What is it?
'A nourishing exfoliant made with pure brown sugar and strawberry seeds that refines and hydrates for a more radiant complexion.'
aka A face scrub. Albeit a lovely one.
'A nourishing exfoliant made with pure brown sugar and strawberry seeds that refines and hydrates for a more radiant complexion.'
aka A face scrub. Albeit a lovely one.
What’s in it?
Sucrose, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit, Propylene Carbonate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candellila) Wax, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Limonene, Fragrance (Parfum), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Water (Aqua), Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Bht.
Sucrose, Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Peg-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Fragaria Vesca (Strawberry) Fruit, Propylene Carbonate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candellila) Wax, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Limonene, Fragrance (Parfum), Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Fragaria Ananassa (Strawberry) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Prunus Domestica Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Water (Aqua), Tocopheryl Acetate, Potassium Sorbate, Citral, Geraniol, Linalool, Citronellol, Bht.
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
Fragrance
Fragrance
What's not in it?
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Tested on animals/sold in China?
No/Yes - openly on their website (I was surprised by this to be honest, a lot of brands try to hide China retail!)
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan
Tested on animals/sold in China?
No/Yes - openly on their website (I was surprised by this to be honest, a lot of brands try to hide China retail!)
Who is it for?
Suitable for all skin types - but obviously you won't be scrubbing this all over your face if you have sensitivity/rosacea.
Suitable for all skin types - but obviously you won't be scrubbing this all over your face if you have sensitivity/rosacea.
How do you use it?
'Apply to cleansed, moist skin and massage in avoiding the eye area. Leave 5-10 minutes and rinse off.'
'Apply to cleansed, moist skin and massage in avoiding the eye area. Leave 5-10 minutes and rinse off.'
Pre or post cleanse?
Post.
Post.
What's good/not so good about it?
I am often asked for alternatives to acids, they are not for everyone - for a variety of reasons. You may also have the type of skin that appreciates something a little stronger on occasion - I tend to use this maybe once a month/every 6 weeks but you can obviously use it more frequently. On the other hand, some people simply prefer a scrub. This is one of the more gentle ones. It doesn't tear a strip off your face, contains no plastic beads and uses sugar as its 'scrub' base. Upon massaging the sugar quickly dissolves and it becomes more emollient and slightly oily - in a good way.
When I'm writing these reviews I always investigate the product a little further to give as much info as possible. I was surprised that this contained fragrance - I'm assuming it's synthetic as fresh don't list it in its 'does not contain' section and anything labelled 'fragrance (parfum)' is usually synthetic. It doesn't cause me any problems personally, but for a brand that is so open about the things it leaves out, why would you then put fragrance in?
Having said all of that, this is a very good exfoliating scrub.
The only downside of the product is removing bits of sugar from your hairline if you scrub too close to it, but that's manageable. :)
The downside for UK dwellers is once again, the lack of distribution. I promise I'm not doing it on purpose!
fresh Sugar Face Polish is available from Sephora, Amazon and their own website in the US (and China!)
I am often asked for alternatives to acids, they are not for everyone - for a variety of reasons. You may also have the type of skin that appreciates something a little stronger on occasion - I tend to use this maybe once a month/every 6 weeks but you can obviously use it more frequently. On the other hand, some people simply prefer a scrub. This is one of the more gentle ones. It doesn't tear a strip off your face, contains no plastic beads and uses sugar as its 'scrub' base. Upon massaging the sugar quickly dissolves and it becomes more emollient and slightly oily - in a good way.
When I'm writing these reviews I always investigate the product a little further to give as much info as possible. I was surprised that this contained fragrance - I'm assuming it's synthetic as fresh don't list it in its 'does not contain' section and anything labelled 'fragrance (parfum)' is usually synthetic. It doesn't cause me any problems personally, but for a brand that is so open about the things it leaves out, why would you then put fragrance in?
Having said all of that, this is a very good exfoliating scrub.
The only downside of the product is removing bits of sugar from your hairline if you scrub too close to it, but that's manageable. :)
The downside for UK dwellers is once again, the lack of distribution. I promise I'm not doing it on purpose!
fresh Sugar Face Polish is available from Sephora, Amazon and their own website in the US (and China!)
Similar products?
Exfolikate - Kate Somerville
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish (much more affordable)
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
All the 'buffing' and 'enzyme' powders out there - of which there are plenty
Exfolikate - Kate Somerville
First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Polish (much more affordable)
Tata Harper Regenerating Cleanser
All the 'buffing' and 'enzyme' powders out there - of which there are plenty
Thanks for this review Caroline. Can I ask a silly question? What's the significance of a product retailing in China or not? I'm being dim.
ReplyDeleteI'm not Caroline so I hope you don't mind if I reply. Chinese law requires cosmetics to be tested on animals.
DeleteBut... Caroline just said this wasn't tested on animals? so how come they can sell it there?
DeleteBasically, the brand doesn't test on animals itself, but it took the decision to retail in China, where they 'reserve the right' to test on some products coming in to the country. So it's an ethical decision. xx
DeleteI tried their other exfoliant, the Soy one and it's not bad, even for sensitive Rosacea skin. It's not something I'd ever use regularly. It's like a nice and much gentler version of Apricot Scrub.
