Exfoliating is KEY when it comes to achieving smooth, radiant skin. And what better way to slough away dead skin cells and reveal your inner glow than with a luxurious sugar scrub?
Sugar scrubs are not only effective at buffing away dullness but are also gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
Here, I’ll dive into the top sugar scrubs, and what makes them so good!

Benefits of sugar scrubs for your face
So many facial scrubs are made with micro-beads (plastic) or other coarse particles that can cause micro tears in the skin. That’s where sugar scrubs come in.
First and foremost, sugar is a natural exfoliant. Unlike microbeads or other harsh ingredients, sugar granules dissolve in water, which means they are gentler on the skin. This reduces the risk of causing microtears or irritation, making sugar scrubs suitable for even sensitive skin types.
Additionally, sugar contains glycolic acid, a type of alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). AHAs are known for their ability to gently exfoliate the skin by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells. This not only helps to slough off dull and dead skin cells but also promotes cell turnover, resulting in a brighter and more youthful complexion over time.
Plus, sugar is a humectant, which means it helps to draw moisture into the skin. This leaves the skin feeling softer and more hydrated after exfoliation, unlike some other scrubs that may strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture.
Face sugar scrubs:
- Gently exfoliate and purify the skin for a healthy complexion.
- Gently remove dirt, dead skin, makeup, and other environmental pollutants.
- Help to hydrate the skin, especially when combined with other moisturizing oils and ingredients.
Best face sugar scrubs you can buy
The best face sugar scrubs contain natural, organic ingredients – no harsh fragrances or additives.
I looked for options that specify they are for the face and contain ingredients like fruit enzymes, coconut, or other nourishing oils that are great for skin.
Here are the best sugar scrubs I’ve found:
1. Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Body Scrub
Brooklyn Botany’s natural formula is made of fine brown sugar granules, which is perfect for your face! Enriched with natural oils and brown sugar, it effectively exfoliates while moisturizing the skin, leaving it soft and supple.
2. Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub Exfoliator
Infused with coconut oil and raw coconut sugar, this facial scrub from Palmer’s offers a tropical treat for your skin. It gently exfoliates and hydrates, imparting a healthy glow with each use. It’s also a budget-friendly option.
3. Tree Hut Brightening Pineapple & Papaya Face Scrub
Harnessing the power of fruit enzymes, this scrub from Tree Hut brightens and evens out skin tone. The combination of pineapple and papaya extracts exfoliates and rejuvenates, revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion.
4. Fresh Sugar Face Polish Natural Exfoliant
This face polish from Fresh is a luxurious treat for your skin. Brown sugar, strawberry seeds, and nourishing oils come together to exfoliate, hydrate, and impart a natural radiance to your complexion.
Fresh also makes my favorite brown sugar lip scrub!
5. TULA Skin Care So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub
Formulated with probiotics and superfoods, this sugar scrub from TULA offers gentle yet effective exfoliation. It buffs away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized.
6. Hanalei Gentle Exfoliating Face Scrub
This Hawaiin product is so simple and effective. It’s made with natural ingredients including jojoba, sugar, vitamin E, Kukui Nut Oil, and Hawaiian Macadamia Seed Oil, which gently exfoliates skin.
7. Bee Naturals Honey Sugar Scrub
Infused with honey, this sugar scrub from Bee Naturals provides gentle exfoliation while deeply nourishing the skin. It’s made with coconut, honey, beeswax, and essential oils for all skin types.
8. SKIN FOOD Black Sugar Mask Wash Off
This cult-favorite scrub from SKIN FOOD features black sugar granules that effectively exfoliate and remove impurities. Enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and essential oils, it leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and revitalized.
9. M3 Naturals Brown Sugar Body Scrub
This innovative scrub from M3 Naturals combines brown sugar with collagen and stem cell technology to promote healthy, youthful-looking skin. It gently buffs away dead skin cells while promoting collagen production, resulting in firmer, more radiant skin.
10. L’Oréal Paris Pure Sugar Scrub
With its blend of three pure sugars and grapeseed oil, this scrub from L’Oréal Paris offers gentle yet effective exfoliation. It polishes away dullness, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft, and revitalized.
11. Lily Sado Matcha Made in Heaven Sugar Facial Scrub
I’m a huge matcha lover, so of course I love this antioxidant-rich matcha green tea sugar scrub from Lily Sado. It detoxifies, rejuvenates the skin, and gently exfoliates, leaving your complexion looking brighter, clearer, and more radiant. It’s great for acne and minimizing pores.
Or, if you’re adventurous…make your own with our video tutorial!
FAQs
Scrubbing your face with sugar can be beneficial as it acts as a gentle exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and promoting a smoother complexion. However, it’s essential to use it in moderation and avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation.
In my experience, a gentle exfoliating scrub formulated specifically for the face, with ingredients like brown sugar and fruit enzymes, tends to work best.
To make a sugar scrub for your face, combine granulated sugar with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil to create a paste-like consistency. You can add a few drops of essential oils for fragrance or additional benefits. Gently massage the scrub onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Raw sugar scrub can be good for your face as it contains larger granules, making it less abrasive compared to refined sugar. It can help to effectively exfoliate the skin while also providing moisture due to its natural glycolic acid content. However, as with any exfoliant, it’s essential to use it gently and not overdo it to avoid irritation.




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