Seeing dry and flaky skin can sometimes make you wish for a spa treatment as soon as possible. This was me one stormy Saturday after my plans were canceled. I added some music, lit a candle and started mixing what I could from my shelves. That’s how I fell in love with sugar scrubs and if you use them once, you’ll never want to stop.
Today’s blog post includes 9 quick sugar scrub recipes that I use and really like. These aren’t just pretty ideas—they actually work. You likely already have these ingredients on hand, so there’s nothing to buy.
If you are trying your hand at making skincare or just want a beginner-level way to exfoliate, these recipes are mild, helpful and totally easy to use.
Why Sugar Scrubs Are So Good for Your Skin
Using sugar to exfoliate dead skin cells is gentle by nature. Boosting circulation, this recipe softens, smooths and adds a glowing effect to your skin. If you include honey, oils or citrus in your homemade scrub, you enhance its benefits for your skin.
It’s fun to make my own skin exfoliants since I can tweak the ingredients every time to suit my skin needs.
What You’ll Need to Make Sugar Scrubs
In order to make things simple, I will first talk about the tools and ingredients you need before we start making scrub recipes.
- White sugar, brown sugar, or raw sugar
- Carrier oils like coconut, olive, almond, or grapeseed
- Add-ins: essential oils, honey, citrus zest, coffee, herbs
- Glass jars or reusable containers for storage
- A bowl and spoon for mixing
After you’ve completed your setup, you have unlimited opportunities. You’re finally going to start making your own sugar body scrubs!
9 Easy Sugar Scrub Recipes You Can Try Today
1. Classic Brown Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub
This is the first and best sugar scrub I discovered. Since I couldn’t afford a spa night, I made this mask before a date and it made my skin feel amazing afterward. Just mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 1/4 cup melted coconut oil and use the blend in the shower. Rinse off and pat dry. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
2. Citrus Sugar Scrub for Brightening
Nothing beats the refreshing zing of citrus! This scrub is perfect for dull skin. Collect the rind of an orange or lemon and use it with 1/2 cup white sugar and 2 tablespoons olive oil. I reach for this one before brunch with my friends, as it gives me that post-vacation look.
3. Coffee & Sugar Wake-Up Scrub
This one’s for those sluggish mornings. Put 1/4 cup ground coffee, 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup coconut oil into a mixing bowl. Use massage to help your blood flow by rubbing it on your thighs and arms. “This is a double espresso for your skin!”—I’ve even heard my friend say this.
4. Vanilla Sugar Lip Scrub
I always use this little product before I put on a bold lip color. Mix together the contents of two teaspoons of white sugar, one teaspoon of coconut oil and a small amount of vanilla. Gently massage onto your lips and wipe clean. You’ll be amazed at how soft they feel.
5. Lavender & Sugar Foot Scrub
If I’m in heels until the end of my day, I reach for this scrub. Use 1/2 cup coarse sugar, 1/4 cup grapeseed oil and 10 drops of lavender essential oil. Apply it to your feet and wrap them in socks for a night. Feels like a spa pedicure without the price tag.
6. Green Tea Sugar Scrub for Sensitive Skin
I had such a bad breakout at one point that I reached for something calming. This blend was a lifesaver. Brew two tablespoons of green tea, allow it to cool and put in one quarter cup sugar and one tablespoon honey. It can help calm the skin and tastes especially nice when applied to your neck or chest.
7. Chocolate Sugar Scrub
Yes, you read that right. This is pure indulgence in a jar. Mix together 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of almond oil. I decided to make myself this for Valentine’s Day, caring for my skin and smelling good.
8. Rose Petal Sugar Scrub for Radiance
This recipe is inspired by my cousin’s bridal shower. People really loved the DIY scrub bar we made. Take 2 tablespoons of dried rose petals, add them to 3 tablespoons jojoba oil, infuse for 30 minutes and blends with 1/2 cup sugar. It looks as lovely as it feels.
9. Oatmeal & Sugar Scrub for Extra-Sensitive Skin
My skin felt so bad after a day at the beach that I used this product every day. Mix together 2 tablespoons ground oats, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon honey and 1 tablespoon olive oil. It’s creamy, gentle, and great even for eczema-prone skin.
Which Sugar is Best for Your Skin?
Here’s a simple guide I use when choosing the right sugar type for each scrub:
| Sugar Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White Sugar | Face, lips | Fine texture, gentle exfoliation |
| Brown Sugar | Body, dry skin | Moisturizing and soft granules |
| Raw Sugar | Feet, elbows | Coarse texture, more intense exfoliation |
Choose what works best based on your skin’s sensitivity and the area you’re treating.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that you don’t have to pay a lot to take care of your skin. You can get started with the simple ingredients you usually trust in your kitchen. I use these scrubs as a weekly habit and my skin looks and feels wonderful.
I want to end this by highlighting my favorite thing about making sugar scrubs.
- They’re super affordable
- You can customize them endlessly
- They work for every skin type
- They make amazing gifts
- They’re fun and satisfying to make
Have you ever put together a homemade sugar scrub? Which mix of products do you like best? Please share any recipe ideas that you’d like to swap in the comments.
