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 is 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
- 1/2 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 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 moister 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 it’s 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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