Sugar may not be good for your insides, but a sugar scrub can be very good for your skin. Those expensive scrubs in department stores and spas… they cost pennies to make! Sugar scrubs are a simple beauty recipe with countless variations, and they can be incredibly moisturizing and exfoliating to the skin.

I use scrubs on my face, body, and (especially) feet to slough off dead skin and moisturize. The result? Silky skin with minimal effort!

If you are new to making your own beauty products (or even if you are a veteran natural beauty alchemist) I highly encourage you to try out these homemade sugar scrub recipes.

Why Use Sugar Scrub?

Taking time out from mom-life to take care of ourselves isn’t always easy, but let’s face it… skin needs TLC to stay healthy. Switching to more natural cosmetics and beauty products may mean leaving some of your favorite products behind.

Not to worry! In my experience a natural skin care regime can work even better (and certainly is better for you). In many ways natural beauty products have simplified my routine since I can mix up what I need with simple ingredients I already have on hand.

Here’s the highlights of my skin care routine these days:

Dry brush before showering (here’s how to do it)
Exfoliate and moisturize with a scrub in the shower
Apply a natural lotion post-shower
Oil cleanse my face, adding a facial sugar scrub once or twice a week for exfoliation
Finish with a quality nourishing face serum (this one is my absolute favorite)

I make up for the money I invest in a few high-quality store-bought beauty products by making the rest myself at home. Sugar scrub is so easy and fun to make, it’s one item I’ll never buy.

These also make a great DIY gift idea! Just put them in a cute mason jar and apply a decorative label or tag. Now you have a pampering and practical gift for an expecting/new mom, or for Christmas gifts or Mother’s Day gifts!

Men get dry skin, too. Make a manly scented version by trying some of the suggested essential oil combinations in this post.

4.07 from 48 votes

DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe

This is the perfect recipe for beauty DIY beginners. Fast, fun, and simple!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Yield: cups

Author: Katie Wells

Equipment

Small, wide-mouth mason jar

Materials

1 cup granulated sugar (white or brown)
½ cup olive oil (or coconut oil)
essential oils (optional)

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients and stir to combine.
Store in an airtight container, such as a wide-mouth mason jar.

Notes

To use:
In the shower, scrub your skin with 1 tablespoon of the mixture and rinse well. It will leave your skin feeling like silk. Goodbye dry skin!

Sound simple? It is!

Sugar Scrub Variations

Ready to mix it up? Change your sugar scrub to suit the season. All of these variations use simple ingredients found at most grocery stores.

Pumpkin Pie Scrub: 1 cup of brown sugar, ½ cup coconut oil, ½ tsp vitamin E oil, and ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice (or just ½ tsp cinnamon)
Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub: 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup almond oil, ½ tsp vitamin E oil and 1 tsp real vanilla extract
Lemon Sugar Scrub: Great hand scrub for after washing dishes! 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup olive oil, ½ tsp vitamin E oil, 15-20 drops (or more) of lemon or orange essential oil
Gentle Lavender Sugar Scrub for Face: 1 cup white sugar, ½ cup almond oil, ½ tsp vitamin E oil, ½ tsp real vanilla extract, and 15 drops lavender essential oil. Or make this gentler oatmeal version.
Vanilla Latte Sugar Scrub: Need I say more? Seriously… make sure you have coffee on hand to make a vanilla latte because it will have you craving the real thing. Find the recipe here.
Sugar Cookie Lip Scrub: Better than lip balm, in my opinion, since it exfoliates and moisturizes in one step. Here’s the recipe.
Mint Chocolate Lip Scrub: I also recently came up with this flavor that will leave you with deliciously smooth lips. Get the recipe here.
Homemade Foot Scrub with Magnesium: Perfect for pedicure season, this foot scrub is therapeutic as well with the addition of magnesium.
Cumin Sugar Scrub for Face or Body: Not all sugar scrubs have to smell like dessert. This more exotic scrub is packed with antioxidants for glowing skin.
Himalayan Salt Scrub: Salt is typically coarser than sugar and slower to dissolve, which makes this salt-based scrub recipe great for heavy-duty exfoliation. (If you have sensitive skin, stick to sugar scrubs.)
Sugar Scrub Cubes: Make this cute and compact version of a scrub in single-use cubes. No mess and you can even make them colored with purifying French rose clay. Here’s how to make them.
Chai Sugar Scrub: All the scents of your favorite chai latte in a luxurious moisturizing scrub! Here’s the recipe.
Gingerbread Body Scrub: My favorite recipe to give at Christmas. Get the recipe here.

