Easy Sugar Scrub Recipe
If your skin could use a refresh, a homemade sugar scrub is an easy way to gently exfoliate and bring it back to life leaving your skin soft, smooth and lightly scented. You don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive products, just a few items and your favorite scents. It’s easy to make, easy to customize, and a thoughtful gift if you want to share the love.
Basic Sugar Scrub
Here’s a simple version that’s quick to make and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth:
- 3/4 cup sugar (use brown sugar for a softer scrub or white/raw sugar for a more intense exfoliation)
- 1/4 cup oil (see options below)
- Essential oils (see options below)
Directions
- Mix sugar and oil in a bowl.
- Add essential oil then stir until everything is well blended.
- Adjust texture if needed by adding more sugar or oil.
- Store in a clean jar with a lid.
How to Use Your Homemade Sugar Scrub
- Use the scrub on damp skin, gently rubbing in circular motions.
- Focus on dry spots like elbows, knees, and heels.
- Rinse well and pat dry.
Storage Tips
- Keep your scrub in a cool, dry spot.
- It should stay fresh for about a month. If it ever smells off, make a new batch.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Homemade Sugar Scrub
The oil you use will affect not just the skin benefits but also the texture of your scrub:
- Coconut Oil (Solid/Unrefined): Thick and creamy when solid, adds richness to your scrub. May solidify in cooler temps.
- Fractionated Coconut Oil: Stays liquid at all times, lighter and less greasy.
- Olive Oil: Moisturizing with antioxidants, gives a looser, more pourable texture.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Light and gentle, good for most skin types; creates a smooth, more fluid scrub.
- Grapeseed Oil: Lightweight and fast-absorbing, great for oily or acne-prone skin.
- Jojoba Oil: Closely mimics skin’s natural oils, non-greasy and odorless.
Texture Tips
If you're aiming for a thicker, scoopable sugar scrub, here's how to get the right consistency:
- Use less oil or increase the sugar (aim for a 2:1 or 3:1 sugar-to-oil ratio).
- Blend solid and liquid oils (like mixing coconut oil with almond oil).
- Let the sugar scrub rest for a bit - the sugar will absorb some oil and thicken slightly.
A looser scrub (from using all liquid oils) can still be great - just store it in a jar, not a squeeze bottle.
Essential Oils for Your Homemade Sugar Scrub
You can use a variety of essential oils to add natural fragrance and potential skin benefits to your homemade sugar scrub. Here are some popular options:
Lavender Essential Oil
Known for its calming and relaxing scent, lavender is a great choice for promoting tranquility.
Orange Essential Oil
A sweet and uplifting scent, orange oil can be a refreshing addition to a scrub.
Lemon Essential Oil
Citrusy and invigorating, lemon oil can help brighten the skin and leave it feeling fresh.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Offers a cool and invigorating sensation, making it perfect for those who enjoy a tingling feeling.
Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Known for its fresh and revitalizing aroma, eucalyptus may also help clear congestion.
Rose Essential Oil
A classic and romantic scent, rose oil is often used for its calming and nurturing properties.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
Known for its antibacterial and clarifying properties, tea tree oil can be helpful for acne-prone or irritated skin.
Rosemary Essential Oil
With a fresh, herbaceous aroma, rosemary is also known for its potential to support circulation and skin tone.
Add-Ins for Your Homemade Sugar Scrub
You can personalize your homemade sugar scrub with natural extras:
- Honey for hydration.
- Ground coffee for added exfoliation and a caffeine boost.
- Mashed banana or avocado for nourishing enzymes and vitamins.
Always test a small area first if you have sensitive skin. If irritation occurs, rinse thoroughly and discontinue use.
Making your own DIY homemade sugar scrub is an easy and rewarding way to take care of your skin. It’s quick, customizable, and makes a lovely gift or self-care treat. Enjoy every scrubby, fragrant moment!
