We might be looking for ways to cut back sugar in our diet because of how it affects our weight and health, but there’s no need to fear about using it topically on our bodies! It’s a fantastic exfoliant that effectively lifts dead cells which then encourages new & healthy cell growth.
Homemade body scrubs are a luxurious way to pamper yourself yet they are so friendly on the budget. You can purchase commercial brands if you like, but for less than a dollar you can make your own with just a few simple ingredients!
Benefits
Scrubs do a great job at refreshing, brightening and hydrating skin which helps tackle dull, tired looking and aged tissue. It nurtures and encourages a soft, happy glow.
Do you take a beating in the winter? Here’s one solution! Use a scrub to gently exfoliate the top layer of rough, patchy spots or dead cells, rinse off then apply a rich moisturizer. By tending to that damaged layer first, the moisturizer can penetrate more deeply.
Trouble spots/rough patches got you down? Treating your elbows and feet regularly with an all-natural scrub like this can truly nourish them back to prime condition. You can even whip some up to moisturize and hydrate your lips (you’ll find a few remedies just for lips at the bottom of this article).
If you struggle with sensitive skin, this is a great option for you since you can steer clear of highly fragranced products and control the ingredients used (focusing on all-natural items).
Do you struggle with those little tiny bumps on your legs after waxing or shaving? Try a good scrub the day before you wax, this will help prepare legs for hair removal and tame those irritating bumps.
Are you frequently on the hunt for last-minute gift ideas? Decorative pots filled with your favorite batch make great gifts! Simply package in a lovely glass jar (mason jars do the trick too) and wrap with pretty ribbon. You can also attach the recipe card instructing the recipient how to formulate a batch for themselves if they love it (and they surely will).
First A Few Tips
- Combine then store ingredients in glass bowls and jars to prevent reactions with other materials.
- Refrigerate any unused portion in a sealed container. Shelf life is only a couple weeks or so (if kept cool in an airtight container).
- Wash hands first before applying. If you have a big batch prepared, use a scoop rather than your fingers to dig out a portion. This will help keep bacteria out of the pot.
- Shelf life can be extended if a preservative of some sort is added. You’ll find more information and preservative suggestions here: fromnaturewithlove.com (info on T-50 Vitamin E, Rosemary Extract, Grapefruit Seed Extract and more).
- For an extra treat, try adding a bit of gentle liquid body soap to a scrub as you are applying it in the shower.
- Using a loofah or bristle brush when working it in (gently) will give a nice massage while exfoliating.
- As pleasing to the senses as this is, only treat yourself to this “body therapy” once or twice a week. For those a little older or with sensitivity issues, once a week. As with everything, moderation is key. You don’t want to damage any surface layers by overworking the skin.
- When preparing the salt recipes, some believe that those from the Dead Sea are the most therapeutic since they help relieve pain from arthritis and bring a glow to skin.
Recipes
Ready to give yourself an invigorating salon experience from the comfort of your home? Here’s a bunch of DIY recipes to get started with, I’ve sorted them into separate groups for easier browsing.
Note: Abbreviations used in the ingredient lists below…
C = cup
TBS = tablespoon
tsp = teaspoon
G-W-S = Granulated White Sugar
B-S = Brown Sugar
EO = Essential Oil
EVOO = Extra Virgin Olive Oil
| Almond & Vanilla
1/2 C of B-S |
Lemon
1 C G-W-S |
Tea
2 C G-W-S |
| Lavender & Rosewood
1 C B-S |
Yogurt
3 TBS baby oil |
Aloe Vera
1 C G-W-S |
| Coffee
1/4 C packed B-S |
With Powdered Milk
1 C B-S Directions: Mix the dry items first then pour the EVOO slowly, stirring the whole time. After it’s at the desired consistency, add the essential oils. This was sent in by Charlotte, thanks! |
For Hands & Dry Trouble Spots
2 tsp chopped rosemary Directions: Combine chopped rosemary with the oils first then add sugar to make a paste. |
| Exfoliating
1/2 C fine sea salt | Lavender
1/4 C fine sea salt Tip: Add a bit of water or liquid soap while using. |
| Favorite Scent
3 C fine sea salt Combine everything together then use after showering, store in a sealed glass jar. |
Peppermint (for feet)
1 1/2 C fine sea salt Exfoliate soles and heels with this concoction after a bath or foot soak. |
| With Yogurt
1 C oatmeal |
With Honey
1/2 C oatmeal |
Yogurt
1 TBS oats |
| Strawberry
1/4 C rolled oats Trim the berries of their leaves then mash, mix in the rolled oats then add enough milk to make a paste. |
Lavender
2 C oats Mix then grind in a blender until it’s a powder, store in a sealed glass jar and keep in a dark location. To use: mix about a tablespoon of powder with enough water to make a paste. Gently massage into skin then rinse with clear water. |
| Coconut
2 TBS B-S (firmly packed) |
Honey
1 TBS Honey |
Vanilla
2 tsp G-W-S |
Directions:
- Combine & store in a small pot. Keep leftovers refrigerated, use at room temperature.