How to Store

These last on the counter for up to 2 months (or more). Take care that extra water doesn’t get into the scrub when you use it as it won’t last as long or work as well.

One warning: these smell good enough to eat! Actually, they are good enough to eat, but don’t… sugar is bad for your intestines!

This article was medically reviewed by Madiha Saeed, MD, a board certified family physician. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Ever made your own sugar scrub or facial products? What is your favorite combination? Let me know below!

This easy sugar scrub recipe is natural and chemical free. It naturally removes dead skin and leaves skin glowing and healthy.

Sources

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About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a 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.

Comments

478 responses to “Luxurious Sugar Scrub Recipe for Silky Smooth Skin”

Cindy

March 24, 2014

I’ll give it a try – thanks Katie!

Reply
Cindy

March 22, 2014

I made a sugar scrub with coconut oil, cane sugar, table salt and vanilla extract. I used it as an all over body scrub in place of soap. Since then I have washed with soap several times, but for the first time ever I cannot get rid of a strong underarm odor that no longer responds to soap. I have tried disinfecting the area with rubbing alcohol and, on a separate occasion, with hydrogen peroxide 3%. Nothing works. Could the coconut oil sugar scrub have clogged the pores or trapped the odor somehow? Is there a way to completely remove the residue of the scrub from the underarms? Thanks.

Reply
1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  March 23, 2014
  
  I wouldn’t think so, but I’d try scrubbing with baking soda (gently) to be sure.
  
  Reply
2. Erin
  
  April 6, 2014
  
  It is very possible that the natural bacteria under your arm are feeding on the residue of the scrub, as bacteria LOVE sugar. Very possible. Just a thought.
  
  Reply
  1. Cindy
    
    April 24, 2014
    
    Precisely. The only thing that consistently controls the odor is aluminum-based antiperspirant.
    
    Reply
    1. Cindy
      
      May 11, 2014
      
      I haven’t had luck with the DIY deodorant. It works for a few hours, then it’s off to the races! Plus, w/ the aluminum-base deo, you can go every other day w/ showers, but w/ the DIY natural deo, it’s hell’s bells the next day.
      
      Reply
      1. Nancy
        
        July 26, 2014
        
        I’ve had good luck with Primal Pit Paste. I did just change to their stronger version but in regular deodorant I used a stronger version too. My husband, who works outside a lot in 90 plus temps uses Primal Pits regular concoction and is satisfied with it.
      2. Nancy
        
        July 26, 2014
        
        Is anybody having drainage problems in your bathtub after using the sugar scrubs?
      3. Alyna
        
        February 22, 2015
        
        After I went vegan (had been vegetarian for many years) my body odor is much different. I used to feel very embarrassed, even with strong deodorants and antiperspirants but now I can just use natural deodorant and I smell fresh at the end of each day (this was not the case before)!
3. Jupiter
  
  August 1, 2014
  
  the bacteria from your underarm is feeding off the extra sugar, that is why you have a stronger body smell. peronally i do not think you can get rib of it now with any of these type cleaners as the are not addressing the bacteria.
  
  I started making my own deordorant because I never used commercial products and i had a very strong body ordor, i have figured out how to kill the underarm bactria using simple products, but i am currently talking about selling the reciepe so i can not post it.
  
  Reply
  1. Christie
    
    October 22, 2014
    
    I happened to be home and saw a lady on Dr Oz use lemons for underarms.
    
    Reply
Deholars

March 19, 2014

Plenty stupid questions….

will appreciate responses please, thank you.

