Hey everyone,
Sterling again. I hope you are all doing well. Ever since being the head writer and a vendor for CNSC at Yellow Green on Sundays (Booth #281 for when you can stop by on the weekends), I have gotten this question several times in the last 10 weeks: What’s the difference between a salt scrub and a sugar scrub? I am always open to answering whatever questions people ask me while in the booth on Sundays. I have been a product tester before and tried both at once (as both a hand scrub and facial) to see the difference between them in a few categories and tests so this is what I have as notes when it comes to comparing the two different types of scrubs:
Texture:
Salt Scrubs – Some salt scrubs are small (more common for washes) while others can be bigger, like pebbles (more common for soaks). Both sizes have their coarseness, which is a good thing, especially on any dry, callous, and rough parts of the skin like elbows, knees, and even the feet (especially on heels since they take the most damage while walking), which does mean to exfoliate a little more vigorously making it easier out the dead skin.
Sugar Scrubs – Sugar scrubs are commonly small and slightly gentler than salt scrubs since the granules are round, but they do not cut into the skin. But, at the same time, they are less abrasive than salt scrubs due to them having smaller particles than salt scrubs. Some people see sugar scrubs as being gentler on certain sensitive parts of the skin like on the lips despite the sugar scrubs can get sticky, which is not a good thing for having sticky skin (or having anything sticky).
Scent:
Salt Scrubs – Salt scrubs, especially examples like Dead Sea salt scrubs and Epsom salt scrubs, are scented from just the oil of the salt itself, which brings out the authenticity of the salt. True, some brands sell a scented salt scrub like lavender or coconut or such, but it is better when you smell and buy salt scrubs that are the salt by itself, which allows you to smell the natural essence of the salt instead of flavored salt. When it comes to Dead Sea salt scrubs, the color of the salt can change over time from white to yellow, which is a good thing because it is yellow due to oxidation; the longer the Dead Sea salts are out in the open, the more yellow it becomes, which means you’ll smell more of the oil from the Dead Sea salts.
Sugar Scrubs – Most sugar scrubs that I have found are scented despite sugar itself having a scent on its own. The scent is important when it comes to scrubs since you want to smell what you scrub, however, For example, I went to 2 different Publix locations in Broward County and even a Greenwise (the Publix generic brand turned into its own supermarket – like how Walmart’s generic brand is Great Value) and went to where they have the sugar scrubs are and you’ll never find a sugar scrub that is just sugar and no
Water Test:
Salt Scrubs – When I was washing with the salt scrubs on my hands, the salt dissolves during the rinse, which takes more of an effect from removing the dead skin from my hands.
Sugar Scrubs – When I was washing with the sugar scrubs on my hands, the sugar dissolves quickly while it’s in contact, since the sugar is smaller than salt, with the water during the rinse.
Best Skin Uses:
Salt Scrubs – The top 5 best skin uses from a salt scrub are acne and blemishes, blackheads, deep-clogged pores, heavy make-up wearers, and even oily/sticky skin.
Sugar Scrubs – The top 5 best skin uses from using a sugar scrub would be for: brown spots, dry and flaky skin (same with peeling skin), dull skin, large pores, and even any uneven tones on the skin.
Conclusion:
In the end, comparing the two, you can see how salt scrubs are a better recommendation for skin over sugar scrubs. The main key factors would have to be the texture and scent. Sugar scrubs, depending on where some people get theirs, can be sticky afterward whereas salt scrubs are free of stickiness since salt can’t get sticky and I can guarantee no one is honestly willing to admit that they like having sticky skin; they want smooth skin.
Thanks for reading.
