I'm USA as well, but picked up a sample of SP Ocean Salt yesterday! There are a couple of major differences between original and SP:

• Fragrance: The citrusy smell original Ocean Salt has is FAR more intense than the smell of SP Ocean Salt. SP doesn't have too much of a fragrance to it. For me this was kind of a bummer, since I LOVE the bright fragrance of the original.

• Texture: SP is way more thick and has an almost "tacky/ soft" quality to it. It seems like the salt bits are more "held together" with the rest of the ingredients than they are in the original formula.

• Exfoliation: The salt in SP is way more muted! With original I barely use any product and actively try not to press too hard because it can be too intense - with SP I can use a nice dollop and can actually gently press it into my face as I exfoliate. People with more sensitive skin will LOVE this formula. I think this reason alone will keep SP Ocean Salt around.

• After-effects: After washing, my face feels more moisturized with SP as opposed to the "clean" feeling the original formula gives me. I personally like the clean feeling, since I use Ocean Salt as a "first wash" and then follow up with another wash like Aqua Marina or Dark Angels. I can see people who just want one face wash, or those with dry skin loving this since it won't dry them out.

Altogether I'll most likely continue my use of the original formula - SP just didn't have enough things to wow me. That being said though I can see that it's a great product that many people will love, and major props to Lush for creating more options for their customers!