Alba Botanica • Sugar Cane Body Polish • Scrubs
(72 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 4.5 |
| Would buy this product again. | 81% |
| Package Quality | 3.9 |
| Price | 2.4 |
| Ingredients | |
zephir on 4/16/2007 10:41:00 PM more reviews by zephir
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Medium Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse Eyes: Brown
After reading all the glowing reviews on this product, I went out and bought a tub at my local organic store. When opened, the generous sized tub revealed small sugar crystals suspended in botanical oils. There wasn't a thick layer of oil on the top like some other salt/sugar oil scrubs I've tried. The scent is very warm; like vanilla and brown sugar. And that's where the good part ends. The scrub did a mediocre job of exfoliating, and left a sticky, oily residue behind on my skin, even after washing it off twice. I felt like I was sticking to my clothes: not pleasant. I won't be repurchasing. At least it was fairly inexpensive!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
its4kix on 4/11/2007 12:16:00 AM more reviews by its4kix
Age: 30-35 Skin: Oily Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I said to myself I would try this scrub next after the Hawaiian Sea Salt Body Scrub. The sugar grains are too small and fine and I feel like they are not doing anything, unlike the salt grains which are big and coarse - the results afterwards between sugar and salt are like night and day. This sugar scrub also leaves behind some kind of oily film, which I don't really care for. Both products cost about the same. This sugar scrub, which has a nice smell to it, will do for now, but once it's all finished I am going to go back to using the salt scrub.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
kittychambana on 3/15/2007 12:46:00 AM more reviews by kittychambana
Age: 19-24 Skin: Very Oily, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Hazel
I LOVE this. When I first discovered it a few months ago, I used it almost every day, just because it felt/smelled so nice. Since I wanted to stop going through a tub a week (at ten bucks a pop - not bad but not dirt cheap) I switched to using it just for occasions when I want to look/feel realllllly fabulous. Then I slather this all over as my last step in the shower, rinse off, and then....gorgeous, smooth - feeling and smooth - looking soft skin with no oily residue. I've had so many compliments from guys (most of whom, as we know, don't know anything about cosmetical things) on my skin (which has never been my strong point, by the way, hence my OBSESSION with all things skincare). Even gay guys (I do theatre...I'm around a fair few of them) want to touch my legs and are in awe of the smoothness this stuff brings on. As am I - this is one of those products that I can't believe I ever lived without.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
vogue92 on 2/25/2007 10:48:00 PM more reviews by vogue92
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
This is an awesome body scrub. It's not too harsh and not too gentle. The scent is super yummy, who doesn't like the smell of sugar?! I paid $10 for it at Whole Body which I feel is cheap, considering I feel it is a high quality product. I will definitely be repurchasing this scrub.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
oxxoxxoxx on 1/28/2007 6:33:00 PM more reviews by oxxoxxoxx
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine Eyes: Green
There's nothing better than this scrub. It leaves the skin so soft and moisturized and..the smell... ooohh, i love-love-love it, it's so yummy. The best you can ever get for this price (7$).
Have used it over 2 years and i'm never trying anything else as long as they'll keep selling it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* chattykathy on 1/26/2007 11:24:00 PM more reviews by chattykathy
Age: 36-43 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
I really liked this scrub. Let me say that absolutely nothing I have tried comes even remotely close to Natural Esscents scrubs, but since Hurricane Katrina put Monique out of commission I have been searching high and low for something to replace those scrubs. Nothing leaves my skin like those did but that said, I really did enjoy this one a lot and would repurchase. I didn't find it overly greasy at all. It wasn't as mosturizing as what I am used to but it did leave a softness to my skin and a fabulous creamy warm vanilla brown sugar scent lingered after I used it. It did not leave a a greasy residue in my tub either. Definitely worth the $10 I paid for it.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
stillmarissa on 1/3/2007 2:36:00 PM more reviews by stillmarissa
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination Hair: Brunette Eyes: Hazel
This sugar scrub has a great tropical smell that is irresistable to me. It is very gentle on my skin, as I cannot use salt scrubs because they are too harsh and irritating. As others have said, it is a bit oily though. I am not sure if it is cleansing (because it seems to just coat my skin with oil) so I either wash my skin before I put it on or afterwards. It may seem silly to wash afterwards but I usually relax in the shower and let it soak in for a while. I don't like the oil on my skin because it gets all over my towel and I also prefer to use lotion after my shower. Despite all this I still give it 4 stars (minus 1 star for the oiliness) because it smells delightful and I have not found a better sugar scrub out there. It feels very luxurious and if you enjoy oils in and after your bath or shower (in a tropical scent) then this just might be a 5 star for you. I will continue to buy this but I also want to try the Brown Sugar Scrub from my favorite soap company, "Beautiful Soap & Co." (try mybeautifulsoap.com); it is a bit more expensive but I have high expectations because their other products are superior. I will update when I have results.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
jfellina on 10/10/2006 11:01:00 PM more reviews by jfellina
Age: 30-35 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
There was a time when I would have given this product an unequivocal 5. Now, it gets a 2, and that is only because it smells nice and I have fond memories of what it used to be...