I live in Africa, where the temperature is mostly warm, can someone please tell me if scrubs have to be refrigerated to have long shelf life and whats the maximum time that they can be used.

Does vitamin E darken the skin tone? also in using honey, do you mean raw honey with the combs or store bought honey in jars, well processed honey i mean. will either work or one works better than the other.

lastly, can one add orange, lemon zest, grated into the sugar scrub??????? (i know, weird and silly, yes??)

xxxx

Reply
1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  March 20, 2014
  
  With just sugar and oil, it should last even if not refrigerated. I’ve never heard of Vitamin E darkening skin. Either honey should work and zest can be added, but then it will need to be refrigerated.
  
  Reply
  1. Therese B.
    
    October 20, 2014
    
    If I add honey to one of the recipes you have here ( 1c. brown sugar+ 1/2 c. coconut oil) How much do I use???????? Have a child with acne.
    
    Reply
2. Amanda
  
  March 9, 2015
  
  My daughter and I made these actions over the weekend, we used a 4oz jar, 3/4 cup of white sugar, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and 5-10 drops of pure vanilla extract , another we used 5-10 drops of lemon eucalyptus oil, it was the most invigorating shower I have ever had.
  
  Reply
Melanie R.

March 17, 2014

Hi. Nice blog! I’m learning a lot. Is it true that the Vitamin E oil will make the scrub last longer? Thanks.

Reply
Glenda Borrello

February 18, 2014

Glad I found your site, very good information with easy recipes. This is my first time making a homemade scrub and like the others I’m hooked too.
Here’s my tip. I wanted to use the scrub on my feet but because of the oil I wanted to be very careful and avoid slipping in the shower. So I put a washcloth under each foot when I showered. Worked just fine.

Reply
Jean

February 14, 2014

I have some honey that has gone sugary. I used it in a scrub and it worked well – 1 part sugar, 1 part sugared honey, 1 part oil (olive, almond, etc.). Add whatever other essential oils or spices you like for scent or other benefits.

Reply
1. Charmaine
  
  March 8, 2014
  
  Crystallized honey is a great idea for a scrub. Honey is so good for our skin. Thx for the tip.
  
  Reply
Carol Durham

February 13, 2014

I am making a scrub for the first time and my recipe calls for epsom salt. Can that be substituted for these recipes I see above? What is the main difference between using sugar or salt? Does the sugar and salt eventually melt in the oil? What is the shelf life of a scrub? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Reply
1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  February 15, 2014
  
  They last many months since none of the ingredients are perishable. You can use epsom salt but it will be slightly more abrasive than sugar or regular salt
  
  Reply
Stephanie

February 13, 2014

Can you mess around with different oils? Like using jojoba and almond oil or olive and almond or olive and jojoba? I read that jojoba and almond are both carrier oils and am not sure as to that statement, but I figured they’d be okay with this mixture? I only ask cause I buy a lot of jojoba oil and olive oil, I use it for oil cleansing too! 🙂

Reply
1. Tara
  
  March 6, 2014
  
  Yes, yes, and yes. 🙂
  
  Reply
Cindy

February 5, 2014

For these recipes using 1 cup sugar, 1 cup almond oil and your essential oil….what size jar does that need for your final product? I’m trying to make these are favors for my daughter’s 10th bday mani-pedi party and need to get the amounts right.

Reply
Lynda

February 3, 2014

Is it okay, or wise, to do an oil cleansing and a scrub on the same day? I have a 10 year old grandaughter that has terrible skin, and I’m trying to find ways to help her.
Thanks

Reply
1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  February 3, 2014
  
  Yep, though the oil cleansing alone should be enough. At that age, dietary factors may be an issue too though…
  
  Reply
  1. Lynda
    
    February 9, 2014
    
    Thanks, Katie.
    She loved it when I did the oil cleansing. I’ve actually been able to convince her to keep it up on her own. Dietary issues…that is probably very true.
    Appreciate your website very, very much!
    
