Lip Scrub
Lip Scrub
Product Description
Product overview
A handmade, edible sugar lip scrub that gently buffs away dry, flaky skin with fine caster sugar crystals while organic jojoba oil conditions and softens lips. Available in multiple irresistible flavors including Honey, Bubblegum, Cookie Dough, and Unicorn. Lick it off when you're done for a sweet treat.
Sugar-Based Exfoliation
Fine caster sugar crystals gently buff away dead skin without micro-tears or harsh abrasion, leaving lips perfectly smooth for lipstick application.
Texture & feel
SENSORYSugar-Based Exfoliation
Fine caster sugar crystals gently buff away dead skin without micro-tears or harsh abrasion, leaving lips perfectly smooth for lipstick application.
Organic Jojoba Oil
Mimics the skin's natural sebum to deeply condition and soften lips during exfoliation, preventing moisture loss and leaving a nourished feel.
Edible & Natural
Made entirely from food-grade, natural ingredients that are safe to lick off your lips after scrubbing. No synthetic preservatives needed.
Zero-Waste Packaging
Packaged in a recyclable and reusable glass jar with a twist-off lid. Return 5 empty pots to any Lush store for a free fresh face mask.
Safety & compatibility
SAFEContains peppermint oil and essential oils (varies by flavor). No retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone. Consult your doctor if concerned about essential oil exposure during pregnancy.
Contains jojoba oil and castor oil, which are oils and fatty acid esters that can feed malassezia yeast. Not recommended for fungal acne-prone skin around the lip area.
Jojoba oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-2. Since this is a rinse-off product used only on lips, pore-clogging risk is minimal.
100% vegan formula with no animal-derived ingredients. Lush has never tested on animals and actively campaigns against animal testing worldwide.
Contains fragrance components (Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene) and essential oils that may cause sensitivity in people with fragrance allergies or very reactive skin.
Formulated to stay fresh without synthetic preservatives like parabens, methylisothiazolinone, or formaldehyde-releasers. The low water content and sugar base naturally inhibit microbial growth.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSCaster Sugar (Sucrose) ~60-70%Proven
The primary exfoliating agent. Fine-grain caster sugar crystals physically buff away dead, flaky skin from the lip surface. Also acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin.
- Function: Physical exfoliant and humectant
- Benefit: Gentler than salt-based scrubs; dissolves with moisture so it cannot over-exfoliate
- Safety: Food-grade, completely edible and non-toxic
Organic Jojoba Oil ~15-25%Proven
A liquid wax ester that closely mimics human sebum. Provides deep conditioning, moisture retention, and a protective barrier on the delicate lip skin without feeling greasy.
- Source: Cold-pressed from Simmondsia chinensis seeds
- Comedogenic Rating: 0-2 (very low clogging risk)
- Benefit: Rich in vitamins E and B, antioxidant properties help protect lips from environmental damage
Honey ~1-3%Proven
A natural humectant and antimicrobial agent that draws moisture to the lips while providing soothing, healing properties for chapped or cracked skin. Present in the Honey variant.
- Function: Humectant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing agent
- Research: Honey has well-documented antiseptic and skin-healing properties in dermatology literature
- Benefit: Adds a natural sweet flavor while actively conditioning damaged lip tissue
Peppermint Oil <1%Promising
Provides a refreshing cooling sensation and tingling effect on the lips. Contains menthol which temporarily increases blood circulation to the lip area for a plumping appearance.
- Source: Steam distillation of Mentha piperita flowering sprigs
- Benefit: Cooling, freshening, mild plumping effect through increased circulation
- Note: Also acts as a natural flavoring agent
11 ingredients (Honey variant)
Caster Sugar (Sucrose), Organic Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil), Vegan White Chocolate (Cocoa Butter, Rice Syrup, Rice Starch, Rice Flour, Sugar), Flavor, Peppermint Oil (Mentha Piperita Oil), Vanilla Absolute (Vanilla Planifolia), Sweet Wild Orange Oil (Citrus Aurantium Sinensis), Almond Essential Oil (Prunus Amygdalus Amara), Honey, Alpha-Isomethyl Ionone, Limonene
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse 2-3 times per week as the first step in your lip care routine. Apply before lipstick or lip products for the smoothest, most even application. Best used in the evening or before makeup.
