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Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub

This easy homemade hand and body sugar scrub recipe is a fantastic product to use year-round. Whether you’re suffering from dry weather from the wood stove or cracked hands from working in the garden, this will be your new favorite DIY solution for healing and exfoliating dry skin. As a bonus, the coconut oil adds the perfect amount of moisture back into your skin. 

Homemade sugar scrub in a glass container.
Image courtesy of Full of Days

Why I Love This Sugar Scrub

Wintertime on the homestead can be rather harsh on your skin and hands. The need for heat in our homes definitely tends to dry out everything, including our bodies! Combine that with the many times our hands are in the water to clean away germs, and we need some pampering. 

When possible, I like to skip the expensive drugstore solutions and make my own beauty products, such as homemade soap, rose and honey face wash, or DIY lip balm. I like to know what goes into these products before I put them on my skin.

I’m sure our friends and neighbors deal with the same problems, and this sugar scrub makes a simple and affordable homemade Christmas gift to promote a stress-free holiday. Give it as a stand-alone, or pair it with an idea from our homesteader’s Christmas gift guide!

What Is a Sugar Scrub

Please note that this recipe is for a hand and body scrub, so I recommend finding a product specifically for the face if you need that. The skin on our faces tends to be a little more sensitive, and this recipe could be a tad harsh.

A sugar scrub is a key part of any skincare routine. It’s a natural exfoliant that removes dead skin cells to reveal smoother, healthier skin underneath. 

The sugar in these scrubs is the main exfoliant. It gently buffs away dead skin cells without harming the skin. The carrier oils, like coconut or olive oil, keep the skin moisturized and protected for a long time.

Sugar Scrub Benefits

You might ask if sugar scrub is good for your skin, and in a word, Yes! It cleans, moisturizes and exfoliates all in one easy product. 

Sugar naturally helps cleanse the skin and dissolve dead skin cells. The glycosaminoglycans in sugar help maintain moisture, which leads to better skin elasticity and a brighter complexion. (Source)

Another great thing about sugar scrubs is they help prevent ingrown hairs. They exfoliate the skin, keeping hair follicles clear, making them a gentle yet effective choice for all skin types.

Sugar scrub in a jar next to a luffa.

Ways to Use Sugar Scrub

Sugar scrubs are great for your skincare routine. You can use them in the bath or shower. Start by wetting your skin with warm water to open pores and soften it. Next, apply a good amount of scrub and rub it in a circular motion. 

Focus on areas like elbows, knees, and feet that tend to be more rough. Rinse well and gently pat dry with a towel. As an additional step, moisturize, if needed, for added skin hydration.

Sugar scrubs are also great for your hands. Use them after washing dishes to soften and refresh your hands. Just rub a bit on your hands in a circular motion for a few minutes before rinsing.

I recommend only using sugar scrub two to three times a week. Scrubbing too often can irritate your skin. However, you can apply it more often to your hands if needed.

As you use it, you will continue to see the benefits. Your moisturized skin will glow! Your body will thank you, and you will feel like you created your own mini spa!

Bottle of essential oil next to a bowl.

Choosing the right scent for your sugar scrub not only makes it smell pleasant but can enhance the experience with aromatherapy. By choosing scents that match your skin and preferences, you get a product that’s customized just for you.

Here’s a quick comparison of popular sugar scrub scents and their benefits:

Essential OilTherapeutic PropertiesSkin Benefits
LavenderCalming, anti-inflammatory (Source)Soothes irritation, promotes relaxation (Source)
Tea TreeAntimicrobial, antiseptic (Source)Fights acne, reduces redness (Source)
RosehipAntioxidant, regenerative (Source)Reduces fine lines, deeply nourishes (Source)
PeppermintRefreshing, cooling (Source)Revitalizes dull skin, invigorates, and calms itching caused by inflammation. (Source)
1/4 cup measuring cup with olive oil.

Tips for Making the Best Sugar Scrub

Using the right ingredients can make all the difference in pursuing the perfect homemade sugar scrub. Start by picking the right sugar. Fine sugar is good for sensitive areas, while unrefined cane sugar has more exfoliating power.

Choosing quality ingredients is also key for a good sugar scrub. Use organic sugar and cold-pressed oils to avoid harmful chemicals. This makes your scrub more effective and safe for your skin.

This customizable recipe allows you to tailor your sugar scrub to your skin’s needs. You can adjust the texture by changing the oil-to-sugar ratio, and different oils provide unique skin benefits. 

