Will an oxygen absorber soften brown sugar?

Yes, an oxygen absorber can help soften brown sugar by reducing the moisture content in the packaging, preventing the sugar from hardening. Brown sugar hardens when it loses moisture, so maintaining a low-oxygen environment can preserve its moisture level. However, if the brown sugar is already hard, an oxygen absorber alone may not be sufficient to restore its original texture; it may need to be rehydrated with a slice of bread or a damp paper towel.