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Glow Sugar Scrub (DIY Body Scrub)

Glow Sugar Scrub – Sugar body scrubs are non-toxic, eco-friendly, and edible! Learn how to make your own homemade body scrub with 2 simple ingredients (sugar and oil). It’s so easy and makes great gifts too!

side angle view of edible sugar body scrub in a glass mason jar with wooden spoon.

This is my all-time favorite homemade body scrub, and I have been using it for years!

I want to share with you how easy it is to make your own sugar scrub from scratch with simple ingredients that will leave your skin glowing, soft, and supple!

Sugar Scrub 101

Sugar scrubs, made from sugar granules and a moisturizing base, such as oil, are excellent for exfoliating and moisturizing the skin!

When applied to the skin and rubbed in gentle circular motions, the sugar granules help to slough off dead skin cells, while the moisturizing base helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.

Glycolic acid occurs naturally in sugar which helps cleanse the skin and dissolve dead skin cells. It’s also a humectant and will not strip your skin of its precious natural oils.

The combination of sugar and oil recommended in our recipe makes homemade DIY sugar scrubs a great natural alternative to commercial exfoliants that may contain harsh chemicals.

🌟 Sugar Scrub Benefits

Sugar scrubs can be used on various parts of the body, including the face, lips, hands, feet, and body. Some of the benefits include:

  1. Smoother, softer skin: Regular use of sugar body scrubs can help to remove dead skin cells, revealing smoother, softer skin.
  2. Improved skin texture: Sugar scrubs can help to improve skin texture by unclogging pores and removing impurities.
  3. Enhanced skin hydration: The moisturizing base of sugar body scrubs helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and supple.
  4. Brighter skin tone: With regular use, they can help promote cell turnover, which can lead to a brighter, more even skin tone.

Get your glow on & feel the difference after the first use!

top down view of different sugars that can be used to make diy sugar body scrub.

What Kind of Sugar Can I Use?

There are three main types of sugar you can choose from when making homemade sugar scrubs.

  • Brown sugar is the least abrasive making it a good choice for sensitive skin and facial scrubs. Since it is the gentlest, a brown sugar scrub can be used up to 4 times a week.
  • Pure cane sugar (unrefined white) is good for all skin types and contains essential nutrients to feed the skin. It 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 sugars and holds the most essential minerals. Body scrubs made with raw sugar can be used up to 2 times a week.

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.

top down view of oils that can be used for diy sugar body scrubs.

Types Of Oils 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 mixing and matching 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 and conditioning and has antiviral and antibacterial properties. Look for unrefined coconut oil. Or use 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. In addition, it will absorb quickly and is useful as a base for oily or acne-prone skin.
  • Hemp Seed Oil is conditioning and regenerative. It is perfect 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 odorless, non-greasy, and penetrates quickly. This is a good moisturizing conditioner and nourishes all skin types.
  • Olive Oil penetrates deeply into the skin, making it good for overly dry skin. One reason olive oil is so powerful is that 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 help 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!

Can I add Flavors or Smells?

Yes, you can make a variety of body scrubs with different flavors and smells by using essential oils (orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, bergamot, rose, vanilla, eucalyptus, patchouli), alcohol-free vanilla extract, cinnamon, lemon juice, etc. See more about how to use them in the recipe card below.

Do I Need to Add a Preservative?

No, since this sugar body scrub doesn’t contain any water, you don’t need to mix in any kind of added preservative.

top down view of what you'll need to make edible diy body scrub. with sugar.

➡️ How To Make Sugar Scrub

Making your own exfoliating scrub is easy as can be!

Place 1 cup of sugar in a small to medium size container and add the oil one 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 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

You can use your body scrub after a shower or bath for the best results:

Shower: At the end of showering, lightly pat your skin with a dry towel, leaving a little moisture. Scoop up about 1 – 2 tablespoons in the palm of your hand and apply the sugar scrub to sections of the body, gently rubbing in a circular motion. Rinse off the excess sugar granules when done. Use can safely use this edible sugar scrub on your entire body.

Bath: For the best results, I find a nice soak in the tub first, for at least 20 minutes, works wonderfully. Soaking in the tub softens the outer layers of the skin, making it easier to exfoliate and scuff off dead skin cells. Once you are done soaking, lightly pat your skin with a dry towel, and apply the scrub in a circular motion anywhere on your body. Rinse off when done. You’ll be left with beautiful, glowing, soft, and supple skin! 🌟

How To Store

  • I keep my jarred scrub right in the shower caddy, so it’s always handy.
  • This sugar scrub is best used within 1 month.
sugar scrub faqs graphic.