    Reply
  2. Belen
    
    February 25, 2015
    
    Hello! It may have to do with the quality of the essential oil. I am a Massage Therapist and have been using essential oils on my clients (for 12 years now) with no allergy reactions at all. I only use Young Living, so pure you can even ingest them. Let me know if you want to try them!!! Just discovered this page…and loving it!
    
    Reply
Elizabeth Chase

January 30, 2014

I am making a coconut sugar scrub, just a stupid question?…When I apply to my face and scrub…how do I remove it and/or clean my face after the removal?

Reply
1. Katie – Wellness Mama
  
  February 3, 2014
  
  Warm water and a wash cloth.
  
  Reply
Willow Hoaglund

January 19, 2014

Hello! I love making sugar scrubs for gifts! Here’s the one we make most often- 2 parts white sugar, one part coconut oil, 5 drops of peppermint essential oil, and crushed leftover candy canes! mixed in 🙂 Yum!
We make the brown sugar spice combo too… amazing.

Reply
Alecia Dawson

January 17, 2014

Also about how much does each recipe make? Enough to fill a baby food jar or more?

Reply
Alecia Dawson

January 17, 2014

I was wanting to make some of these for my sisters baby shower to give away as favors. But I need to make a label for them and don’t know what to put on the directions on how to use. Can you help me out???

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1. Jen
  
  November 7, 2014
  
  Get a simple label at target, there are some really cute old fashioned ones. Put a separate paper in the goody bag to show the recipe (for allergen alerts or making their own later) and how to use it. ( :
  
  Reply
Haley

December 29, 2013

I found a recipe
– Olive Oil
-Sugar( brown or white)
-lemon juice
Mix in as much as you want and then wash and dry your hands 🙂
I just made and my hands have never been so soft.

Reply
1. Troyt Michler
  
  January 6, 2014
  
  I’m only 13.
  
  Reply
Pallie

December 28, 2013

Tis the season to grind up all of that peppermint candy that will never be eaten, I think we have about 5 pounds of it around here. I will grind it in the food processor and I am thinking about using pure glycerine for the oil. I am sixty years old and truly remember the glycerine/rose water moisturizer my grandmother used. She is still alive and lively so anything she ever did, I am doing and she still has beautiful skin. Any opinion about the glycerin? It is a very thick liquid. I do love all of these other recipes and will try the out.

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1. Jen
  
  November 7, 2014
  
  Thats a really cool idea!!! (no pun intended!)
  
  Reply
Emma

December 19, 2013

Does it last longer in the fridge??

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Kathy Boyd

December 16, 2013

How do you or what do you use so that the coconut oil doesn’t harden back up and make it hard to get out of jar?

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1. Tara
  
  March 6, 2014
  
  Use fractionated coconut oil. Always in a liquid state.
  
  Reply
  1. Jen
    
    November 7, 2014
    
    What does “fractionated” mean? Does that mean it has been more processed? Does it lose any of it moisturizing qualities? is it more or less expensive?
    
    Reply
    1. Jennifer
      
      May 10, 2015
      
      Yes, it is more processed which means it has lost some of its quality.
      
      Reply
Gina marie

December 10, 2013

Hi. I worked in a spa for years and a quick tip : keep a magic eraser in your shower and wipe the walls/ tub / floor down prior to getting out and obviously, after you use your scrub. Best for keeping your shower clean , soap scum and oil slick free. I highly recommend elizabethvanburen and mountainroseherbs for excellent, clean and healthy products. Best

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1. Dianne
  
  December 7, 2015
  
  Just don’t use the magic eraser on fiberglass tubs. It will scratch the finish. Porcelain can handle it, but anything else probably won’t.
  
  Reply
Gretchen Butts-Shaw

December 8, 2013

When using coconut oil, does it come in a liquid form? The coconut oil I cook w/ is solid, in a jar. So, so you use this sold form for the scrubs???

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1. Andi Surface
  
  December 20, 2013
  
  Coconut oil melts to a liquid around 74 degrees. I found out in accident when I went for my jar this summer and found it a little different than when I left it. Body heat melts it right away. Also I saw a comment that the heat from a warm shower will melt it perfect to use.
  
  Reply