- Remove all traces of lipstick or makeup before applying.
- Gently rub in a circular motion all over your lips, leave it for a minute or two then wipe off.
- Treat only once or twice a week.
- Moisturize right after treatment by applying a favorite lip balm.
Just wanted to know how long can those scrubs be kept for?
These basic scrubs don’t have any preservatives in them. Theoretically, because they are oil based, they shouldn’t go bad, but the problem is that when you use them in the bath area water does get into them, and bacteria from your hands. I was taught that you should make small amounts that you’ll go through in a couple of months to avoid anything growing in them.
how long do they stay fresh for
According to my research, they should last a couple of months (around 3) but anything with Vitamin E oil in it lasts even longer due to Vitamin E oil being a natural preservitiave and great for the skin.
Vitamin E oil is NOT a preservative, it is and antioxidant and only will keep fragile oils from going rancid too quickly. Grape Seed Oil, or any Essential will not preserve a scrub. The following ingredients: Honey, Oats, Aloe Vera, anything that is “food”, Green Tea, Citrus zest ect… should only be use in a scrub if it is made and used immediately with the remainder thrown out. It may be kept for a week or two at best if it is kept refrigerated. Finally never, ever, ever get your sugar scrub wet with even a drop of water. Water is food for bacteria and will turn your beautiful scrub into a party of dirty little microbial beast that could make you sick by causing a blood born infection if it were to come into contact with an open wound. A simple scrub would consist of Sugar, carrier oils and essential oil diluted to no more that 2%
Vit.E is NOT an Preservitiave, it’s an Antioxant
Seems like a lot of fuss and bother………why not just put together some sugar or salt in a jar and add some moisturizer? half and half – then mix thoroughly…..same results, less fuss, and nothing to go bad or spoil!!
I don’t know about moisturizer but I’ve found one of the simplest and most affective recipes is just a mix of brown sugar and baby oil. If you want scent just add vanilla extract!
Perhaps because not everyone wishes to use chemicals in their cleaning products and is interested in trying some more natural methods of doing things?
I agree with Melissa. Lotions are bad for your skin. Olive oil, coconut oil, etc are much better and healthier. Baby oil clogs pores.
Technically .. Baby oil is just mineral oil with fragrance and it doesn’t clog everyone’s pore. It depends on your skin type and what kind of oils it can handle.
baby oil is the waste product of oil refining..
What about using your favorite liquid bath wash (I use Dove Cream wash) and add it to some brown sugar?
Hi Carol,
I don’t see a problem with that if you’d like to try it and let us know how it worked out for you 🙂
you can do that. Sometimes I use a little scoop of sugar and add just a touch of my facial cleanser for my face. It kills two birds with one stone. Exfoliation and cleans brilliantly.
I tried #2 without the lemon rind because I didn’t have it. I wasn’t a fan. I made a half recipe (recommended)and tossed the rest. It’s been a while since I bought a scrub but it seemed like the olive oil was greasier than the procucts I’d purchased. I felt like a buttered turkey (even after I washed with soap). In fact the oil did turn thick like butter after I worked it on my skin for a while.
i don’t use olive oil in my scrubs for the reason u mentioned even though it’s so good for your skin. I use light oils like Almond oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil…or a mix…i also add some jojoba and some vitamin e which also acts as a preservative…it doesn’t make u feel greasy…try that out and see if that makes a difference!
I have discovered that if you substitute coconut oil instead of the virgin olive oil it works better
Tea tree is an antibacterial and could be used to extend product use .
also, add some honey! It acts as a humectant and draws the water into your skin!
Hi there…read your post and have a helpful tip to try. I agree these oils they list in these recipes are heavy and very greasy. The buttered turkey analagy says it best! I prefer to use a natural scented “water dispersing massage oil” found at most natural food stores. Its light and moisturizing with a wonderful light scent. Enjoy!
