5 Homemade Sugar Face Scrub Recipes

Sugar is one of the best natural exfoliants. Its tiny crystals easily get rid of dead epidermal cells and reveal the healthy-looking skin underneath. Besides, sugar is a natural humectant, meaning it helps hydrate the skin.

You can make a sugar scrub at home using sugar, vegetable oils, essential oils, and other ingredients. When making a sugar scrub, you should take into account that different kinds of sugar are good for different skin types. For example, brown sugar is softer than granulated sugar, so it can be used on sensitive skin. Raw sugar is naturally coarse, so it is typically used in body scrubs.

Now that you know some basic facts, check out these simple yet effective sugar face scrub recipes.

Basic Sugar Face Scrub

A basic sugar face scrub consists of sugar and carrier oil such as olive oil or melted coconut oil. Combine 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tbsp oil in a small bowl, stir well. You can add 1–2 drops of your favorite essential oil for additional cosmetic benefits and a nice fragrance. For example, tea tree oil has an antibacterial effect and helps to combat acne.

Using your fingertips, gently rub the scrub into clean facial skin, avoiding the eye area. Massage with gentle circular motions for about a minute. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a clean towel.

Cranberry Sugar Face Scrub

Cranberry is a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. It improves skin elasticity and prevents premature aging. To make this wonderful scrub for sensitive skin, puree 1 cup whole fresh or frozen cranberries, add 2 cups sugar and ½ cup coconut oil. Blend all ingredients together, add 12 drops of orange essential oil and stir well one more time.

Scoop the mixture into a sterilized mason jar and close the lid tightly. You should keep in mind that orange oil increases skin’s photosensitivity, so you should avoid sun exposure for some time after exfoliating.

Cucumber & Mint Sugar Face Scrub

Cucumber is one of the best natural moisturizers because it is 90% water. Another key ingredient contained in this scrub is mint. It soothes the skin and keeps it feeling fresh. To make this scrub, you’ll need 2 ½ cups sugar, 4 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin oil works best), 1 large cucumber, and 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves.

Puree the cucumber and mint using a blender. Mix the puree, sugar and olive oil in a medium-sized bowl. Stir well until combined. If you want your scrub more minty, add 1–2 drops of peppermint oil. Scoop the scrub into mason jars or airtight containers, store in refrigerator.

Chocolate Sugar Face Scrub

Here’s a recipe for all chocolate lovers out there. Cocoa is a rich source of antioxidants, so it will neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals, slow down the aging process, and prevent premature wrinkles.

Mix ¼ cup sugar, 1/8 cup olive or coconut oil, 1 tbsp cocoa powder and ¼ tsp vanilla extract in a small bowl. Stir well until blended. Apply generously to clean skin and rub gently for a minute. Leave for 10 minutes for extra cosmetic benefits, then rinse with warm water.

Lemon & Honey Sugar Face Scrub

Lemon is a natural source of vitamin C that helps even out skin tone, lighten sun and age spots, and tighten pores. Honey is rich in antioxidants. It helps to lock in moisture, keeps the skin hydrated, reduces breakouts, and prevents premature skin aging. Lemon and honey scrub is great for people with acne-prone skin that suffer from breakouts and an oily complexion.

Mix 1 tbsp olive oil and juice from ½ fresh lemon in a bowl. Add 1 tbsp honey (preferably organic) and stir or whisk until the ingredients blend together smoothly. Add ½ cup of sugar and mix well. You can increase or reduce the amount of olive oil and sugar to achieve the desired consistency. Apply the scrub to your face with gentle circular motions, then rinse.