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
Deltalee says
Have allergy to coconut what else can be used.
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Deltalee! The coconut oil here adds that thick, creamy texture. You can swap in another oil (like avocado, jojoba, or olive), but just note the scrub will be more liquid in consistency. If you’d like it a bit firmer, you can try to chill it before using or mix in a little shea butter to help thicken it up. Please let me know how that goes for you if you end up giving it a try. Best, Elaine
Mia says
It sounds like it will be very oily. Is it.?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Mia: Great question! The ratio in this recipe creates the perfect consistency — exfoliating but still moisturizing without feeling overly oily. That said, you’re always welcome to adjust the amount of oil slightly to your personal preference. Hope you give it a try! 💛 Best, Elaine
Christy McCarthy says
The coconut oil moved to the top of the jar after a few weeks. Did I do something wrong? Other than that- they're lovely.
Elaine Gordon says
Thanks so much for the five stars, Christy! I'm so glad you're enjoying the sugar scrub. The coconut oil naturally separates over time, especially if it's in a warmer environment. A quick stir before using should help redistribute everything! You could also try storing it in a cooler spot to slow down the separation. Hope that helps! 😊
Leona Zacharias says
I just made this as Christmas gifts for my best friends. They were a hit! I was asked to make some more. What a lovely way to treat friends to a spa-like item on a budget. This was so easy to make a large batch of, then even divide up the batter and give it all different scents. I’m not sure if it was just my oils, but I needed more than the recipe called for. That’s ok! Just do it by smell 🙂
Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Leona,
Thank you so much for your sweet comment and for taking the time to leave a five-star review! I’m so thrilled to hear that the sugar scrub was such a hit with your best friends! I love that you made a large batch and customized it with different scents; that’s such a fun and personal touch.
It’s great to hear your feedback about the oils, too. You’re absolutely right—adjusting by smell is a perfect way to make it your own. I’m so glad this recipe could be part of your holiday gifting and bring a little spa-like magic to your friends.
Thanks again for sharing your experience!
Warmly,
Elaine
Avery says
Hey, I was also wondering if you can add coffee grounds to this scrub, I have done it before and it worked. Or do you have a different recipe?
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you for your comment! Although I have not tested it myself, you can absolutely add coffee grounds to this scrub—it’s a great addition for gentle exfoliation and would have a wonderful aroma too. I don’t have a specific coffee scrub recipe on the blog, but adding 1-2 tablespoons of coffee grounds to this sugar scrub recipe should work beautifully. Just be mindful to use finely ground coffee for a gentler texture. Let me know how it turns out if you give it a try! Best, Elaine
Vella says
Perfect ✨
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much! So happy you enjoyed!
Jai says
how much does this recipe make?
Elaine Gordon says
It makes 3/4 cup of sugar scrub. I hope you enjoy!
Andrea Church says
I felt the amounts were off. It was way too much oil and not enough sugar. It was very runny. I ended up adding way more sugar to get the consistency I wanted.
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Andrea: I'm so sorry it didn't work out well for you. I'm glad you were able to adjust to meet your needs. Sometimes the weather/climate can impact this recipe as the coconut oil is more liquidy at warmer temperatures. Are you located in a warmer weather climate?
Cole says
WAY TO MUCH oil for the amount of sugar!
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Cole: You can modify the ratio to fit your climate if your coconut oil is melty. If it is at room temperature it should work well. Please let me know your climate as that could have impacted your results potentially. Thank you, Elaine
Gabe Umpierre says
how much you get out of this recipe? like what size of jar should we use?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi Gabe: This recipe makes about 3/4 cup. I linked to some jar options at the bottom of the recipe card. I hope that helps. Best, Elaine
Jenna says
Can this be made in a larger batch? We are wanting to make it for Wedding Shower take home gifts, so ideally we would want to make a large batch of it.
