way? What Does a Facial Cleanser Do & How To Use Summer Skincare: Face Wash for the Summer Season Choosing the Best Face Scrub and Face Wash Avocado for Face Care Benefits of Green Tea for Skin St. Ives Apricot Scrub – Why We Love Apricot Coffee Scrub Benefits Your Skin: Learn How! The Science of Exfoliation Winter Skin Care: Best Face Wash for the Winter Season FACE CARE BODY WASH NEW Exfoliating Body WashSea Salt and Pacific Kelp NEW Refreshing Body WashRose Water and Aloe Vera NEW Soothing Body WashOatmeal and Shea Butter Hydrating Watermelon Daily Cleanser ZING! Face Mist Energizing Orange Juicy Watermelon Lip Scrub YAAAS Face Mist Happy Grapefruit Soft Skin Avocado & Honey Scrub Hydrating Cactus Water & Hibiscus Sheet Mask Radiant Skin Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Body Wash Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub Oatmeal & Shea Butter Body Lotion

Face Wash vs Face Scrub

Textures, scents, and choices, ooh, my!

Walking down the face wash aisle can be overwhelming. Do I buy a face wash or face scrub? Do I really need both? Not to worry, we have you covered! Not to worry, we have you covered!

Here Are The Deets on Face Wash

Face washes help us cleanse dirt and impurities off of our faces. For most of us, dermatologists recommend washing your face twice a day, morning and night. Unless, of course, you have super sensitive skin.

Did you know there are different face washes for different types of skin? Whether your skin is oily, dry, or a combination of the two, try finding a wash that’s best for your skin.

While we all want clean, flawless skin, we need to make sure that we aren’t using super harsh cleansers with ingredients that strip our skin of essential nutrients, because that causes dry and tight skin. Check out our Hydrating Watermelon Daily Cleanser. It’s formula, made with 100% natural watermelon extract, removes dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin’s surface while giving an instant boost of hydration. Our Acne Control Tea Tree Cleanser contains salicylic acid and not only cleanses your skin, but also fights acne and prevents future breakouts.

Can Face Scrubs and Face Wash be Used Interchangeably?

Nope! A face scrub not only cleanses, but it also removes dead skin cells, leaving skin smooth. It should also only be used up to 3 to 4 times per week.

Scrubs can be oil-based, cream-based or clay-based, and include sand-like grains made of walnut shells, or sugar, for example, which act as an agent for exfoliation. Our is a perfect example. It’s infused with lemon peel powder to smooth away rough skin to help you glow!

Face washes, on the other hand, cleanse skin of dirt and oil and have a creamy, gel, or foamy texture.

A face scrub should never be used as a substitute for a face wash, but should be an added step in your routine after cleansing.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (1)

    The Benefits of Physical Exfoliation

    There are so many “a-peeling” things about physical exfoliation, and we love the power it has to make your skin feel refreshed. Our St. Ives Board-Certified Dermatologist partner, Dr. Claire Wolinsky loves the benefits of physical exfoliation as much as we do, so we asked her to share the advantages of this important step in your skincare routine, all year round!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (2)

    5 Stress Relief Sports to Boost Your Mood

    Fact: Working out is a great way to burn off stress and boost your mood. That’s because exercise has been shown to lower cortisol levels (aka the body’s stress hormone) and release endorphins (the body’s happy hormone). And when you do it in a park, the woods, a beach or any natured-filled space, you get the added benefits of nature!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (3)

    How to Be Stress Free with 5 Chill Outdoor Activities

    How do you deal with stress? If you opt for exercise, meditation, yoga, or journaling you’re on the right track. But do these activities out in nature, and their stress-lowering benefits go to the next level. In fact, just 15 minutes with nature is proven to have a serious de-stress effect!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (4)

    The Benefits of Spending Time in Nature

    Curious to know why we love nature so much? Because it has serious benefits and is seriously fun! From lowering stress levels to boosting your mood, keeping you healthier to helping you focus, it’s the cure-all we all need to tap into more.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (5)

