How to Make a Sugar Scrub at Home

Mix granulated sugar with oil in a 2:1 ratio, add fragrance if desired, and store in a sealed container for up to three months.

Skip the Pinterest recipes with fifteen ingredients—sugar and oil is a complete formula, everything else is just expensive decoration.

1. Choose your sugar base. Use white granulated sugar for gentle exfoliation or brown sugar for a softer scrub. White sugar crystals are sharper and work better for rough areas like elbows and heels, while brown sugar is gentler on face and sensitive skin.
2. Select your oil. Pour in coconut oil for moisturizing properties, olive oil for deep hydration, or jojoba oil for lightweight absorption. The oil binds the sugar and prevents your skin from drying out during exfoliation.
3. Mix the base recipe. Combine 1 cup sugar with ½ cup oil in a clean bowl. Stir until the mixture holds together when pressed but still feels grainy—too much oil makes it messy, too little makes it scratchy.
4. Add enhancements. Drop in 5-10 drops of essential oil for scent, a tablespoon of honey for extra moisture, or vanilla extract for a sweet fragrance. Mix thoroughly and test the scent strength on your wrist.
5. Store properly. Transfer to an airtight glass jar and label with the date. Keep away from water and steam to prevent bacterial growth—wet spoons will ruin the entire batch.