Our homemade sugar scrub recipe with essential oils is the perfect way to exfoliate your skin and moisturize at the same time. DIY sugar scrubs are a safe and cost-effective way to get glowing skin at home.
It is easy to make in under 5 minutes. Our sugar scrub can be used on dry hands and feet, all of your body, and even on your face. It uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It is the perfect last-minute homemade holiday gift or party favor.
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Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!
When winter rolls around my skin gets very dry. I love spa days to soften and moisturize my dry skin, but they are expensive. And my favorite lemon sugar scrub now costs upwards of $30 per container.
But I can make this sugar scrub at home for less than $4 per jar. It is the most frugal part of my self-care routine.
Sugar scrubs work by acting as a manual exfoliant and unlike salt scrubs, sugar scrubs are safe for sensitive skin.
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🧾 DIY Sugar Scrub Ingredients
I prefer to use organic ingredients in my homemade scrubs when possible.
- Unrefined Coconut Oil
- Granulated Sugar
- Essential Oil(s) of your choice (technically optional but highly recommended.
Optional Ingredients
- Vitamin E oil for extra moisture
- Food safe dye, something light that won't stain your bathtub or sink
You can use any type of sugar you prefer. I recommend using granulated sugar because it is inexpensive and can be used all over.
The size of the granules determines the roughness of the exfoliation. For feet and hands only, raw sugar is the coarsest. Brown sugar is less coarse making it perfect for the body. While white granulated and coconut sugars are the least coarse making them suitable for the body, neck, and face.
I recommend coconut oil sugar scrubs. Coconut oil is widely available, highly moisturizing, and is anti-microbial making it a great way to fight acne.
Avocado oil and grapeseed oil are also good options.
I highly recommend using essential oils in your homemade sugar scrub. Be sure to select an essential oil that this safe for topical use. Avoid oils that smell great but might be irritating like cinnamon. A good rule of thumb is that if it needs to be diluted it shouldn't be used for exfoliation.
🍋 Best Essential Oils for Scrubs
My favorite go-to oils for at-home use are lemon, vanilla, or lavender. Each of these scents is perfect on its own. You only need 10 to 15 drops per recipe.
My favorite calming blend is Aura Cacia Chill Pill.
🍚 How to Make a Sugar Scrub
Making sugar scrubs at home is as simple as mix and store. It could not possibly be easier.
Step 1- Soften the Oil
If your coconut oil isn't liquid or extremely soft, it is best to soften up the amount you need. Place it in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds to melt.
Then cool to room temperature before combining with the sugar. We don't want hot oil to dissolve the sugar.
Step 2- Mix
I find it easier to mix coconut oil with essential oils first. I add my vitamin E oil if I am using it.
Then I add my sugar to the oil. You can do this directly in your jar or in a small bowl. I add my food coloring or mica powder last so I can manage the color.
🥄How to Use Sugar Scrub
I recommend using the sugar scrub in the shower. Clean your skin and then step out of the direct line of the shower spray. Scoop out the amount of scrub needed to exfoliate the specific area you are targeting.
Use soft gentle circular motions to rub in the sugar and loosen the dry skin. Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for 1 to 3 minutes so the coconut oil moisturizes the newly exposed skin.
Rinse with warm, not hot water, and pat dry.
You can use sugar scrubs up to 4 times per week. Those with sensitive skin may only be able to use it 1 to 2 times per week.
🌡️ How to Store DIY Sugar Scrub
I store my sugar scrub in a glass flip-top jar. When you have wet hands a flip-top jar is much easier than a screw-top jar like a mason jar.
I keep my scrub in the bathroom. It should last up to 3 months, but mine never makes it that long.
💬 How to Give Sugar Scrub as a Gift
You can give DIY sugar scrubs as gifts or party favors. I think they are great favors for baby or wedding showers. When giving as a gift I either tie on a simple ribbon or add it to a gift basket with a candle, wooden spoon for scooping, and other bath relaxing items.
They also make a great addition to an Easter basket for teenagers.
More Homemade Gift Ideas
- Demerara Simple Syrup for cocktails
- A loaf of Savory Cheddar Zucchini Bread
- A jar of Garlic Fermented Honey
- A bag of Chili Lime Beef Jerky
- Homemade Limoncello
- Beeswax candles
- A box of Peppermint Creams
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Sugar Scrub
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 10 drops essential oil
Instructions
- In a small bowl stir to combine room temperature coconut oil and essential oil. Stir in the sugar to form the scrub.½ cup coconut oil, 10 drops essential oil, 1 cup sugar
- Transfer to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store at room temperature for up to three months.
Notes
- If your coconut oil is solid, place it in a microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Cool to room temperature before combining with the sugar.
- Up to 2 teaspoons of vitamin E oil can be added for extra moisture.
- Food coloring can be added to dye the scrub. I only do this when giving as a gift.
Check out our Sugar Body Scrub web story!
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