The Wonders of Sugar Scrubs: 10+ Recipes to Try

Published December 7, 2023

One thing that indeed feels like heaven is a smooth, soft skin. There’s not much really that feels better for your skin than exfoliation. Yes, we can argue on this take. 

And while there are many different ways to exfoliate your complexion, sugar scrubs remain classic and superior. Sugar is a powerful exfoliant. While it doesn’t contain many nutritional benefits if ingested, it works wonders when put on, literally, on our body. 

Sugar can restore and refresh weary, blocked pores. It also acts as a natural humectant, so it does not deprive the skin of moisture. It leaves it delightfully moisturized. 

Keep on reading as we’ll take a look at everything sugar scrubs. We’ll explore their benefits. We’ll lay out almost 20 unique recipes for all-over exfoliation. We’ll also give tips on how to exfoliate correctly and its aftercare. Let’s get our smooth and soft skin going. 

What is a Sugar Scrub?

A sugar scrub is what precisely the name entails. It’s a body scrub that is created primarily of sugar. The sugar is generally paired with a humectant for hydration. Then, a botanical or essential oil for fragrance and aromatherapy is used. 

Exfoliating with it has several benefits. It can slough off dry skin and help with acne. The sugar granules delicately buff the skin as you rub it across your body, and the oil locks in moisture. However, it’s critical to use very fine sugar. Using coarse sugar can cause small microtears on the skin. 

Sugar scrubs also feel luxurious and smell delicious. They are also natural. Therefore, they are less expensive than other exfoliating products. 

Using the right ingredients in your DIY sugar scrub is a gift for your complexion. They can hydrate your skin and create a dewy glow. They will also exfoliate dirt and dead skin cells, unclog pores, stimulate blood flow, and lighten the appearance of scars. 

How Sugar Scrubs Benefit Your Skin

1. Exfoliation 

Sugar scrubs are a mild exfoliating agent. They help in gently removing dead skin cells. They also rid all the dirt from the skin’s pores. Thus, rejuvenating the skin. 

2. Improves skin tone and texture 

Regular use of a sugar scrub can revitalize your complexion. You’ll see enhanced tone and texture. 

3. Moisturization 

Sugar is a humectant. It draws water into your skin. It will leave your skin hydrated while removing dry and dead cells. 

4. Promotes healthy, smooth, and flawless skin 

Sugar scrubs can brighten tired, dull-looking skin. They promote a healthy, smooth, and flawless complexion. 

5. Helps in skin aging 

Sugar scrubs also naturally fight skin aging. 

6. Improved blood circulation 

The massage-like motion of applying a sugar scrub can improve blood circulation. 

Where Can You Use a Sugar Scrub?

Sugar scrubs are safe to use on most body parts. Sugar dissolves easily. It is not abrasive. You can use it on your face, arms, legs, and even your bum. You can also sugar scrub your neck, feet, and lips. 

It’s critical to use a sugar scrub on your face correctly. Exercise caution. Sugar scrubs are physically exfoliant. They help slough off dead skin cells and reveal fresh, smooth skin. 

Preparing your Sugar Scrub 

DIY sugar scrub recipes are all created generally the same way. Keep some essential ingredients and tools on hand to make one for yourself. These are:

1. Mixing bowl 
2. Mixing spoons 
3. Measuring spoons 
4. Carrier oils (coconut, jojoba, grapeseed, almond, olive oil) 
5. Essential oils
6. Sugar 

DIY Sugar Scrub: 11 Easy Recipes for All Over Exfoliation

1. Aloe vera sugar scrub 

Research affirms that aloe vera is very soothing and healing. Blend it with sugar for extra soft and moisturized skin. 

