The exfoliating ingredient is Brazilian black sugar. Sugar is a really good exfoliator because it melts while you massage you skin. Other ingredient like nut shells is much harsher on the skin and can cause some irritation, so you better avoid those. The product smells like sweet strawberries and the smell just makes me want to eat it. It is quite strong scented but it doesn’t bother me at all, and I am usually quite sensitive to strong smells.