Ritual guide
How to Use a Sugar Scrub (and How Often)
A sugar scrub polishes skin and leaves a layer of butter behind. Done right it takes two minutes, once or twice a week.
The short answer
On damp skin in the shower, scoop about a tablespoon of scrub with dry fingers, massage it in slow circles over arms, legs and feet for 30–60 seconds, then rinse with warm water and pat dry. Use it once or twice a week, avoid freshly shaved or broken skin, and keep body scrubs off your face.
What is a sugar scrub?
A sugar scrub is a physical exfoliant: sugar crystals suspended in oils or butters. The sugar loosens dry surface flakes as you massage, and the oils stay behind to soften. Sugar crystals are rounder and dissolve in water, so a sugar scrub generally feels gentler than a salt scrub.
Ours use raw sugar with mango butter. Eve's Envy adds lemon juice, zest and shea. The Forbidden Polish adds five citrus oils.
How to use a sugar scrub, step by step
- Warm up. Let the shower run for a few minutes so your skin is damp and soft.
- Scoop with dry fingers or a spoon. Getting water in the jar shortens its life.
- Massage in slow circles for 30–60 seconds, focusing on elbows, knees, heels and the backs of your arms.
- Go gently. Let the sugar do the work. Pressing hard doesn't exfoliate better.
- Rinse with warm water. Skip soap afterward so the butter can stay on your skin.
- Pat dry. Careful, the shower floor may be slippery from the butters.
How often should you use a sugar scrub?
For most people, once or twice a week is enough. Dry or sensitive skin may prefer once a week, and oilier skin can go up to three times. If your skin feels tight, red or stings, scrub less often.
Can you use sugar scrub on your face?
Body scrubs are usually too coarse for the face. Facial skin is thinner, and raw sugar crystals can be harsh. Keep body scrubs below the jawline and use a product made for the face instead, such as a gentle toner like Lilith's witch hazel toner spray.
Before shaving or after?
Scrub before you shave, or on non-shave days. Scrubbing freshly shaved skin, especially with citrus, can sting. Citrus oils such as bergamot can increase sun sensitivity, so citrus scrubs are best used in the evening.
Frequently asked
Do you use sugar scrub before or after soap?
Most people wash first, then scrub, then rinse without soap so the butters stay on the skin.
Do I need lotion after a sugar scrub?
Butter-based scrubs leave some moisture behind. For very dry skin, follow with a body butter while still damp.
Can I use a sugar scrub on my lips?
Use a dedicated lip scrub instead. Body scrubs with citrus oils can sting on lips.
This guide is general information about cosmetic use, not medical advice. Ask a healthcare provider about any health concern.