Making your own sugar scrub is one of the most simple recipes. I love making DIY sugar scrub for myself, but it also makes a really sweet homemade gift.
Body scrub is used to exfoliate your skin, meaning you are gently sloughing off dry skin and dead skin cells. It’s time for a home spa day!
It’s great for keeping your skin feeling fresh, helps makeup go on smoother, and moisturizing products to soak in better. Exfoliation is also important when you are doing things like prepping for a spray tan. While it is a healthy practice, you don’t want to overdo it. Read Is Your Exfoliation Routine Damaging Your Skin? for more information about exfoliation.
We’ve been sharing sugar scrub for years now, so I wanted to put together this ultimate guide for anyone getting started. Body Scrub = Exfoliant + Oil + Scents. It’s truly that simple!
Again, the basic formula for making your own body scrub is:
Body Scrub = Exfoliant + Oil + Scents
Exfoliant Options:
- Sugar- You can use different types of sugar. Caster sugar, sometimes called super fine sugar, is great as it’s more finely ground than granulated white sugar. Although regular granulated sugar and brown sugar works great too. We tend to avoid turbinado sugar and cane sugar that are more coarse- as it can be too intense. Sugar granules make an excellent exfoliator for your skin.
- Salt – Super fine to medium texture salts work best (again avoid super chunky textures)
- Coffee grounds- We love a coffee scrub.
- Oats – ground or whole will work
- Nuts – ground well, these work best as an addition to other exfoliants
- Dried flowers – ground up, these work best as an addition to other exfoliants
Oil Options:
- Coconut oil
- Jojoba oil
- Olive oil
- Avocado Oil
- Sweet Almond oil
- Vitamin E Oil (we recommend adding this to any carrier oil above)
Scents & Other Add-ins:
- Essential oils (we love lavender essential oil
- Extracts (such as vanilla extract)
- Citrus zest or rinds
- Herbs or spices (such as cinnamon or ginger)
Basic Body Scrub Recipes:
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub DIY
- Grapefruit Lemonade Lip Scrub
- Coffee Scrub Recipe
- Citrus Mint Sea Salt Foot Scrub
- Pink Sugar Body Polish
Advanced Body Scrub Recipes:
- Whipped Peppermint Cream Hand Scrub
- Unicorn Sugar Scrub
- Lavender Sugar Cube Scrub DIY
- Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, sugar or salt scrub?
Sugar, especially caster sugar, is gentler on your skin. So, if you are unsure how your skin will react or plan to exfoliate using a body scrub often, then sugar may be a better choice.
What are the basic ingredients of a body scrub?
Exfoliate + Oil + Scent = Body Scrub. So, this could be as simple as caster sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops essential oil. But, there are many ways to use this basic formula to make body scrub.
How long will homemade sugar scrub last?
If stored well in a sealed container, it will last at least six months.
How to Store DIY Body Scrub:
- Mini mason jars – small glass jars with lids are great, also makes a cute gifting option
- Colorful glass jars with lids – another cute one for gifting
- Plastic jars with gold lids – if you don’t want a glass option
- Disposable plastic cups with lids – if you are making a big batch for holiday gifting
As long as you save your homemade body scrub in a well sealed container so no moisture or other environmental components can get in, then it can last up to six months. Be sure to add a label to the bottom with the date your scrub was made.
More DIY Projects You Might Love:
- Make Your Own Spa Headband
- Gemstone Soap DIY
- Whipped Rose Shaving Cream
- DIY Soap on a Rope
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 1 cup sugar (or salt)
- ½ cup oil
- 2-3 drops essential oil
Equipment
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mixing bowl
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients.
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Mix together well so that everything gets well incorporated.
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Store in an airtight container when not in use.