I made this for all of my friends this xmas & some for myself. We LOVED it. the olive oil is heavy but it felt luxurious like u’ve had a real spa treatment. it’s a great way to treat dry wintery skin!
I LOVE #2 it worked so good!!!!!!!!
A really easy scrub that I use is just brown sugar and baby oil. I fill a food storage container with brown sugar and saturate it with baby oil so that there is some oil remaining on the top. Then I can just keep that container in my shower. It works great for removing the dry skin on my legs. Usually one bag of brown sugar and one bottle of baby oil gives me about 3-4 containers full, so it goes a long way and is very inexpensive.
I could not agree more….
In a time when everyone should be budget conscious, I hate to give up some of my beauty remedies due to the cost at the local store. However This recipe was the perfect find! Works wonders without putting a dent in the wallet. Enjoyed the results so much, I passed it along to friends…
Thanks for the tip!
how long does this stuff last? a week? or longer?
I used #2, for measurements and then modified it. I used a few drops of teatree oil and some cardimon. I added a few drops of dishsoap. I keep it in the fridge. Even the men have complimented how clean it gets their hands after a dirt job, and the nice spicey smell keeps the men happy. Great idea…thanks.
Wow,wow, wow to #5! Love it! I even stuck a vanilla bean in it, just for the heck of it. It’s better than the commercial scrub I have. Thanks
this will be my first time trying the scrubs i have one silly question…#5 says tea for the ingredient what does that mean? Liquid tea or rip open a tea bag and use the tea grounds?
I would use dry tea as wet would make it too soupy 🙂
And. no question is silly!
Be careful to use baby oil aka mineral oil it does not penetrate the skin, will clog pores and if you tan it will strip your tan after repeted use. If you don’t like olive oil try grapeseed, apricot, avocado, coconut, safflower or almond. All kinds of alternatives available at ur local health food stores!!
I’ve used a basic sugar scrub for years, using just olive oil and white sugar for the base. If you need extra exfoliating, use ground oatmeal or rice powder. I also occasionally add things like powdered milk and honey. Just about any thing from your spice cabinet or baking ingredients will make your sugar scrub extra special.
But I’d also like to add a few words of caution. A rule of thumb with many herbalists is: Don’t put anything on your skin that you can’t put in your mouth. So I’d avoid baby oil as it’s petrolium based. And not every spice is safe for use. Some, like cinnamon, can cause a burn-like reacion on sensitive skin. And some cooking herbs can cause allergic reaction in people with hay fever. Citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruit smell wonderful, but can cause photosensitivity when used over time. So please be informed about what you use in your mix.
By the way, for those who think olive oil is greasy, please know it’s one of the best moisturizers you can use. If worst comes to worst, wait 15 minutes after you use it, and blot off the excess. I don’t ususally have much left on my skin after 15 minutes, but I’m almost 50. So my skin sucks it up fast, lol.
I agree 100% with what Toni has advised. A skin test. Should always be used to be safe.
Such great info. Thanks.
I agree with you Natalie! Such great info! I using all this stuff before school starts! If any one has the time, can you write in the comments below some more homemade pampering recipes? 🙂
I went a little crazy at a craft fair and “over bought” some of these scrubs. I haven’t been able to use one of them fast enough. Is there any way to revive them? The last couple of times I’ve tried to use it, it leaves a really nasty, waxy-type residue. Any solutions?
Thanks tons!
#5 smelled heavenly! I love it 🙂
I just made up a scrub from one of the suggested recipes, I used, my husband use it, both on hands and it’s wonderful!
If you don’t like oils I use vegetable glycerin. It can be a little pricier but a little goes a loonngg way and you can make almpost all the rest of your beauty supplies with it!
I use a Korean recipe that my mother taught me. Combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin or virgin are the best), 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1/2 cup of raw sugar/cane sugar (any sugar will do, but for some reason my mom always said to use raw, must just depend on preference.) in a little tupperware container. Use after cleansing in the shower. Lasts for about a month or two and works like a charm on any type of skin (I have combination skin and it doesn’t make me breakout.)
Good luck! :]
Do you have to like let it sit or refrigerate it? I didn’t get the right consistency. It was all liquidy. I did #1.
It’s soupy because you put too much oil in it. It’s like oatmeal, you have to get the consistency right. If you find that your mix is too soupy, add a tablespoon of salt or sugar (for whichever recipe) and stir, and if it’s not a light texture, add salt/sugar until the right consistency. Mew. I make sugar scrubs alot for my business. Lol. It takes practice getting the right consistency. =) Just gotta experiment.
