Simple Sugar Scrub Recipes

Using simple sugar scrub recipes is the best way to grow your homemade sugar scrub making skills. Learning how to make a sugar scrub is just a matter of mixing sugar and oil. Once your create the base the possibilities are endless.

What is a sugar scrub

A sugar scrub typically uses granulated white sugar and coconut oil. Sugar which helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and coconut oil helps moisturize your skin. Usually essential oils are added for scent.

Sugar scrub benefits

• Exfoliates dead skin cells to reveal healthy glowing skin.
• Glycolic acid sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid that encourages cell turnover for younger looking skin.
• Humectant sugar is a natural humectant which means it helps draw moisture from the environment into the skin.
• Reduces ingrown hairs the exfoliation from the sugar helps prevent ingrown hairs by keeping them from turning back into the skin.

Is a sugar scrub good for your face

Yes, Sugar scrubs are good for your face. Using brown sugar is best when creating a face scrub. It creates a softer sugar scrub making it better for face and sensitive skin. Using a sugar scrub on your face exfoliates dead skin cells and dry skin. It allows for better absorption of your moisturizer.

How often should you use a sugar scrub

You should use sugar scrubs 1-2 times a week. Using it more than that can lead to irritated skin due to over exfoliation. Which cause more harm than good. 1-2 times a week will keep your skin looking fresh and hydrated.

How do you make a sugar scrub

Learning how to make a sugar scrub is as easy as adding one part sugar and one part oil to a bowl and mixing well. You can mix in essential oils for scent and added skin benefits. You won't find easier or more simple sugar scrubs than that.

Best sugar for sugar scrubs

• Granulated White Sugar- it is is a finer grain so it's best for sensitive areas.
• Brown Sugar- brown sugar is more course than white sugar. It's great for an all over body scrub. I wouldn't use it on sensitive areas, like the face area.
• Organic Raw Sugar- it's more course than brown and would be better suited for a hands and feet sugar scrub. I think a couple whirls in a food processor would create a finer grain that could be used as an all over body scrub.

Can I use salt in a sugar scrub recipe

Yes, you can use salt in a sugar scrub instead of sugar. Sea Salt like is used in this this Bergamot and Tangerine Sea Salt Scrub and epsom salt work well in scrub recipes. If you have a larger grain salt try adding it to a food processor to create a smaller grain.

What is the best oil to use in a sugar scrub

Coconut oil is the most commonly used oil in most sugar scrub recipes but what do you do if you are allergic to coconut or if your simply out of coconut. These oils are a great substitute.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil- rich in vitamins . It works well for people with eczema and psoriasis. Olive Oil Sugar Scrub
• Apricot Oil- exfoliates and moisturizes skin. It works well for people with rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Apricot Oil Sugar Scrub
• Avocado Oil- is a heavier oil that is full of fatty acids and vitamins. It works well for people with rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Avocado Oil Sugar Scrub
• Grapeseed Oil- a lighter oil that does not clog pore. It's packed with vitamin E and omega-6 fatty acids, helping to moisturize and tighten pores. It works well for people with oily skin that needs moisture. Grapeseed Oil Sugar Scrub
• Jojoba Oil- is full of vitamins and minerals. It helps moisturize skin without making it too oily. It has anti-inflammatory properties so it works well for people that have oily skin, rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Jojoba Oil Sugar Scrub
• Sweet Almond Oil- is a powerhouse that is rich in vitamins E and A, omega fatty acids, and zinc. It blocks UV rays and aids in circulation. It works well for people that have skin issues like psoriasis, and eczema. Almond Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe

Do you melt coconut oil for sugar scrubs

Yes, melt your coconut oil for sugar scrubs prior to mixing your ingredients together. You can also use a liquid oil to avoid needing to warm the oil.

Can I use Fractionated Coconut Oil

Yes, you can use fractionated coconut oil in a sugar scrub recipe. A lot of people prefer to use FCO instead of a solid coconut oil. It eliminates the need to melt your oil and can help keep your sugar scrub loose instead of becoming a solid.

What essential oils are good for skin

• Lavender Essential Oil- anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and soothes the skin. Lavender calms the mind and helps reduce stress.
• Peppermint Essential Oil - antiseptic and antibacterial properties soothes irritation and inflammation. Peppermint energizes and improves mood.
• Lemon Essential Oil- antibacterial properties help cleanse skin. It can cause photosensitivity so use sparingly. Lemon engerizes and improves mood.
• Eucalyptus Essential Oil-  anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and analgesic properties soothes skin. Eucalyptus energizes and improves focus.
• Chamomile Essential Oil- anti-inflammatory and calming properties helps calm and soothe skin irritation. Chamomile calms nerves and relaxes the mind.
• Sweet Orange Essential Oil- antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties helps soothe and cleanse the skin. Sweet Orange energizes and improves mood
• Rose Essential Oil- anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties helps soothe skin and reduce wrinkles. Rose relaxes and calms the mind.
• Frankincense Essential Oil- anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties helps soothe skin and reduce wrinkles. Frankincense calms and relaxes the mind.

How to use sugar scrubs

It's best to use sugar scrubs in the shower. Slather on a handful after your skin has been under the running water for a few minutes. Scrub well, especially areas that are extra dry. Rinse skin and pat to dry.

How long are homemade sugar scrubs good for

Properly stored sugar scrubs can last for 3-4 months, I make small batches of sugar scrubs so I use mine up quickly.

Storing your scrub in an airtight container and making sure no water gets in it, will help it last longer. Adding a little citric acid can also help to extend the shelf life of sugar scrubs.

Why did my sugar scrub turn solid

Sugar Scrubs can turn solid due to the coconut oil firming up. Usually a few minutes of the shower running is enough to get it to loosen up. You can also spoon some out into your hand and it'll start to loosen up from the warmth of your body.

A sugar scrub can also turn solid if any water at all gets into your container. Water causes the sugar to dissolve which cause hard crystal to form as it dries.

Adding some of the sugar scrub to a small container and using that in the shower instead of the container you have the rest stored in will eliminate water getting in it.

Why did my sugar scrub separate

It's completely normal for a sugar scrub to separate. Giving your sugar scrub a stir to mix it up right before you use will take care of the of the separation.

If you want to stop your sugar scrub from separating and you are storing it in the shower, try storing it in another room. If it still separates you can add emulsifying wax, which helps your ingredients bind together, to your sugar scrub recipe.

Related: How to make DIY bath bombs.

Sugar Scrub Supplies