Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (2024)

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By Andrea Vaughan | Updated on

Sugar scrubs are great for the entire body. Even the most basic recipe does a brilliant job at exfoliating, moisturizing and rejuvenating skin. The following recipes are created using common kitchen pantry ingredients, but you can be as inventive as you want, once you get the basics down! Making homemade sugar scrub recipes is a frugal and fun way have a spa day, without having to leave your home.

The Basics:

Only 2 basic ingredients are needed to make a super simple sugar scrub recipe. From there, the possibilities are infinite!

  • 75% sugar
  • 25% oil

I typically use organic white sugar cane, but traditional sugar works great, too. You want to select a sugar that has a decent grain size, and that won’t dissolve instantly in the oil. For the oil, I usually turn to coconut, olive, grapeseed or apricot kernal. You could alternatively use castor oil or vegetable glycerin.

To make a sugar scrub, combine sugar and oil together, and place in a bowl or jar. Apply sugar scrub liberally to body and massage in. Rinse off with warm water. Sugar scrubs should last for quite a long time on a shelf, as long as it has a lid on it. I have kept it up to 6 months, but be mindful of your extra additions when determining how long to store it.

The Extras:

Here are just a few additions I have used in body scrubs, which work well. Really, any healthy, natural product is a great addition, so be inventive and use your imagination when creating your own homemade sugar scrubs!

  • Essential Oils: I use essential oils in almost every homemade cleaning or beauty product I make. Essential oils have varying properties that are healing and healthful for the body. Some of my favorite oils to add to beauty products are: lavender, wild orange, frankincense, peppermint (diluted), eucalyptus, lemon, and grapefruit. Always do research on essential oil safety before using them for the first time.
  • Fresh Herbs and Roots: Herbs such as basil, thyme, and rosemary lend terrific scent and medicinal value to sugar scrubs and other homemade beauty products. Ginger is another exceptional addition to homemade products. You can find my recipe for ginger and coconut oil sugar body scrub, here.
  • Other Natural Ingredients: Some other great ideas include honey, fresh citrus juice, vitamin E oil, jojoba oil, and aloe vera.

After the Scrub:

To feelreallypampered after your sugar scrub, try using these:

  • Shea Body Butter Recipe: A decadent body butter made from organic shea butter, coconut oil and olive oil that will leave you feeling luxuriously moisturized.
  • Coconut Oil Deep Conditioner: Treat your hair next with this deliciously fragrant deep conditioner to restore the body, shine and beauty to your hair.
  • 10 Simple Exfoliating Face Scrubs: Although most sugar scrubs are safe to use on your face, you may be looking for something a little more delicate. Here are 10 homemade recipes to keep your face looking flawless.

Have you made your own sugar scrub before? What is your favorite scent to add?

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Comments

  1. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (2)Toni says

    Hi! I just started making scrubs and I noticed after a week or so the once fresh strong, but not too over powering scents started to fade a bit. Is this normal for the salt and sugar scrubs that are homemade?

    Reply

  2. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (4)Teresa says

    I read somewhere you can add Braggs Vinegar to help scrubs last longer. Have you ever heard of or tried this?

    Reply

  3. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (5)Jessica says

    Hi I want to make a coffee scrub using instant coffee. Do you know how long the shelf life would be?

    Reply

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (6)hjkhulj says

      well, regular coffee scrubs that i have made start to mold after a few weeks. (yuck). Not sure if its the same with the instant coffee.

      Reply

  4. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (7)Kimmie jo says

    I am new to this so I have many questions. First I bought a sugar scrub that I LOVE so I am trying to make it myself. The ingredients are Cocoa Butter,Coconut oil, Shea Butter, Avocado oil, Jojoba, Vit E, Frankincense and Lavender and then Raw cane Sugar. I have no idea how much or really how to blend it so can you give any advise to me. Thanks! OH also should I have bought Cocoa Butter and Shea butter that have no other ingredients in them?

