A simply perfect homemade beauty DIY made with coconut oil! This all-natural Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub recipe smells good enough to eat, plus it's super easy to make! It can soften and exfoliate your entire body. Free printable labels.
This Pink Lemonade Sugar Scrub is also a homemade favorite!
This Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub is one of our absolute favorites! Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes are an excellent way to pamper yourself and smooth out those rough spots or give as thoughtful gifts without spending a ton of money.
We have to keep telling ourselves not to lick the jar!
Did you know sugar scrubs have many benefits beyond just their ability to soften and remove your dry, dead skin so well?
Store-bought varieties of body scrubs are lovely. They really are, but they can be expensive or contain questionable ingredients.
It's easy to make your own sugar scrub at home in less than 10 minutes with a few simple natural ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
So, let's get started!
This post originally appeared on Somewhat Simple
Ingredients for DIY Brown Sugar Scrub
This Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub smells so darn good and softens and moisturizes your skin beautifully.
This post contains affiliate links. Disclosure policy here.
- 1 cup organic brown sugar
- ½ cup oil (almond oil, olive oil, or coconut oil work best)
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil (acts as a natural preservative)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make
- First, place all ingredients in a bowl and mix them together. You can add more or less oil to your liking. If you like a thick scrub, use less oil. If you want a thinner scrub, use more.
- Store in an airtight glass container. Since this recipe doesn't contain chemical preservatives, it's best to use it within a month or two.
Tips & Tricks
- Although you make this recipe with brown sugar, you may substitute organic white sugar.
- The brown sugar is measured when it's slightly packed.
- One recipe makes roughly 8 ounces of scrub.
- We recommend using non-fractioned coconut oil (non-liquid) to gain the most therapeutic benefit. Just microwave it until it is soft to mix.
- The vitamin E oil adds a bit more softness when using your scrub and provides a natural preservative to the recipe. If you don't have any on hand, you can leave it out, but it may not last as long.
- Free Printable Tags are included for your convenience.
Pro Tip: If using coconut oil, it may solidify over time. Just place it in a shallow bowl of warm water to soften it again.
How to use a vanilla brown sugar scrub
- First, scoop a small amount of the Vanilla Scrub into your hands with a clean spoon.
- Scrub all over your hands or feet - or wherever you'd like a little extra softness.
- Take a deep, cleansing breath. Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for 3-4 minutes. Enjoy this time to rest and relax.
- Rinse yourself well, and then pat dry with a soft towel.
You may use your scrub up to three times per week. You can also use this as a brown sugar lip scrub.
How Often Should I Use a Sugar Scrub?
The frequency of using a sugar scrub depends on your skin type and your personal preferences. In general, it's best to use a sugar scrub no more than 2-3 times a week, as over-exfoliating can potentially irritate and damage your skin. Here are some guidelines:
- Normal Skin: If you have normal skin that isn't particularly sensitive or prone to dryness or oiliness, using a sugar scrub 2-3 times a week should be suitable.
- Sensitive Skin: You should be more cautious if you have sensitive skin. Limit sugar scrub usage to once a week or less, as frequent exfoliation can lead to redness or irritation.
- Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Those with oily or acne-prone skin may benefit from slightly more frequent exfoliation, around 2-3 times a week. However, be careful not to overdo it, as excessive scrubbing can exacerbate acne.
- Mature Skin: For mature skin, exfoliating 2-3 times a week can help improve the appearance of fine lines and stimulate cell turnover. Follow up with a good anti-aging skincare routine.
- Body vs. Face: You can use sugar scrubs on your body more frequently than on your face. The skin on your face is generally more sensitive than your body's.
How to make your sugar scrub a gift + printable tags
This brown sugar scrub makes the perfect DIY gift!
- Place your finished scrub in a pretty jar or container, and you'll have your handmade gift ready to go. We find mason jars extremely cute for this recipe.
- Print the free tags and tie them on with a pretty ribbon or twine.
This DIY sugar scrub also works well for a baby shower, birthday, or holiday gifts. Oh, and don't forget your co-workers!
If you want to give your scrub as a gift, click here for your free Vanilla Brown Sugar Labels.
FAQs
Your homemade sugar scrub should last about three months if stored in an airtight container and kept clean.
You can use almond, olive, or coconut oil, which is our favorite in your sugar scrub.