    4 Health Benefits Of Going To The Beach

    The sounds of the waves, the sand between your toes, and all that sunshine. There’s nothing more relaxing than a beach day! But besides making you feel calm, there are loads of other health benefits of going to the beach. Here are some positive effects of being at the beach for your body and brain, and activities you can do while you’re there.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (6)

    We <3 Hiking: 4 Benefits of Connecting with Nature

    Stressed? Feeling down? Need a little creative inspiration? If you’re wondering how to boost your mood, we’ve got a solution: Take a hike! Spending just 15 minutes around trees can give your brain a boost. Here are 4 health benefits you can get by hiking through a nature reserve, forest, state park, or any outdoor space that has lots of trees.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (7)

    How To Be Stress Free By Going To The Park

    Searching for new ways of coping with stress? Head to the park! It only takes 15 minutes there to boost your brain. Plus, exercising outside, instead of inside, increases energy and reduces tension. Here’s how to boost your mood with 5 outdoor activities that are perfect for the park.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (8)

    New St. Ives Body Wash Made With More Natural Ingredients

    It’s no secret that we live for natural ingredients. That’s why we’ve made sure to include 100% natural extracts and exfoliant into our new range of St. Ives body wash! From orchid to oatmeal, shea butter to sea salt, get to know the natural extracts and exfoliant that give our body washes that extra zing of freshness.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (9)

    Self-Care Tips: How to Make the Most of Your Shower

    We spend a lot of time in the shower, but are you making the most of it? If not, we’re here to help! Whether you shower first thing in the morning to start your day or right before bed to unwind, here are some self-care tips for an amazing shower experience.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (10)

    Seasonal Skin Care: Body Wash for The Changing Seasons

    It’s a no brainer to switch your wardrobe when the seasons change, but did you know that your body’s skin care needs change too? Keep reading as we answer all your seasonal skin care questions and offer ways to adjust your routine for hydrated, healthy skin all year long.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (11)

    Is Physical Exfoliation Bad for Your Skin?

    There’s a lot of buzz around physical exfoliation, but rest-assured, it is an effective way to safely exfoliate your skin when done correctly!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (12)

    What is Maskne? How to Deal With Acne from Face Masks

    What is Maskne? Maskne (mask + acne) or acne breakouts caused by wearing a face mask is a real thing. Wearing a protective face mask is important for protecting your health. So, what can you do about some of the side effects of wearing a mask -- like friction, rubbing, and increased temperature – that can cause some issues for your skin? Luckily, taking care of your complexion and using the right acne products may help to prevent and treat breakouts and help you get your glow back.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (13)

    What Is Acne and What Can You Do To Help Clear It Up?

    There’s no doubt that our relationship to our acne is complicated and borderline toxic. Like a bad breakup, acne often comes crawling back into our lives just as you think you’ve moved on. This time though – we mean it. It’s time to say goodbye to acne and hello to our newest zit-zapping line to help keep skin clear.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (14)

    What is Salicylic Acid and How’s it Help Fight Acne

    If there was ever an opportunity to make room in your squad for one more – it’d be for salicylic acid, a key ingredient to fighting acne and blackheads.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (15)

    What is the Importance of SPF for Acne Prone Skin?

    We know the physical and mental benefits of being under the sun, but how do you go about having a glorious picnic, beach day or patio brunch while taking care of your skin? Not all SPF sunscreens are made equal – you’ll want to look for sunscreens for acne prone skin.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (16)

    What is Niacinamide and How Does it Help Your Skin?