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon aloe vera gel (those directly from an aloe plant are even better) 
• Sprinkle of sugar( begin with a teaspoon and add on if you want) \

2. Coconut lime body scrub 

This next sugar scrub is mint and lime-infused. It will certainly give a refreshing feel to your skin. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 ½ cups sugar 
• ½ cup coconut oil 
• ¼ teaspoon peppermint essential oil 
• Zest of lime 

3. Cane sugar face scrub 

For a gentle sugar scrub for the face, try this 3-ingredient recipe. It is a pared-down version, and you can even cut out the essential oils if you want. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 teaspoon cane sugar 
• 2 drops of water 
• 1-2 drops of essential oil (orange, lemon, lavender, or tea tree)
  

4. DIY lip scrub 

For any scrub that will go on your lips, only use superfine sugar. The delicate skin on our lips is more vulnerable to microtears. It is better than other areas of our body. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 tablespoons superfine granulated sugar 
• 1 tablespoon almond oil 
• 1 tablespoon honey 

5. Brown sugar scrub 

Brown sugar is delectable in coffee, and impressive for our complexion. Unlike salt scrubs, it is generally gentler on the skin. It is ideal if you have sensitive skin. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup brown sugar 
• ½ cup carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, olive, almond, grapeseed) 
• Few drops of essential oils of your liking (optional)  

6. Lemon scrub

The smell of lemons unfailingly excites everyone. It’s fresh and fun. If you love citrusy scents, this body scrub is for you. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup granulated sugar 
• ¼ cup coconut oil 
• Juice and zest from ½ lemon 

7. Honey sugar scrub 

Honey has become ever-present in beauty and wellness products- for good reason. According to a 2023 research, honey contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. It aids in repairing skin tissue, protects against UV damage, and kills germs. 

Ingredients: 

• ½ cup brown sugar 
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 
• 2 tablespoon honey 

8. Coconut oil sugar scrub 

The superb quality of the coconut oil sugar scrub is that it smells divine. It is the case even without added fragrance. It’s almost like being on a tropical vacation. 

For this recipe, combine the dry ingredients first. Then, put the coconut oil and vitamin E. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups turbinado (raw) sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar 
• 1 cup coconut oil 
• 3 tablespoons vitamin E oil (optional) 

9. Almond oil sugar scrub 

If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, go for almond. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup sugar 
• 3 tablespoons almond, jojoba, or olive oil 

Optional ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• A few drops of vitamin E oil 
• Juice of ½ small lemon 

10. Green tea sugar scrub 

Green tea is an impressive and easy addition to a homemade sugar scrub. It is also overflowing with many health benefits, including antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 green tea bags 
• ½ cup hot water 
• 1 cup brown sugar 
• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted 

Directions 

• Place the tea bags in hot water and let steep until cold 
• Blend brown sugar and coconut oil in a bowl 
• Add cooled tea to the mixture and blend 

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

Exfoliating your skin two to three times a week is generally safe. However, doing it more often can cause your complexion to become dry and irritated. 

How to Sugar Scrub the Right Way

1. Start with freshly cleansed skin. 

Before you start, ensure your skin is clean. It will help the scrub to work more effectively. 

2. Soak in warm water. 

Soak your skin in warm water for a few minutes before applying the sugar scrub. In doing so, you open up your pores. It also softens the skin. 

3. Gently massage in circular motions. 

Apply the sugar scrub to your skin and delicately massage. Do so in a circular motion. It is the best way to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. Be careful not to scrub too hard. It may harm your skin. 

4. Use a brush or mitt for increased exfoliation. 

A brush or mitt will increase the exfoliation. 

5. Rinse well and pat dry. 

After scrubbing, rinse your skin thoroughly with warm water. Pat it dry afterward with a soft towel. 

6. For lips, be extra gentle. 

If you’re using the scrub on your lips, be extra gentle. Scrubbing too hard can leave it feeling raw. 

7. Apply during the shower routine. 

The best time to apply your sugar scrub is during your shower routine. The warm water from the shower will help in softening your skin. It will make it easier for the scrub to exfoliate. 

Aftercare for Exfoliation 

1. Moisturize 
2. Use gentle cleansers
3. Protect your skin with sunscreen 
4. Let your skin relax
5. Limit exfoliation to once every four days