• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Wellness Mama script logo

Wellness Mama®

Simple Answers for Healthier Families

  • About
  • Favorites
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Shop
  • Health
  • Natural Home
  • Motherhood
  • Mindset
  • Natural Remedies
  • Beauty
  • Organization
  • Travel
  • Reviews
  • Recipes
How to Make Sugar Scrub Cubes to Gently Exfoliate Skin
  • Beauty

How to Make Sugar Scrub Cubes to Gently Exfoliate Skin

Katie WellsJun 27, 2017Updated: Jul 30, 2019
Reading Time: 4 min

This post contains affiliate links.
Click here to read my affiliate policy.

Wellness Mama » Blog » Beauty » How to Make Sugar Scrub Cubes to Gently Exfoliate Skin
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Sugar Scrub Cubes: A Better Way to Use Scrub+−
    • Sugar Scrub Cubes = No Bacteria
    • Sugar Scrub Cubes = Less Oil Buildup
  • DIY Sugar Scrub, Taken Up a Notch!+−
    • Sugar Scrub Cubes + French Rose Clay
    • Sugar Scrub Cubes + Activated Charcoal
  • The Recipe: Sugar Scrub Cubes+−
    • Ingredients:
    • Instructions:
    • How to Use:

I’ve made my fair share of sugar scrubs before. I love their impressive results when they’re so simple and easy to make! This recipe kicks it up a notch by making single-use sugar scrub cubes that cleanse, exfoliate, and soften skin all in one easy step.

Sugar Scrub Cubes: A Better Way to Use Scrub

These little sugar scrubs in cube form are not only cute but practical, for two reasons:

  1. They are single use to avoid contamination that can occur in regular sugar scrubs.
  2. They contain soap so they won’t create the mess that regular sugar scrubs do.

Sugar Scrub Cubes = No Bacteria

Water used in skincare products makes them much more prone to microbial growth. Not only that, it can be a little frustrating trying to keep water from getting into the container when you’re using it in the shower (especially when dipping wet fingers into the scrub).

By using a sugar scrub cube, only what is needed for one use is brought in the shower, and the rest stay dry and ready for the next use.

Sugar Scrub Cubes = Less Oil Buildup

Unlike most sugar scrubs, these cubes contain soap. This serves a two-fold purpose. It helps avoid oil buildup in the showers and in drainpipes. It also helps avoid buildup on the skin for people who are sensitive to certain oils.

DIY Sugar Scrub, Taken Up a Notch!

Of course sugar scrub cubes work great unscented and without added color, but there are real advantages to adding natural colors and scents. French rose clay and coconut activated charcoal add color for a pretty presentation but also have additional benefits for the skin.

Sugar Scrub Cubes + French Rose Clay

French rose clay is a naturally occurring, mild clay that actually comes from France. Not only is it a beautiful dusty rose color, it helps pull impurities from the skin and acts as a mild exfoliant to rejuvenate skin. It’s frequently used to improve the appearance of skin and improve blood and lymphatic circulation.

This clay contains a variety of minerals for better skin health, including kaolinite, iron, illite, montmorillonite, magnesium, potassium, and calcium.

Because it’s less drying than other clays, French rose clay is especially good for dry or sensitive skin.

Sugar Scrub Cubes + Activated Charcoal

I use activated charcoal in my drawing salve and to whiten teeth, but it’s also great for skin. Over the past few years charcoal has become the next trendy thing in skincare, but it was in use long before.

This light black powder pulls impurities from the skin and absorbs excess oil. It’s perfect for acne-prone and oily skin types, but it may be too drying for sensitive or mature skin.

Charcoal is oil soluble, so it combines well with this oil-based recipe. It can be very messy and it will stain clothing and white sinks, so be careful while mixing it in. This sugar scrub cube recipe shouldn’t stain the tub though, as the charcoal is diluted enough to easily rinse off.

The Recipe: Sugar Scrub Cubes

Here’s how to make these simple and adorable exfoliating cubes.

Ingredients:

  • 5.5 ounces melt-and-pour soap, or about 1 cup + 1 TBSP
  • ½ cup + 2 TBSP carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed, or coconut will all work)
  • ½ tsp rose clay or activated charcoal powder
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 30 drops grapefruit, sweet orange, or lavender essential oil OR 20 drops peppermint essential oil
  • Medium-size heat-safe glass bowl
  • Accurate digital kitchen scale (optional but highly recommended)
  • Pot
  • Square mold of choice (I used this silicone ice cube tray)

Instructions:

  1. Cut the melt-and-pour soap into small, even pieces to ensure even melting. If using a scale, place the glass bowl on the scale and hit the tare button. Add chunks of soap until the weight reads 5.5 ounces. Since soap cube size will vary, this recipe works much better if using a scale, as opposed to a measuring cup.
  2. Fill the pot halfway with water and place over medium heat. Perch the glass bowl on top to create a double boiler effect.
  3. Stir the soap occasionally until completely melted. The soap should be smooth and thin.
  4. In the meantime, vigorously whisk the rose clay or charcoal into the carrier oil, if using.
  5. Once the soap is thoroughly melted, whisk in the carrier oil. If the mixture clumps and seizes up, just keep the bowl over the heat until everything melts again.
  6. Stir in the essential oil, then remove the liquid from the heat and set the glass bowl on a tabletop. Stir in the sugar and immediately pour into the mold. The mixture will harden quickly.
  7. Place the mold in the fridge until the mixture is firm, about 1 hour. Pop the sugar scrub cubes out of the mold and store away from light and heat.

How to Use:

To use, simply squish one of the cubes in your hand, rub across the skin to exfoliate, and rinse off when done.

