Brown sugar is excellent to use as a gentle natural exfoliant thanks to its small granular components and molasses. The various shades of brown sugar relate to the quantity of molasses that is mixed in with it. Brown sugar is softer compared to white sugar and salt and is preferred in lip scrubs. It helps to clear dead, flaky and dry skin cells while moisturizing new skin and keeping it fresh, soft and smooth.
Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is a popular spice and flavoring agent that is rich in antioxidants with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that is also valued for its medicinal uses. As an essential oil, it is quite potent but blends well with many other essential oils and herbs. It should always be used in diluted form. In topicals, it is noted for its ability to stimulate the circulation in the skin by increasing blood flow and bringing oxygen to the surface. As an addition to lip balms, cinnamon essential oil is effective in creating a temporary plumping effect for fuller looking lips.
Manuka honey is a premium type of honey derived from the manuka bush found in New Zealand that is rich in a rare methylglyoxal (MG) compound. In addition, manuka honey contains high levels of vitamin B, amino acids and many minerals including calcium, copper, iron, potassium, sodium, and zinc. Thanks to its high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial nature as well as its acidic properties manuka honey is used as a natural emollient for dry or itchy skin, treatment for wounds, cuts and scrapes as well as healing and clearing infections, blemishes and reducing scars, inflammation and breakouts in acne-prone skin. Since honey is low in moisture it helps to dry wounds thus destroying bacteria as bacteria need fluids to flourish. Applied topically it is also effective in calming skin affected by eczema and anti-fungal skin infections such as athlete’s foot.
Caution: If you’re allergic to pollen or bee stings, patch test is recommended for using topicals with manuka honey.