Commonly Asked Questions

A sugar scrub is used to exfoliate and moisturize the skin. When you apply a sugar scrub to your skin and rub it in gentle circular motions, the sugar granules work to remove dead skin cells and other impurities that may be clogging your pores. The moisturizing base in the scrub helps to hydrate and protect the skin from dryness and other environmental stressors, leaving it feeling soft and supple. Using a sugar body scrub can help to improve the texture and appearance of your skin, making it a popular choice for anyone looking to pamper their skin and achieve a healthy, radiant glow.

It’s best to use your sugar scrub after using body wash or any type of body product. We recommend using your scrub at the very end of showering or bathing and then giving yourself a quick rinse before stepping out. This ensures you do not scrub off the moisturizing effects, leaving you with soft and supple skin.

You can safely use a sugar scrub at least 3 – 4 times a week.

Yes, the ratio of petroleum jelly to sugar will be much different than using oil and sugar. Start off by mixing equal parts of Vaseline jelly and sugar together in a small container or bowl. For a grainier scrub, add more sugar, and for a creamier scrub, add more Vaseline jelly. Add 3 – 4 drops of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil, and mix well.

top down view of homemade sugar scrub in a glass jar with wooden spoon.

If you try this 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.

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Glow Sugar Scrub (DIY Body Scrub)

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5 from 23 reviews

Get ready for beautifully soft, glowing skin! This edible DIY Sugar Scrub is easy to make and will leave your skin incredibly soft and supple. Give your body a treat with our homemade sugar scrub!

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base

  • 1 cup sugar of choice (organic pure cane, brown pure cane, turbinado, etc.)
  • 3 tablespoons, give or take, oil of choice (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 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, pat the skin dry and gently rub the sugar scrub in a circular motion over your body, rinse well. I find it works best after soaking in the tub for at least 20 minutes. Soaking first will help soften the skin, allowing the scrub work to at its best, leaving your skin soft and supple!

It can be used 2 – 4 times a week (depending on the sugar type).

Store: Sugar scrub should be sealed when not in use and stored on a shower caddy or kept in a cabinet. It is best used 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.

More flavors and smells to consider: Essential oils – orange, lemon, grapefruit, lavender, peppermint, spearmint, bergamot, rose, vanilla, eucalyptus, patchouli. Alternatively, add 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon or 1 – 2 teaspoons of culinary lavender.

Webstory: Sugar Scrub Story

Updated: Sugar Body Scrub was first published in August 2012 and updated in April 2023 with helpful info. It’s still my favorite homemade body scrub ever!

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99 Comments

  1. Turned out wonderful. I have buds and leaves from infusing lavender oil. I tried to dehydrate but w the oil it wasn’t working. Found your sugar scrub and it was perfect for no waste processing lavender. Thank you.

  2. Could you use Vaseline in this with the brown sugar and vanilla extract?

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Yes, you can use Vaseline jelly with brown sugar and vanilla extract. Yes, the ratio of petroleum jelly to sugar will be much different than using oil and sugar. Start off by mixing equal parts of Vaseline jelly and sugar together in a small container or bowl. For a grainier scrub, add more sugar, and for a creamier scrub, add more Vaseline jelly. Add 3 – 4 drops of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil, and mix well. I hope that helps!

    2. You could but please don’t. Vaseline is made from petroleum and is terrible for you. Use natural oil for the sake of your body and the earth.

  3. Can I add aloe gel, vitamin E and more than one oil? I have been thinking about trying these and I know that these can help the skin. But what I don’t know is if they can be used together.

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Great question, Rachel! You can add a few drops of vitamin E and use more than one oil in this sugar scrub recipe. In fact, you can make some creative aromas using any of the optional listed essential oils. I’m not sure about adding aloe gel, but it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try. Just add a little at a time. If your scrub gets to soupy, add more sugar. I hope that helps. Enjoy the body scrub!

  4. Hi can I use food coloring in the scrubs also I use the vanilla from Mexico is that okay? Thanks Terri Jeffreys

  5. Hello,

    Would it be okay to add arrowroot powder, bentonite clay, or both to this recipe? If so, what would be the measurements?

    Thank you you for sharing, making this with my little girl as holiday gifts for the family 🥰

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Unfortunately, I’ve never tried either of those ingredients in the recipe, so I can’t say how much to use or even if it will work. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, Felicia. I do hope you enjoy your project with your little one. Happy Holidays!

  6. Jamie File says:

    If you use an essential oil like lavender, or some drops of vanilla extract, do you also use the lemon or leave that out? Thanks!

    1. Julie | The Simple Veganista says:

      Great question, Jamie! The lemon can be optional. I’ll make note of that in the recipe card. Enjoy the sugar scrub!

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