Use this chart to determine the right oil for you:

Oil TypePropertiesIdeal For
Coconut OilDeeply hydrating, anti-bacterialDry or flaky skin
Almond OilLightweight, vitamin-richNormal to oily skin
Olive OilRich in antioxidants, moisturizesMature skin
Grapeseed OilNon-greasy, high in linoleic acidAcne-prone skin

Supplies Needed

  • Bowl – You will want a large bowl if you make multiple batches for gifts. Otherwise, a small glass bowl is sufficient.
  • Mixing Utensil – Because you are working with essential oils, I don’t recommend using a wooden spoon from your kitchen! A disposable utensil or one designated for craft projects is ideal.
  • Mason Jars – Or any other cute air-tight container with a lid to store it in. If you are making this for gifts, add a little tag with ingredients and instructions. They might come begging for more! 
Homemade sugar scrub being mixed in a stainless steel bowl.
Image courtesy of Full of Days

Ingredients Needed

You will most likely have all the ingredients you need on hand. I don’t want you to spend a fortune, so feel free to play around with it and make substitutions.

  • 1 Cup Sugar – You can use regular white or brown sugar, but to make a truly chemical-free sugar scrub, opt for organic sugar.
  • 6 Tablespoons Liquid Castile Soap – This is a vegetable-based soap. It will suds up just a bit and add a cleaning agent. If you don’t have castile soap, try liquid baby soap!
  • 2 Teaspoons Almond Oil – I like to use almond oil for both the natural scent and benefits when I have it on hand, but use what you have. Extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil (as shown below) are some suggestions. The oil will actually stay on your hands after you wash off the scrub and continue to moisturize.
  • 6-7 Drops Essential Oils – I’m using a mixture of balsam fir needle and cinnamon because it gives a nice Christmas scent, but during the summer months, I love to use a combination of orange and peppermint essential oil. Use your favorite scent, just be sure it’s safe to use topically on your skin.
Measuring out liquid castile soap.
Adding avocado oil to homemade sugar scrub.
Essential oils being added to a bowl of homemade sugar scrub.

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, add all ingredients and stir until combined.
  2. Pour into an air-tight container and place next to the sink or in the shower for easy use.
  3. To use, scoop the amount needed and massage onto your skin (use a dry hand to scoop out the scrub).
  4. Rinse with water.
Homemade sugar scrub being poured into a glass jar.

How to Store Sugar Scrub

I like to keep my homemade sugar scrub at room temperature in the bathroom, either on my sink or in the shower. Not only will it make your hands smell good, but it will also make your bathroom smell amazing!

Keep it sealed with a lid to prevent moisture from getting into it. Water tends to make it chunky and crystallize, so it’s best to scoop it out with dry hands.

When you feel the need to pamper yourself, scoop out a small teaspoon-sized amount, massage it into your hands or body, and rinse off.

Did you make this homemade sugar scrub recipe? If so, please leave a star rating in the recipe card below. Then, snap a photo and tag us on social media @homesteadingfamily so we can see!

FAQ

What are the benefits of using this DIY sugar scrub recipe?

DIY sugar scrubs moisturize and exfoliate your skin. They remove dead skin cells and promote renewal. They can make your skin smooth and glowing and even reduce ingrown hairs.

How often should I use a sugar scrub in my skincare routine?

Use a sugar scrub 2-3 times a week. This helps exfoliate dead skin cells without overdoing it. Over-exfoliation can irritate your skin.

Can I use both white and brown sugar in my sugar scrub recipe?

Yes, you can! Both white and brown sugar work well as natural exfoliants. Brown sugar is softer and good for sensitive skin. White sugar is more robust for a deeper exfoliation.

How does a sugar scrub help remove dead skin cells?

When rubbed into the skin, sugar granules exfoliate dead skin cells.

What precautions should I take when making a sugar scrub at home?

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients and choose the right granule size for your skin. Store the scrub properly. Avoid ingredients you might be allergic to and test it on a small area first.

Homemade Christmas gifts wrapped in parchment paper and cut fabric with string and pine branch clippings.
Homemade sugar scrub being poured into a glass jar.

Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub

This easy homemade sugar scrub is the perfect way to heal dry cracked hands as well as adding in the perfect amount of moisture.
4.29 from 14 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Carolyn Thomas

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 6 Tablespoons liquid castile soap
  • 2 teaspoons almond oil or other liquid oil
  • 6 drops essential oils

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all ingredients and stir until combined.
  • Pour into an air-tight container.

To Use

  • Scoop out the amount needed and massage onto your skin. Rinse with water.

Notes

  • Feel free to adjust essential oils to your favorite scent. Some scents are stronger than others, so adjust the amount as needed.
  • Try to keep water out of the sugar scrub as this can cause crystallization.
Tried this recipe?We want to see! Tag @homesteadingfamily on Instagram.
A man and wife smiling.

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Josh and Carolyn bring you practical knowledge on how to Grow, Cook, Preserve and Thrive on your homestead, whether you are in a city apartment or on 40 acres in the country. If you want to increase your self-sufficiency and health be sure to subscribe for helpful videos on gardening, preserving, herbal medicine, traditional cooking and more.

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