When I first started buying this, about three years ago, it was simply THE BEST sugar scrub ever. Fabulous sugar smell, great texture, and best of all the consistency was oily-moisturizing, NOT oily-greasy. It made my skin super-soft, and did not leave an oilslick in my tub. It did have a layer of clear oil on the top when you first opened it, but the rest was all grainy, delicious sugar. I actually enjoyed mixing the two because it felt so pure and high-quality. I bought a jar almost every week, which felt extravagant, but I considered it worth every penny because I loved using it every day. I even gave it to friends as a gift because I enjoyed knowing that they would rave to me about how great it was after they tried it (and they did). For a year, my sugar scrub and I were so very happy...
Then, about two years ago, with no warning, no change in packaging, no little "new formula" sticker - I bought a jar one day, opened it, and immediately saw that it was Not Right. Gooey, vaseline-y, and when I used it, it still smelled good, but it was all greasy goop without that awesome grainy real-sugar feel. Worst/grossest of all, it left a lasting slippery layer on both my skin and the floor of my tub.
I bought a few more jars after that, hoping that the first jar of glop was a fluke and had been left in the sun on a loading dock for too long or something. Once I got lucky and opened a new jar to tons of sugar and a little oil, but the next two jars were the new goo. I have given up. I no longer use it, and I would never buy it for someone as a gift. I miss the old stuff! :(
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
ltiwdt on 10/3/2006 7:58:00 PM more reviews by ltiwdt
Age: 36-43 Skin: Dry, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
Oh, how I love you, Sugar Cane Scrub! You smell like creme brulee, you're oily in a good way, and you're the best scrub I've ever tried. One tub will last you forever, which is almost a problem, since there's a risk it'll get gross before you finish it. Usually retails around $10.99, but it's almost always on sale somewhere. Use it with Alba's After-sun coffee-smelling lotion, and you'll smell amazing all day.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* ilima on 7/21/2006 3:28:00 PM more reviews by ilima
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination Hair: Blond Eyes: Other
I pretty much love everything about this scrub except for the packaging (really cumbersome in the shower), so I'm taking off one lippie. But other than that, it's fabulous! It's doesn't separate so you don't have to mix it up, and the sugar crystals are big enough to really scrub without being too scratchy or harsh. This scrub smells great- like a sweet, sugary, honey treat. Overall I'm very pleased with it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* MegE on 5/12/2006 1:23:00 PM more reviews by MegE
Age: 30-35 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium Eyes: Brown
**Update 5/27/06** I'm upping my overall rating, because I tried mixing some with body wash and it rinses off better--still a tad vaseline-y, but better. The smell is divine and really growing on me. Although, I highly doubt I will repurchase as there are better products out there.
