Homemade Body Scrub Ingredients & 6 Easy Recipes

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By Anna Marikar

Who knew that the secret to radiant, glowing skin could be found right in your own kitchen? Making your own body scrub is a lot of fun and gives you a creative outlet but its also an accessible way into the world of natural, skin-loving goodness. And guess what? It’s unbelievably easy! 

Once you master the basic recipe, you’ll be whipping up personalized scrubs like a pro. So, get ready to transform your skincare routine and say goodbye to dry skin and dead skin cells!

At the heart of every homemade body scrub is the same set of humble yet powerful ingredients.

body scrub ingredients formula to make any type of homemade body scrub

Table of Contents

The beauty of making your own body scrub lies in the possibilities for customization. Want a hint of luxury?

Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils or a pinch of vanilla extract. Adding essential oils is a brilliant way to change up the scents for your homemade body scrubs, and each essential oil also has its own benefits and vibe for email lavender essential oil is great for relaxation while the citrus zest of lemon oil or orange oil will get you feeling like awake. 

Dealing with inflammation? Ingredients like Epsom salt and green tea have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe your skin. And for an extra dose of care, a splash of vitamin E oil or avocado oil can boost the nurturing effect of your scrub.

Chart of Homemade Body Scrub Ingredients

When it comes to choosing the right ingredients for your DIY body scrub, understanding the properties and benefits of each component can help you create the perfect blend for your skin type.

Carrier Oils

You will need a carrier oil – something like coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil or jojoba oil, all known for their nourishing properties to soothe and pamper your skin. These carrier oils are your best friends, especially if you have sensitive skin, as they lock in moisture and leave your skin feeling soft and supple.

carrier oils

Choose a carrier oil to nourish and moisturize your skin, forming the hydrating base of your scrub.

  1. Coconut Oil –  Works wonders for dry skin by providing deep moisture. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a good choice for sensitive skin.
  2. Olive Oil – Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, olive oil is excellent for moisturizing the skin and fighting the signs of aging. It’s particularly beneficial for those with dry or aging skin.
  3. Jojoba Oil –  Closely mimics the skin’s natural oils, making it an excellent choice for balancing oily skin. It’s also rich in vitamin E.
  4. Sweet Almond Oil – Known for its ability to improve complexion and skin tone. It’s also quite gentle and suitable for most skin types
  5. Grapeseed Oil – Light and non-greasy, grapeseed oil is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
  6. Avocado Oil – Deeply hydrating and full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, avocado oil can help to nourish and moisturize the skin, promoting a smooth, rejuvenated complexion.
almond oil or jojoba oil

Types of Exfoliants:

Now, let’s talk exfoliants. To make a scrub you’ll want something with texture to add the exfoliating effect. Whether it’s sugar body scrub for a gentle touch or a salt scrub for a more invigorating feel, the choice is yours. These simple ingredients work wonders in sloughing off dead skin cells, revealing the fresh, healthy skin underneath. And for those who like a bit of texture, adding coffee grounds or raw sugar can provide that extra oomph to your DIY body scrub.

fine or coarse Himalayan sea salt

Select an exfoliant from this list to gently remove dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother skin surface.

  1. White Sugar (fine)
  2. Brown Sugar (soft)
  3. Raw Sugar (coarse)
  4. Epsom Salt
  5. Dead Sea Salt
  6. Coarse Sea Salt
  7. Coffee Grounds – Not only do coffee grounds help exfoliate the skin, but the caffeine content also helps to tighten the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Sugar is a natural source of glycolic acid, which encourages cell turnover.

White sugar is finer and good for sensitive skin or facial scrubs. Brown sugar, being softer, is also suitable for sensitive skin. Raw sugar is coarser, offering a more intense exfoliation.

Salt (Epsom, Dead Sea, Coarse Sea Salt): Salt scrubs are generally more abrasive, making them great for smoothing rough areas like feet and elbows.

Epsom salt can help to relax muscles and reduce inflammation, while Dead Sea salt is rich in minerals beneficial for skin health.

Sea salt is natural and rich in minerals. Its coarse texture makes it perfect for sloughing off dead skin cells, promoting rejuvenation, and improving circulation.

Choosing the best sugar for your skin type can significantly enhance your DIY scrub experience.

For sensitive or acne-prone skin, white or brown sugar is a good choice due to its finer granules and softer texture.

