How To Make Sugar Scrub: An Easy Homemade Recipe (2024)

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ByAnn Drake

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Learn how to make sugar scrub, and discover the answer to dry hands and feet! Use anytime for exfoliation and to restore moisture. Just 3 simple ingredients!

If you’ve never made a sugar scrub, you are in for a treat. They are the best thing ever to restore moisture to dry hands or feet. DIY sugar scrub is easy and inexpensive to make, and it is a total game-changer if you suffer from dry skin or sensitive skin. It exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells, and adds the necessary moisture needed to combat cold and dry elements. This easy sugar scrub recipe absolutely works miracles on dry cuticles, and it smells good at the same time!

Although perfect for your hands, these recipes can also be used as a homemade body scrub. Personally, I don’t use it on my face, because I don’t need that much moisture. If you carefully avoid the eyes, and rinse well, these sugar scrubs can be used on the face.To use this basic sugar scrub on your face, begin by dampening your skin with warm water. Apply a small amount, and rub it into your skin with a circular motion. Rinse completely and dry with a soft towel.Depending on your skin type, use once a week for optimum moisture and exfoliating.

*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Supplies Needed for Basic Recipe

  • white granulated sugar
  • coconut oil
  • essential oil
  • airtight container (I use small mason jars. If you want to give a jar as a gift, I’ve included printable tags at the end of the post.)

How To Make

The ratio for any simple sugar scrub recipe is 1 cup sugar to 1/4 cup oil. I prefer coconut oil, but any kind of oil can be used. To soften the coconut oil, microwave the jar for a few seconds before measuring.I literally put the whole jar of coconut oil in the microwave and heat until it’s pourable.

  • Combine the coconut oil and sugar in a large bowl and stir well.
  • Add essential oil, and stir again.
  • Package in airtight containers.

Oils To Use in Homemade Sugar Scrub

Popular Scents

Adding different types of fragrance in the form of high quality essential oil makes sugar scrubs smell wonderful! Use your favorite oil, make different scents, or combine scents for your own signature sugar scrub. Some ideas are:

  • lavender
  • rosemary
  • eucalyptus
  • peppermint
  • lemon
  • orange
  • lime
  • cinnamon
  • vanilla extract
  • clove
  • tea tree oil

How To Make Sugar Scrub: An Easy Homemade Recipe (6)

Packaging

Once you have your scrub mixed together, package it in airtight containers. I have usedboth 4 oz. and 8 oz. Ball mason jars, but any sort of jar will work as long as the mouth is big enough to scoop out the scrub with your fingers. The two cup recipe below makes three 8 oz. jars of scrub.This recipe can easily be doubled to yield six 8 oz. jars. (4 cups sugar/1 cup coconut oil.)

To make the packaging extra special, cut circles of kraft paper and tie them around the top of the jars with string. It would also work well to use any brown bags you have on hand. I used a fruit bowl for a template, and then smoothed the paper circle over the jar with my hands. Attacha little wooden spoonto use for scooping the sugar scrub out of the jar. The final touch is a custom, printable tag. Get the details on how to get the tags at the end of the post.

Helpful Tips

  • The amount of essential oil added is a personal choice. I like to open a jar of sugar scrub and smell it immediately. I usually use more essential oil than the recipe calls for.
  • A drop or two of food coloring can be added for a little extra color.
  • DIY sugar scrub tightly packaged in glass mason jars has a shelf life of several months. Just recently, I opened a jar that was about a year old and it was perfectly fine.
  • Any brand of organic coconut oil will work, or refer to the list above for alternate choices.
  • I usea large scoopto fill the jars. It’s super easy and quick.

Ways to Use Sugar Scrub

  • Keep a jar beside every sink and use it on a regular basis.
  • Makes a very special hostess gift.
  • Perfect as a favor for bridal or baby showers. (Perfect for a new mom or bride.)
  • Makes a great gift for teachers…they always have dry hands!
  • Tuck in Christmas stockings, gift baskets, or Easter baskets.
  • Sugar scrub makes a beautiful, homemade birthday or Mother’s Day gift.
  • Give this to your best girlfriend and she will love you forever. (Plan a special spa day!)
  • If you have a special occasion, and don’t get manicures, an application of sugar scrub is a great way to make your hands look beautiful.
  • Use sugar body scrubs on your knees and feet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sugar to use?

I prefer white sugar, but brown sugar can also be used. Another good substitute for the sugar is either Morton’s salt, or kosher salt, resulting homemade salt scrubs.

How long does this DIY sugar scrub recipe last?

For a long time! It lasts for many months. I recently opened a jar of sugar scrub that was about a year old, and it was perfect.

How do you store homemade sugar scrub?

This sugar scrub should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use this on my lips?

Yes! It works great as a lip exfoliator.

Creating a homemade sugar scrub is a simple and cost-effective way to pamper your skin, and achieve a natural, radiant glow. By combining basic kitchen ingredients like sugar, oil, and essential oils, you can customize a scrub that answers your skin’s specific needs. The exfoliating properties of sugar help remove dead skin cells, while the moisturizing effects of the oils leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Making your own sugar scrub not only allows you to take control of the ingredients you apply to your skin, but also offers a self-care experience that results in beautiful and healthy skin.

Get the Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs

Available now is an easy-to-download eBook titledThe Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs. It includes all the information in this post, along with more tips and details. Also included are tags for the following homemade sugar scrub recipes:

  • Lavender
  • Eucalyptus + Mint
  • Rosemary

Just fill out the short form below.The eBook will arrive in your email inbox in just a minute or two! Current email subscribers: fill out the form below to get your guide. You won’t have a duplicate subscription!

Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe

These homemade sugar scrub recipes are the perfect answer to dry hands and feet. Use any time to restore moisture and clear away dead skin. Just 3 ingredients!

Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe

4.71 from 37 votes

Servings: 3 8 oz. jars

Author: Ann Drake

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes minutes

Packaging Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups Sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 20 to 25 drops essential oil

Instructions

  • Soften coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds before measuring.

  • Combine sugar and coconut oil in a large bowl.

  • Stir until completely mixed together.

  • Add essential oil, and stir again.

  • Package in airtight containers.

Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace

How To Make Sugar Scrub: An Easy Homemade Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How do you make homemade sugar scrub? ›

The ratio for any simple sugar scrub recipe is 1 cup sugar to 1/4 cup oil. I prefer coconut oil, but any kind of oil can be used. To soften the coconut oil, microwave the jar for a few seconds before measuring.

What are the two ingredients in sugar scrub? ›

Combine: It really is as simple as mixing brown sugar and melted coconut oil in a bowl. Customize: You can change the smell by adding in honey, vanilla or essential oils. Store in an airtight container for maximum results. If you want the scrub softer, add an extra Tablespoon or two of coconut oil.

How do you make a 3 ingredient body scrub? ›

How To Make Sugar Scrub. Add all your ingredients (sugar, baby oil or coconut oil, and body wash) into a bowl and stir the mixture until combined to make this DIY sugar scrub. If you use coconut oil you need to get it to liquid form. A few seconds in the microwave and you'll have the coconut oil melted.

Do DIY sugar scrubs work? ›

DIY sugar scrubs are a great at-home option. They're not only quick and easy, but they're more affordable than many store-bought options. Using sugar combined with other natural ingredients creates a homemade exfoliant that can cleanse, soften, and moisturize your skin when used gently.

What is the best homemade body scrub? ›

"In our opinion, the best body scrubs are made from coffee and honey," says esthetician and co-founder of Atelier Beauté, Aneta Zuraw. "Coffee peeling exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths and firms the skin, while honey takes care of moisture. It's cheap, easy to prepare, and is perfect for face and body care."

How to make a cheap sugar scrub? ›

Place sugar into a bowl. Add in 1/3 cup of oil and stir until well blended. If the sugar scrub seems too dry for your liking add more oil, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you get the consistency you like. Remember, this is personal preference so don't worry about “messing up.” You won't, I promise.

How do you make a simple body scrub? ›

Instructions
  1. 1: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup coconut oil and 2 cups granulated sugar. Mix until a grainy paste forms. ...
  2. 2: Add 40-50 drops of your choice of essential oil. ...
  3. 3: Optional: Add 1 drop of food coloring to give it a little color.
  4. 4: Scoop contents into a Mason jar.

What oil is best for sugar scrub? ›

A sugar scrub typically uses granulated white sugar and coconut oil. Sugar which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and coconut oil helps moisturize your skin.

How do you make an 2 ingredient body scrub? ›

Making your own exfoliating scrub is as easy as can be! Place 1 cup of sugar in a small to medium-sized container and add the oil one tablespoon at a time, mixing in between. You will use anywhere from 3 – 5 tablespoons, depending on the oil and sugar. The consistency should be sandy, not soupy.

Can I use regular sugar as a scrub? ›

Regular granulated sugar, brown sugar or organic sugar all work well. Brown sugar is the finest and least abrasive, regular granulated is next and works just fine, and organic sugar is the coarsest. Pick the one you like or mix and match until you find your favorite combination.

What are the best homemade body scrub ingredients? ›

Salt • Sugar • Ground coffee • Oatmeal • Other options: almond meal, flax meal (linseeds), rice bran, wheat bran, buckwheat, and ground nut shells, cornmeal. 2. A Carrier Oil: It goes without saying, but don't use a nut oil if you have a nut allergy! Note that certain essential oils should be avoided by pregnant women.

What is DIY body scrub? ›

Directions. Add brown sugar, coconut oil, and honey to a mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients thoroughly, and add more coconut oil if it's too crumbly. Once you've reached the desired consistency, spoon your scrub into a container.

Is a salt scrub better than a sugar scrub? ›

Although sugar scrubs are highly effective at physical exfoliation, they do not provide any other cleansing benefits. Salt scrubs, on the other hand, do detoxify the skin as they scrub, which can be a huge benefit for people struggling with overactive oil glands on the body, for example.

What is the best oil to use in a sugar scrub? ›

A sugar scrub typically uses granulated white sugar and coconut oil. Sugar which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and coconut oil helps moisturize your skin.

How do you make homemade exfoliating scrubs? ›

Instructions
  1. 1: In a bowl, mix together 1 cup coconut oil and 2 cups granulated sugar. Mix until a grainy paste forms. ...
  2. 2: Add 40-50 drops of your choice of essential oil. ...
  3. 3: Optional: Add 1 drop of food coloring to give it a little color.
  4. 4: Scoop contents into a Mason jar.

Can I use regular sugar for sugar scrub? ›

Regular granulated sugar, brown sugar or organic sugar all work well. Brown sugar is the finest and least abrasive, regular granulated is next and works just fine, and organic sugar is the coarsest. Pick the one you like or mix and match until you find your favorite combination.

How long does DIY sugar scrub last? ›

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.

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