DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe: A Sweet Treat for Your Skin

Making your own sugar scrub recipe is super easy and so much fun! I love whipping up a DIY sugar scrub for myself, but it also makes an adorable homemade gift.

Body scrub is all about exfoliating your skin. Think of it as gently sweeping away dry skin and those pesky dead skin cells. Perfect excuse for a home spa day, right?

Using a body scrub keeps your skin feeling fresh, helps your makeup glide on smoother, and lets your moisturizing products soak in better. Plus, exfoliation is a must when you’re prepping for a spray tan. Just don’t overdo it!

We’ve been sharing sugar scrub recipes for years, so I decided to put together this ultimate guide for anyone who’s just starting out. All you need is an exfoliant (sugar), oil, and some lovely scents.

It’s really that simple!

Making your own body scrub is super easy and fun! Here’s the basic formula:

Body Sugar Scrub Recipe = Exfoliant + Oil + Scents

Exfoliant Options:

Sugar: You can use different types of sugar. Caster sugar (also called superfine sugar) is fab because it’s finer than regular white sugar. But don’t worry, regular granulated sugar and brown sugar work great too! Just avoid the coarse stuff like turbinado or cane sugar—they can be a bit too rough on your skin.
Salt: Go for super fine to medium texture salts. Skip the chunky ones, they can be a bit too intense.
Coffee Grounds: Who doesn’t love a coffee scrub? It smells amazing and works wonders!
Oats: You can use ground or whole oats. They’re gentle and soothing.
Nuts: Make sure they’re ground well. They work best when mixed with other exfoliants.
Dried Flowers: Ground-up dried flowers add a lovely touch, especially when combined with other exfoliants.

Oil Options:

Coconut Oil: This tropical delight is perfect for nourishing your skin and hair.
Jojoba Oil: A light and versatile oil that’s great for all skin types.
Olive Oil: Not just for cooking! It’s also a fantastic moisturizer.
Avocado Oil: Packed with nutrients, it’s like a smoothie for your skin.
Sweet Almond Oil: Smooth and gentle, perfect for a soothing massage.
Vitamin E Oil: Add this to any of the above oils for an extra boost of skin-loving goodness.

Scents & Other Add-ins:

Essential Oils: Our fave is lavender—it’s relaxing and smells divine.
Extracts: Try vanilla extract for a sweet, comforting scent.
Citrus Zest or Rinds: A zesty twist for a fresh and energizing aroma.
Herbs or Spices: Cinnamon or ginger can add a warm, spicy kick.

Basic Body Scrub Recipes:

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub DIY: Think of this as your favorite pumpkin spice latte but for your skin. Mix together sugar, coconut oil, and a dash of pumpkin pie spice. Slather it on, and you’ll smell deliciously autumnal!
Grapefruit Lemonade Lip Scrub: Brighten up your smile with this zesty lip scrub! Combine sugar, a touch of honey, and a squeeze of fresh grapefruit and lemon juice. Rub it on your lips for a refreshing and sweet exfoliation.
Coffee Scrub Recipe: Wake up your skin with this energizing coffee scrub! Mix ground coffee, brown sugar, and coconut oil. This scrub not only smells heavenly but also helps reduce cellulite and leaves your skin feeling super smooth.
Citrus Mint Sea Salt Foot Scrub: Pamper your feet with this invigorating foot scrub. Blend sea salt, coconut oil, and a few drops of citrus and mint essential oils. It’s like a mini spa day for your tired tootsies!
Pink Sugar Body Polish: Feel like a princess with this pink sugar scrub! Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a bit of pink food coloring. This scrub is as pretty as it is effective, leaving your skin soft and glowing.

Advanced Body Scrub Recipes:

Whipped Peppermint Cream Hand Scrub: Get those hands silky smooth with this luxurious hand scrub. Whip together sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil. It’s fluffy, minty, and oh-so-refreshing!
Unicorn Sugar Scrub: Bring some magic to your skincare routine with this colorful scrub! Layer different colors of sugar mixed with coconut oil and a dash of vanilla extract. It’s a rainbow in a jar that leaves your skin feeling fabulous.
Lavender Sugar Cube Scrub DIY: These adorable little sugar cubes are perfect for a relaxing scrub. Mix sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil. Mold them into cubes and enjoy a calming exfoliation session.
Flower Petal and Walnut Scrub: Feel like you’re in a garden with this beautiful scrub. Combine ground walnuts, sugar, coconut oil, and dried flower petals. This scrub is gentle yet effective, giving your skin a fresh, radiant look.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, sugar or salt scrub?

When it comes to scrubs, sugar is the gentler option, especially if you go for caster sugar. So, if you’re not sure how your skin will react or if you’re planning to exfoliate frequently, sugar is your best bet.

What are the basic ingredients of a body scrub?

It’s pretty simple: Exfoliant + Oil + Scent = Body Scrub. You can start with something as basic as caster sugar, coconut oil, and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. But don’t be afraid to get creative with this basic formula!

How long will homemade sugar scrub last?

If you store it properly in a sealed container, your homemade sugar scrub can last for at least six months.

And hey, while you’re pampering yourself with this delightful sugar scrub recipe, why not check out our energizing Green Tea Shot recipe too? It’s the perfect pick-me-up for any occasion not to mention beat the summer heat!