How to use
HOW TO USEScoop a Pea-Sized Amount
Using a clean, dry finger, take a small pinch of lip scrub from the jar. A little goes a very long way — you only need enough to cover both lips.
Gently Massage onto Lips
Rub the scrub over your lips using small circular motions for 30-60 seconds. Apply light pressure — let the sugar do the work. No need to scrub hard.
Remove the Scrub
Lick off the remaining scrub (it is completely edible and tastes delicious!), or gently wipe away with a damp cloth or tissue if you prefer.
Follow Up with Lip Care
Apply a lip balm or lip mask immediately after to lock in moisture on your freshly exfoliated lips. Your lip products will absorb better on smooth, prepped lips.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You have dry, chapped, or flaky lips
- You wear matte lipstick and want smooth application
- You prefer natural, vegan, and cruelty-free products
- You love fun flavors and a sensory lip care experience
- You want to prep lips before lip color or lip treatments
- You are looking for a simple, minimal-ingredient formula
Consider alternatives if:
- You have a fragrance or essential oil sensitivity
- You prefer a mess-free stick or tube format
- You are looking for a chemical exfoliant (AHA/BHA) instead
- You have fungal acne around the lip/chin area
- You dislike sweet tastes or flavored lip products
- You need a scrub with stronger moisturizing properties
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESWorks perfectly as a weekly maintenance step to keep lips smooth and prepped for any lip product.
Ideal for removing flaky, peeling skin. Jojoba oil provides immediate conditioning. Follow with a rich lip balm for best results.
Contains peppermint oil and fragrance compounds that may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test recommended. Consider the fragrance-free variants if available.
Do not use on actively cracked or bleeding lips. The sugar granules and essential oils will cause stinging and further irritation. Heal first, then exfoliate.
The top use case. Exfoliating before lipstick creates a noticeably smoother canvas for even, long-lasting color application.
Results timeline
ONGOINGInstantly Smoother Lips
Dead, flaky skin is visibly removed after just one 60-second scrubbing session. Lips feel noticeably softer and look more even and plump.
95% noticed smoother lipsImproved Lip Texture & Hydration
With regular use 2-3 times per week, chronic dryness and peeling begin to diminish. Lip balms and treatments absorb more effectively on the smoother surface.
85% noticed reduced drynessConsistently Soft, Lipstick-Ready Lips
Regular exfoliation routine leads to lips that stay soft between sessions. Lipstick application becomes smoother and more even. Chapping episodes become less frequent.
80% reported better lipstick wearMaintained Soft & Healthy Lips
As part of a consistent lip care routine, lips remain smooth and well-conditioned year-round. One jar lasts approximately 4-6 months with regular use.
90% would repurchaseRatings by platform
4K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Instantly removes dead skin and smooths lips in one use
- Delicious flavors and fun, edible formula you can lick off
- Simple, natural ingredient list with no synthetic preservatives
- Jojoba oil leaves lips feeling conditioned, not stripped
- Small amount needed per use — one jar lasts 4-6 months
- Handmade, vegan, cruelty-free, and recyclable packaging
- Perfect prep step before matte lipstick application
- Wide variety of seasonal and permanent flavor options
Criticized
- Messy application — sugar granules fall and crumble
- Top layer of jar can dry out if not sealed properly
- Pricey for a simple sugar-and-oil formula ($12.95 for 25g)
- Some flavors (Bubblegum) are overly sweet for some tastes
- Contains fragrance allergens and essential oils
- Not suitable for very sensitive or cracked lips
- Colored variants may temporarily tint lips
- Unhygienic jar format requires clean fingers each use
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESRetractable stick format eliminates mess. Sugar-based exfoliation with jojoba, shea butter, and vitamin E. More convenient but less moisturizing. Vegan and cruelty-free. Multiple flavor options.