    Make room in your #squad for niacinamide. It’s part of the B Vitamin family (specifically Vitamin B3) that you regularly digest through a balanced diet of whole grains, fish, meat, greens. Beyond digesting it for your general health, it’s also becoming known as a hugely popular ingredient found in skincare formulas that’s effective on all types of skin of all ages. Niacinamide is, no doubt, an ingredient you should think about adding to your daily skincare routine.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (17)

    products not tested on animals

    Have you heard? We have just been certified cruelty free by PETA! Our cruelty-free commitment goes beyond products to include the ingredients we get from suppliers. This means that no animals are harmed at any point in the process.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (18)

    Face Mists and Why Add it to Your Skincare Routine

    From beauty editors to your BFF, everyone is talking about face mists right now. If you haven’t tried one, you’re seriously missing out! Have questions? We’ve got answers. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the must-have skin care product of the moment.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (19)

    When to Use Face Mist for Glowing, Hydrated Skin

    While you can use a face mist anytime, there’s more to the story. And that’s exactly why we’re here! Discover the best times of day and specific moments to use a hydrating facial mist. Still not exactly sure what a face mist is? Check out our other article, What Is a Face Mist first

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (20)

    Why Using Moisturizer Before Makeup is a Must

    Thinking about skipping face wash or moisturizer before applying your makeup? Think again. If you want a flawless looking complexion it’s not about layering on the foundation. It turns out the key is to start with clean, hydrated skin. Intrigued? Check out our top pre-makeup skin care musts!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (21)

    Skin Care Routine Order 101

    Congrats! You’ve found your favorite go-to products for your skin! Now, the next step to glowing skin is figuring out your skincare routine order. This means exactly when and in what order to use each one of your products. Sound confusing? We’ve got you covered, every step of the way, day and night – literally!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (22)

    Skin Care Hacks: Seven Easy Tips to Get Glowing Skin

    Want flawless looking skin? We all do! BUT, did you know there are lots of little things you can do every day to help get there?! Here are 7 simple clear skin hacks you can try right now.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (23)

    Damaging Skincare Mistakes to Stop Immediately

    Habits. For better or worse, we all have them. Habits come from laziness, regular repetition or when new behaviors become part of our day-to-day.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (24)

    8 Beauty Tips to Get Glowing, Flawless Skin

    Flawless skin doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it takes a little TLC. Bright like the sun skin comes from within, and this means hard work: ditch that soda for water, remember sunscreen #always and spare that extra five-minutes to take off all your makeup before bed – no excuses. So, no worries on how to achieve luminous, vibrant skin. We’re sharing some of our top beauty tips for skin, right here!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (25)

    Should You Wash Your Face Before or After Showering?

    Have no fear – we’ve done our share of research, and the answer is clear: post-shower is definitely the way to go. Sure, washing your face in the shower saves time but it can also do more harm than good – like, clogging pores with other products (gross) or drying out skin with hot water (ouch).

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (26)

    How Often Should You Exfoliate Your Face?

    Exfoliation is the removal of dead and the oldest skin cells from the topmost layer of skin and can be accomplished via face scrubs, facials or peels. Now, how often should you exfoliate your face? Skin should be exfoliated on a consistent and regular basis as dead skin can get trapped on the surface and cause clogged pores, rough skin texture, dullness, and breakouts!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (27)

    5 Benefits of Moisturizing You Need to Know

    Everyone knows you’re supposed to moisturize your skin but what does moisturizer do? We know and are happy to share!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (28)

    How to Wash Your Face The Right Way?

    It’s no secret that washing your face has been a no-brainer since rubber duckies were a part of bath time. It’s also safe to say that your morning and nighttime face cleansing sin care routine has changed a bit (ok, a lot) since then. So, you’ll want to make sure you know how to wash your face the right way. Let’s review.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (29)

    What Does a Facial Cleanser Do & How To Use

    Confused by skin cleansers? We got you. To make the whole get-glowing-skin process easier, we’re answering some of the hottest questions surrounding the topic (what is a cleanser,what does cleanser do, how do I use a facial cleanser, how often…you get the idea) plus offering up a few ways St. Ives products can help you always put your best face forward.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (30)

    Summer Skincare: Face Wash for the Summer Season

    The sun is out and glowing skin is in…During July and August, summer skincare is as important as a swimsuit—and a specially formulated summer face wash is a must.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (31)

