This DIY easy homemade sugar scrub recipe exfoliates and moisturizes all at once. Your skin will feel brand new and incredibly soft and luxurious. It is simple to make yourself with just two main ingredients that you likely have on hand already. It takes about two minutes to make and is much less expensive than store-bought sugar scrubs. This sugar scrub recipe makes a great holiday gift when given in cute little reusable glass jars.

Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
This winter, treat your skin to this luxurious homemade sugar scrub. It moisturizes and exfoliates all at once. I use ½ tablespoon on both my hands rubbing them gently together for 20 seconds. Then I rinse with water, pat them dry and my hands feel like silk.
It could not be easier to make yourself with just two main ingredients that you likely have on hand already: coconut oil and sugar. This sugar scrub doubles as the perfect DIY holiday gift. I'll be giving these out for sure this holiday season.
On the east coast when winter hits, my skin immediately dries up. This is especially true for my hands which I'm constantly washing to avoid getting sick this time of year. Not to mention all the dishes I'm doing and baths I'm constantly giving to my children. My poor hands need some TLC every now and then to avoid cracking and bleeding from all the harsh water and soap they are exposed to constantly. Whipping up a batch of this sugar scrub is a quick and easy way to soften and hydrate those babies right up! And since it is homemade you know exactly what is in it. Nothing toxic. Only the good stuff.
It takes about two minutes to make and is much less expensive than store-bought sugar scrubs.

Gifting this Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub
Everyone goes crazy over thoughtful DIY gifts. And this one is really the gift that keeps on giving. It lasts a long time and promotes self-care. Plus, the tiny glass jar is so cute and can be cleaned and reused for storing food. This set of six tiny glass jars is adorable and would be great for gifting the sugar scrub in. The glass jars that I own pictured in this post can be found here and also are perfect for gifting. I love them and use them to store sauces, chia jam, smoothie jar ingredients and chia seed pudding.

How to Flavor Your Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub
In the recipe below I provide an option to add citrus zest or essential oils to the sugar scrub for scent but it is still wonderful on its own. Citrus is said to boost your mood and energy. This is a great basic starter set of essential oils that I love. Each of those scents would make a wonderful addition to the scrub and add extra benefits. During cold and flu season I like to add OnGuard essential oil. If I want more of a spa vibe I use this eucalyptus and lavender essential oil. If you don't want any fragrance or benefits other than the scrub you can simply leave the essential oils out.
I also provide the option of adding vitamin E oil for an extra moisture boost. Again, this is not required and the sugar scrub is wonderful with just the coconut oil and sugar only.

I hope you decide to give yourself or someone you know the gift of silky skin this holiday season. If you give this homemade sugar scrub a try, please snap a pic and tag @eatingbyelaine so I can see you enjoying your sugar scrub creations.
Be sure to also check out my Peppermint Body Scrub!
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Easy Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe
- Total Time: 2 mins
- Yield: 1 jar 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This simple DIY sugar scrub recipe exfoliates and moisturizes all at once. Massage a small amount into your skin in circular motions for 20 seconds. Rinse with water and gently pat dry. Your skin will feel brand new and incredibly soft and luxurious. This sugar scrub makes a great gift for others when given in cute little glass jars that can be reused.
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ¼ cup sugar (I use organic cane sugar)
- Optional: 2 tablespoons citrus zest (such as orange, lemon or grapefruit) OR 10 drops of your favorite essential oil such as lavender, eucalyptus etc.
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
Instructions
- In a small glass bowl stir to combine room temperature coconut oil with sugar using a spoon or fork. Add the optional zest, essential oils or vitamin E oil if using.
- Transfer to an airtight container, seal tightly and store at room temperature for up to two months. If you use the citrus zest it will have a shorter shelf life.
Notes
To keep the sugar scrub fresh do not introduce moisture or anything to the jar. Use a spoon to portion it out in your hand and do not double dip it. Always seal it tightly.
Homemade Peppermint Body Scrub
Recently one of my readers shared these adorable mini wooden scoopers that they tied to the jar of gifted sugar scrub. They pair perfectly with the scrub.
- Prep Time: 2 mins
- Category: self-care
- Method: Stir




Katelyn says
Hi I’m wondering if I can add coffee grounds to this but I’m not sure how?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi! Yes, you can definitely add coffee grounds to this sugar scrub.
For this recipe (1/2 cup coconut oil + 1/4 cup sugar), I recommend using used coffee grounds that are completely dry (spread them out on a plate and let them air-dry overnight). Then start with 1 teaspoon, mix well, and if you want it more “coffee-y” you can add another teaspoon, up to about 1 tablespoon total. If it feels too thick after adding the grounds, just stir in a little more coconut oil (1 teaspoon at a time) until it’s the texture you like.
A couple quick notes: coffee grounds can be a bit more abrasive, so I’d avoid using this on your face or any sensitive areas and keep it away from eyes. They can also be a little messy in the shower, so rinse well (a drain catcher helps).
Hope that helps. Let me know how it turns out!
Best, Elaine