Sugaring is often compared to standard waxing. During the process, a sugaring substrate sticks to and essentially removes hair without attaching to the skin. The substrate can be applied at room temperature or heated to a lukewarm temperature, minimizing the risk of burns.^[4] For this reason, sugaring is generally preferred over waxing when it comes to removing hair from larger areas of skin.^[3] Nevertheless, if you have sensitive skin, sugaring can result in skin irritation and reaction.^[4] However, this can sometimes be prevented by taking an anti-histamine. Sugar itself is otherwise hypoallergenic.

There are some distinct differences between home and professional-use sugar paste. The majority of store-bought products contain wax, while homemade pastes often utilize sugar and other natural ingredients.