Looking for an Easy-to-Make Body Scrub? Try These 5 DIY Recipes

You can create an exfoliating body scrub using items you probably already have in your kitchen. Avoid using these scrubs on your face or on any sunburned or irritated areas of skin.

Exfoliating can help keep your skin looking fresh and healthy.

Body scrubs are a common method for exfoliation, and while there are many commercial options available, you can easily whip up your own homemade versions with pantry staples.

Keep reading to discover the benefits of body scrubs and several simple recipes you can prepare at home.

Benefits of using body scrubs

Exfoliating with a scrub—or with tools like a brush or loofah—can enhance the appearance and health of your skin in multiple ways.

Exfoliation can leave your skin looking more luminous by removing the surface layer of dead skin cells. It may also stimulate collagen production, which can help the skin remain firm and glowing.

Another upside is improved absorption of topical products. If you exfoliate before applying a moisturizer or treatment, those products can penetrate deeper rather than just sitting on the top layer.

Plus, massaging a scrub into your skin can be a soothing, stress-relieving ritual.

How often should you exfoliate?

Body scrubs should be used sparingly. Overdoing exfoliation can result in dry, sensitive, or irritated skin.

For many people, exfoliating 2 to 3 times weekly is appropriate. If your skin is on the dry or sensitive side, once a week may be better. If you have a skin disorder or are unsure how frequently to exfoliate, consult a dermatologist.

Applying a body scrub is typically easiest in the shower or bath. Gently rub the scrub onto your skin in circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with warm water.

What you’ll need to make a DIY body scrub

Gather the following supplies to make a homemade body scrub:

• spoons for stirring
• mixing bowl
• measuring spoons or cups
• a carrier or base oil such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, almond oil, or olive oil
• an airtight container for storage
• a few drops of preferred essential oils, if desired
• salt or sugar as the exfoliating granules

Once you have these items, combine the chosen oil with your exfoliant—salt or sugar. As in the recipes below, you can also incorporate other skin-friendly additions like honey or green tea.

Getting the right texture is important when making scrubs. Avoid mixtures that are too runny (hard to scoop) or too dry and crumbly.

Below are some popular, easy-to-make DIY body scrubs that are beneficial for the skin.

Although some studies suggest benefits, the FDA does not regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. Consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils and research the quality of any brand. Always perform a patch test when trying a new essential oil.

Coffee scrub

There’s limited evidence that caffeine might reduce the visible appearance of cellulite.

Some studies suggest topical caffeine could help diminish cellulite appearance; however, many studies are small or conducted in animals and results have been mixed. They also often paired caffeine with other ingredients like retinol.

Remember that cellulite is common—most women have it—and it’s a normal trait that doesn’t indicate poor health.

Still, coffee remains a favored ingredient in many DIY scrubs. The fine grounds are gentle yet effective at sloughing away dead skin cells.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup coffee grounds
• 2 tbsp hot water
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, warmed

Directions

1. Combine the coffee grounds and hot water in a mixing bowl and stir well.
2. Add the coconut oil. Adjust with more grounds or oil as needed to reach the right texture.
3. When the mixture is the consistency you want, transfer it to a clean, dry container.

Brown sugar scrub

Brown sugar is an affordable and easy-to-find exfoliant that works well on skin.

It’s milder than sea salt or Epsom salt, making it suitable for sensitive skin. Sugar can leave a bit of stickiness, so be sure to rinse thoroughly after exfoliating.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup carrier oil of choice (coconut, jojoba, olive, almond, or grapeseed)
• essential oils (optional)

Directions

1. Mix the brown sugar and oil in a bowl.
2. Stir until combined. Add more sugar or oil if necessary to achieve the correct texture.
3. If you like, add 1–2 drops of your favorite essential oil and mix it in.
4. Once the texture and scent meet your preference, spoon the scrub into a clean, dry container.

Sea salt scrub

Salt can have antibacterial effects that may help certain skin concerns. It also acts as a preservative, so a sea salt scrub tends to keep well.

Use finely ground sea salt rather than coarse crystals, which can be too abrasive. Sea salt scrubs may be inappropriate for very sensitive skin, and salt will sting on open cuts.

Because salt lacks a scent, you might choose to add essential oils to impart fragrance to your scrub.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sea salt
• 1/2 cup carrier oil of choice
• essential oils (optional)

Directions

1. Combine the sea salt and oil in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir well. Add more salt or oil as necessary to get the desired texture.
3. If desired, add 1–2 drops of essential oil and stir it in.
4. When satisfied with the consistency and scent, spoon the scrub into a clean, dry container.

Green tea sugar scrub

Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory qualities that may benefit the skin.

Green tea contains polyphenols—plant compounds with antioxidant activity. Some research suggests drinking green tea may help repair skin damage from UV exposure and acne. However, evidence that topical application of green tea benefits skin is limited.

Green tea can easily be incorporated into a homemade scrub alongside other nourishing elements.

Ingredients

• 2 bags of green tea
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

Directions

1. Steep the tea bags in the hot water and let the tea cool.
2. While the tea cools, add the brown sugar to a bowl.
3. Stir in the coconut oil until combined with the sugar.
4. Once the tea is cool, add it to the sugar mixture—ensure it’s cool so the sugar won’t dissolve.
5. If the scrub is too dry, add a bit more coconut oil. If it’s too wet, add more brown sugar.
6. When you’ve reached the preferred consistency, transfer the scrub into a container.

Honey sugar scrub

Research indicates honey has antibacterial and antioxidant traits. It can help reduce germs on the skin and assist wound healing.

Honey combines nicely with granules and oil to form a moisturizing, skin-friendly scrub. Since honey is water-soluble, it rinses off without leaving a residue after massaging into the skin.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 tbsp honey

Directions

1. Add brown sugar, coconut oil, and honey to a mixing bowl.
2. Mix thoroughly, adding more coconut oil if the mixture is too crumbly.
3. When the texture is right, spoon the scrub into a clean, dry container.

Safety tips

These homemade scrubs are designed for use on the body, not the face. Facial skin is thinner and more delicate than body skin.

Avoid exfoliating areas that are:

• sunburned
• chapped or broken
• red or swollen
• healing from a chemical peel

Before adding essential oils to a scrub, perform a patch test with the diluted oil to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction. If you have sensitive or extremely dry skin, consult your physician or dermatologist to determine whether body scrubs are suitable for you.

Takeaway

DIY body scrubs are simple and affordable compared with many store-bought options.

These natural exfoliants can cleanse, soften, and nourish the skin. Always exfoliate gently, and exercise extra caution if your skin is sensitive or very dry.