Honey-infused exfoliating crystals with a conditioning formula. Smaller jar format. Contains beeswax so not vegan. Good exfoliation but slightly less conditioning than Lush's jojoba-based formula.
Convenient twist-up stick format with sugar granules in a nourishing balm base. Less messy and more portable than Lush, but less intense exfoliation. Not edible. Good value for travel.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDE
Sara Happ The Lip Scrub
Fresh Sugar Lip Polish Exfoliator
e.l.f. Sugar Lip Exfoliator
Storage & shelf life
14 MONTHS14 months after opening. Self-preserving formula stays fresh without synthetic preservatives.
Keep somewhere cool and dry between uses. Always ensure the lid is tightly sealed to prevent the top layer from drying out.
Recyclable glass jar with twist-off lid. Remove the label and recycle the lid separately. Return 5 empty Lush pots for a free face mask.
Yes — 25g is well under the 100ml liquid carry-on limit. Compact glass jar fits easily in any toiletry bag.
Frequently asked questions
FAQUse with caution. Lush Lip Scrub does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone, or chemical sunscreens. However, it does contain peppermint oil and other essential oils (varying by flavor) which some healthcare providers recommend limiting during pregnancy. The amounts are very small and the product is used briefly on lips, but consult your doctor or midwife if you have concerns about essential oil exposure during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
No. Lush Lip Scrub contains jojoba oil and, depending on the variant, castor oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter. These are oils and fatty acid esters that can feed malassezia yeast. If you experience fungal acne around your mouth and chin area, consider an oil-free lip exfoliation method such as a soft toothbrush or a washcloth instead.
Yes, but with spacing. If you use active ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, or chemical exfoliants (AHA/BHA) on or around your lips, avoid using the lip scrub on the same day to prevent over-exfoliation and irritation. Physical exfoliation from the sugar combined with chemical exfoliants can compromise the lip barrier. On days you use the lip scrub, skip chemical actives on the lip area.
Lush Lip Scrub is best suited for people with normal to dry lips who want to remove flaky, dead skin and create a smooth canvas for lip products. It excels as a prep step before matte lipstick. It is not ideal for very sensitive lips due to the essential oils and fragrance, or for actively cracked and bleeding lips where any physical exfoliation could cause further damage.
Results are immediate. After your very first use, you will notice visibly smoother, softer lips with dead skin removed. For sustained improvement in chronic dryness, use the scrub 2-3 times per week for 1-2 weeks. Within a month of regular use, most people report significantly less peeling and better lipstick wear.
Use it as the very first step in your lip care routine. Scrub your lips, remove the product, then follow with a lip mask or lip balm to seal in hydration. If applying lipstick, use the scrub, apply balm briefly, blot, then apply your lip liner and color. Use 2-3 times per week, ideally in the evening or before makeup application.
The comedogenic risk is very low (rated 1/5). Jojoba oil has a comedogenic rating of 0-2. Since the lip scrub is a rinse-off product that is only applied briefly to the lip area (which has very few pores), the risk of clogging pores or causing breakouts is minimal. However, if the product contacts the skin around your mouth during use, rinse that area as well.
Lush Lip Scrub has a Period After Opening (PAO) of 14 months. In practice, because you only need a pea-sized amount per use, one 25g jar typically lasts 4-6 months with regular use (2-3 times per week). Keep the lid tightly sealed between uses to prevent the top layer from drying out. If the surface dries, simply scrape it off to reveal the moist product underneath.
