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These easy homemade sugar scrub recipes can be made with ingredients you already have at home! They make great gifts and are nice for a luxurious break!
Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes
If you have problems with dry hands, you have to try these homemade sugar scrub recipes! These are so simple to make and works wonderfully to relieve dry hands in the winter. They also make a great way to relax after a hectic day!
When you make these recipes, you can use salt in place of sugar if you prefer.
Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe
2 cups of sugar
1 cup of oil
Mix. I use canola oil because it is cheap but you could use olive oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil or baby oil. Just about any type will work.
You can use this mix unscented or you can add any of the scents you would like from below.
Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub Recipe
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. vanilla
Mix and add to sugar/oil mixture.
Pumpkin Pie
2 tsp. each cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves
Mix and add to sugar/oil mixture.
Peppermint Foot Scrub
1 tsp. peppermint extract or essential oil
Mix in with oil and add to sugar.
Mocha Spice
1 Tbsp. ground coffee
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
pinch each nutmeg and ginger
Mix the above ingredients in with the sugar in the basic recipe and then add the oil.
Lemon
1 tsp. lemon extract OR lemon essential oil OR 1 Tbsp. lemon zest
Mix in oil and add to sugar.
Lavender
5-6 drops of lavender essential oil
Add to oil and mix in sugar.
Baby Soft Scrub
2 cups of sugar
1 cup scented baby oil
Mix.
Stress Relief
1/2-1 tsp. spearmint oil
1/2-1 tsp. peppermint oil
1/2-1 tsp. eucalyptus oil
Mix.
Orange Clove
1 tsp. orange oil
1/2 tsp. clove oil
Mix.
For lots more “delicious” bath and body recipes like these, check out volume 1 of ourcookbook!
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Reader Interactions
Comments
- Kelly
After you put it on your hands and/or feet, do you immediately rinse off or let it set for awhile? Thank you.
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- Tawra
Yes, I rinse it off right away.
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- Grizzly Bear Mom
Love them tied with raffia! Loved the green colored one! Keep ’em coming!
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- Elle Perreault
I just had to try this right away! It’s awesome! I used vanilla and mint, smells divine and my hands are so soft!!!
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- KJ
How long do these keep?
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- Tawra
I’ve kept mine for several months. I’m sure it would go longer.
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- Bea
They are so pretty and really do make skin soft. I made Lavender Sugar Scrub, but also want to make Pumpkin Pie and Cinnamon and Vanilla. YUMMY smelling.
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- Brenda
I love homemade sugar scrubs and it never even dawned on me to give them as a gift. Well duh! Ha, ha! I keep a jar of lemon and sometimes mix up orange next to my kitchen sink and it is wonderful to get a scoop and scrub it in after handling stinky foods (onions, fish, etc.). The citrus kills the smell and the sugar scrubs my hands so soft. Thank you for all of the wonderful and frugal Christmas (or any time of year) gift ideas!
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- Jill
Brenda your mentioning scoops made me think to tell everyone to save all those scoops that come in different things. The smaller ones work so nice to use with things like the body scrubs, the next size bigger work great for homemade hot chocolate and the large ones I use in things like rice, cornmeal. I check to see what the measurement are on these by filling them with water and then pouring it into a measuring cup. Usually they are 1/4 cup so which comes in handy when you need to measure the cornmeal etc.
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- Bea
I made the Cinnamon and Vanilla Sugar Scrub last night and it smells so good. You can use sugar scrubs on face and neck too. Also you can use brown sugar, which has benefits of making pores smaller and polishing skin. Jill, you’ve been kind of quiet lately. Miss your chattiness!
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- Jill
Hey Bea I’m still here. I am heading to Colorado in a week to see Tawra and all so I am getting ready for that. There are a ton of things I need to do before I leave plus I have been working extra hard trying to get a new Crock pot Menus book done.
Add to all that I have been getting my dough ready and things for gingerbread men. There are some days I can’t remember what season I am in. It’s close to Halloween but I am getting things ready to bake for Christmas and writing menus for summer. I come up from my basem*nt after writing all day and don’t know if I will see the sun shining, leaves falling or snow.
I have still been reading and posting things though. Tawra usually doesn’t post so much on the blog but has been popping in more the past couple of days so that may be why it seems like I haven’t been here as much.
I’m worn out enough today that I think the rapture would be a very pleasant surprise. :) :)
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- Bea
I just missed your cheeriness Jill. I’m happy that you are going to see Tawra and your other grandchildren. They must be excited. I also think time is flying. Halloween is almost here and once that comes Thanksgiving and Christmas seem to come SOOO fast. It’s a hectic time of year. So glad you are still checking in here. Your posts are such fun to read and in some ways I’m glad the Rapture didn’t happen yesterday as some were predicting.
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- Jill
I didn’t know someone had predicted it for yesterday Bea. I have lived so many years now and have heard so many predictions I don’t worry to much about them now. I guess I know I’m ready to go so am not worried for myself personally only for those who aren’t.
