If you‘re looking to clean up your body care routine and swap chemical-laden products for more natural alternatives, Raw Sugar is definitely a brand worth checking out. Known for their clean formulas, sustainable practices, and affordable prices, Raw Sugar offers a range of plant-powered body washes, lotions, scrubs, lip balms, deodorants, and hair care essentials.
I‘ve been on a mission to overhaul my own shower and skincare regimen lately, making the switch to cleaner, greener products. That‘s what initially drew me to Raw Sugar. But besides the appealing natural ingredient lists and earth-friendly packaging, does Raw Sugar actually live up to the hype? I tried a bunch of their bestsellers to find out.
In this comprehensive Raw Sugar review, I‘m sharing my honest thoughts after testing out the brand‘s top products. I‘m also delving into customer reviews, Raw Sugar‘s story and sourcing philosophies, and how they stack up to other popular natural brands. Consider this your ultimate guide to all things Raw Sugar!
My Raw Sugar Reviews
Over the past month, I‘ve been putting some of Raw Sugar‘s most popular products to the test. From the invigorating body washes to the hydrating hair masks, here are my unfiltered opinions:
Raw Sugar Simply Body Wash
Let‘s start with a Raw Sugar classic. The Simply Body Wash is one of the brand‘s original and bestselling products. It comes in several energizing scents like Lemon Sugar and Watermelon Mint. I tried the Green Tea + Cucumber + Aloe Vera version and was instantly obsessed. It smells so fresh and clean, lathers like a dream, and doesn‘t leave my skin feeling stripped like so many other body washes.
Key natural ingredients include:
- Cucumber fruit extract – refreshes and cools
- Green tea leaf extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Aloe vera leaf juice – soothes and moisturizes
- Vitamin E – protects and nourishes
After using this body wash consistently for a few weeks, I‘ve noticed my skin looks clearer and feels so soft and hydrated. I love that it uses coconut-derived cleansers instead of harsh sulfates. And the bottle is made with 100% post-consumer recycled plastic. Major win!
Raw Sugar Body Lotion
To keep that hydration locked in post-shower, I‘ve been reaching for the Raw Sugar Body Lotion. It‘s formulated with plant-derived ingredients like shea butter, mongongo oil, and agave extract to nourish dry skin. I have the Almond Milk + Agave + Oatmeal scent which is warm and cozy, perfect before bed.
This body lotion is rich and creamy but absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. It makes my skin look glowy and feel baby soft. Like the body wash, it comes in an eco-friendly sugarcane bottle that can be recycled again.
Raw Sugar Lip Balm
I‘m a lip balm addict and always have one in my purse, on my nightstand, at my desk – you get the idea. So I was pumped to try Raw Sugar‘s natural lip balms. They come in yummy flavors like Pineapple + Maqui Berry + Coconut and Watermelon + Fresh Mint.
These lip balms are made with hydrating ingredients like:
- Coconut oil
- Sunflower seed oil
- Vitamin E
- Shea butter
- Jojoba seed oil
They apply smoothly and keep my lips feeling cushiony soft for hours. I love the subtle tropical scents and how the pineapple one has a slight golden tint. Bonus: they are housed in 100% recyclable paper tubes.
Raw Sugar Deodorant
I‘ll be honest, I was nervous to make the switch to natural deodorant. I had tried others in the past that simply did not keep BO and sweat at bay. But Raw Sugar‘s aluminum-free formula made me a believer.
The biodegradable formula uses natural odor-absorbers like:
- Saccharomyces ferment filtrate – neutralizes odor
- Vegetable protein – absorbs wetness
- Coconut oil – nourishes delicate underarm skin
After wearing this deodorant during tough workouts and long, active days, I‘m honestly impressed. It has a fresh, natural scent that isn‘t overpowering. And it keeps me smelling good and feeling dry. The only minor con is that it does take a bit longer to dry down compared to mainstream antiperspirants. But it‘s well worth it for a natural deodorant that actually works!
Raw Sugar Hair Masque
As a curly girl, I‘m always looking for deep conditioners to quench my thirsty strands. The Raw Sugar Healing Power Hair Masque does not disappoint. Infused with avocado oil, banana fruit extract, and coconut milk, it delivers major moisture without weighing hair down.
I used this hair mask in place of my regular conditioner and let it marinate while I shaved my legs. After rinsing, my curls were left looking super shiny and feeling buttery soft. The scent is a sweet, tropical banana fragrance that lingers (in a good way).
Raw Sugar Hand Wash
Rounding out my Raw Sugar haul is the Lemon Sugar Hand Wash. This has been a lovely addition to my kitchen sink. The zesty lemon scent is so uplifting and the formula is gentle on hands thanks to plant-derived ingredients like:
- Lemon fruit extract
- Vitamin E
- Oat protein
- Aloe vera leaf extract
My hands don‘t feel parched or irritated after washing with this, which says a lot since I‘m washing them constantly these days. I also love the modern, minimal packaging. The bottles are made with 20% post-consumer recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable.