Verdict: Lush Lip Scrub is a beloved cult classic for good reason — it delivers instant, visible results with a fun, sensory experience that makes lip care feel like a treat rather than a chore. The simple, natural, edible formula with organic jojoba oil genuinely softens and preps lips better than most competitors, and the variety of flavors keeps things exciting. The main drawbacks are the messy jar format, the premium price for what is essentially sugar and oil, and the presence of essential oils that may irritate sensitive users. For anyone who wears lipstick regularly or battles chronic dry lips, this scrub is a worthwhile investment that outperforms most drugstore options. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the e.l.f. Lip Exfoliator stick for a mess-free alternative at a fraction of the price.
Product Overview
What are Quick Product Notes?
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Paraben-Free
Paraben-Free
Understanding Parabens
Parabens are a large group of preservatives which are used to prevent bacteria growing in cosmetic formulations. There has been some healthy controversy surrounding them due to a few studies finding paraben presence in breast tumours and breast tissue. However, the majority of the scientific community have deemed these findings non-conclusive due to the limitations of these studies. There's still a lot of support for avoiding parabens following the better safe than sorry route. If you do we completely support you! If you are concerned about the health safety of parabens, then feel free to avoid them by looking out for the Paraben-Free icon. If not, don't worry about it - they do have had one of the longest safety records as preservatives!
Which Ingredients are classified as Paraben?
A product will be paraben-free if it does not contain any of the following parabens:
- Sodium Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Ethylparaben
- Sodium Butylparaben
- Propylparaben
- Isopropylparaben
- Isobutylparaben
- Sodium Propylparaben
- Butylparaben
- Ethylparaben
- Sodium Methylparaben
- Methylparaben
Sulfate-Free
Sulfate-Free
Understanding Sulfates
Sulfates are a large group of ingredients which act as cleansing agents in Cosmetics. They help loosen up the dirt and grime from your skin and hair to allow for water to wash it away with ease. However some sulfates are so good at their job, they can wash off your skin’s own natural oils that keep it moisturised and protected which can lead to dryness and irritation. Most people will find no issues with sulfate, however if you find your skin doesn't like sulfates then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the sulfate-free icon on Skincarisma.
Which ingredients are classified as sulfates?
We've taken the Sulfates which are considered more harsh for our Sulfate-Free status. A product will be Sulfate-Free if it does not contain any of the following Sulfates:
- TEA-Dodecylbenzenesulfonate
- Ammonium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- PEG-15 Cocamine
- Sodium Laureth Sulfate
- Sodium Cocoyl Sarcosinate
- Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate
- Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate
- Ammonium Xylenesulfonate
- Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Xylenesulfonate
- Sodium Myreth Sulfate
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfoacetate
Alcohol-Free
Alcohol-Free
Understanding Simple Alcohols
Alcohol ingredients are widely used in cosmetics and come in different types. For the most part alcohols are not problematic at all. However one type of alcohols, simple alcohols can be quite drying to the skin because it evaporates very quickly. This can cause irritation which can also lead to other skin complications. These alcohols should never be used alone on your skin, but combined with other cosmetic ingredients, they are normally without issue. However, for some people with sensitive and easily irritable skin, avoiding products with these simple alcohols may be beneficial. If you find your skin doesn't like these simple alcohols, then free feel to avoid them by looking out for the Alcohol-Free icon.
Which Ingredients are classified as Alcohol?
A product will be alcohol-free if it does not contain any of the following alcohol ingredients:
- SD Alcohol
- Alcohol Denat
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- Alcohol
Silicone-Free
Silicone-Free
Understanding Silicones
If you've ever used a skincare, makeup or beauty product that's made your skin look and feel smoother tempoarily - it's likely contained Silicone. They are a popular class of ingredients found in cosmetics due to their smooth, soft, easy-to-spread and smooth properties that help creates an artificial layer/barrier on top of skin or hair (commonly found in conditioners).
