Looking for a simple and basic sugar scrub recipe you can make at home? This DIY sugar scrub recipe comes together quickly and makes a great gift for your own holiday or spa day event!
What is a sugar scrub?
A sugar scrub is a body scrub that can be used in the shower to exfoliate and remove dry skin. Dead skin cells accumulate over time and are best removed for the health of your skin.
Sugar body scrubs are essentially a combination of sugar and oil that can be applied all over the skin to remove excess dead skin and keep the body moisturized and functioning well.
Sugar Scrub vs. Salt Scrub
Salt scrubs are more abrasive on the skin, so if you have sensitive skin I would stick with a sugar scrub like this one. However, if you’re looking for something a little more intense, a salt scrub is your best option. Some of the vitamins and minerals in sea salt are absorbed by the body when you use a salt scrub, whereas those in a sugar scrub are not nearly as high. But both are effective exfoliants.
Basic Sugar Scrub Ingredients
The basic homemade sugar scrub recipe is 2 cups sugar plus 1/2 cup oil. There are a few different variations I recommend (see below), but if you just want the basics, 2 cups of white sugar and 1/2 cup of carrier oil will do the trick.
sugar – There are several different varieties of sugar you can use in your own sugar scrub. I personally prefer basic cane sugar, but feel free to use what you have.
- sucrose– This is classic “white sugar” that you can find in most grocery stores. I find this to be the best roughness for exfoliating and moisturizing.
- brown sugar – Some people like to use brown sugar because it’s less refined, but this really doesn’t make much of a difference when applied to the skin. For a similar brown sugar scrub texture, you can use coconut sugar.
- Turbinate suction – This is a very coarse, less refined form of sugar. I find these sugar granules a bit gritty, so I tend to prefer the other varieties, but if that’s all you have, this one will do the trick.
base oil – You will need a carrier oil to mix with the sugar. I personally prefer coconut oil, but any of these varieties will work. In fact, all of these are interchangeable, it’s just about preference or accessibility.
Essential oils/fragrances (optional) – This sugar scrub works without any added fragrance or essential oils. However, if you are looking for the therapeutic benefits of essential oils or a specific scent that you like, you can certainly add some. I prefer to use natural scents from essential oils, fragrances or extracts rather than perfume.
How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrub
- Mix sugar + oil
Combine sugar and carrier oil in medium bowl until well blended.
- Add fragrance (if desired)
Add essential oils or optional additives until desired scent is achieved. Store in an airtight glass bottle or airtight container with an airtight lid at room temperature until ready to use.
how to use sugar scrub
Before applying a body scrub, you’ll need to turn on the shower and close the door or curtain to allow steam to develop. This will help open your pores so your DIY sugar scrub can be most effective. Wet your body with warm water.
Grab about a tablespoon of this sugar scrub recipe and start scrubbing an area of your body in circular motions. Use more as needed.
I don’t like using this sugar scrub on my face as I find it too harsh, but if you want to use it on your face you can.
Use consistently 2-3 times per week for best results.
Sugar Scrub Recipe Variations
Citrus Sugar Scrub
I really like the freshness of the lemon sugar scrub (it smells like lemon sugar cookies too!)
Peppermint + Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub
Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub
For a relaxing spa experience, try this Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub.
Storage instructions
Your homemade sugar scrub recipe will keep for at least 6 months (if not longer) if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separation may occur. You can easily remix with a spoon or your hands before applying.
*Save tips
To help extend the shelf life of your sugar scrub, you can add a drop of vitamin E oil, which acts as a natural preservative.
More self-care DIYs:
Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
Looking for a simple and basic sugar scrub recipe you can make at home? This DIY sugar scrub recipe comes together quickly and makes a great gift for your own holiday or spa day event!
- Preparation time: 2 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- total time: 2 minutes
- yield: 6 use 1X
- category: body care
- method: mix
- 2 cups Sucrose (see Sugar Substitutes above)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (see oil alternatives above), melted
- 10 Drops of essential oil or other add-ins (see options above)
- mason jars for storage
- Combine sugar and coconut oil in a medium bowl until well combined.
- Add essential oils or optional additives until desired fragrance is achieved.
- Store in an airtight glass bottle or airtight container at room temperature until ready to use.
- when using it: Take required amount and apply onto clean, moist skin. Wash off thoroughly.
- Use 2-3 times per week for best results.