    Reply

  5. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (8)Brandy says

    What specific sugar do you use? 1 -2% ratio of essential oils equals how many drops if you are using a cup of sugar and 1/3 cup of oil?

    Reply

  6. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (9)infokotabekasi says

    Thanks for finally writing about >Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe – Homemade for Elle
    <Liked it!

    Reply

  7. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (10)Kimberly says

    Hi,

    Thank you for posting this interesting recipe. How long do you think the scrub will last before it goes bad since I’m using natural ingredients? Thanks for your help.

    Reply

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (11)Andrea says

      Hi Kimberly,

      I have kept mine for a couple months in a mason jar. If you keep it clean and free of water, I imagine it should last a good 6 – 12 months.

      Reply

  8. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (12)Jeff S. says

    How much scent do you add? Can you use essential oils as well as fragrance oils?

    Reply

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (13)Andrea says

      Hi Jeff,

      The only scents I add are essential oils, I don’t use fragrance oils. I keep around a 1 – 2% ratio of essential oils. Hope that helps!

      Andrea

      Reply

  9. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (14)Calista1 says

    Hi,what a great blog you have!Quick question;after using the sugar scrub on the face/body, do you have to wash again with soapy water?Or can you take a bath after this?

    Reply

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (15)Andrea says

      It just depends on how your skin feels. I usually don’t wash again with soap and water, but it can feel oily, if you’re not used to it. I also apply it while in the bath or shower. Hope that helps!

      Reply

  10. Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (16)Hana says

    Hi , I wanted to know the exact measurements for this scrub… would you put a cup of sugar and a 1/2 cup oil?

    Reply

    • Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe (17)Andrea says

      For 1 cup of sugar, you should add 1/3 cup of oil.

      Reply

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Homemade Sugar Scrub 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What's the best body scrub recipe? ›

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.

How do you make a body scrub with two ingredients? ›

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.

Which is better for Scrubs salt or sugar? ›

Salt scrubs work great on tough skin, and your elbows, feet and heels are excellent places for a salt scrub — the scrub will work over those dry areas and restore your skin. Sugar scrubs are good all over because they're gentle and will soften your body and face.

Does olive oil and sugar scrub work? ›

Sugar helps exfoliate your skin, while olive oil helps moisturize it. The oil will also help lubricate your skin, and protect it against the harsh grains of the sugar. Not every sugar scrub will be suitable for your face or body, however; you will need to make adjustments depending on what you will be using it for.

Do you melt coconut oil for sugar scrub? ›

This scrub is a great quick fix to exfoliating your hands and feet before a mani-pedi. Directions: Place 1/2 cup Coconut Oil in microwave safe dish, and microwave for 45 seconds, or until completely melted. Transfer melted Coconut Oil to small mixing bowl, and stir in 1 cup of White Sugar.

What can I mix with sugar to exfoliate? ›

To begin, you'll mix 2 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Next, apply directly to your face in a gentle circular motion making sure to feel the exfoliation on your skin. Once you've covered your face, remove the scrub with lukewarm water and voilà, clean smooth skin! For best results, repeat twice a week!

What is the difference between body scrub and 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.

Do I use body scrub before or after soap? ›

When should you use a body scrub? If you're wondering when to use an exfoliating body scrub, make sure you use it after you have showered or bathed, and after you have used shower gel, soap or body wash. This ensures your skin is clean and prepped for exfoliation, and the warm water ensures your skin is damp and soft.

Can I use regular sugar for sugar scrub? ›

You can use all types of sugars for sugar scrubs. The grain of the sugar determines how much or how little abrasiveness the scrub possesses, so keep that in mind. Also, some types of sugars have their own unique scents that will blend into whatever you use for essential oils or other fragrances.

How do you make a sugar and honey body scrub at home? ›

Preparation: Create the base mix adding 1 cup of brown sugar with ¼ cup of olive oil (other oil alternatives include almond or coconut) Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon honey to the base mix. Place scrub in storage jar and enjoy!

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