Glow Sugar Scrub – Sugar body scrubs are non-toxic, eco friendly and edible! Learn how to make your very own homemade body scrub with sugar and oil, it’s so easy and makes great gifts too!
This is my favorite homemade body scrub ever!
I’ve been using it for a few years now and figured it was time to share. It’s so easy to make your own sugar scrub from scratch and will leave your skin glowing, soft, and supple!
What Is Sugar Body Scrub Used For?
Sugar body scrubs are great for exfoliating your skin, as they aid in keeping it healthy by removing dead skin cells, lifting away dirt and excess oil, as well as stimulating circulation.
Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar, and is helpful for cleansing the skin and dissolving dead skin cells. It’s also a humectant and will not strip your skin of its precious natural oils.
Get your glow on & feel the difference after the first use!
Types Of Sugar To Use For Sugar Body Scrubs
There are three main types of sugar you can choose from when making homemade sugar scrubs. Personally, I tend to stick with pure cane sugar, with brown sugar coming in second. Pure cane sugar is just right for my skin type, but I encourage you to try the different types to see what works best for your skin type.
- Brown sugar is the least abrasive making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin, and a good choice when making a face scrub. Since it is the gentlest, it can be used up to 4 times a week.
- Pure cane sugar (unrefined white) is good for all skin types and contains some essential nutrients to feed the skin. Can be used 2 – 3 times per week.
- Turbinado sugar (raw) is naturally the coarsest due to its large granules and makes for a great body scrub. It is the least processed of the three and holds the most essential minerals. Body scrubs made with raw sugar can be used up to 2 times a week.
Types Of Oils To Use For Sugar Scrubs
When I first started making my own exfoliating body scrubs, I used extra virgin olive oil but have since changed to jojoba and sweet almond oil. I recommend trying different oils, or mix and match, to see what works best for you. This section contains affiliate links.
- Apricot Oil absorbs well, is non-greasy and works as an enriching emollient perfect for soothing skin and preventing dryness. Best suited for sensitive, dry and mature skin types.
- Avocado Oil is heavy in texture, yet soothing and leaves no greasy residue. Avocado oil supports skin elasticity, it’s nutrient rich, hydrating, and great for mature skin.
- Coconut Oil is moisturizing, conditioning and won’t clog your pores. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Look for unrefined coconut oil. Or try Fractioned Coconut Oil as it is non-greasy.
- Hazelnut Oil is a pale amber oil with a pleasant smell. It’s similar to almond oil for which it’s often substituted. This oil is beneficial for oily skin because of its astringent qualities. It will absorb quickly and is useful as a base for oily or acne-prone skins.
- Hemp Seed Oil is conditioning and regenerative. It is especially good for moisturizing dry, damaged skin and works well for eczema and psoriasis. It reduces skin aging and is anti-inflammatory. Hemp seed oil penetrates the skin quickly, some describe it as a dry oil. An opened container should be used within 2 to 4 weeks.
- Jojoba Oil (pronounced ho-ho-ba) has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. It’s odor less, non-greasy, and penetrates quickly. This is a good moisturizing conditioner and nourishes all skin types.
- Olive Oil penetrates deeply into skin, making it good for overly dry skin. One reason olive oil is so powerful is because it’s a “humectant” which means it draws moisture into your skin. It also is good for soothing dry, itchy skin.
- Sesame Oil is rich in vitamins and minerals. Some of its recommended uses are for psoriasis, eczema, arthritis, and as a skin softener.
- Sweet Almond Oil is rich in vitamins E and K, which helps skin regenerate and maintain elasticity. It is also a natural UV blocker and promotes better circulation. It absorbs quickly without leaving an oily residue and is a good choice for all skin types.
- Walnut Oil has good moisturizing, anti-aging, regenerative, emollient and toning properties.
Enjoy coming up with your own sugar scrub for healthy skin that’s glowing, soft and supple!
Do I Need to Add a Preservative?
No, since this body scrub doesn’t contain any water you don’t need to add any kind of preservatives.
How To Make Sugar Scrub
- Place 1 cup of sugar in a small/medium size container and add the oil 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing in between. You will use anywhere from 3 – 5 tablespoons, depending on the oil and sugar.
- The consistency should be sandy, not soupy. If the mix is too soupy the sugars will dissolve in a day or two and not slough the skin as well, but you will still get added moisture from the oil. If it’s too soupy, add more sugar.
For this sugar body scrub recipe, I used organic brown cane sugar, jojoba oil and a little lemon juice. I like the added lemon, it’s an uplifting aroma and is good for the skin.
How To Use Sugar Scrub
Shower: At the end of showering, lightly pat your skin with a towel, leaving a little moisture and apply the sugar scrub in a circular motion to your entire body. When using a sugar scrub on your face, gently apply the sugar scrub in a circular motion.
Bath: I find to get the best results it helps to have a nice soak in the tub first, at least 20 minutes. This will help soften the outer layers of skin and make it easier to exfoliate. You’ll be left with beautiful, glowing, soft and supple skin!
How To Store
- I keep my jar right in the shower caddy so it’s always handy.
- This sugar scrub is best used within 1 month.
Gather your ingredients and get your sugar scrub on. It’s time to glow!
If you try this edible sugar body scrub, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
PrintGLOW SUGAR SCRUB (DIY SUGAR BODY SCRUB)
Get ready for beautiful soft, glowing skin! This edible DIY Sugar Body Scrub is so easy to make and will leave your skin incredibly soft and supple!
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Total Time: 5 min
- Yield: Makes 1 cup 1x
- Category: How-To
Ingredients
Base
- 1 cup sugar of choice (organic pure cane, brown pure cane, turbinado, etc.)
