There’s something satisfying about making your own sugar scrub. Maybe it’s the fact that it channels the feeling of being a scientist in a lab. Or, on the opposite side of the spectrum, you suddenly feel like a homesteader who lives on the prairie and makes everything from scratch. With summer ending and chilly weather setting in, our skin could certainly use a little bit of love.
The Benefits of Body Scrubs
Nobody likes having dry, rough patches of skin and that’s the top issue that body scrubs address. But the benefits are more than just surface level. Using a body scrub will not only make your skin feel softer, but it will also be able to absorb moisture better, so layer on your favorite body butter after you’ve toweled off. It can also be part of a stress-relieving self-care routine: setting aside that pampering “me time” to cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize the skin can make your bathroom feel like a spa.
Plus, since it’s DIY skincare, not only is there less plastic waste, but it can also save you money in the long run.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The base of homemade sugar scrubs calls for only two ingredients: sugar and oil. They can be made with granulated sugar, brown sugar, or raw sugar; it all depends on what you want to use it for. Granulated sugar is best for body and face scrubs, as the small crystals are gentle enough to do away with dryness without irritating the skin. Brown sugar, raw sugar, or even turbinado sugar have a coarser texture, making them abrasive enough to deal with dry hands and feet.
There are several options for oil as well. Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, walnut oil, and apricot oil are all great choices. They should leave your skin feeling smooth and moisturized. Be aware that your skin might feel greasy shortly after using your scrub, but it should absorb into your skin fast. Remember to also clean your bathtub or shower after using a scrub, as it might make things slippery.
Beyond sugar and oil, you can customize your sugar scrub with a few drops of vitamin E oil which is great for super-dry skin or you can turn to your pantry. Cocoa powder, coffee, spices, and even fruit can be added to homemade scrubs. You can also add a few drops of essential oil. Want a scrub that will wake you up in the morning? Try orange essential oil, which can have uplifting, calming effects. For a scrub to help you unwind at the end of the day, add lavender essential oil, which can aid in stress relief and boost your mood.
Last, but not least, you’ll need airtight jars (like these mini mason jars) to store your homemade scrub in.
The 7 Best DIY Vegan Body Scrubs for Soft, Glowing Skin
1. Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub
Not only will this homemade pumpkin spice sugar scrub leave your skin feeling soft and moisturized (thank you, almond oil), but it will also make you smell like fall. You can use this on both your body and your face. It takes only ten minutes to make, plus it makes a great DIY gift.
Get the recipe here.
2. Glow Sugar Scrub
This versatile sugar scrub can be made with whatever sugar you have in your panty, whether that’s organic cane, brown sugar, or raw sugar. You can also change up the oil; extra virgin olive oil, jojoba, sweet almond, apricot, or a blend will all leave your skin feeling supple. Even better: you can customize it with a few drops of your favorite essential oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for a burst of citrus-y fragrance.
Get the recipe here.
3. Green Tea Sugar Scrub
Treat your skin to this three-ingredient green tea sugar scrub, which you can make with granulated sugar, coconut oil, and your favorite green tea. Add more or less oil depending on the type of scrub you like. Save this for a relaxing night in; light some candles, grab a glass of biodynamic wine, and treat yourself.
Get the recipe here.
4. Leftover Almond Pulp Scrub
If you’ve ever made your own almond milk, then you probably already know that you can put the leftover pulp to good use in baked goods and energy bites. But, you can also use it to make a gentle exfoliator. This easy recipe uses just three ingredients: pulp, sweet almond oil, and a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Get the recipe here.
5. Coffee Sugar Scrub
Coffee is more than just the fuel that keeps caffeine headaches at bay. You can also repurpose it into a scrub. This DIY exfoliator uses finely ground coffee beans, brown sugar, almond oil, and some orange essential oil (optional, but coffee and orange smell amazing together).
Get the recipe here.
6. Lavender Sugar Scrub
The lavender essential oils in this sugar scrub will send you right off to dreamland, so it’s perfect for helping you unwind right before bed. Plus, your skin will love the addition of nourishing oils.
Get the recipe here.
7. Chocolate Coconut Body Scrub
This four-ingredient scrub takes just five minutes to throw together and it smells like decadent chocolate frosting. Not only that, but it’s also inexpensive to make: all you need is sugar, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
Get the recipe here.
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