How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrub

Swing by the grocery store for a few ingredients, then read our expert tips on how to make homemade sugar scrub for gifting this holiday season.

With just a few minutes of time and two simple ingredients, it’s easy to make homemade sugar scrub. Bonus: It’s a perfect last-minute holiday gift for everyone left on your list!

Sugar is a great exfoliator because the small crystals start to dissolve in water, making the scrub is less abrasive on the skin, says Kally Papantoniou, M.D., with Advanced Dermatology PC. Carrier oils, like coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil, hydrate the skin and prevent moisture loss. Papantoniou recommends coconut oil during the winter months because it maintains a barrier to protect skin from the harsh weather. Mixing in a few drops of essential oils can enhance the sensory experience, and each kind provides different benefits for the skin. Try lavender oil for a relaxing effect or tea tree oil to combat acne.

How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrub: The Recipe

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil

Optional: drops of your favorite essential oil

Steps

Mix sugar and oil in a bowl—if you need to melt the coconut oil to a liquid state, make sure it isn’t too warm or it will dissolve the sugar. Then, add more sugar if you desire a coarser scrub. Once you reach the desired consistency, add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. The scrub can be used on your body 2 to 3 times per week.