ReplyDeleteI love a little Fresh! :)
DeletePlease help - I normally have quite clear skin, with only a cluster of spots on my chin (hormonal I suspect). This morning I woke up to red spots all around my nostrils that are agony. I'm not sure what to apply to them (even after reading the spot cheat sheet). Exfoliating toner? Balance me oil? Any help or advice at all is greatly appreciated x
ReplyDeleteHave you read the perioral dermatitis cheat sheet?
DeleteI have now! I think that might be what it is - will I have done something to make it flair up? I've never had skin like this before. Thanks so much for your reply x
DeletePai's Kukui & Jojoba exfoliator is another alternative and so far, the only physical one I can use on my sensitive skin. I will give look into this one.
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline - please update this post to say yes/yes in regards to animal testing. I'm sure I'm preaching to the knowledgable but they say explicitly on their website 'we do not test unless required by law' therefore they are testing to enable selling in China to be possible. This conflicting information is no doubt confusing for some readers!
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you stating whether animal testing happens with products you have reviewed! Thank you for this new addition.
No. But let me explain why. I think it forces the brands to see that they are being possibly hypocritical by selling in China. And it's not factual to say simply yes/yes. Animal testing is banned in the EU. Nothing sold here is tested on animals. But something sold in China MIGHT be. There's a difference.
DeleteI've only ever used a sugar scrub as a body exfoliator but I'm intrigued by this one! Particularly as I've had my eye on a Fresh Lip Scrub for so long. Good review! x
ReplyDeletehttp://thewhimsicalfox.blogspot.com.au
I have little white, oul containing, bumps around my mouth and along my jawline that will not go away! I was on acne antibiotics previously which worked for a short period but eventually stopped working. Since then i have been taking probiotics which have helped decrease forehead bumps but my jawline/around mouth white bumps still remain, causing my skin to have an awfully rough/sand paper like feeling in such areas. I use lush ultrablend to cleanse and was wondering if you could help with any other recommendations. My skin really affects my confidence and would greatly appreciate your help! I also eat well (thought that may help) ! Any input would be amazing!!
ReplyDeleteAny acids? Ultrabland is ok but I don't fancy using it without following up with acids.
DeleteI've seen your videos about acids and read you blog avidly, but still wondering, are there any specifics you would recomend for me? I am 18 and am trying to get my skin partly clear before my sister's wedding. Any acid and mousturizing product recommendations for the above issues would be soooo greatly appreciated! I have semi-sensitive skin! Thank you for replying above though, I will try to do some self investigating too!
DeleteJust browsed a Fresh counter yesterday, but bought nothing as I wanted to do some research first. Right in time!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lindalibraloca.com
Fresh Lemon Sugar Cubes are what you REALLY NEED.
DeleteThank you for taking the time to include a similar product section. You rock Caroline!
ReplyDeleteHope it helps.
DeleteDear Kirsten,
ReplyDeleteI am not a skin expert like Caroline, but what you describe sounds very much like perioral dermatitis to me. I think so because when I had it, it started around my nostrils as well. :-( Caroline has a cheat sheet on it on her website, maybe that helps: http://www.carolinehirons.com/2014/11/perioral-dermatitis-or-those-red.html
Whaaaa I wasn't expecting it to be that expensive - $60 for a scrub!? :x Skin Food (a Korean brand) makes a similar scrub for around $10!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it's not cheap!
DeleteCaroline, would you please review Goldfaden MD Doctor's Scrub? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI think it's a bit harsh. How was that? #quickestreviewever
DeleteGood enough! Thanks :)
DeleteFresh makes some of my favorite products, I actually recently posted about their Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask. A bit pricey but a little goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteYep,I was given a jar of this and it really was lovely. The smell of strawberries and brown sugar was scrumptious. It also worked well and left my skin comfortable and glowing. For what it's worth, Marylebone High St, London store phone no. is 0207-486-4100
ReplyDeleteI love this scrub, feels really softening too. Can I ask Caroline, if I use SR Luna, how would I combine it with Good Genes? Alternative nights? Together? Thanks so much x
ReplyDeleteHi Caroline. I'm new to reading your blog, and feeling slightly overwhelmed with what to use on my skin. At the moment I have no skincare routine in place, am 21 and have combination skin. Do you have any suggestions what to use as a cleansers to use? At the moment I can only afford a cleanser I can use both day and night. I am thinking Emma Hardie Moringa balm (although a beautician told me not to use a balm) or the Clinque Cleansing Milk or the Rodial Cleanser. What one would you suggest? Thanks xx
ReplyDeleteThere's a Fresh shop on Marylebone High Street- I often pop in for my sugar lip balm fix! You can also mail order on the phone from the store!
ReplyDeleteThis is my absolute FAVORITE scrub and I like to leave it on as a mask too! Very smoothing and hydrating! LOVE!
ReplyDeleteI don't know how recent this is but you can now order from there UK site http://www.fresh.com/UK/customer-service-links/shipping.html
ReplyDelete