White Cane Sugar
Simple Crystals, Silky Skin
What Is White Cane Sugar?
White cane sugar is a fully refined sugar made from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), where nearly all molasses has been removed through repeated boiling and crystallization. The result is clean, dry, uniform crystals with a neutral color and consistent size, making it highly predictable and reliable for cosmetic exfoliation.
Because it contains very little moisture and no residual molasses, white sugar dissolves at a moderate rate and provides a smooth, even exfoliating action.
Why We Use White Cane Sugar
We use white cane sugar when we want balanced exfoliation—gentler than coarse sugars like turbinado, but slightly more polishing than moisture-rich brown sugar.
Its uniform crystal size allows for consistent exfoliation across larger skin areas while still dissolving readily with water. This makes it ideal for body scrubs designed to smooth and refresh without irritation.
Like all sugars, white cane sugar is naturally water-soluble and round-edged, which means it exfoliates effectively while minimizing the risk of scratching or stinging. As it dissolves during use, exfoliation naturally tapers off, helping prevent over-scrubbing.
White sugar also acts as a natural humectant, helping draw moisture to the skin when blended with nourishing oils and butters—leaving skin smooth, soft, and comfortable after rinsing.
Exfoliation: Why Sugar Is a Great Exfoliant
Sugar scrubs exfoliate the skin in two complementary ways: physically and chemically.
Physical (Mechanical) Exfoliation
Sugar crystals gently buff away dead skin cells from the surface of the skin when massaged in circular motions. This helps smooth rough texture, brighten dull skin, and encourage healthy skin renewal.
Chemical Exfoliation
Natural sugars contain small amounts of glycolic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Glycolic acid helps loosen the bonds that hold dead skin cells to the skin’s surface, allowing them to be washed away more easily.
This dual-action exfoliation makes sugar scrubs especially effective yet gentle.
Turbinado vs. Brown Sugar vs. White Sugar
All three sugars come from sugarcane, but their processing, crystal size, and moisture content affect how they exfoliate and dissolve in a scrub.
White Sugar (Granulated)
- Fully refined, with all molasses removed
- Fine, uniform crystals
- Dissolves quickly, providing gentle exfoliation
- Best for sensitive skin or finer exfoliation
Brown Sugar
- Refined white sugar with molasses added back
- Soft, moist, and clumpy
- Smallest crystals and fastest dissolution
- Least abrasive, ideal for sensitive skin or facial scrubs
Turbinado Sugar
- Minimally processed from the first pressing of sugarcane juice
- Large, coarse, crunchy crystals with light molasses content
- Dissolves slowly, providing the most robust exfoliation
- Best suited for rougher areas like legs, elbows, or feet
Why Crystal Size Matters
When it comes to exfoliation, crystal size and dissolution rate matter.
We choose exfoliants for each product based on crystal size and how quickly they dissolve, matching each one to the skin it’s meant to care for.
Larger sugar crystals, like turbinado, provide a more robust exfoliating action and dissolve more slowly, making them ideal for body scrubs. Finer sugars dissolve more quickly and offer gentler exfoliation, making them better suited for more delicate skin.
Our Sugar Choice
We use Fair Trade Certified Organic Cane Sugar. It is produced without chemicals, bone char, or animal by-products, making it suitable for vegans and aligned with our commitment to ethical sourcing and ingredient integrity.
👉 For a deeper look at the benefits, types, and science of exfoliation, read our blog The Nitty Gritty of Exfoliation
