Sugar can be used as an exfoliant in dry or oil-based formulations where you want a gentler alternative to salt.
Add in any proportion to achieve the level of exfoliation and aesthetic you desire.
Formula Note: Avoid heat and water if you wish to use this as supplied (as an exfoliant particle).
Preserving salt and sugar scrubs: Note the only way to know if your final product meets cosmetic regulations regarding microbial count is to test it.
Both salt and sugar have the capacity to be self-preserving due to their capacity to bind and change the osmotic potential of water. So, in many cases, salt and/or sugar scrub formulations can be made without the need for an additional anti-microbial active (preservative). In some formulations, it is possible for other materials in the formula to bring a microburden with them. Clays, natural colours, dried botanicals and milk powders can all fall under this category. As such, it may be that while your product doesn't readily grow microbes, it could harbor microbes within its supplied state. This isn't necessarily a problem but if the product micro count is high or if the microflora contains pathogens the product may fall outside of cosmetic regulations. This is why it is best to have your products microbiology counted by a testing laboratory. However, for products that have a low initial micro count, are made with a substantial proportion of salt and/or sugar and are water-free, it's reasonable to expect them to be self-preserving.
What about moisture from the bathroom or wet area?
Many people worry about their salt and/or sugar scrubs going mouldy in the bathrooom and add a preservative to guard against that. This may or may not be necessary and under these conditions, mould growth may not be your biggest concern. Both sugar and salt start to dissolve in the presence of moisture but it takes a lot of water over a period of time to cause the conditions for mould to grow in this type of formula. In a typical scenario, the product could become aesthetically unattractive and practically unusable under these conditions, with mould growth coming after that. Our advice is to guard your product against saturation by packaging your scrub appropriately and directing your clients as to how to best use and store the product to maintain its quality. We also advise running micro counts on all products you formulate to ascertain their inherent micro count and risk profile.
New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. does not supply food grade raw materials and therefore cannot waive GST.
Prior to use: Customers should always refer to the Material Safety Data Sheet / Specification Sheet OR the ingredients label as affixed to each product which are current at the time of supply of the product.
The information provided is for educational purposes only. Individuals receiving this information must exercise their independent judgment in determining its appropriateness for a particular purpose or use.
As the ordinary or otherwise use(s) of products is outside the control of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd., no representation or warranty, expressed or implied, is made as to the effect(s) of such use(s), (including damage or injury), or the results obtained. New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. expressly disclaims responsibility as to the ordinary or otherwise use(s). Furthermore, nothing contained herein should be considered as a recommendation by New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. as to the fitness for any use. The liability of New Directions Australia Pty Ltd. is limited to the value of the goods and does not include any consequential losses.