NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub Review 2026: Is This $36 Body Scrub Worth Buying?

I have a confession to make: NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub was not something I expected to get excited about. I’m terrible at remembering to exfoliate my body.

I have a confession to make: I’m terrible at remembering to exfoliate my body.

Face skincare? I can happily spend ages doing that.

Body care? Somehow it always gets pushed to the bottom of the list.

Then there are those days when my skin feels rough, especially around my legs, elbows and knees, and I suddenly remember why body scrubs exist in the first place.

That’s basically why I became curious about the NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub.

At first, I was honestly drawn in by the packaging. It looks fun, colorful and a little different from the usual serious-looking skincare products. But pretty packaging alone isn’t enough to convince me to spend around $36 on a body scrub.

That’s quite a lot of money for something you literally wash off.

So I wanted to look beyond the cute jar and figure out what you’re actually getting for the price.

Is this just an expensive sugar scrub?

Or does NCLA Hey Sugar actually make sense as a more luxurious body-care product?

Here’s my honest take.

What Is NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub?

NCLA Hey Sugar is a sugar-based body scrub made to exfoliate the skin while leaving it feeling soft and moisturized.

The main exfoliating ingredient is sugar, while the formula also includes ingredients such as glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter.

So the idea isn’t simply to scrub away dry skin and call it a day.

The formula is designed to combine exfoliation with a more moisturizing feel.

And I think that’s important because I’ve used body scrubs before that made my skin feel smooth for about five minutes and then strangely dry afterward.

That is not exactly the result I’m looking for.

NCLA also offers Hey Sugar in several different scents, which makes the collection feel more like a fun body-care range rather than one basic scrub.

NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub: Quick Look

Here’s what you need to know before deciding whether it’s worth trying:

• Product: NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub
• Size: 8.8 oz / 250g
• Price: Around $36
• Product type: Sugar body scrub
• Main exfoliant: Sugar
• Key moisturizing ingredients: Glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter
• Brand: NCLA Beauty
• Made in: USA
• Recommended use: 2–3 times a week
• Application: Damp skin for gentler exfoliation or dry skin for stronger exfoliation

The exact price can vary, so I’d definitely check the current price before buying.

First Impression of NCLA Hey Sugar

Let’s talk about the obvious thing first: the packaging.

It’s cute.

Like, actually cute.

It doesn’t have that clinical skincare look where every product on your bathroom shelf starts looking exactly the same.

The Hey Sugar collection has a playful feel, and the different scents make it even more tempting.

But after getting past the packaging, the texture is what really matters.

A sugar scrub should have enough grit to actually exfoliate, but I don’t want something that feels like I’m sanding my skin down.

That’s one of the reasons I prefer being able to control how much pressure I use.

And with this type of scrub, you can adjust the experience depending on whether you use it on damp or dry skin.

How Does NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub Work?

The idea is pretty simple.

You take some of the scrub, massage it over your body and rinse it away.

The sugar provides physical exfoliation, helping remove buildup from the surface of the skin.

After rinsing, your skin should feel smoother.

The moisturizing ingredients are there to make the experience less drying and more comfortable.

It’s not complicated skincare.

And honestly, body care doesn’t always need to be complicated.

Sometimes I just want something I can use in the shower without reading a 12-step instruction manual.

What’s Inside the Formula?

The ingredient list is one of the more interesting parts of this scrub.

Sugar

This is the star of the show.

Sugar provides the physical exfoliation that makes a scrub a scrub.

When you massage it over your skin, the particles help buff away surface buildup.

This can be particularly nice on rough areas like elbows, knees and feet.

Glycerin

Glycerin is a common moisturizing ingredient used in skincare.

It’s a humectant, meaning it helps attract moisture.

Having glycerin in a body scrub makes sense because you’re exfoliating while also trying not to leave your skin feeling stripped.

Shea Butter

Shea butter gives the formula a richer, more nourishing feel.

