When it comes to making body scrubs, some people like to use sugar for drier skin, and salt for more oily skin…

My favorite ingredient to use in body scrubs – for all skin types – is dark brown sugar.

I find that it makes a scrub that feels moister on the skin… and it’s very good, especially for sensitve skin. There’s a well known brand that makes a brown sugar scrub especially for people with eczema (“) When you read the reviews, people love how effective yet gentle it is.

• Here’s another brown sugar scrub sold in Sephora, it’s pricey – and the main ingredient is brown sugar… (“)

They’re both made with this simple, pantry ingredient! And you can make your own version at home too.

Here’s what makes brown sugar so special:

The Magic of Molasses

First off, the reason brown sugar is, well, brown, is because of molasses. This thick, syrupy goodness isn’t just for flavor; it’s packed with benefits for your skin.

• Rich in Nutrients: Molasses contains minerals, like magnesium, that interact with the skin’s surface layers. It can help improve the skin-barrier, enhance skin hydration, and provide a natural antibacterial effect.
  • Research Note: This study looks at the effects of bathing in magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt to improve skin barrier functions. The participants bathed for 15 minutes, in a 5% salt solution (“)
    – I don’t think we can expect the same level of results in a body scrub (wash off product) but it’s interesting to see how magnesium-rich ingredients work on the skin. I leave the scrub on as a mask to receive more of those benefits.
• Natural Moisturizer: It helps in locking moisture into the skin, thanks to its humectant properties. Honey works in this way too.
• Antioxidant properties: Contains polyphenols and vitamins with antioxidant effects. When you use a whole food ingredient like molasses, you get the synergetic effect of the ingredients. The mineral content helps to compliment the actions of the antioxidants.

A Creamy, Satisfying Texture

When you apply brown sugar onto wet/damp skin, it melts into a creamy texture that’s just so satisfying to scrub all over yourself. It glides over the skin smoothly, making your exfoliation routine feel like a luxurious experience. Plus, it’s gentle enough not to irritate but effective enough to leave your skin feeling soft and renewed.

• Recipe idea: This is a brown sugar scrub that I make at home. I love how creamy it is! (“)

That Warm, Comforting Scent

Let’s not forget about the scent! Brown sugar has this warm, sweet aroma that makes your scrubbing experience even more delightful. This aroma can be incredibly soothing and adds an aromatherapy aspect to your skincare routine.

• Tip: add kitchen aromatics to enhance the fragrance – for example orange zest, ginger powder, and vanilla extract.

So, there you have it – a deeper look at why brown sugar is such a fantastic choice for homemade body scrubs. Its combination of skin-loving properties, creamy texture, and comforting scent makes it a standout ingredient. Whether you’re new to homemade scrubs or a seasoned DIY-er, brown sugar is an ingredient that won’t disappoint.

Get ready to indulge in this sweet treat for your skin!