These homemade sugar scrub recipes are the perfect answer to dry hands and feet. Use any time for exfoliation and restore moisture. Just 3 ingredients!

If you’ve never made a sugar scrub, you are in for a treat. They are the best thing ever to restore moisture to dry hands or feet. DIY sugar scrub is easy and inexpensive to make, and it is a total game-changer if you suffer from dry skin or sensitive skin. It exfoliates and removes the dead skin cells, and adds the necessary moisture needed to combat cold and dry elements. This easy sugar scrub recipe absolutely works miracles on dry cuticles, and it smells good at the same time!

jars of lavender sugar scrub with tags2021

Although perfect for your hands, these recipes can also be used as a body scrub. Personally, I don’t use it on my face, because I don’t need that much moisture. If you carefully avoid the eyes, and rinse well, these sugar scrubs can be used on the face.

*Affiliate links included. See my disclosure statement. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

lavender sugar scrub recipe in bowl and jars2021

Supplies Needed

white granulated sugar
coconut oil
essential oil
some sort of container. (I use mason jars. If you want to give a jar as a gift, I’ve included printable tags at the end of the post.)

How To Make

The ratio for any sugar scrub is 1 cup sugar to 1/4 cup oil. I prefer coconut oil, but any kind of oil can be used. To soften the coconut oil, microwave the jar for a few seconds before measuring. I literally put the whole jar of coconut oil in the microwave and heat until it’s pourable.

Combine the coconut oil and sugar in a large bowl and stir well.
Add essential oil, and stir again.
Package in airtight containers.

Oils To Use in Homemade Sugar Scrub

Coconut oil
Canola or vegetable oil
Avocado oil
Olive oil (keep in mind your scrub will have a light green tint)
Jojoba oil
Vitamin E oil
Sweet almond oil

rosemary homemade sugar scrub in small jars 2023

Popular Scents

Adding different types of fragrance in the form of essential oil makes sugar scrubs smell wonderful!

lavender
rosemary
eucalyptus
peppermint
lemon
orange
lime
cinnamon
vanilla extract
clove

lavender sugar scrub recipe packaged in jars2021

Packaging

Once you have your scrub mixed together, package it in airtight containers. I have used both 4 oz. and 8 oz. Ball mason jars, but any sort of jar will work as long as the mouth is big enough to scoop out the scrub with your fingers. The two cup recipe below makes three 8 oz. jars of scrub. This recipe can easily be doubled to yield six 8 oz. jars. (4 cups sugar/1 cup coconut oil.)

DON’T FORGET TO sAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

To make the packaging extra special, cut circles of kraft paper and tie them around the top of the jars with string. It would also work well to use any brown bags you have on hand. I used a fruit bowl for a template, and then smoothed the paper circle over the jar with my hands. Attach a little wooden spoon to use for scooping the sugar scrub out of the jar. The final touch is a custom, printable tag. Get the details on how to get the tags at the end of the post.

eucalyptus homemade sugar scrub in jars 2023

Helpful Tips

The amount of essential oil added is a personal choice. I like to open a jar of sugar scrub and smell it immediately. I usually use more essential oil than the recipe calls for.
A drop or two of food coloring can be added for a little extra color.
DIY sugar scrub tightly packaged in glass mason jars has a shelf life of several months. Just recently, I opened a jar that was about a year old and it was perfectly fine.
Any brand of organic coconut oil will work, or refer to the list above for alternate choices.
I use a large scoop to fill the jars. It’s super easy and quick.

group of jars with lavender sugar scrub2021

Ways to Use Sugar Scrub

Keep a jar beside every sink and use it on a regular basis.
Makes a very special hostess gift.
Perfect as a favor for bridal or baby showers.
Use as a teacher gift…teachers always have dry hands!
Tuck in Christmas stockings, gift baskets, or Easter baskets.
Sugar scrub makes a beautiful, homemade birthday or Mother’s Day gift.
Give this to your best girlfriend and she will love you forever.
If you have a special occasion, and don’t get manicures, an application of sugar scrub will make your hands look beautiful.
Use sugar body scrubs on your knees and feet.

Shop + Source

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best sugar to use?

I prefer white sugar, but brown sugar can also be used. Another good substitute for the sugar is either Morton’s salt, or kosher salt, resulting in a homemade salt scrub.

How long does this DIY sugar scrub recipe last?

For a long time! It lasts for many months. I recently opened a jar of sugar scrub that was about a year old, and it was perfect.

How do you store homemade sugar scrub?

This sugar scrub should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.

Can I use this on my lips?

Yes! It works great as a lip exfoliator.

Get the Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs

Available now is an easy-to-download eBook titled The Complete Guide to Sugar Scrubs. It includes all the information in this post, along with more tips and details. Also included are tags for the following homemade sugar scrub recipes:

Lavender
Eucalyptus + Mint
Rosemary

Just fill out the short form below. The eBook will arrive in your email inbox in just a minute or two! Current email subscribers: fill out the form below to get your guide. You won’t have a duplicate subscription!