Looking for an easy and basic sugar scrub recipe that you can make at home? This DIY sugar scrub recipe comes together quickly and makes for a wonderful gift for the holidays or spa day activity for yourself!

What is a Sugar Scrub?

A sugar scrub is a type of body scrub that can be used in the shower to exfoliate and remove dry skin. Dead skin cells can accumulate over time and it’s best for the health of your skin to remove them.

A sugar body scrub is essentially a combination of sugar and an oil that can be applied all over skin to remove excess dead skin and keep your body moisturized and functioning well.

Sugar Scrub vs. Salt Scrub

Salt scrubs tend to be a bit more abrasive on the skin so if you have sensitive skin, I would stick to a sugar scrub like this one. However if you’re looking for something a bit more intense, salt scrubs are the way to go. There are certain vitamins + minerals in sea salt that are absorbed by the body when using a salt scrub of which there aren’t nearly as many in a sugar scrub. But both are effective exfoliants.

Ingredients in a Basic Sugar Scrub

The basic homemade sugar scrub recipe is 2 cups of sugar to 1/2 cup of oil. There are a couple different variations I suggest (see below) but if you’re just wanting to get to the basics, 2 cups of white sugar to 1/2 cup of carrier oil has you covered.

Sugar – there’s a couple different varieties of sugar you can use in your own sugar scrub. My personal preference is for basic cane sugar but feel free to use what you have.

• Cane sugar– this is your classic “white sugar” that you’ll find at most grocery stores. I find this is the best coarseness for both exfoliating and moisturizing.
• Brown sugar – some people prefer to use brown sugar because it’s less refined but this really doesn’t make much of a difference when applying to skin. For a similar brown sugar scrub texture you can use coconut sugar.
• Turbinado sugar – this is a very coarse, less-refined type of sugar. I find these sugar granules to be a bit harsh so I tend to prefer other varieties but this works if that’s all you have.

Carrier Oil – you’ll need a carrier oil to mix in with your sugar. My personal preference is coconut oil but any of these varieties work. Truly all of these are interchangeable and it’s just about preference or accessibility.

Essential Oils/Scents (optional) – This sugar scrub will work without the addition of any scents or essential oils. However if you’re looking for the therapeutic benefits of essential oils or a particular scent you like you can certainly add some. I prefer using natural scents from essential oils, spices or extracts rather than fragrances.

How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrub

STEP 1: COMBINE SUGAR + OIL

Mix together sugar and carrier oil in a medium bowl until well combined.

STEP 2: ADD SCENT (IF DESIRED)

Add in essential oils or optional add-ins until desired scent. Store in a sealed mason jar or airtight container with a tight-fighting lid at room temperature until ready for use.

How to Use

Before applying your body scrub you’ll want to turn your shower on and close the door or curtain to let steam build. This will help open up your pores and allow the DIY sugar scrub to maximize its effect. Wet your body with the warm water.

Grab roughly a tablespoon of this sugar scrub recipe and begin scrubbing over a section of your body in circular motions. Use more as needed.

I prefer not to use this sugar scrub on my face as I find it too abrasive but if you’d like to use it on your face, you can.

Use 2-3 times a week consistently for best results.

Sugar Scrub Recipe Variations

Citrus Sugar Scrub

I really love the freshness of a lemon sugar scrub (it smells like a lemon sugar cookie too!)

Peppermint + Eucalyptus Sugar Scrub

Vanilla Lavender Sugar Scrub

For a relaxing spa experience, try out this vanilla lavender sugar scrub.

Storage Instructions

Your homemade sugar scrub recipe will last for at least 6 months (if not longer) if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Separation may occur. You can easily remix with a spoon or in your hands right before you apply it.

NOTE: To help preserve the shelf-life of your sugar scrub you can add a drop of vitamin E oil which works as a natural preservative.

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