Salt vs Sugar Scrubs: Which is Better For You?

Broad Summary

In this article, we will be going over the similarities and differences between salt and sugar scrubs, and which is better for you depending on your needs.

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Introduction

I’m sure if you clicked on this page, you probably already know what a body scrub is. But in case you don’t, a body scrub is a physical exfoliant, typically salt or sugar, that is used to remove dead skin cells, built up oil, dirt, and other nastiness from the surface of your skin. To read more about this topic, feel free to check out my Intro to Body Scrubs post. There, I describe in great detail the benefits and ingredients typically found in body scrubs. It also includes a free guide to making some of your own (don’t worry, this post does as well)!

For the purposes of this post, I will only be describing salt and sugar as the main exfoliants, as those are the most common scrub bases. Regardless of what kind of scrub you choose, exfoliating with anything aids in having healthier, cleaner, even-toned skin.

Now let’s get into it!

Overview of Salt Scrubs

• What Are They?
  • Salt scrubs are the variety of body scrubs that use salt as the main physical exfoliant.
  • Common salts used in body scrubs are sea salt, himalayan salt, and even table salt. However, table salt is stripped of its beneficial properties that would otherwise benefit the skin (such as detoxifying, anti-inflammation, improving circulation, etc) but it still works as a physical exfoliant.
  • Depending on your needs, you may end up using a combination of fine salt and coarse salt.
• Benefits of Salt Scrubs
  • Deep cleansing properties.
  • Salt is naturally rich in nourishing minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide.
  • The abrasiveness makes it suitable for tougher areas of the skin such as elbows and armpits, and especially feet. Coarse salt is ideal for the feet and elbows, and fine salt suits most of the body.
• Potential Drawbacks of Salt Scrubs
  • Even when salt is finely ground, it can be too abrasive and might cause pain if used too frequently or incorrectly. Salt scrubs are generally not recommended for the face for this reason.
  • If you have sensitive skin, salt scrubs can cause irritation, and can cause dryness in anyone’s skin if overused.
  • Because of the abrasive nature of salt (and how tender our skin can get) there is a big potential to create small tears on the skin.

Overview of Sugar Scrubs

• What Are They?
  • Sugar scrubs are the variety of body scrubs that use sugar as the main physical exfoliant.
  • Commonly used sugars are brown sugar, white/granulated sugar, raw sugar. Powdered sugar does not have strong physically exfoliating properties, so while it is not generally recommended for body scrubs, it can be used for facial scrubs. 
• Benefits of Sugar Scrubs
  • Sugar is not as abrasive as salt, so it provides gentler exfoliation and is suitable for a greater variety of skin types
  • Sugar naturally has humectant properties (humectants are substances that pull moisture to the skin), so sugar scrubs can be very moisturizing.
  • Sugar is very versatile in that some (particularly brown sugar) are super gentle and can be used for facial scrubs, while some (particularly raw sugar) are quite abrasive and can be used to formulate a foot/elbow scrub.
• Potential Drawbacks of Sugar Scrubs
  • Sugar scrubs are less effective for those who have rough or calloused skin, especially for feet.
  • Sugar dissolves more readily than salt in water, meaning the sugar essentially “melts” away and leads to a less effective scrub.
  • Sugar scrubs may leave behind a sugary/sticky residue on the skin and other objects it touches if not thoroughly rinsed off.

Comparison: Salt vs. Sugar

• Exfoliation Intensity
  • As discussed before, salts are generally more abrasive than sugars, with the exception of raw sugar. If you’re looking for a gentle scrub, try fine sea salt, brown sugar, or granulated sugar. Otherwise, raw sugar or coarse salt will do.
• Skin Benefits
  • Minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, and iodide are naturally present in salt (though they are removed when making table salt) and they nourish the skin, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and heal the skin. With sugar, you are getting none of those things and instead are getting some additional moisture. And with both, you are getting the benefits of exfoliating. (To learn more about specific benefits of exfoliating, I recommend reading this quick overview, The Benefits of Exfoliation and Why You Should Be Doing It.)
• Best Uses for Each
  • Salt scrubs are ideal for detoxifying, deep exfoliation, and providing essential minerals to the skin. They are great for oily or acne-prone skin and people seeking a more intense exfoliation.
  • Sugar scrubs are best for moisturization and gentle exfoliation. Due to their hydrating and non-abrasive properties, they are more suitable for dry, sensitive, or mature skin.

Which Is Better For You?

• It Depends!
  • After reading through this, you should have a greater understanding of the different things that sugar scrubs and salt scrubs provide. Take a look at whatever skin type and conditions you have to determine your skincare goals, and you should be able to determine which kind of scrubs are best for you.
  • You can even mix up sugar and salt for the perfect combination of gentleness, nourishment, and moisturization. My personal favorites among formulations are those that use both sugar and salt!

I encourage everyone to try out both types of scrubs! Let me know what you think of this informative piece, and I hope to see you around for future posts!

Found this super inspiring and want to try out simple scrub-making on your own? You’re just in luck! In the FREE body scrub recipe book below, you’ll get beginner friendly body scrubs for every season. I’ve also included a guide of resources for getting started including ingredients, jars, application tools, and more!

Grab Your FREE Downloadable Guide Here!

You can also purchase my extensive body scrub guide, “Ultimate Body Scrubs Guidebook – 20 Nourishing DIY Body Scrubs”.

In this premium guide, you’ll have access to 16 MORE recipes, with 5 total unique recipes for every season, along with a greater variety in formulations. Not only that, but I have created unique and printable labels for each scent, and have included a curated list of packaging ideas to top off the look of your scrubs.

Check it out here!

Thanks so much for reading! Let me know what you think below~~