The invention relates to a method of producing an abrasive substance, where natural kernels, shells, fruit skins and/or seeds are ground to give a flour of defined particle size, the flour is treated in aqueous suspension with at least one bleaching agent, in which the addition of the bleaching agent takes place in two steps, where, in the first step, at least 40% by weight to 90% by weight of the total amount of bleaching agent is added and the flour is sterilized in the acidic medium and, in the second step, the lightening and degreasing of the flour is brought about by the simultaneous metered addition of the remainder of the bleaching agent with an alkali solution in alkaline medium, and its use in cosmetic preparations.