Sugar crystals
Sugar crystals are a natural exfoliant derived from sugar cane or sugar beet, commonly used in scrubs, body polishes and lip treatments to gently buff away dead skin cells.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, sugar crystals function as a physical exfoliant, dissolving slightly on contact with water or oils to provide effective yet non-abrasive mechanical exfoliation that leaves skin feeling smoother and softer. Their natural humectant properties also help draw moisture to the skin’s surface, making them a popular choice in UK lip scrubs, body polishes and face masks where a touch of gentle grit is desired without the harshness of synthetic microbeads.
Key benefits
- Gently removes dead skin cells
- Reveals smoother, brighter skin
- Helps improve skin texture
- Natural humectant that attracts moisture
- Suitable for creating luxurious at-home body scrubs
- Biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads
Best for
dry skin, rough skin, dull skin, normal skin
Where it comes from
Sugar crystals are obtained from the evaporated and crystallised sap of the sugar cane plant (Saccharum officinarum) or sugar beet. Both are widely cultivated renewable plant sources.