    Choosing the Best Face Scrub and Face Wash

    Here's the thing: There are a slew of face wash and scrubs to choose from out there in this great big world of beauty. Why? Because there are many types of skin! Maybe you've already identified the characteristics of the skin you're in (definitely humble brag-worthy), and maybe not (no worries, you're still good). Either way, we're here to help you. Ahead, the best face scrub and face wash for all skin types.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (32)

    Avocado for Face Care

    Avocado is so much more than a trendy toast topper! This creamy fruit is a total powerhouse when it comes to healthy skin benefits and achieving an instant glow. AND, the combination of avocado and honey is known to moisturize and heal dry skin.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (33)

    Benefits of Green Tea for Skin

    Who doesn’t love a cozy cup of green tea in the morning? Drinking green tea is one of the healthiest rituals we can incorporate into our hectic daily lifestyle. Starting your day with this super tea is something your future self will most definitely thank you for.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (34)

    St. Ives Apricot Scrub – Why We Love Apricot

    Say hello to glowing skin. You can’t beat the deep exfoliation of St. Ives apricot face scrub for clean, smooth, illuminated skin.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (35)

    Coffee Scrub Benefits Your Skin: Learn How!

    Curious about coffee's benefits to the skin? Well then, it may be time to infuse a jolt of java into your skincare routine.

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (36)

    The Science of Exfoliation

    You might know skin exfoliation to be that thing that has something to do with face scrubs. Maybe you’ve heard it’s your ticket to fresher, more radiant-looking skin. Both are true!

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  • Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (37)

    Winter Skin Care: Best Face Wash for the Winter Season

    Winter can be harsh on your skin. From itchy and irritated to dry and dull, the coldest season is not kind to your complexion. But don’t let winter get you down!

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FACE CARE

Let your face have a little good, clean fun. Our scrubs are made with 100% natural exfoliants and our cleansing sticks are made with 100% natural coconut oil. Leave your skin feeling alive, fresh, and glowing! CHECK IT OUT

BODY WASH

Suds up, recharge, and glow out! Made with 100% natural extracts & exfoliant, St. Ives body washes cleanse skin with a sudsy sumptuous lather.CHECK IT OUT

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NEW Exfoliating Body Wash
Sea Salt and Pacific Kelp

Step out of the shower feeling smooth all over.

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NEW Refreshing Body Wash
Rose Water and Aloe Vera

Hit refresh on your shower routine!

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NEW Soothing Body Wash
Oatmeal and Shea Butter

Keep calm, soothe on!

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Hydrating Watermelon Daily Cleanser

Say hello to daily hydration and turn up the glow!

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ZING! Face Mist Energizing Orange

Spritz a little ZING! and get glowing with an instant pick-me-up!

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Juicy Watermelon Lip Scrub

Polish away dullness to reveal super soft, hydrated lips! Made with 100% Natural Sugars

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YAAAS Face Mist Happy Grapefruit

Spritz a little YAAAS and get glowing with good vibes!

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Soft Skin Avocado & Honey Scrub

Made with 100% natural exfoliants, try the newest scrub in our lineup!

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Hydrating Cactus Water & Hibiscus Sheet Mask

This hydrating sheet mask will leave your skin feeling alive, fresh, and glowing!

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Radiant Skin Pink Lemon & Mandarin Orange Body Wash

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Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub

Our award-winning deep clean.

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Hey! You made it! Welcome to the bottom of the page. Not everyone makes it down here, so we’re guessing you like us. Hooray!

We spend most of our time down here talking about what inspires our skincare. Oh, and how to get glowing skin—specifically, how to make your skin glow. So let’s get started, shall we?

Our products were all made to bring the joy of nature to your skin while making it glow—all without crossing into shiny skin territory (not cute). That’s why our entire lineup features 100% natural moisturizers, exfoliants, and extracts! We also just really, really love apricots.

Think of St. Ives as your go-to for great-smelling cleansers, lotions, masks, and body washes you can use on the daily to get glowing skin that feels super-hydrated and oh-so-silky smooth. Did we mention we’re America’s #1 Scrub brand*?

Thanks for stopping by. Keep on looking around!



Face Wash vs. Cleanser vs. Scrub: What’s the Difference (2024)
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