How to Make a Sugar Scrub

Why spend a lot on a brand name sugar scrub when you can make it for next-to-nothing at home? Sugar scrubs are great for exfoliating and they don't dry out your skin like salt scrubs and have no negative environmental impact like beaded scrubs.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Olive Oil Sugar Scrub

  1. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 1
    1
    Get a container. You'll need a small container to mix and keep your sugar scrub in. Find a clean container with a lid that you can spare for at least a few days until you've used all of your scrub.
    • This recipe[1] makes about 2/3 of a cup of scrub, although you can double it to make more. Size your container appropriately.
  2. 2
    Put oil into the container. Pour 3 tablespoons of olive oil into your container.
    • You can also add 1-2 gel caps of vitamin E oil if you want to make this scrub even better for your skin.[2] Simply piece the cap and squeeze it into the oil. If you do this, however, make sure you let the scrub soak on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
  3. 3
    Add in some honey. Now, add in 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of honey. Any kind will do, but the thicker the honey is, the better.
  4. 4
    Add in the sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of real sugar. This can be any sugar but raw sugar will be the harshest while white sugar will be the least harsh. Brown sugar falls somewhere in the middle.
  5. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 5
    5
    Stir it up and use as needed. Now that you have all of your ingredients in the container, mix everything together. If it seems to wet, you can add more sugar. If it's really dry, try adding half a spoon of oil.
    • Store the finished product out on your counter or in a cupboard. Putting it in the fridge will only make it go hard.

Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Coconut Oil Sugar Scrub

  1. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 6
    1
    Get a container. You'll need a container to mix and keep your sugar scrub in. This recipe makes about 2 1/2 cups of scrub, so you'll want to find a container big enough. Alternatively you can split the scrub between several smaller containers or halve the recipe.
  2. 2
    Put oil into the container. Pour 3 tablespoons of coconut oil into your container. Choose cold-pressed coconut oil since it preserves more of the nutrients.[3]
    • You can also add 1-2 gel caps of vitamin E oil if you want to make this scrub even better for your skin.[4] Simply piece the cap and squeeze it into the oil. If you do this, however, make sure you let the scrub soak on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
  3. 3
    Add in some honey. Now, add in 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of honey. Any kind will do, but the thicker the honey is, the better.
  4. 4
    Add in the sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of real sugar. This can be any sugar but raw sugar will be the harshest while white sugar will be the least harsh. Brown sugar falls somewhere in the middle.
  5. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 10
    5
    Stir it up and use as needed. Now that you have all of your ingredients in the container, mix everything together. If it seems to wet, you can add more sugar. If it's really dry, try adding half a spoon of oil.
    • Store the finished product out on your counter or in a cupboard. Putting it in the fridge will only make it go turn hard.

Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Lavender Sugar Scrub

  1. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 11
    1
    Get a container. You'll need a small container to mix and keep your sugar scrub in. Find a clean container with a lid that you can spare for at least a few days until you've used all of your scrub.
    • This recipe makes about 2/3 of a cup of scrub, although you can double it to make more. Size your container appropriately.
  2. 2
    Put oil into the container. Pour 3 tablespoons of Johnson & Johnson Lavender Baby Oil (or another lavender body oil) into your container.[5]
    • You can also add 1-2 gel caps of vitamin E oil if you want to make this scrub even better for your skin. Simply piece the cap and squeeze it into the oil. If you do this, however, make sure you let the scrub soak on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off.
  3. 3
    Crush up some dried lavender and mix it into the oil. Using a separate bowl and a blunt object (like the handle of a hammer), crush up some dried lavender. Place the crushed lavender into the oil.
  4. 4
    Add in the sugar. Pour in 1/2 cup of real sugar. This can be any sugar but raw sugar will be the harshest while white sugar will be the least harsh. Brown sugar falls somewhere in the middle.
  5. Image titled Make a Sugar Scrub Step 15
    5
    Stir it up and use as needed. Now that you have all of your ingredients in the container, mix everything together. If it seems to wet, you can add more sugar. If it's really dry, try adding half a spoon of oil.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    Can I just use a scrub that's made with nothing but sugar?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, but that would only exfoliate your skin, not moisturize it. You would want to use some kind of moisturizer on your skin after the sugar to prevent drying and irritation.
  • Question
    Is the scrub applied directly to the dark areas? How long do I leave it on, and what is the best way to remove the scrub?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You can apply it anywhere in the body. You just scrub, leave it for about 5-10 minutes according to your skin type, and then gently rinse it off with water.
  • Question
    What oils can you use besides lavender, coconut, or olive?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You could use grapeseed or almond oil, but the almond oil scent may interfere with other scents in the scrub.
  • Question
    Do I have to use honey?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Honey thickens the scrub.
  • Question
    Can I add herbal teas to this scrub? If so, which ones will be best?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes. Loose leaf tea adds a bit of tang and herbal teas will make your skin smother and feel healthier.
  • Question
    Are these healthy for my skin?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, these are actually made to make skin healthier. They are gentle, hydrating, and exfoliating. And, they make your hands softer, too! You'll love these and how smooth your skin feels after using them.
  • Question
    What can I use instead of honey?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Honey has the most benefits for your skin, but you can also use molasses, agave syrup, or even maple syrup. Remember that consistency is the most important consideration, so choose your substitutes with this in mind.
  • Question
    How long can I keep a jar of sugar scrub?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    It will last a month or two, depending on the container you're using.
  • Question
    What if I don't have any oils?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try using another scrub. There can be more scrubs than this. For example, salt scrubs, Blueberry and Honey Scrub and citrus salt/sugar scrub. These other scrubs may even be better than the sugar scrub.
  • Question
    Can I use fresh lavender from my back yard instead of dried up lavender?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Don't use fresh lavender, as this can make the scrub go bad faster. You could pick fresh lavender and dry it yourself, though.

Warnings

Things You'll Need

  • Bowl
  • Mixing supplies

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References

  1. ↑ http://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
  2. ↑ https://www.ideahacks.com/homemade-body-scrub-recipes/
  3. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.
  4. ↑ Lorena Barcal. Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist. Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.
  5. ↑ https://styletips101.com/diy-beauty/diy-lavender-sugar-scrub.html
  6. ↑ https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-substitute-oil-in-cold-process-recipes/

About This Article

Lorena Barcal
Co-authored by:
Lorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
This article was co-authored by Lorena Barcal. Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry. This article has been viewed 375,364 times.
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Co-authors: 28
Updated: December 12, 2021
Views: 375,364
Categories: Homemade Skin Care Products
Article SummaryX

If you want to make a simple sugar scrub, add 3 tablespoons of olive oil or coconut oil, plus 2 tablespoons of honey to a sealable container. Then, add 1/2 cup of sugar and mix everything together. Use raw sugar if you want a strong scrub, white sugar for a mild scrub, or brown sugar for something in between. If the scrub seems too wet even after you've mixed it thoroughly, add more sugar. If your scrub is too dry, add some more oil until it's the right consistency. Scroll down to learn how to make a lavender sugar scrub!

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