For more robust exfoliation needs, like targeting sun damage or dry patches, raw sugar or coarse sea salt can provide the necessary texture to slough away dead skin cells effectively.

Essential Oils and Extracts for Scent

Pick a scent from our array of essential oils and extracts to infuse your scrub with a fragrant touch, enhancing your scrubbing experience

  1. Lavender Essential Oil – Known for its calming properties, it’s ideal for use before bedtime or to soothe skin irritations.
  2. Peppermint Essential Oil – Provides a cooling sensation, perfect for refreshing tired feet or for an invigorating morning scrub
  3. Lemon Essential Oil –  Contains antioxidants and provides a natural astringent to brighten and clarify the skin
  4. Vanilla Extract (not an essential oil but used for scent) – While not an essential oil, vanilla extract is commonly used for its warm, comforting scent, adding a soothing fragrance to your scrub that can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
  5. Green Tea Extract – Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract is a fantastic addition to your scrub, helping to protect the skin from free radicals, reduce inflammation, and improve the skin’s elasticity.
  6. Citrus Zest (Orange, Lemon, Lime) – Citrus zest from orange, lemon, or lime not only adds a refreshing, invigorating scent to your scrub but also contains natural oils and acids that can help to brighten and cleanse the skin, providing a gentle astringent effect.
essential oils

This stage is also where you can add a little mica powder for color if you prefer.

Remember, these are just a few options. There are many more essential oils and extracts, each with its own unique benefits, allowing you to customize your DIY body scrub to your personal preference and skin’s needs.

Check out some of our essential oil guides for more ideas on oils and scents you may want to include, for their different benefits.

The best part about homemade scrubs is the ability to tailor each recipe to your personal preference and skin needs.

Experiment with different combinations of oils, exfoliants, and essential oils to discover the blends that work best for you.

Whether you’re stirring up a lemon sugar scrub in your small bowl or packing a lavender sugar scrub into a mason jar, remember, it’s all about having so much fun while keeping your beauty routine natural.

These homemade scrubs not only make your skin feel amazing but also serve as great gifts, especially during the holiday season. Imagine handing out your personalized candy cane or peppermint sugar scrub to friends and family – talk about spreading joy and good vibes!

So, as you get started on this natural beauty DIY journey, remember to keep things at room temperature, store your creations in an airtight container, and use them in a gentle circular motion for the best results. 

Your entire body will thank you for the TLC, and the appearance of your skin will speak volumes about the loving care you’ve invested.

Easy Home Made Scrub Recipes 

Make a start on your journey of self-care and indulge in the art of natural skincare with these meticulously crafted scrub recipes. Each one is designed to cater to your skin’s needs, ensuring a rejuvenating experience right at home.

After reading through these recipes of ours, you’re soon going to get a feel for how to make your own easy scrubs and how to adjust and play around with the combinations to make your own unique body scrubs or lip scrubs using the same basic combination of ingredients.

Homemade Scrub Recipes

Explore our collection of six bespoke scrub recipes, each blending natural ingredients and enchanting scents to create the ultimate skincare indulgence. From soothing lip care to invigorating body scrubs, find your perfect match and transform your skincare routine into a ritual of beauty and relaxation.

And there you have it – a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration to kickstart your journey into the world of homemade body scrubs.

With the right blend of carrier oils, exfoliants, and scents, you’re not just crafting a scrub; you’re curating a personal spa experience. Each of our carefully selected recipes offers a unique way to embrace the natural path to radiant skin.

So, roll up your sleeves, choose your favorite mix, and prepare to immerse yourself in the joy of creating and the luxury of indulging. Here’s to your skin’s health and happiness!

More Homemade Beauty

Excited for all the possibilities and want to try out making more?

Taking the time to create these scrubs isn’t just about skincare—it’s a nurturing act of self-love. Prioritizing self-care is crucial, and what better way to do so than by indulging in these delightful, natural scrubs?

self care recipe

If you’ve enjoyed diving into the world of homemade scrubs with us, why not spread the love? Share this blog post with friends and family, on social media or pin to Pinterest.

Share the glow, share the joy!

homemade natural body scrub recipes

Happy scrubbing!

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Anna is a Wales-based writer and graduate from SOAS University of London.
As the voice behind On Your Journey, she empowers women to embrace holistic well-being and spiritual growth through her expert insights into wellness and symbolism.
When she isn't writing thought-provoking articles, you'll find her busy crafting and raising her 4 children.

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