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Jenna! Yes, absolutely! That sounds like a wonderful idea! I get my coconut oil at Costco in bulk to save. Good luck and please let me know how it goes. Feel free to email me pictures of the final result - I would love to see! [email protected] 🙂
DeAnne says
I made this scrub following the measurements using jobada oil in place of coconut. I find the result very loose, liquidity. Will it set up after some time?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, DeAnne: I'm not sure how it will work with jobada oil as I'm not familiar with that one. Is it solid at room temperature? The reason I use coconut oil in this recipe is because it is solid at room temperature. I hope that helps. Best, Elaine
Chris says
Am making sugar scrub for my swimming friends...can I use Lemon Food Flavoring in place of eo...or even lemon juice in a bottle?
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Chris: I would recommend lemon essential oil. I hope that helps! Best, Elaine
Wanda says
My doctor told me about “sugar scrub“ to look up when she saw my badly dry flaky arm after having my cast removed from my broken wrist! Finding this recipe was a joy! I purchased an expensive refined solid coconut oil and mixed with brown sugar. Rubbed it into my arm and hand and fingers thoroughly For about 10 minutes… Rinsed it and was surprised and happy with the results of smooth skin! Why are people asking do you something else when the recipe was simple! Sugar and solid coconut oil! So inexpensive and surprising of the results. Thank you so much! Sometime I will try and essential oil !
Elaine Gordon says
Hi, Wanda! I'm so sorry to hear about your broken wrist. I am so happy to hear you enjoyed this one and it helped you! Yes, definitely experiment with the essential oils - it makes it more of a spa experience. BTW - I get my coconut oil at Costco (unrefined) and it is inexpensive that way. I hope you continue to enjoy this recipe. Be sure to also check out my peppermint body scrub - that is similar and a fun one too! Best, Elaine
Ashley says
I love that I can whip up a quick sugar scrub for a spa night! This is perfect and it makes my skin feel incredible
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Ashley! So happy you are enjoying this one and it is helping your skin for at home spa nights! Best, Elaine
Karlie says
I made one batch with orange zest and one batch with eucalyptus oil. I used to make soap so I had lots laying around. These are going to make the best holiday gifts.
Elaine Gordon says
That is so wonderful to hear, Karlie! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one so much and plan to gift this holiday season! Best, Elaine
Carrie Robinson says
This is such a great idea for DIY holiday gifts! I love that they can be customized with essential oils. 🙂
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Carrie! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this one so much! Yes, I love to customize it with different essential oils too! Makes it really fun. Best, Elaine
dana says
This was so easy to make! Been using it for a lip scrub and it's really helped. This cold weather always wrecks havoc on my lippies!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Dana! I'm so happy to hear it has been so helpful to you! I hope it continues to be helpful this winter season ahead! Best, Elaine
Jen says
We made this for my daughter's birthday party for all her friends to take home. They loved it!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jen! I'm so happy to hear you all enjoyed this one for your daughter's bday party! How fun!! I'm honored! Best, Elaine
dana says
This is such a great idea for gifting! Bookmarking this so I can make some for teachers!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Dana! What a sweet and thoughtful idea to make this for teachers this upcoming holiday season!
Tara says
Such a fun diy recipe for the upcoming holidays! I love how easily it comes together with only a couple of minutes.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Tara! I'm so happy to hear you enjoyed this DIY recipe.
Andrea says
I love how easy this homemade sugar scrub is to make. It works really well and Its a perfect gift to give friends and family.
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Andrea! I'm so happy to hear you loved this one so much and found it easy to make!
Ann says
This is a great gift. I love adding eucalyptus oil.
Elaine Gordon says
Oooo love eucalyptus oil! Such a good choice for this one!
Jill says
Just in time for holiday gift giving. Can't wait to make this sugar scrub for my friends!
Elaine Gordon says
Thank you so much, Jill! Yes, this makes the perfect holiday gift for sure! I'm honored you plan to make for your friends!
Bobby Gordon says