It’s one of those ingredients I personally like seeing in body products, especially when my skin is feeling dry.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is another conditioning ingredient included in the formula.

It adds to the moisturizing side of the scrub and helps make the overall formula feel less basic.

Mango Butter

Mango butter is also included, giving the formula another moisturizing ingredient alongside the shea and cocoa butters.

So overall, this isn’t just a sugar-and-fragrance situation.

There are several ingredients here intended to make the skin feel conditioned as well as exfoliated.

How I Would Use NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub

The good thing is that you don’t really need to overthink it.

Step 1: Get Your Skin Ready

If you’re already in the shower, you can use the scrub on damp skin.

This is probably the option I’d choose if I wanted a gentler exfoliating experience.

NCLA also recommends using it on dry skin for more intense exfoliation.

Step 2: Apply the Scrub

Take a reasonable amount and massage it over the body using circular motions.

Focus more on areas that actually need exfoliation.

For me, that would usually mean elbows, knees, legs and feet.

There’s no reason to scrub aggressively.

Seriously.

If you have to use a ridiculous amount of pressure to feel that the scrub is working, you’re probably doing too much.

Step 3: Let It Sit

NCLA recommends leaving the scrub on for one to two minutes.

You don’t need to turn your shower into a meditation session, but giving it a little time before rinsing is part of the recommended routine.

Step 4: Rinse

Rinse thoroughly and follow with your usual body lotion or cream if you need extra moisture.

NCLA recommends using the scrub two to three times per week.

What I Like About NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub

There are quite a few things I like about this product.

It Makes Body Exfoliation Feel Fun

This might sound silly, but I think it matters.

Some body-care products feel like chores.

This one feels more like something I’d actually look forward to using.

The scents, packaging and texture all give it more of a pampering feel.

The Formula Has Moisturizing Ingredients

This is probably the biggest practical advantage.

You’re getting sugar exfoliation, but the formula also contains glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter.

That combination makes sense for someone who wants exfoliation without making body care feel overly harsh.

You Can Choose Your Level of Exfoliation

This is another little detail I appreciate.

Use it on damp skin when you want something gentler.

Use it on dry skin when you want more exfoliation.

So you don’t necessarily have to use the same approach every time.

There Are Different Scents

If you love scented body care, this is definitely a plus.

There are several Hey Sugar options, so you can choose based on the kind of fragrance you enjoy.

And let’s be honest, sometimes a product smelling amazing is half the reason we actually remember to use it.

What I Don’t Like

Now let’s talk about the part that could stop me from buying it.

The Price

$36 is a lot.

I’m just going to say it.

It’s a body scrub.

You rinse it down the drain.

There are much cheaper body scrubs available, and if your only goal is exfoliation, you probably don’t need to spend $36.

NCLA is selling more than just the basic function here.

You’re paying for the formula, scent choices, packaging and overall experience.

Whether that’s worth it is going to depend on your budget.

Fragrance May Not Be for Everyone

The different scents are one of the fun parts of this collection, but they’re also a reason some people may want to skip it.

If you prefer fragrance-free skincare, this probably isn’t the body scrub I’d choose.

The formula includes fragrance, so that’s something worth checking before purchasing.

It’s Still a Physical Scrub

This isn’t a chemical exfoliant.

You’re physically rubbing particles over your skin.

That means you need to be sensible about how you use it.

If your skin is irritated, damaged, freshly sunburned or extremely sensitive, I’d leave the scrub alone until your skin is comfortable again.

Is NCLA Hey Sugar Good for Dry Skin?

It can be a nice option for dry, rough-feeling body skin.

The sugar helps exfoliate, while glycerin and the different butters provide moisturizing support.

But I wouldn’t make the mistake of thinking a scrub replaces body lotion.

It doesn’t.

I’d think of the scrub as the exfoliating step.

Then use a body lotion or cream afterward if your skin needs more moisture.

That combination makes much more sense.

Where Would I Use It?

You don’t necessarily need to scrub your entire body every single time.

