Rejuvenate your skin instantly with this quick and easy homemade salt scrub. Using just two main ingredients, this DIY salt scrub exfoliates and moisturizes leaving your skin feeling both smoother and healthier. It takes just two minutes to make, plus it makes for a thoughtful holiday gift if packed in a small glass jar!

Homemade salt scrub in a glass jar with a white background and a spoonful of salt scrub lifted above it.

*This post is sponsored by NOW®, a brand I personally use and love. I am honored to be partnering with them! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

So much of our attention goes to what we are putting in our bodies, but what about what we are putting on our bodies?

Living with multiple allergies and food sensitivities, I spend a lot of time thinking about what I eat. I've learned the importance of a balanced diet using simple, healthy ingredients and to avoid mostly everything that goes into processed foods that contain preservatives and chemicals.

And despite all that effort, for a long time I never even thought about products I was applying to my skin... soaps, cosmetics, deodorants and body scrubs. Most of these products contain fragrances, preservatives, parabens, formaldehyde releasers and "other chemicals of concern" (source). Crazy!

So when I looked at the label on my store-bought body scrub and saw things like parfum (a chemically manufactured scent) and red 33 (a synthetic dye produced from petroleum or coal tar sources), I knew it was time to make a switch.

Initially, I looked online for scrubs using natural ingredients. And while there are plenty out there, they can be quite expensive. I then started thinking... I should just make it myself!

Overhead angle of salt scrub in a glass bowl next to a spoonful of salt scrub with a white background.

Why You'll Love this Homemade Salt Scrub

Quick and easy - just 2 minutes!
You have full control - choose the salt and oil(s) that work best for you
Healthy and completely natural
Easily removes dead skin cells and moisturizes for smoother skin
Inexpensive
Makes for a great holiday gift

Salt Scrub vs. Sugar Scrub - What's the Difference?

Salt scrub in a glass jar on a white counter with a white background.

Homemade sugar scrub in a glass jar on a white counter with a white background.

The biggest difference between salt and sugar when it comes to scrubs is the level of abrasiveness. Salt scrubs are generally rougher and more abrasive, largely because their granules are generally larger with sharper edges than sugar granules.

I find that sugar scrub works better for me on the more sensitive areas, whereas salt scrub is my choice for the rougher patches that need special attention.

Another key difference is that sugar scrub doesn't contain any other minerals like salt scrub does. Sugar scrub will still do a great job with exfoliating and moisturizing though. This easy homemade sugar scrub is my favorite!

Salt Scrub Ingredients

All you need are 2 simple ingredients: salt and a carrier oil (like coconut oil). You have options for each of these so you can truly make it your own. Plus, I like to add a few essential oils as well (totally optional but well worth it).

Coconut oil and sea salt in small bowls with a white marble background.

What Type of Salt to Use for DIY Salt Scrub

Any type of salt will work for this recipe, though I would avoid iodized table salt or kosher salt. Table salt goes through a refining process which strips away its other natural minerals, and kosher salt (which comes from rock salt deposits) is a little too rough for my liking.

Epsom salt, Himalayan salt, sea salt and Dead Sea salt in glass bowls with a white marble background.

Salt scrubs in glass jars made from epsom salt, Himalayan salt, Dead Sea salt and sea salt with a white marble background.

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt: As the name would suggest, this salt is mined from the Himalayas in Pakistan. I love the way finely ground pink Himalayan salt feels, plus it is substantially higher in minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and manganese than white table salt (source). Himalayan salt is about 98% sodium chloride and the trace minerals make up the remainder.

Sea Salt: Sea salt is obtained simply by evaporating sea water. It often contains magnesium, potassium and calcium but these and other trace minerals ultimately depend on where it was obtained from. Aside from the color, I do not notice any difference between sea salt and Himalayan salt as it relates to salt scrub.

Dead Sea Salt: Dead Sea salt granules are larger than other types of salt and therefore can be a little rough (a little too much for my liking actually), but it's also loaded with minerals. This salt actually contains only around 30-35% sodium chloride, with the rest being a high concentration of other minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, potassium and zinc. Dead sea salt has been proven to moisturize skin, reduce skin roughness and redness and improve skin barrier function. According to the National Institutes of Health, these benefits are most likely related to the high magnesium content (source).