I agree with you. By the time the middle of Oct. hits I feel like I am on roller skates going down a big steep hill. Each year I keep saying I am going to slow down a little but it hasn’t happened yet. Oh well keeps me out of mischief I guess and I love the holidays especially Christmas. It’s like I have said before I really think Heaven is going to be like Christmas magnified all the time.
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- Bea
Yes Jill, There was some preacher predicting the Rapture yesterday. Many people unfortunately believed him and quit their jobs months ago, sold homes, and spent their money to help “save” people with billboards and literature etc., only to be fooled. Actually this preacher first predicted it to happen this past May, but when it didn’t, he claimed October 21 was the date. I listen to Christian radio and other Christian denominations were trying to tell people not to believe any of this because Scripture says “Nobody knows the day or hour. Not even the Angels, only God the Father.” It’s sad people believe false prophets.
Yes, I too love Christmas. I’ve been seeing so many Christmas things in Family Dollar, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Walmart, that it’s getting me in the Christmas spirit already. Christmas is such a loving and giving time of year. Like you said like Heaven will be.Reply
- Christina
Will instant coffee work for the mocha spice recipe??
Try to save money and I have the instant coffee already. :)Reply
- Jill
Christina I am not sure if it would or not. I would say make up a little and see what happens. I can’t think it would make a difference.
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- Sarah
Can these scrubs be stored in a container that isn’t airtight? I don’t have any jars the right size, but I do have a really cute honey pot that rarely gets used. I think that would be really cute next to the sink, but I don’t know if the scrub would dry out or get mouldy or something like that. Thanks!
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- Jill
Sarah it might dry out a little but what you could do is make 1/4 of the recipe and see how that works not being covered. Plus it depends too on how much you use it. If you use it quite often then you might be ok but I would just cut the recipe down and see how it works.
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- Vickie
I see everyone has used sugar, but you stated salt can be used. Has anyone made these with salt? Wouldn’t salt be cheaper?
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- Jill
We have used both. You can take and do some figuring on what you pay for them and see which would be cheapest for you.
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- Tammy Oleson
I just did a cinnamon and sweet orange essence and it is great. Little tip save the little spoons from the kid size single servings of ice cream for scoops for small jars it works perfect!
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- Jill
Super idea Tammy. Good excuse for me to start eating more of those cute ice creams too. :)
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- Tammy Oleson
That is always a good thing to have to eat more ice cream. Oh and now I can’t get my 4 year old to stop wanting to wash her hands because she says they smell in her words YUMMYLICIOUS!;)
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- Katie
I’ve seen a similar recipe that involves epsom salts and body wash (meant for the face, not the hands).
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See AlsoChicken Milanese Recipe - P Spicer
I always use sugar as a basis for a scrub. Imagine rubbing your hands and feet with a salt based scrub and finding a small cut or damaged cuticle – OUCH!!!! Somehow, even a lemon sugar scrub isn’t so irritating if I have a little cut, not sure why…but I only had to try the salt one ONCE to say never again!!
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- Katie
The epsom-salt one I referenced was designed for the face. But I would like to try the sugar-scrub.
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- Stephanie
Made the Vanilla Cinnamon and LOVE it! It was fast and easy! I buy my sugar in the bulk foods section, so something like this is extremely cost effective for gifts. My daughter just had to have expensive emergency dental work done and it drained our Christmas savings. This recipe will help so much, as we can’t afford to buy gifts for friends and family this season. Everyone like the personal touch anyways! Thanks for the GREAT ideas on scents & packaging!
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- Josie
I received one of these as a gift from a parent at the school I work at. I keep it at the sink to scrub my hands with. My hands are no longer dry and scaly. They are soft and smooth. I love it!
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- Rhonda
I just retired. I absolutely LOVE this idea. Great for gifts, and Mother’s Day is coming up too. A rose scent would be nice.
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- Tina
These are all great! Baby oil will clog pores though and make you break out.
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- Jill
This has been an old wives tale for many years. Baby oil doesn’t clog your skin any more so then lotion does. You get clogged pores because of improper or not often enough cleansing. Clogged pores usually happens in the case of teens not properly cleaning their pores on their faces. I don’t usually use this on my face although I don’t know why you couldn’t.
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- Stella
Before I rinse conditioner off my hair I rub baby oil into my skin. It does not clog pores. I worked in a Dr. office and it is what one of the Dr.’s told a patient to do for her horribly dry, flaky, cracked skin. It leaves my skin so soft and smooth. If I do not do it my skin is so dry and itchy.
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- Jill
I use the baby oil too Stella and I love it. Because I put it on before I turn the shower off and get out it doesn’t leave me feeling as oily and then I don’t have to mess with putting on lotion when I get out of the shower. I just recently have been using olive oil in the same way too. I kind of use them back and forth. You are right too. My skin is so much drier if I don’t do this.
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- Karona
This is a fantastic idea. I wasn’t able to sleep, so I just scrolled through and found you. God bless you for these fantastic tips.
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- Jill
You are so welcome Karona. Hope you can sleep better tonight. : ) I know how awful it is to not be able to sleep at night sometimes.
