We are always told not to eat too much sugar, but when it comes to skincare, sugar is actually a powerful ally. If you’ve looked closely at the Sans Skincare line, you’ll notice something: all of our scrubs are made with sugar. And every so often, I get asked, “Why don’t you make a salt scrub?”
The answer is simple: sugar is just gentler, more effective, and safer for most skin types than salt.
Sugar vs. Salt: Which Makes the Better Scrub?
Salt scrubs are popular, but they’re not always skin-friendly. Salt granules are usually larger, sharper, and slower to dissolve, which makes them a much harsher exfoliant. On delicate skin, salt can actually cause tiny microtears that lead to irritation. Salt also has another drawback: if you have even the smallest cut or broken skin, it stings — badly!
Sugar, on the other hand, is made up of smaller, rounder crystals that dissolve quickly with water, offering just enough exfoliation without scratching or irritating. This is why sugar scrubs are ideal for the face and body, while salt scrubs are best saved for tougher, calloused areas like the feet.
So where’s the “sweet spot”? As Oprah Magazine’s April 2015 issue noted: “I think sugar grains are ideal,” says Miami dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD. Just remember: no matter what exfoliant you use, don’t overdo it. Too much scrubbing can take you from dull skin to irritated skin.
The Skin Benefits of Sugar
Here’s why sugar is such a star ingredient in skincare:
- Natural Source of Glycolic Acid (AHA): Sugar contains glycolic acid, which gently breaks down the bonds between dead skin cells and encourages cell turnover. This means fresher, smoother, more radiant skin.
- Hydration Boost (Humectant Power): Sugar naturally draws moisture from the environment into your skin. Instead of stripping your skin’s natural oils, sugar scrubs leave your skin hydrated, soft, and supple.
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Gentle Exfoliation: Because sugar dissolves quickly, it doesn’t allow over-scrubbing, which reduces the risk of irritation while still revealing fresh, glowing skin underneath.
The Magic Is in the Blend
While sugar crystals do the work of exfoliating, it’s the combination of sugar with nourishing oils that makes sugar scrubs extra special. When you massage the scrub into your skin and let the sugar melt, the oils continue to condition and hydrate. That’s the part I always recommend, don’t stop scrubbing the moment the crystals dissolve. Keep massaging the melted sugar and oils into your skin and let them work their magic.
This is why sugar scrubs are especially wonderful for people with dry or sensitive skin: you get exfoliation plus lasting hydration all in one treatment.
🗝️ Key Takeaway
Sugar scrubs aren’t just gentle exfoliators, they hydrate, soften, and brighten your skin, making them the perfect way to reveal a fresh, healthy glow.
Recommended Sans Product
Made with sugar crystals and nourishing plant oils, this luxurious scrub exfoliates, hydrates, and leaves your skin silky smooth without stripping its natural balance.