Caution: Since these contain a fair amount of oil, they can make the shower floor slippery!

Everyone appreciates a thoughtful homemade gift! These sugar scrub cubes make great gifts for birthdays and holidays. They can be gifted in a decorative glass jar with a cute personalized tag or label.

Are you a fan of sugar scrubs? Will you try this single-use option?
These adorable sugar scrub cubes are fun to make and a great way to gently exfoliate skin. My kids love using these in the bath tub too!

Category: Beauty

Share this article

FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn
Print / PDF / Email

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a wife and mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

  • All Posts

You may also enjoy these posts…

how to make natural sugar scrub

Exfoliating Chai Sugar Scrub Recipe

Homemade sugar scrub recipe

Luxurious Sugar Scrub Recipe for Silky Smooth Skin

cleansing grains

Gentle & Exfoliating Cleansing Grains for Face & Body

Gentle Oatmeal Lavender Facial Scrub Recipe

Gentle Oatmeal Lavender Facial Scrub Recipe (DIY)

Exfoliating Cumin Face Scrub

Antioxidant Cumin Face Scrub for Glowing Skin

Vanilla Latte Sugar Scrub Easy Homemade Recipe- Natural and Organic plus helps get rid of cellulite

Vanilla Latte Sugar Scrub Recipe

Reader Interactions

Discussion (48 Comments)

  1. Christy

    July 3, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    Don’t use stevia you’re not going to eat this. Try Epsom salt, dead sea salt,or Himalayan salt

    Reply
  2. Carol Anne

    July 3, 2017 at 8:28 AM

    Can any melt & pour soap base be used, or only goat’s milk?

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      July 3, 2017 at 1:56 PM

      Any melt and pour soap should work…

      Reply
  3. Gina

    July 2, 2017 at 3:10 PM

    Hi Katie, Are these cubes ok for face and body? Thanks…Gina F

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      July 2, 2017 at 3:47 PM

      As long as your face doesn’t react to oil…

      Reply
  4. Fabianna Laby

    July 2, 2017 at 1:04 PM

    Could you use a Dr. Bronner’s type soap for these cubes? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      July 3, 2017 at 2:05 PM

      I haven’t tried it so I’m not sure if they will melt the same way or not.

      Reply
    • Renee Owens

      December 29, 2020 at 4:16 AM

      Supposedly the Castile soaps, that is any soap made with vegetable oils and not animal fats, will work for melt and pour. I am testing it out myself.

      Reply
  5. Laura E Wasserman

    July 2, 2017 at 9:04 AM

    Is there any way to do these with my homemade soap? Melt and por ones seem to be full of nasty stuff or very expensive

    Reply
  6. Petria Delucca

    June 30, 2017 at 7:53 PM

    I don’t have any melt and pour soap base, but I do have a big bulk box of castile bar soap. Is it possible to use store bought bar soap instead of melt and pour base? If I can use it, should I add extra oil or something different or might I be able to use it as-is? Thanks for any thoughts you may have on this.

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      July 3, 2017 at 2:10 PM

      I haven’t tried, but if you can get it to melt then it might work…

      Reply
  7. Dominica K Menon

    June 29, 2017 at 10:31 PM

    Yes a wonderful website with practical and clearly explained recipes. Easy to follow and understand. Heads up to you Katie!

    Reply
  8. Lavina

    June 29, 2017 at 4:48 PM

    I love our website, it is very informative and easy to understand. I am trying to avoid sugar in any form due to candida, is there any substitute for sugar?

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      June 29, 2017 at 7:50 PM

      Maybe try stevia? https://wellnessmama.com/1482/stevia-safe-or-healthy/

      Reply
    • Christine Toner

      July 2, 2017 at 3:19 PM

      Baking soda aka Sodium bicarbonate would replace sugar in this recipe. It makes a very finely textured scrub. Skin feels very smooth.

      Reply
      • Cairo

        October 11, 2017 at 6:00 PM

        You might not want to use baking soda, the pH is bad for the skin. You could try using salt…

        Reply
    • Joan

      April 19, 2019 at 5:23 PM

      Are these silicone ice cube trays safe for making ice to put in our drinks? I want to find a healthy alternative to our refrigerator ice maker.

      Reply
  9. Dominica

    June 28, 2017 at 10:25 PM

    Will try without oil.

    Reply
  10. ANITA

    June 28, 2017 at 5:57 PM

    Hi katie, Love You, Love your website, I’ve been following you for years. The thing is, I’m not that handy. rather buy then make things. Your cubes sound amazing, any chance you’ll be selling them soon.????? just asking. Lov Ya.

    Reply
    • Katie - Wellness Mama

      June 29, 2017 at 9:12 AM

      I only make my creations for personal use, I really don’t have any plans to sell them…

      Reply
Newer Comments »

Join the Conversation... Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Please read the comment policy.

Recipe Rating




The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. By accessing or using this website, you agree to abide by the Terms of Service, Full Disclaimer, Privacy Policy, Affiliate Disclosure, and Comment Policy. Content may not be reproduced in any form. Ads provided by CafeMedia Family & Parenting Network. Displayed ads do not constitute endorsement or recommendation by Wellness Mama.


Content

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Favorites
  • Wellnesse

Support

  • Newsletter
  • Podcast Application
  • Medical Review Board
  • My Books
  • Sitemap
  • Contact

Policies

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Full Disclaimer
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Promo Guidelines
  • Comment Policy

Join the
Wellness Mama Tribe!


Copyright © 2023 · Wellness Mama® · All Rights Reserved · Powered by BizBudding