Home / DIY / Easy Crafts
ByAnn Drake
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Learn how to make sugar scrub, and discover the answer to dry hands and feet! Use anytime for exfoliation and to restore moisture. Just 3 simple ingredients!
If you’ve never made a sugar scrub, you are in for a treat. They are the best thing ever to restore moisture to dry hands or feet. DIY sugar scrub is easy and inexpensive to make, and it is a total game-changer if you suffer from dry skin or sensitive skin. It exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells, and adds the necessary moisture needed to combat cold and dry elements. This easy sugar scrub recipe absolutely works miracles on dry cuticles, and it smells good at the same time!
Although perfect for your hands, these recipes can also be used as a homemade body scrub. Personally, I don’t use it on my face, because I don’t need that much moisture. If you carefully avoid the eyes, and rinse well, these sugar scrubs can be used on the face.To use this basic sugar scrub on your face, begin by dampening your skin with warm water. Apply a small amount, and rub it into your skin with a circular motion. Rinse completely and dry with a soft towel.Depending on your skin type, use once a week for optimum moisture and exfoliating.
*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Supplies Needed for Basic Recipe
- white granulated sugar
- coconut oil
- essential oil
- airtight container (I use small mason jars. If you want to give a jar as a gift, I’ve included printable tags at the end of the post.)
How To Make
The ratio for any simple sugar scrub recipe is 1 cup sugar to 1/4 cup oil. I prefer coconut oil, but any kind of oil can be used. To soften the coconut oil, microwave the jar for a few seconds before measuring.I literally put the whole jar of coconut oil in the microwave and heat until it’s pourable.
- Combine the coconut oil and sugar in a large bowl and stir well.
- Add essential oil, and stir again.
- Package in airtight containers.
Oils To Use in Homemade Sugar Scrub
- Coconut oil
- Canola or vegetable oil
- Avocado oil
- Olive oil (keep in mind your scrub will have a light green tint)
- Jojoba oil
- Vitamin E oil
- Sweet almond oil
Popular Scents
Adding different types of fragrance in the form of high quality essential oil makes sugar scrubs smell wonderful! Use your favorite oil, make different scents, or combine scents for your own signature sugar scrub. Some ideas are:
- lavender
- rosemary
- eucalyptus
- peppermint
- lemon
- orange
- lime
- cinnamon
- vanilla extract
- clove
- tea tree oil
Packaging
Once you have your scrub mixed together, package it in airtight containers. I have usedboth 4 oz. and 8 oz. Ball mason jars, but any sort of jar will work as long as the mouth is big enough to scoop out the scrub with your fingers. The two cup recipe below makes three 8 oz. jars of scrub.This recipe can easily be doubled to yield six 8 oz. jars. (4 cups sugar/1 cup coconut oil.)
To make the packaging extra special, cut circles of kraft paper and tie them around the top of the jars with string. It would also work well to use any brown bags you have on hand. I used a fruit bowl for a template, and then smoothed the paper circle over the jar with my hands. Attacha little wooden spoonto use for scooping the sugar scrub out of the jar. The final touch is a custom, printable tag. Get the details on how to get the tags at the end of the post.
Helpful Tips
- The amount of essential oil added is a personal choice. I like to open a jar of sugar scrub and smell it immediately. I usually use more essential oil than the recipe calls for.
- A drop or two of food coloring can be added for a little extra color.
- DIY sugar scrub tightly packaged in glass mason jars has a shelf life of several months. Just recently, I opened a jar that was about a year old and it was perfectly fine.
- Any brand of organic coconut oil will work, or refer to the list above for alternate choices.
- I usea large scoopto fill the jars. It’s super easy and quick.
Ways to Use Sugar Scrub
- Keep a jar beside every sink and use it on a regular basis.
- Makes a very special hostess gift.
- Perfect as a favor for bridal or baby showers. (Perfect for a new mom or bride.)
- Makes a great gift for teachers…they always have dry hands!
- Tuck in Christmas stockings, gift baskets, or Easter baskets.
- Sugar scrub makes a beautiful, homemade birthday or Mother’s Day gift.
- Give this to your best girlfriend and she will love you forever. (Plan a special spa day!)
- If you have a special occasion, and don’t get manicures, an application of sugar scrub is a great way to make your hands look beautiful.
- Use sugar body scrubs on your knees and feet.
Shop + Source
- 8 oz. mason jars
- 4 oz. mason jars
- Lavender essential oil
- Rosemary essential oil
- Eucalyptus essential oil
- Peppermint essential oil
- organic coconut oil
- small wooden spoons
- bakers twine
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sugar to use?
I prefer white sugar, but brown sugar can also be used. Another good substitute for the sugar is either Morton’s salt, or kosher salt, resulting homemade salt scrubs.
How long does this DIY sugar scrub recipe last?
For a long time! It lasts for many months. I recently opened a jar of sugar scrub that was about a year old, and it was perfect.
How do you store homemade sugar scrub?
This sugar scrub should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I use this on my lips?
Yes! It works great as a lip exfoliator.
Creating a homemade sugar scrub is a simple and cost-effective way to pamper your skin, and achieve a natural, radiant glow. By combining basic kitchen ingredients like sugar, oil, and essential oils, you can customize a scrub that answers your skin’s specific needs. The exfoliating properties of sugar help remove dead skin cells, while the moisturizing effects of the oils leave your skin feeling soft and rejuvenated. Making your own sugar scrub not only allows you to take control of the ingredients you apply to your skin, but also offers a self-care experience that results in beautiful and healthy skin.
Get the Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs
Available now is an easy-to-download eBook titledThe Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs. It includes all the information in this post, along with more tips and details. Also included are tags for the following homemade sugar scrub recipes:
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus + Mint
- Rosemary
Just fill out the short form below.The eBook will arrive in your email inbox in just a minute or two! Current email subscribers: fill out the form below to get your guide. You won’t have a duplicate subscription!
Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
These homemade sugar scrub recipes are the perfect answer to dry hands and feet. Use any time to restore moisture and clear away dead skin. Just 3 ingredients!
Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.71 from 37 votes
Servings: 3 8 oz. jars
Author: Ann Drake
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes minutes
Packaging Time 30 minutes minutes
Total Time 50 minutes minutes
EMAIL THIS RECIPE
Enter your email and I’ll send it your way!
I’d like to receive more ideas from On Sutton Place!
Ingredients
- 2 cups Sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 20 to 25 drops essential oil
Instructions
Soften coconut oil in the microwave for a few seconds before measuring.
Combine sugar and coconut oil in a large bowl.
Stir until completely mixed together.
Add essential oil, and stir again.
Package in airtight containers.
Like this recipe?Follow me at @onsuttonplace