What Customers Are Saying About Raw Sugar
But you don‘t have to just take my word for it. Raw Sugar has amassed thousands of glowing reviews from customers. On their website, their bestselling body washes have hundreds of 5-star reviews with shoppers raving about the delightful scents, clean ingredients, and how soft and hydrated their skin feels after using.
The hair care products are another fan favorite, with the Moisture Smoothie Shampoo and Conditioner boasting a nearly perfect rating. One reviewer enthused, "This shampoo and conditioner combo has transformed my hair! It leaves it so shiny and manageable without being weighed down. My dry scalp has improved drastically. Love that the ingredients are clean and it smells amazing!"
Customers also appreciate Raw Sugar‘s commitment to sustainability. The PCR plastic packaging, thoughtful ingredient sourcing, and charitable initiatives are major selling points for eco-conscious shoppers.
Of course, no product is perfect for everyone. A handful of reviewers found some of the scents to be too strong or cloying. Others with very sensitive skin experienced irritation from certain products. However, the vast majority of feedback for Raw Sugar is overwhelmingly positive.
Behind The Brand: Get To Know Raw Sugar
So what‘s the story behind this buzz-worthy body care brand? Raw Sugar was founded in 2014 by Donda Mullis and Ronnie Shugar. The husband and wife duo set out on a mission to create clean, natural personal care products that were accessible to all.
From the start, Raw Sugar has been committed to using plant-powered ingredients and eco-friendly packaging. They avoid potentially harmful additives like sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and artificial dyes. All products are also cruelty-free and vegan.
Sustainability is a core part of Raw Sugar‘s ethos. They use recyclable, PCR plastic packaging whenever possible. Raw Sugar also has an ongoing partnership with environmental nonprofits like the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
In addition to being earth-friendly, Raw Sugar is a brand that gives back. Through their Raw Sugar Initiative, they‘ve donated millions of clean label products to families in need. They also partner with organizations like the Eco-Soap Bank to provide sustainable hygiene solutions to at-risk communities worldwide.
How Does Raw Sugar Compare To Other Natural Brands?
The natural beauty space has exploded in recent years with new brands popping up left and right. So how does Raw Sugar compare to other popular options? Let‘s take a closer look.
Raw Sugar vs. No B.S. Skincare
Like Raw Sugar, No B.S. is committed to creating clean, non-toxic skincare using minimal ingredients. Their products tend to be a bit pricier than Raw Sugar and they have a smaller selection focused solely on facial skincare.
Raw Sugar vs. Love Beauty And Planet
Love Beauty and Planet is another Target fan favorite that shares Raw Sugar‘s passion for natural, eco-friendly beauty. They have a broader assortment of hair, skin, and body care products at similarly affordable price points. However, some of their formulas do contain sulfates which Raw Sugar avoids.
Raw Sugar vs. Method Body
Method is a natural brand that has recently expanded into body care to complement their popular household cleaning line. Like Raw Sugar, they prioritize plant-based ingredients and recycled packaging. Method Body offers a range of body washes and lotions in energizing scents. However, their formulas tend to be thinner/less lush than Raw Sugar from my experience.
Where To Buy Raw Sugar Products
By now you might be wondering where you can get your hands on these Raw Sugar goodies. Great news: Raw Sugar is sold at Target stores nationwide and on Target.com. You can also shop the full range on RawSugarLiving.com which offers free shipping on orders over $35.
Hot tip: Be sure to sign up for a free account on Raw Sugar‘s website to earn points on every purchase. You can rack up points to redeem for discounts on future orders. Raw Sugar also offers a subscribe and save option to get your favorite products delivered regularly with bonus savings.
The Final Verdict
After putting Raw Sugar to the test and analyzing the ingredient labels, customer reviews, and brand ethos, I can confidently say this is a natural body care brand worth buying. The products are not only effective and enjoyable to use, but align with my goal to choose cleaner, greener personal care items.
I love that Raw Sugar uses real, plant-based ingredients I can feel good about putting on my body. Everything I tried worked exceptionally well, smelled amazing, and left my skin nourished and glowing. The fact that the products are affordably priced and available at my local Target is a major convenience factor.
It‘s also reassuring to know that Raw Sugar is a brand that cares. They go above and beyond with their eco-friendly packaging and manufacturing processes. And I admire their philanthropic efforts to increase access to hygienic products for communities in need.
The only thing I‘d note is that if you are extremely sensitive to fragrance, even natural scents, some of Raw Sugar‘s products may be a bit much. They do have a few unscented options but that‘s an area I think they could expand upon.
Overall though, I wouldn‘t hesitate to recommend Raw Sugar, especially if you‘re looking to clean up your routine on a budget. I‘ve already gotten my mom and girlfriends hooked! While I‘ll always enjoy trying the latest and greatest in natural beauty, I have a feeling Raw Sugar has earned a permanent spot in my shower.
