If you've been here before, then you already know: this girl loves a good do-it-yourself recipe! On the blog today I'm sharing six simple DIY sugar scrub recipes that would make great holiday gifts.
The Main Ingredients
A sugar scrub is a gentle exfoliator that uses sugar granules and a bit of oil to help remove layers of dead skin cells and smooth the skin's surface. Sugar tends to be gentler on the skin than salt, making this an excellent scrub for all skin-types and sensitivities.
The main recipe for any homemade sugar scrub contains three simple ingredients: sugar, carrier oil, and essential oil. You will also need a glass or metal bowl (for mixing) and airtight jars (for storage).
The sugar you choose really depends on how coarse you want it. For very sensitive skin, you'll want to choose a sugar that is less abrasive like cane sugar, white granulated sugar, or brown sugar -- these are the same kinds you find in the grocery store and bake with! For something a bit coarser, I like to use granulated turbinado cane sugar (aka Sugar in the Raw). Finally, if you want the most abrasive scrub possible, consider adding or substituting with salt.
The next ingredient is a carrier oil which is an unscented oil that typically comes from seeds, kernels, or nuts. A carrier oil in a scrub serves several purposes. First, it helps to nourish and moisturize the skin making it an ideal ingredient in body care. Secondly, it gives your body scrub a smoother texture, making it easier to spread over the hands, feet, or body. And lastly, a carrier oil ensures maximize absorption of your essential oils into the skin.
Here are few popular carrier oils:
Fractionated coconut oil: versatile, non-greasy and won't stain your clothing
Jojoba oil: great for skin and rich in Vitamin E
Avocado oil: great for dry, mature, irritated, or sun- damaged skin
Grapeseed oil: good for oily skin and won't clog pores
Almond oil: nourishes and softens dry skin
Pomegranate seed oil: great for anti-aging and for the face
The third and final ingredient is the essential oils. Essential oils are aromatic compounds that are extracted from plants, trees, flowers, seeds, herbs, grasses, leaves, resins, spices, and fruits. Essential oils are extremely adaptable and can support the body, emotions, mind, and Spirit to perform at its best.
The Base Recipe
To make a cup of sugar scrub, follow this simple recipe.
Ingredients
1 cup of sugar
½ cup of carrier oil (you may need more or less depending on the type of sugar you use)
10-20 drops of essential oil
Instructions
Combine sugar, carrier oil, and essential oil in bowl.
Stir until well combined.
Store in an air-tight container for 1-2 months.
To use, apply a small amount to hands, feet, or body, and scrub for 30 seconds, or until sugar dissolves. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
For extra soft skin, apply a body lotion or moisturizer afterwards.
And now, let's dive into the real reason you're here. As promised, here are six holiday-themed sugar scrub recipes that everyone on your list will love. Don't forget, these are great stocking stuffers, teacher's gifts, and family favorites -- and the best part is that each jar costs less than $5 to make.
Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
This minty scrub offers a cooling sensation on the body and is great for tired muscles or respiratory support.
Ingredients
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup turbinado sugar
½ cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
10 drops Peppermint Oil
Optional add-in: candy canes (finely grounded up in a food processor)
Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
Enjoy the warming and spicy aroma of Cinnamon and Ginger together in this gingerbread scrub.
Ingredients
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup Jojoba oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
5 drops Ginger oil
3 drops Clove oil
3 drops Cinnamon Bark oil
10 drops Madagascar Vanilla oil (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
½ teaspoon nutmeg
½ teaspoon allspice
Holiday Sugar Cookie Scrub
This heavenly scrub smells like fresh-baked cookies!
Ingredients
1 cup sugar
½ cup Avocado oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
15 drops Madagascar Vanilla oil (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
5 drops Wild Orange oil
1 drop Cinnamon Bark oil
1 drop Clove oil
Optional add-in: Red & green nonpareil sprinkles give this scrub a festive look!
Holiday Magic Sugar Scrub
The name says it all. This one smells like Christmas morning and will give you all the warm-fuzzies inside.
Ingredients
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup turbinado sugar
½ cup Grapeseed oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
6 drops Wild Orange oil
6 drops Siberian Fir oil
2 drops Clove oil
2 drops Cassia oil
2 drops Ginger oil
Optional add-in: Orange zest
O Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub
This is a very calming and grounding aroma that is ideal for unwinding after a long day.
Ingredients
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup turbinado sugar
½ cup Almond oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
10 drops Siberian Fir oil
5 drops Frankincense oil
5 drops Grapefruit oil
5 drops Vetiver oil
Hot Cocoa Sugar Scrub
Enjoy the warming and spicy aroma of Cinnamon and Ginger together in this gingerbread scrub.
Ingredients
1 cup packed dark brown sugar
½ cup Fractionated Coconut Oil (or carrier oil of your choice)
2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
10 drops Madagascar Vanilla oil (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
1 drop of Cinnamon Bark oil
If you're new to essential oils, you can purchase these exclusively at 25% off retail price -- I've linked the discount for you right here. Your purchases help me and my family immensely. Thank you for always supporting me.
With Love,
Kelsey