- 3 tablespoons, give or take, sweet almond oil, jojoba or extra virgin olive oil
optional ingredients:
- 1 tsp vanilla extract w/o alcohol
- few drops of vitamin E oil
- ½ small lemon, juice of
- or a few drops of your favorite essential oils such as spearmint, lavender, grapefruit, etc (see notes)
Instructions
Mix: Place sugar in a small/medium size container and add the oil 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing in between. You want the consistency to be sandy, not soupy. If the mix is too soupy the sugars will dissolve in a day or two and not slough the skin as well, but you will still get added moisture from the oil.
To Use: At the end of showering, it’s best to pat the skin dry a bit and then rub in circular motions all over the body and rinse well. I find it works best after soaking in the tub for at least 20 minutes. This will really loosen the skin making the scrub work at its best leaving your skin soft and supple!
Can be used 2 – 4 times a week (depending on the sugar type).
Store: Use within 1 month
Notes
Do not consume if adding essential oils or research before you do to make sure they are ingestible, especially if you are pregnant.
Keywords: homemade sugar scrub, body scrub recipe
Updated: Sugar Body Scrub was first published in August 2012 and updated in December 2019 with new photos. It’s still my favorite homemade body scrub ever!
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Serina says
Love this of everything I need to start my own sugar scrub and what each oils and sugar do is very well detailed I am very excited to do this :)
★★★★★
Nonee Friend says
I love this scrub!!
However…there is an error in the post: “work at it’s best leaving your skin soft and supple!”
That should be ITS, no apostrophe. It’s means it is.
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Thank you so much for pointing that out! I found another typo as well, but all is fixed and it reads well now. Enjoy the scrub!
jill brimah says
Hello, is there a place you would recommend to get cane sugar from? I would like to make a sugar scrub using pure cane sugar. any recommendations where to get it from ?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
If you can’t find pure cane sugar locally, online is great too! From Amazon you can purchase these products I’ve used for this sugar scrub: Zulca Pure Cane Sugar, Wholesome Organic Pure Cane Sugar, or Anthony’s Organic Cane Sugar (affilate links). These will at least give you an idea of what to look for in stores. Hope that helps!
Natasha Ball says
Hi,
I’m so excited to try this. I’m wondering do you rinse it off after you rub it in the skin? Or do you rub it until it’s absorbed into the skin?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Yes, you will want to give yourself a good rinse to wash off the sugar granules and sticky sweetness the sugar may leave behind, leaving your skin nicely polished and moist. Enjoy the sugar scrub!
Jessica says
Hi. Where can i buy vanilla extract without alcohol?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
If you live in the US, I know that Trader Joe’s carries one. You can also find it online at Amazon: Simply Organic Vanilla Extract – Alcohol Free. Hope that helps, or at least gives you an idea!
Jessics says
Will definitely shop at both. Thank you.
Esther says
I just finished making mine, I added rice powder, few drops of Argan oil, coconut oil and lavender oil. Thanks!
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Sounds like a wonderful combination of oils! Enjoy :)
Brittany says
This is ay-may-zang! I loved this recipe and my skin felt like butter! I added a very small 2 drops of vanilla extract and that made it 2x as good! (if that’s even possible =] ) My dad actually said he would pay me to make his skin rub. He has very dry skin so I’m glad I could find a good recipe for my dad and I. Will be making again! =]
★★★★★
Brittany says
oh, also my skin says thank you, veganista!
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
So glad you and your skin love it! Thanks for sharing, Brittany!
sofiya says
I am going to try to make it tomorrow for my mom because it is Mother’s day in two days and did you make this up and do you have any ideas of what else I can make?
★★★★★
Aiss Bah says
How long is the shelf life? Do you use anything to help preserve them?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Great questions! I would suggest to use each batch within 1 month. Since this sugar scrub doesn’t contain any water it doesn’t need a preservative. Hope that helps! :)
Ellie says
How long does this stay?
★★★★★
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Great question, Ellie! It will last for up to a month.
Ellie says
Thank you!
★★★★★
Helen B Johnson says
I just bought small jars yesterday to make a few batches up for Valentine’s. If they are a hit I will later use a beach theme then a mother’s day theme to alternate different scents! Thank you Julie for sharing this. I will also share it with your name 😍 I will try to remember to send you pictures when I put these gifts together.
Laurie B says
What about grape seed oil?
Raynell says
Can you mix oil? Like olive and coconut?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Sure, you can try using two oils if you like. Would love to know how you like it!
Patti Azzara says
Just found this. Excited to try. Does this require refrigeration?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
No need to refrigerate. I keep it right in the bathroom cabinet!
Anonymous says
I tried this today and loved it! I used olive oil but I think for my next batch I'll use coconut oil because it may smell slightly better! This worked so much better on my skin than the normal one i use, the olive use really made sure my skin was mositurised after and no dry! love it!
Selina Sparks says
Ive been meaning to try this for awhile after I was given similar by a friend. Thanks for sharing.
Anishinaabekwe says
Looks amazing! I am going to try this! =)
Anonymous says
Sounds divine! How long does it keep?
[email protected] says
Sorry for the delayed reply, I missed your comment. This will last for up to a month if not more. :)
Ariane says
Hello! Is it ok if I use salt instead of sugar? Is salt bas for my skin ( I have sensitive skin) xxx Ariane
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Salt is great for the skin! I would try using sea salt or kosher salt, some sort of large flaked salt. I’ve never tried it with salt so I can’t say for sure if it’ll work, but I definitely use a larger flaked salts, as fine salt will dissolve. I would love to know how it goes for you!
Anonymous says
Thank You