Original Review:
I just can't understand the raves for this product?! It *literally* feels like vaseline with some below-average scrubby particles going on, and it acts like vaseline when I attempt to wash it off--it doesn't rinse and makes my skin feel unclean! I actually had to use a netted lofa with body wash to scrub off the greasyness--twice! It has a honey/vanilla sweet smell, which I do enjoy. I do not recommend this product, and instead rec Origins Paradise Found body scrub.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
ChristenMc on 4/9/2006 10:59:00 PM more reviews by ChristenMc
Age: 19-24 Skin: Dry Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I love this scrub. The texture is gentle and I really enjoy the fave that the oils are blended in well so that there isnt a layer of oil on top and you have to blend it. It makes using it much easier and a lot less messy. I have pretty dry skin and using this especially on my elbows and legs has made a world of difference. Has my skin summer ready.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Xuku on 2/23/2006 3:38:00 AM more reviews by Xuku
Age: Unknown Skin: Acne-prone Hair: Other Eyes: Black
Awesome smelling scrub. Its not at all harsh, yet exfoliates very well. If you add some water, it turns a little milky, which I love. I don't need to use lotion afterwards. Takes a long time to finish using it all. Sadly, the scent doesnt linger.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* jiney17 on 2/16/2006 4:52:00 PM more reviews by jiney17
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Neutral Hair: Black, Straight, Medium Eyes: Brown
Unlike a previous reviewer, I like really oily scrubs since I like to apply oil all over after showering when I have the time. (I have a touch of eczema on my upper arms and thighs and can get pretty dry in the winter--I strive to make my skin as soft and smooth as possible so I use all kinds of oils and heavy-duty moisturizers). This stuff saves me a step since it both exfoliates and moisturizes :) The texture is nicely scrubby but not at all harsh (one reason why I prefer sugar to salt scrubs) and doesn't melt away too fast. It smells lightly sweet and sugary though the fragrance doesn't really linger much. I hate the jar packaging; it's cute but cumbersome in the shower and takes up a lot of room. I really, really, really wish they'd package this in a squeeze tube. But otherwise: perfect.
ETA: It's not as scrubby anymore for some reason, so I won't repurchase now.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* Dani on 2/14/2006 3:23:00 PM more reviews by Dani
Age: Unknown Skin: Very Dry Hair: Other Eyes: Other
This is the best sugar scrub I've ever used. I like that it's scrubby, and the sugar & oils are mixed throughout (i.e. no layer of oil on top).
It smells really yummy too, and scent layers well w/ all my vanilla-based perfumes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
jaritos on 11/8/2005 12:39:00 AM more reviews by jaritos
Age: 25-29 Skin: Dry, Warm Hair: Black, Curly, Medium Eyes: Brown
I love this stuff. I am a shower type girl so I like this for a little luxury even if you don't take baths. It exfoliates well, but since it is sugar, it doesn't sting like salt can. I love the gel consistency - I have used other body polishes that separate out, but this is really easy to apply since the sugar is suspended through out the polish. It exfoliates but it is moisturizing and it smells really great, sweet but not cloying. And it seems like it will last so that's ten bucks well spent, in my opinion.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* browneyedelise on 9/9/2005 10:42:00 PM more reviews by browneyedelise
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Normal, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Brown
I love this stuff. It's really gritty, and I apply it to dry skin for the maximum exfoliating power. Since I like to ensure total allover smoothness, I tend to go through body scrubs like mad, which makes the ten-dollar price tag more bearable than the twenty-dollar price tag of my former favorite scrub, Bath and Body Works' Tutti Dolci Body Buff. But this product is way better anyway, because it has almost all natural ingredients and I love the smell and formulation. It's very sticky, but I can live with that. I use my Origins A Perfect World body lotion or Curel Ultra Healing after I exfoliate with this, which leaves me pretty slippery, but the next day my skin is intoxicatingly soft (as my boyfriend would say to me).
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
ambre76 on 8/22/2005 3:40:00 PM more reviews by ambre76
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination Hair: Brunette Eyes: Green
This my HG body-polish now. Easy to use, smells sweet, leaves skin velvet-smooth, hydrated and yummy. Very spa-like experience! This jar and other Alba products also look very nice in my bathroom.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
muisfun on 7/26/2005 5:32:00 PM more reviews by muisfun
Age: 30-35 Skin: Other Hair: Other Eyes: Other
This is an excellent scrub that seems to have the perfect balance of oil and sugar. It never feels too greasy or too harsh. I find this product to be a real treat and am already on my 3rd jar. This is from someone who tires easily of products and works very hard to finish one without trying something different. This Alba scrub has become a staple that I look forward to using. Oh, I forgot to mention that I find the scent heavenly.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
*TOP REVIEWER* Kat2004 on 7/8/2005 9:09:00 PM more reviews by Kat2004
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Green
Mmmmmm...this smells soo good! and it exfoliates quite gently. Doesn't leave a greasy film on skin either. I think I might like the Salt scrub better though because of the reviews on MUA it seems that it might be a little more scrubby. I'll review that one next.