Epsom Salt: Fun fact about Epsom salt is that it isn't salt (it's actually magnesium sulfate). It is widely believed that Epsom salt helps reduce aches and pains under the theory that the magnesium will be absorbed into the skin, however there is no medical literature to support this. I found this "salt" to be too coarse for salt scrub, especially for those with sensitive skin.

Important note: While different types of salts contain varying levels of nutrients, the National Institutes of Health has stated that "there is no adequate literature on both detrimental and therapeutic effects of salt and its relation to skin" (source).

Which Carrier Oil to Use for DIY Salt Scrub

The carrier oil is what we mix with the salt to create the scrub. It is a plant-based oil that serves two purposes - it dilutes any potent essential oils (which can cause irritation when applied directly to the skin) and "carries" essential oils to your skin by preventing them from evaporating. The type of carrier oil you use is purely a matter of personal preference, but for best results make sure to use a high quality oil.

Various carrier oils in packaging to use in salt scrubs with a white marble background.

Various carrier oils to use in homemade salt scrub in separate white bowls with a white marble background.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba oil is actually a wax rather than an oil. It comes from the seeds of the jojoba plant and is widely used for skin and scalp support. It is non-greasy, absorbs easily and does not clog pores. Jojoba oil also has a "high skin moisturizing ability" (source).

Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is my top choice. Coconut oil is sold as both a revitalizing skin and hair product and as a cooking oil. They both have the same thick texture at room temperature and both moisturize. The main difference is the scent. Virgin coconut oil (for cooking) has a strong coconut smell (unless refined/deodorized), whereas deodorized coconut oil (for skin and hair) has no smell which I prefer for body scrubs. Both types are highly effective, working as a deep moisturizer for the skin. Coconut oil applied topically provides for skin barrier repair (source).

Coconut oil, virgin coconut oil and liquid coconut oil in their packaging next to a spoonful of each with a white marble background.

For the purposes of a body scrub, I like the thicker texture of coconut oil over fractionated oils which are pure liquid at room temperature and do not incorporate as well with the salt. Fractionated oils are not greasy and do rinse off the skin more easily and I'm including the benefits of fractionated oils below.

Fractionated Coconut Oil: Fractionated coconut oil remains in liquid form at room temperature, whereas regular coconut oil is more of a solid cream. It is an amazing moisturizer (proving significant improvement in skin hydration), is non-greasy and also nourishes the skin.

Grapeseed Oil: Grapeseed oil is a great option for anyone with nut or seed allergies because it is hypoallergenic. It absorbs easily and is non-greasy.

Sweet Almond Oil: Sweet almond oil absorbs easily and is great for dry skin, but it tends to have a strong scent that I'm not in love with. Evidence has shown that sweet almond oil smoothes and rejuvenates skin and it has been used to improve complexion and skin tone (source).

Avocado Oil: Avocado oil is very hydrating and has proven to be an excellent source of enrichment for dry, damaged or chapped skin but is definitely heavier than the other oils mentioned above.

Homemade Salt Scrub Recipe

Coconut oil, aloe vera, Muscle Zen blend, sea salt and vitamin e oil in separate bowls with a white marble background.

Once you've selected your salt and carrier oil (along with any optional essential oils), just mix them together to start scrubbing!

1. Stir the salt and carrier oil together in a mixing bowl. Add essential oils if using.

Salt scrub ingredients in a black bowl with a white marble background.

Mixing salt scrub with a spoon in a black bowl with a white marble background.

Adding vitamin e oil to homemade salt scrub in a black bowl with a white marble background.

Adding an essential oil to homemade salt scrub in a black bowl with a white marble background.

Mixing essential oils into homemade salt scrub in a black bowl with a white marble background.

Homemade salt scrub in a black bowl with a white marble background.

2. Transfer to an airtight container, seal tightly and store at room temperature for up to 2 months.

Homemade salt scrub in a glass jar next to a spoonful of salt scrub on white cutting board with a white background.

How to Apply Salt Scrub

In a hot shower, scoop a tablespoon of the salt scrub onto your hands and scrub onto damp skin where desired (I love using it on my hands, chest, knees, legs and tops of feet). Use more as needed. Gently scrub it in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry. It will make your skin feel moisturized and silky smooth!

Hands rubbing salt scrub over a glass bowl of salt scrub with a white marble background.