- Susan
Hi Jill,
So happy that you get to go see your kin folk! that in its self is a blessing. I can’t believe it is Oct aleady and yes I too am getting ready for all those busy weeks ahead. I have finished my Christmas shopping and this weekend I am going to get hubby to help me check out the Christmas lights to make sure they work. I know it sounds a little early but I have to do what I can on the days I am feeling well enough. It is already 81 degrees here and this is supposed to be Fall! Go figure. also you can get some oil of peppermint at your local drug store (ask the pharmsey)) to add with the sugar for the sugar scrub. It works great Have a blessed one!
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- grizzly bear mom
I would think carefully before using salt. Men used to rub salt into their wounds so they could brag on their manly scars. I don’t want that happening to anyone by accident.
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- Gabriella
Thank you for sharing these recipe ideas, Tawra! I have been gifted a sugar scrub before that was luxurious, but didn’t know how to make them myself! I’ll have to pass on your ideas to my readers at homemakinghearts.com!
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- Tawra
Thanks for passing them on!
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- Jess
I was looking at gifts to get my mom for her birthday coming up this month online at Bath and Body Works. I remembered while searching that I had always wanted to try a sugar scrub but I didn’t want to pay $17 for something that might make me break out with the sensitive skin I have. I’ve just made the cinnamon and vanilla recipe and used it on my hands. Fantastic, I just love it! The dogs enjoy it too, they’ve kept sniffing and licking my hands when they visit me. I’ll be making lots for Christmas and birthday gifts very soon! Thanks again!
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- Grace
Hi, I am new to making things instead of buying, and I need to know if regular sugar will work or do I need to get something specific? I have read several recipes and some call for coarse sugar and some for cane, etc. These sound wonderful and I am looking forward to using them!
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- Jill
Regular sugar will work fine. I like to keep things simple and inexpensive so going out to buy special sugars or anything kind of defeats that.
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- Grace
Thank you so much! I am super excited to get started! :) I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas this year!
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- Jill
Thanks Grace. Holler if you have any questions.
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- sarah
I was just wondering if the sugar would dissolve if it sat for a week or 2? ive read on other places about using citrus, to keep that from happening. Is it necessary?
thank!Reply
- Tawra
I’ve never had it dissolve.
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- Stella
I noticed that the sugar in mine dissolves right away when I go to use it but the recipe I used called for equal amounts oil/sugar. Having ratio of two parts sugar to one part oil is probably way better!
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- Angela Miller
I love this idea but everyone is talking about it working on hands but will it also be ok as a body scrub?
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- Jill
Yes it will work as a body scrub.
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- Elizabeth A.
Hi,
I take care of an elderly, Alzheimer patient that has excessively dry skin. When I took over her care about 3 months ago, her skin was so dry and had been scratched to bleeding… I started right away with giving her “sugar” baths. I take some regular granulated sugar and mix it with her bathing product, then wash and massage this into her skin. I rinse her off well with nice warm water, being sure to wash all of the sugar solution off of her. I follow up while she is still a bit damp with some coconut oil that I massage into her now glowing skin. The visiting DRs & RNs cannot get over how healthy her skin now is!!! I truly feel that this sugar bathing has been a Godsend to this poor lady’s suffering of ITCHING! So glad that I had used this on my own dry skin many years ago and do like to pass it along to others! Very happy to help in some small way to my charge, too, along with a good, healthy diet of home cooking… (Well, that is another subject! ;-)!!!)
HAPPY SCRUBBING!!!Reply
- Tonya
I was just wondering if there is a difference if you use essential oils or extract in sugar scrubs. Also, I have read in many other places that people add a little food coloring in the scrub this doesn’t dye your skin does it?
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- Jill
Tonya there is a difference between essential oils and extracts but in scrubs you can interchange them. As far as the food coloring goes yes it will dye your skin but usually the couple of drops called for in most recipes is so small that by the time they are diluted with water even more it doesn’t usually hurt.
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- Cassie
I tried the cinnamon/vanilla scrub on my whole body, and I have to say I am impressed! I have a large scar on my foot that usually needs to be moisturized 2 or 3 times a day to keep the skin from splitting. After I started using the scrub in the shower in the evenings (and it smells so damn good!), I started to notice I only needed to put extra moisturizer on the scar in the morning and that was it. Plus… no more soap residue left behind. :D
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- AngieC
Thank you for this great resource! I made two batches tonight to celebrate Administrative Assistant day tomorrow…I experimented and added some high end lotion samples… reducing the oil by a 1/8 and the result was desirable! I appreciate your hints and the opportunity to make a useful, Eco-friendly gift.
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- Grizzly Bear Mom
I eat lots of pesto and drain off the olive oil. I use it as skin lotion. Yes I guess there are teeny bits of garlic and cheese in it, but it doesn’t smell like that.
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- Megan Glaser
I’ve also tried the following recipe:
2.5 cup sugar
1/4 cup baby oil
1/4 scented body washDo you have any suggestions for helping keep the mixture from separating after it sits overnight?
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- Jill
Megan you can add emulsifying wax which you can get from amazon. You can google it and maybe find it in other places that are handier for you.
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- Hannah
Can I make using coconut oil?
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- Tawra
Yes but coconut oil is drying.
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