I’d focus on areas that tend to get rough:

• Elbows
• Knees
• Legs
• Feet
• Arms
• Hands

And I’d be especially gentle around areas where the skin is thinner or more sensitive.

Body exfoliation should leave your skin feeling nice.

It shouldn’t leave you wondering why you just attacked your own legs with sandpaper.

Is NCLA Hey Sugar Worth $36?

This is the million-dollar question.

Well, maybe not million-dollar.

More like $36.

And my answer is: it depends on what you’re buying it for.

If you want the cheapest possible way to exfoliate your body, no.

I don’t think you need to spend $36.

But if you enjoy body care and see products like this as part of your self-care routine, then I can understand the appeal.

There’s something different about using a product that smells nice, feels luxurious and makes your shower feel less like a chore.

For some people, that’s worth paying extra for.

For others, it’s absolutely not.

And honestly, both opinions are fair.

Who Is NCLA Hey Sugar Best For?

I’d recommend taking a closer look at it if you:

• Love scented body products
• Enjoy sugar scrubs
• Have rough or dull-feeling body skin
• Like moisturizing body-care formulas
• Want different scent choices
• Enjoy a more luxurious shower routine
• Don’t mind spending extra on body care

Who Should Probably Skip It?

I’d skip it if you:

• Prefer fragrance-free products
• Have very sensitive or irritated skin
• Don’t like physical exfoliation
• Want an inexpensive body scrub
• Prefer chemical exfoliating products

Final Verdict: Is NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub Worth Buying?

After looking at the formula, price and overall experience, I think NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub is a good product, but it’s definitely a splurge.

And that’s really the best way I can describe it.

It’s not some magical body-care product that’s going to completely transform your skin overnight.

It’s a sugar scrub.

But it’s a well-presented, fun-to-use sugar scrub with moisturizing ingredients and plenty of scent options.

The formula combines sugar with glycerin, shea butter, cocoa butter and mango butter, so it isn’t focused only on exfoliation.

I also like the flexibility of being able to use it on damp skin for a gentler experience or dry skin when you want stronger exfoliation.

The biggest downside is still the price.

At around $36, I’d hesitate to recommend it to someone who is simply looking for a basic body scrub.

But if you love body care, enjoy trying pretty products and don’t mind spending a little more for a nicer shower experience, I can definitely see the appeal.

Would I call it a must-have?

No.

Would I understand buying it because you love the whole experience?

Absolutely.

For me, that’s where NCLA Hey Sugar makes the most sense.

It’s less about desperately needing a body scrub and more about making an ordinary shower feel a little more enjoyable.

And honestly, sometimes that’s enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you use NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub?

NCLA recommends using the scrub two to three times a week. There’s no need to exfoliate your body every day.

Can you use NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub on dry skin?

Yes. NCLA recommends using it on dry skin for more intense exfoliation. If you want a gentler experience, use it on damp skin.

How long should you leave NCLA Hey Sugar on?

NCLA recommends leaving the scrub on for around one to two minutes before rinsing.

Is NCLA Hey Sugar vegan?

NCLA describes the Hey Sugar body scrubs as vegan.

How much product do you get?

The standard jar contains 250g, or 8.8 oz, of product.

Does NCLA Hey Sugar contain fragrance?

Yes. The formula includes fragrance, and the collection is available in different scents.

Can you use it on sensitive skin?

I’d be careful if your skin is sensitive or irritated. Physical exfoliation and fragrance aren’t suitable for everyone, so gentle use is important.

Should you moisturize after using the scrub?

Yes. If your skin tends to get dry, applying a body lotion or cream after exfoliating is a good finishing step.

My Rating

NCLA Hey Sugar Body Scrub: 4/5

What I like: Fun scents, sugar exfoliation, moisturizing ingredients and a more luxurious feel.

What I don’t like: The $36 price and the fact that it contains fragrance.

Bottom line: If you want an affordable body scrub, there are cheaper choices. But if you want a fun, indulgent body-care product that makes your shower feel a little more special, NCLA Hey Sugar is worth considering.