I tried #2. it felt great going on! I applied it everywhere except my face. Be careful while e
Rinsing that you don’t slip & fall! I felt oily when I got out of shower but my skin was very soft.
I made recipe #3 with a couple of modifications. I used raw sugar instead of brown sugar (I like the grainy texture better,) and I used peppermint oil instead of lavender and rosewood. It was a refreshing way to start my day! My skin was soft and smooth, and not overly greasy. The peppermint scent woke me right up! I’m glad I found this site.
I was wondering about #5- when it calls for 2TBS of tea… Would that be just the tea spices stuff or tea already made with the water. I would assume that it would be just the dry tea spice (no liquid added) but you know what they say when you assume!
Can anyone help??
I tried to add extra exfoliation to my sugar scrub, so I added Kosher salt, now I need to finalize my batch with oil, should I just use olive, or will that change the aroma? My scent is lemon essential oil, and some Joy dishwashing liquid, the scent is fabulous, but I need some liquid.
I use grape seed oil, it has a more neutral scent. 🙂 Hope that helps 🙂
I want to try the Tea scrub, but I don’t want to use honey. Would Agave Nectar work just as well? Please Help!
Honey is also has cleansing properties I don’t think agave has.
I dont think so. The main differences between agave and honey are:
1) Agave is thinner.
2) Honey crystalizes and agave doesnt.
Considering these two major differences, I think honey would work better because you could add more with out the scrub turning too liquidy. And when allowed to sit, the honey will scrub nicely.
I love your guys recipes but my friend says the olive oil is to heavy on her skin is there any other oils that would work better?
I use grape seed oil, it has a more neutral scent and doesn’t clog your pores 🙂 Hope that helps 🙂
The easiest way to keep anything from going ‘bad’ is to keep your hands out of it! NEVER scoop out with your fingers, use a spoon or a spatula to get the product out of the jar and less chance of contamination!
with the oat ones does it matter what type of oats they are? also what ones would you recommend putting together in a hamper as a gift?
thanks these are amazing by the way!
i’m making a gift basket with a few different home made bath products in mason jars. for mine i used the coffee scrub, dead sea bath salt with added herbs, a body wash, and home made soap (i got the supplies from michaels). it was super cheap, cute and totally worth the time.
I have a question about the oatmeal scrub with sweet almond oil and sugar. My question is, I’m allergic to Ivory soap, would softsoap for the hands work too? Or is there a reason it says Ivory and not just liquid hand soap? I’m makeing a bunch of batches up as x mas gifts. This is the only one I can’t figure out? Thanks.
I found your site on Pinterst while searching for a salt based exfoliate to make myself. I have started spray tanning (please dont tell me this is bad as I just finally gave up tanning beds!) and don’t want to purchase the $30 brand they offer at the salon – yes $30! I need to exfoliate before to remove the left offer “tan”. Any suggestions as the best for what I am looking for? Also, in reading the comments/replys people are praising certain scrubs by numbers ( ex: I loved #2) but I don’t see that these are numberd. Thanks for a great site and thanks in advance for input!
I prefer to use Coconut Oil as I find it much more moisturizing than Olive Oil! Olive Oil is far too greasy!
I can never find coconut oil any where!! Where do I find it??
I can never find coconut oil any where!! Where do I find it??
Look in natural foods stores and grocery stores with a better selection of things, i.e. more gourmet type things are offered there too. Also, I live near Amish country in PA and the Amish stores often have this, and it is CHEAP if you can get it there too.
You can get coconut oil at the grocery store. Some people use it in baked goods. Ask one of the clerks to help you locate it.
I bought some at walmart because I needed it like now but it’s now the highest quality. Local whole foods or naturals stores often carry better brands or I plan to buy my next batch online.
Can I replace the white sugar with cane? I really don’t want to use a refined substance on my skin.
When it says vanilla, is that a essential oil? And drops of vanilla….is that essential oil?
When I make sugar scrubs I use white, brown, cane, demarara or a mixture of any. You can find coconut oil anywhere these days. I’ve bought it from Walmart and Amazon. I’ve also found it at Wholefoods in both the food section in the cooking oil aisle the skin care section. In the skin care aisle, you’ll also find all kinds of essential oils and hard to find carrier oils.
You can find coconut oil at the supermarket or at health food stores.
I was wondering if I can mix coconut oil and sea salt ? would it work?
If you make oatmeal scrub with honey and put it in 4oz jar, how long does this keep and do you have to refrigerate