Raw Sugar as a Cosmetic Ingredient: Why It's Good and What to Look For

Skin is more than a barrier. It’s the body’s largest organ, and it’s always in dynamic interaction with the outside world. This is why ingredients matter when it comes to skincare, just like food and nutrition. Many cosmetics use chemicals, fillers, and artificial ingredients — which may give a temporary appearance (e.g., shiny or moist-looking skin) but ultimately offer no nourishment and may even harm our long-term health. The Washington Post recently reported on a new study that showed toxic “forever chemicals” entering the bloodstream through our skin.

We don’t use chemicals. Instead, we formulate products with natural ingredients — like organic raw sugar. Used topically on the skin, sugar offers many nourishing benefits including:

• Exfoliation: The size and grit of raw sugar makes for excellent but gentle exfoliation. Unlike harsh exfoliants that can strip the skin of its natural oils, raw sugar helps to gently buff away dead skin as it dissolves, leaving skin soft and smooth. The action of exfoliation can also bring blood — and with it a flood of nutrients — to the underlying skin. The fine texture of our sugar helps unclog pores and prevent breakouts without causing irritation or inflaming the skin.
  
  
• Glycolic Acid: Raw Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, which brings an arsenal of potential benefits for the skin. A type of alpha hydroxy acid known for its brightening properties, glycolic acid speeds up cell turnover and increases natural collagen production. The effect is powerful: As you exfoliate and bring blood and nutrients to skin, glycolic acid absorbs through the top layer and helps to promote elasticity and youthful brightness. In time and with proper care and nutrition, this can reduce age spots and tighten the skin.
  
  
• Natural Moisturizer: Raw Sugar is also an excellent humectant, pulling moisture from the environment to the skin. This helps keep your skin hydrated and supple even after scrubbing. This makes raw sugar an excellent natural choice for those with dry or dehydrated skin.
  
  
• Antioxidants: Antioxidants are powerful compounds that protect from and neutralize cell-damaging free radicals. Our sugar scrub is not only free from chemical additives; it also contains natural antioxidants that can help to fight environmental damage and reduce the appearance of signs of stress and aging.

Just remember: Not all sugar-based skincare products are created equally.

Because sugar exfoliates and promotes absorption, the other ingredients in the product really matter. Our scrubs use premium organic raw sugar as a main ingredient, along with organic shea butter, organic jojoba oil, organic peach kernel oil, and vitamin E, plus (optionally) 100% natural scents from botanical essential oils — a supremely luxurious blend.

Our bodies are from the earth and are hardwired to interact with the bounty the earth provides. From gentle exfoliation to antioxidant protection, raw sugar is a versatile ingredient that can help you achieve a healthier, more radiant complexion. So why not indulge your skin with the sweet goodness of raw sugar?

Your skin will thank you!

Please note: The Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your physician or dermatologist for medical advice or treatment of any serious skin condition.