For the same reasons they are popularly used, they are also commonly avoided. Anecdotally, many individuals have reported that Silicones cause/excerbate breakouts, irritation, cause a feeling of skin being unable to breathe, cause clumping of cosmetic products and find it difficult to wash off. As a result, those who find them problematic are avoiding them and increasingly, cosmetic companies are avoiding them as well.
If you have had bad experiences with Silicones in the past, or suspect they are problematic then look out for the tick on the Silicone-free label.
Disclaimer
The Silicone-free label only includes the most common Silicone ingredients that have indentified been reported by individuals that could potentially cause issues.
These include: Amodimethicone, Behenoxy Dimethicone, Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, Cetearyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethicone Copolyol, Dimethiconol, Methicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Stearyl Dimethicone, Trimethylsilylamodimethicone.
Note, that this does not include all ingredients part of the Silicone class of ingredients.
EU Allergen-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Understanding the Identified Contact Allergens
The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has identified and established 26 cosmetic ingredients that are likely contact allergens (potential to cause skin allergies) as demonstrated in clinical or epidemiological studies. The EU's SCCS have recommend cosmetic companies to disclose them on the labels if used and in cases where the concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products, then they must be labelled.
Look out for the tick on the EU-Allergen free label to know your cosmetic is free from any of the 26 identified cosmetic ingredients.
For more information regarding the EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, please visit their official website.
Disclaimer
The EU Allergen Free label is for the 26 ingredients identified by the EU SCCS and products will be only flagged if a suspected ingredient is on it's ingredient list. It is possible for cosmetics to contain one of the suspect ingredients without it appearing on the ingredient list due to it not reaching the concentration threshold to disclose it and cosmetic manufacturers choice to not disclose it.
Also note, the EU Allergen Free label is not personalized for your own allergies you may have and it does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Fungal Acne (Molassezia) Safe
Understanding Fungal Acne (Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia Folliculitis)
Pityrosporum Folliculitis/Malassezia folliculitis or simply known as Fungal Acne is a persistent acne-like condition that commonly responds poorly to traditional acne-treating methods. Unlike most cases of Acne where bacteria is the culprit, Fungi is the culprit of Fungal Acne (Hence the name!). There are certain classes & groups of ingredients that have been shown to promote and feed the growth of the Fungal Acne, Fungi such as fatty acids, oils, esters, polysorbates and fermented ingredients.
For more information regarding Fungal Acne, please visit Simple Skincare Science (f.c) - #3 of our Recommend Skincare Resources for an amazing comprehensive guide!
Please Read: How to use the Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Label
At SkinCarisma, we've done our best to identify as many ingredients as possible but note the fungal-free label may not be 100% accurate due to the complexconditions and combination of ingredients that malezzeria can thrive on.
Additionally, products that may contain ingredients that have shown to feed Malassezia may not neccessarily exacerbate the condition due to concentration of ingredient used in the product, this information is simply not available on the products.
As a result, please note this is only an experimental label that can be best used to possible identify problematic products you have used in the past. It is in no way a perfect identifier nor a predictor in whether or not it will exacerbate or cause fungal acne. It will continue to be worked on as more information and research comes to light.
If you find any ingredients you believe should be included, please email us at snails@skincarisma.com.
Disclaimer
Due to the lack of substantial research into this area it is very likely there are other ingredients and class/groups of ingredients that could feed Fungal Acne which have not been indentified.
The Fungal-Safe label does not constitute as medical advice. For your specific case, always consult your medical professiona such as dermatologist, physician, pharmacist, or health care provider - please read our medical disclaimer for more information.
What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Pro Tip Alert!
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Promotes Wound Healing from 1 ingredient(s):
What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
Pro Tip Alert!
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Dry Skin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
Sensitive Skin
What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
Pro Tip Alert!
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 1 |
Sucrose
Skin Conditioning, Humectant, Flavoring Agent, Soothing
|
|
|
| 0 |
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
|
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Aroma
|
|
|
| 0 |
Mentha Piperita Oil
Masking, Perfuming, Refreshing, Tonic
|
|