Salt Scrub Tip

Try not to get the salt scrub wet. If using in the shower (like I do), it's natural to expect the contents of the jar to occasionally get wet. If this happens, it can compromise the texture of the scrub and may not last as long (though it will still work just fine). I recommend using a spoon to avoid wet hands going into the jar.

Homemade salt scrub in a glass jar labeled using a red and white string with a white background.

Using Essential Oils in Salt Scrub

Choosing which essential oils to add is my favorite part of making salt scrub. Using oils your body craves is what makes it truly customized!

Essential oils are the oils that are extracted from various plants. They capture the essence (hence the name) of the smell and flavor.

Not all essential oils are created equal though. It is important to use high quality oils given they are applied directly to the skin. The two most important qualities to look for in essential oils are their ingredients (no fillers, synthetic fragrances or chemicals) and the extraction method.

The Best Essential Oils for Salt Scrub

Essential oils in their packaging to be used for homemade salt scrub with a white marble background.

My absolute favorite essential oils are from NOW®, for multiple reasons. For starters, they are 100% pure with no additives or synthetic ingredients. They received Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Enhanced Certification for their entire line of cosmetics, which proves they conform to the applicable regulations and/or standards regarding the products being manufactured.

Their essential oils are cruelty-free, vegan, and non-GMO. I was recently invited to the NOW manufacturing headquarters in Chicago and saw firsthand their commitment to quality and testing. NOW essential oils are analytically tested for identity, purity, and adulteration to assure the highest quality. They use state-of-the-art testing and analysis and adhere to the strictest quality standards.

Plus, they use quality extraction methods to ensure the highest concentration of natural oils. Depending on the plant, some oils are cold pressed (extracted using gentle pressure without heat) and others are steam distilled (extracted by passing dry steam through the plants).

NOW also has certified organic essential oils that are made from botanicals grown in soil that is free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and herbicide residues. Given these oils are being applied directly to our skin in this salt scrub, using this highest quality is super important!

If you buy directly from NOW, save money with either of these coupon codes (valid through December 9, 2025):

PEACE40: Save $40 off $125+
PEACE20: Save $20 off $70+

Here are my favorite essential oils to add to salt scrub:

Muscle Zen Oil Blend: This soothing and stimulating steam-distilled blend combines 7 different oils (peppermint, eucalyptus, ginger, clove, blue tansy, black pepper and wintergreen), all of which I love so having them all blended together is very convenient (and more economical). It's perfect in both salt and sugar scrubs because it is so soothing on the hands!

Individual organic oils: It's all a matter of preference, but I love using eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, lemon oil, lavender oil, rosemary oil and peppermint oil as well. It's fun to mix and match them too!

Other Beneficial Add-Ins

Vitamin E-Oil: These drops are more of a booster for skin rejuvenation. Vitamin E protects the skin by acting as a free-radical scavenger (source) and contains anti-oxidants as well to keep it looking healthy! You want to look for vitamin-E oil that is paraben-free.

Aloe Vera Concentrate: Topical use of aloe is great for soothing skin.

Salt scrub in a small glass jar with a white background.

I hope you love making your own salt scrub! For me, there is no going back as I love using different essential oils to make it in different ways.

And if you enjoy it, please tag @eatingbyelaine so I can see your DIY body scrub creations!

2-Minute Homemade Salt Scrub for the Body

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Author: Elaine Gordon
Total Time: 2
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 cup salt (see blog post above for options)
¼ cup carrier oil (deodorized coconut oil recommended*)
optional: 2-4 drops essential oil of choice (I love Muscle Zen essential oil)
optional: 2-4 drops vitamin E oil

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Instructions

Stir the salt and carrier oil together in a mixing bowl. Add a couple drop of essential oil and/or vitamin E oil if using. See blog post above for benefits.
Transfer to an airtight container, seal tightly and store at room temperature for up to 3 months.
When using do not introduce water to the salt scrub.

Notes

* See blog post above for more carrier oil options (i.e. jojoba oil, avocado oil, almond oil)

How to apply the scrub: In a hot shower, scoop a tablespoon of the salt scrub onto your hands and scrub onto damp skin where desired (I love using it on my hands, chest, knees, legs and tops of feet). Use more as needed. Gently scrub it in a circular motion, then rinse thoroughly with warm water and gently pat dry. It will make your skin feel moisturized and silky smooth!

Prep Time: 2
Category: Body Scrub