DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe (My Easy 3 Ingredient Formula)

There are a few little things that really make me happy this time of year. Winter can be a tough season, so I’m all about finding joy in the little things! This DIY sugar scrub is one of my year round favorites, but I especially love it during the winter months. It takes five minutes to make, it works incredibly well, and it looks right at home styled on a shower niche or tucked beside the tub. I love a functional product that is equally as pretty on the shelf… especially when it’s something you’ll actually use. This is my go-to homemade sugar scrub recipe. It’s simple, classic, and it leaves your skin so soft and hydrated without feeling greasy or heavy. Click through for my recipe! These also make fun gifts.

Aromatic Organic Sugar Scrubs DIY for Gifts

Be sure to check out how to plan and design a shower niche. I shared that post on the blog last week, so if you’re planning a bathroom renovation or just need a place for your bath products to live, that one is a must-read. Let’s get to the sugar scrub…

Why This Is My Go-To Sugar Scrub

Ever since moving to Utah, I’ve struggled with dry skin. Sure, I got into the habit of applying lotion everyday, but it just wasn’t doing the trick and it takes so much time. I was also going through plastic bottles every few weeks. One of my friends invited a bunch of ladies over for a galentines party and she had set up a sugar scrub station. It was really fun to mix our own scrubs, using organic ingredients, and that’s when I began making these on the regular. As soon as my party scrub ran out, I immediately made another batch.

Easy DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe

It has really helped turn my dry skin around and allows me to skip the post shower lotion. The best part? You can customize the scrub depending on the time of year, what your body needs, and what aroma you prefer. These also make amazing gifts or party favors. Whether you’re looking for a fun girls night activity- or your skin just needs some quality hydration… this is it!

Quality High End Essential Oils for Sugar Scrubs

A good sugar scrub does two things at once. The sugar exfoliates and smooths, and the oil moisturizes so you step out of the shower feeling polished, but not stripped. This one is also easy to keep on hand because you don’t need anything complicated to make it… I’m willing to bet you have already have these three ingredients in your pantry. It’s the kind of DIY that makes your everyday routine feel elevated, which I’m always chasing. Here’s how to do it…

Easy Sugar Scrub Recipe with Essential Oils

Ingredients

Easy 3 Ingredient Sugar Scrubs DIY

DIY Instructions

Begin by mixing 1-2 cups of sugar with 1/4 cup of coconut oil… get your hairs in there and mix until it looks like fluffy wet sand. Stir the mixture until it’s well combined. You can also adjust the ratio if you prefer your scrub more dry or more moisturizing… just add more sugar or oil. I usually just eyeball the quantity. If you’re adding fragrance, mix in your essential oil or a small splash of vanilla extract (if you’re perusing your pantry). I typically use about 20 drops per 9 ounce jar.

Simple Sugar Scrub Recipe Using Essential Oils

Spoon it into a clean jar, tighten the lid, and you’re done. I pack it down pretty good and squeeze quite a bit into a 9 ounce jar. They last longer than you’d expect! If you want it to look extra finished on your counter, wipe the rim clean, then add a simple label. That tiny detail makes it feel like something you bought instead of something you made in your kitchen in five minutes. That’s it! These only take three ingredients and a tiny bit goes a long way.

Cute DIY Sugar Scrubs That Make Great Gifts

The Ratio That Makes the Perfect Sugar Scrub

This is the secret that makes it consistent every single time. Use 4-5 parts sugar to 1 part coconut oil. If you like a drier scrub that feels more exfoliating, add more sugar. If you like it more moisturizing, add a touch more oil. It’s easy to adjust!

How to Make the Best Easy DIY Sugar Scrubs

How to Use Sugar Scrub in the Shower

I always keep a jar in my shower. Your skin will feel exfoliated, hydrated, and amazing! I never even have to use lotion after using this sugar scrub and my skin feels much healthier and moisturized. I use this on damp skin at the end of a shower, especially on arms and legs. Massage gently in small circles, then rinse. Your skin will feel noticeably smoother right away.

Simple DIY Organic Sugar Scrub

How to Store It

Store it in a sealed jar and keep water out of it. I keep mine in the bathroom with the lid on. If it firms up, that’s just the coconut oil doing what coconut oil does. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit or add a splash of water, then stir it and it goes right back to normal.

Easy DIY Organic Sugar Scrubs to Make As Gifts

Questions?

How often should you use a sugar scrub?

Two to three times a week is plenty! If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week.

Why these essential oils?

One of my favorite spas is the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok (trust me on this… I’ve been to spas all over the world), and I’ve yet to forget their exfoliating scrub. They use these EXACT essential oils and I swear by them. They smell incredible and come premixed. I feel like this sugar scrub is an exact dupe. Go for a visit and thank me later!

What’s the best sugar to use for homemade sugar scrub?

Regular granulated sugar is perfect. I like to find a raw option with a grainy or gritty texture for extra exfoliation.

Why did my sugar scrub turn hard?

Coconut oil firms up in cooler temps. Let it sit out for a bit, then stir and it’ll loosen back up.

DIY Organic Sugar Scrub

Related Posts

Looking for more fun and easy spa-like bath posts to inspire you this season? I’m going to link some of my favorites for you below…

How to Make Sugar Scrub At Home

This DIY sugar scrub has become an essential in my routine. It works, it looks pretty sitting out on my shower niche, and it turns everyday self care into something a little more spa-like. If you end up trying it, please let me know how you like it! I’m always curious what everyone’s favorite essential oils are, and I love when a simple DIY ends up becoming a staple.

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10 Comments

  1. What a fun challenge. I love Susan, and that’s an extensive, varied list of bloggers. Western dryness is no joke! I still live in the high desert, but a trip to AZ always reminds me what real DRY feels like.😎 I love having activities at my parties, and this one would be great for my craft-averse friends. Thanks for the inspiration and happy Friday!

    1. Isn’t she amazing?! Definitely one of my most inspiring friends. I’m so flattered she asked me to join the challenge. It will be a good incentive for positive change. This scrub really is the best! I can’t live without it now. If you try it- let me know :) Have a wonderful weekend!!

  2. Good for you! trashisfortossers.com is a great resource for living a healthier, greener life. You could also try “No trash Tuesday” to become more aware of what you’re putting into the garbage bin. Every little bit helps!

    1. Thanks Kim! I’m definitely going to check that out… you’re right- every little bit. I have to start somewhere :) Happy Friday!

  3. I normally skip past beauty posts but I moved to a drier area last year and had to figure out how to take care of my skin again – still could use some improvement there. This is so simple I’m literally getting up right now to make myself some. I hope it’s as good as you say!

    1. Let me know what you think! I absolutely love it :)

  4. Love this and the labels are awesome! I’ve got tons of essential oils I could use (and dry skin). And what a great gift idea!

    1. Thank you!! Let me know if you give them a try :)

  5. Brooke made some sugar scrub with a friend and loved it, and it ran out. Thanks to this post I can help her make more. She loves doing stuff like this, and I love the simple ingredients. I have all of this on hand- so easy!! Thanks for sharing Sarah, I know what we’ll be doing this weekend!

  6. Hi Sarah,
    As someone who battled severe endometriosis that led to a hysterectomy, infertility, and ultimately childlessness, I am so glad to read your good news. I’m very happy for you!
    Question about the scrub: is it possible to scent the scrub with a favorite perfume for small batches or should I stick to essential oils?
    Thanks for your recipe and input.