Best Sugar Face Scrubs for Sensitive Skin

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist @ ABZ

A woman shopping as she examines jars of sugar face scrubs designed for sensitive skin.

I know some people think store bought sugar scrubs are too harsh for the face, but that's not always the case. There are many sugar face scrubs formulated for sensitive skin. They’re gentle yet super effective.

These scrubs use finer granules and soothing ingredients, so they exfoliate without irritation, leaving your skin glowing.

And if you're like me, sometimes you just don’t have time to make your own DIY scrub. Or maybe you need something quick and easy to pack for travel.

No worries—there are plenty of great options out there!

I’ve put together a list of some of the best gentle sugar face scrubs you can buy, whether it’s a brand I’ve personally used (like Fresh sugar scrubs) or a highly-rated favorite from Amazon.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases with no price increase to you. Disclaimer

Mini Sugar Face Polish

Fresh, the renowned skincare company, has been around for years. They use a mix of organic and natural ingredients in their products, which is one reason I absolutely love their face scrubs: they’re my favorite!

This sugar face polish is certified organic, contains real brown sugar and strawberry seeds, and has a fine texture that polishes my skin beautifully. Plus, the scent is amazing!

The scrub has a paste-like consistency, so it doesn’t leak in my makeup bag. It's a bit pricey, but a little goes a long way—just a pea-sized amount on each cheek is all you need for your whole face and neck. I think it's totally worth it.

Love:

  • Very gentle on sensitive skin
  • Leaves my skin feeling smooth and hydrated
  • Pleasant fragrance

Keep In Mind:

  • Pricey for a small amount
  • The scent may not be for everyone
  • Can feel a bit sticky if not rinsed off properly

Overall, the Mini Sugar Face Polish is one of the best on the market! Its compact size makes it perfect for travel, so I can take it wherever I go. Just keep in mind the price and the scent if you're sensitive to fragrances and be sure to rinse it off thoroughly to avoid any sticky residue.

FarmHouse Fresh One Fine Day

I recently tried one, and I liked how it left my face feeling smooth! The little scrub particles dissolve quickly, making it great for super sensitive skin, but it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for a deep scrub. I do appreciate that it’s eco-friendly!

That said, it’s not my absolute favorite since I prefer a more intense scrub. Overall, though, I think it’s a solid choice if you have sensitive skin!

Love:

  • Soft and super gentle
  • The citrus-grapefruit scent is refreshingly light
  • Made with eco-friendly ingredients

Keep In Mind:

  • The scrub particles dissolve quickly
  • It might not give you that deep exfoliation 
  • Has a light citrus smell that some may not like
  • The jar is pretty small for the price

Tree Hut Brightening Pineapple & Papaya Face Scrub

I decided to try this one because of the price. I also like that contains lactic acid and vitamin C, which I love for skin anti-aging. I love the natural tropical scent of pineapple and papaya and how the rich it feels. It does exfoliate well without feeling too rough.

After a few tries, I noticed my complexion looked brighter. That could be due to the alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin C.

It’s a pretty good scrub for the price! Just keep in mind that it has lactic acid and alpha hydroxy acid, which might be an issue if your skin is very sensitive. However, these acids are fantastic for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The only downside is that some reviewers mentioned a bit of redness after the first use, but I didn’t experience that myself. Others said they found the scent a little strong, too. Overall, I liked it! Just a heads-up, though—it can be tough to find in stores. Ulta and Amazon carry it, but it often sells out fast.

What I Love:

  • Has a yummy, tropical scent
  • Gentle enough for sensitive skin
  • Makes my skin feel super soft and refreshed

Keep in Mind:

  • Might cause a bit of redness at first
  • The scent isn’t for everyone
  • Can be tough to find in stores

Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Scrub

I haven't tried this scrub yet, but it's definitely on my list! It comes in a variety of options like coconut milk, coffee, sweet orange, and Himalayan salt.

The reviews are incredible—over 31,000 and nearly all are five stars! It seems like a fantastic choice if you have very dry skin and are looking for a gentle, sweet-smelling exfoliator.

The only thing that’s a bit confusing is that some of the jars are labeled as body scrubs, but the directions say they can be used on both the face and body.

What People Love:

  • Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Pleasant brown sugar scent

Keep In Mind:

  • Leaves a slight oily residue
  • Not best for those with oily complexion
  • Can be a bit messy to use
  • Some may find it too soft for deep exfoliation

Customers are highly impressed with the Brooklyn Botany Brown Sugar Scrub, often praising its moisturizing properties. Many reviewers note how soft and hydrated their skin feels after using it, making it their go-to scrub, even after trying others.

One user, who is in their 50s, highlighted its effectiveness in addressing dryness and roughness, stating it creates a smooth texture and provides a mild moisture barrier, making it a great option for mature skin.

A common suggestion is to include a small scoop for easier use, but overall, reviewers express strong satisfaction and encourage others to try it. Overall, it seems like this scrub is perfect for anyone with sensitive, dry, or aging skin looking for a gentle scrub that smells and feels great.

Finally ...

If you've been on the fence about which sugar scrub to buy for sensitive skin, I hope this list helps you feel more confident in your choice. These scrubs are gentle, effective, and made with natural ingredients that shouldn’t irritate your skin.

If you're not into making your own DIY sugar scrubs or just need something convenient, these options are worth checking out. Whether it’s the Fresh scrub I personally love or one of the Amazon favorites, there’s something for everyone with sensitive skin.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what works best for your skin—so give one a try and see how it makes your skin feel! 



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