You can use sugar scrubs on your body more frequently than on your face. The skin on your face is generally more sensitive than your body's. It's always a good idea to patch-test a sugar scrub before using it on your skin to ensure you don't have any adverse reactions.
Love this Brown Sugar Scrub recipe? Please leave a 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below ⬇️ and/or a review in the comment section further down.
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Simple Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub DIY
This all-natural Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub recipe smells good enough to eat plus it's super easy to make! It can soften and exfoliate your entire body.
Materials
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup oil (almond, olive or coconut work best)
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- storage container
Tools
- bowl
- spoon
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients and mixing bowl.
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix together. You can add more or less oil to your liking.
- Place in an airtight container and use within 3 months.
Notes
Since this recipe doesn’t contain any preservatives, it’s best if it’s used within a month or two.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
This Sugar Scrub DIY was initially published in 2016. We updated on March 24, 2020, with enhanced instructions and video.
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Melanie says
I’m excited to try this and give as as gifts for the holidays! Just wondering what type of brown sugar you used?
Erin says
I like to use any organic brown sugar, Melanie. However, any brown sugar (light or dark) you use will work.
Kaci says
Just wondering if I can use regular coconut oil? I bought the liquid cooking coconut oil and wondering if that would be fine.
Erin says
Hi Kaci, In a pinch, I've used liquid coconut oil. However, in general it's best to use regular since it has all the beneficial qualities you want in a beauty product.
Tammy says
Hi! Erin
Where did you purchase you coconut oil?
Erin says
Hi Tammy, I purchase my coconut oil from several sources. Walmart has in inexpensive Organic one and recently, Costco started carrying an organic one as well. It's large, but I cook and make crafts with it, so It's not so bad 🙂 Amazon also has some -here's one: https://amzn.to/2Hk8XxP.
Just make sure NOT to get a fractionated one...you'll lose the therapeutic benefits 🙂
Stasha says
I just made this and smells delicious. Mine isn’t a lot drier the. What yours looks like. Any advice?
Erin says
Hi Stasha. Depending on what type of oil you used, that could happen. Just add a bit more oil until you reach your desired consistency.
Melissa says
Love this! Can you provide a link for the adorable jars?
Erin says
Hi Melissa, I think this one here is the closest to what's used in the how-to: http://amzn.to/2zTaP0X
M says
Hi! Where did you find your cute jars?
Erin says
I'm all about the cute jars! I usually find them at Michael's and sometimes at Target. I also like this gasket one from Amazon http://amzn.to/2yhTRFn.
Francesca Hutchinson-Ward says
Where can I get labels/tags like this? Thank you. X
Erin says
Hi Francesca, there are free printable gift tags included in the post. You just need to click the link. Let me know if you have any problems.
Liliya says
I love DIYs like this! It is simple and very useful. I know TheBeautyInsiders website has a lot of posts like this and I love them <3
Erin says
I agree, simple and useful are the perfect combination! That's a great website!
melissa says
If using coconut oil do you melt it first?
Erin says
Hi Melissa, I use liquid coconut oil, so it's not an issue. If you're using solid coconut oil, you'd have to melt it a bit to be able to mix it all together. It will likely harden a bit after it's mixed, though.
Devra says
Hi Erin, I tried this and it came out looking like cookie dough. I wonder if I mixed it too much. Has this ever happened to you?
Erin says
Hi Devra, No, that's never happened to me. I think you may be right, perhaps it was mixed too much. You are really just stirring to combine the ingredients and then leaving it alone. You used brown sugar?
Ely says
I made this with the exact measurements you posted, but mine came out all runny. Your's looks nice and thick like sugar scrub is supposed to... I tried adding more brown sugar, but it didn't make much difference. What am I missing?
Erin says
That's so strange, Ely. I used the exact measurements listed. I would say you're on the right track. You can add more sugar until you reach the consistency you desire. If needed, once you add more sugar, add a teeny bit more vanilla.
Jay says
Hi I can't wsit to try! What size jar does one batch make?
Erin says
You'll love this scrub! The recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups. You can use it all in one container or make smaller ones. Whatever you prefer. Enjoy!
Shirley says
I love the smell from these ingredients. My summer feet could use some pampering too! Pinned it. Thanks for sharing with us at Merry Monday.
Erin says
Mine too. My feet are dry and cracking, I am making a new flavor this week, so stay tuned! This will probably be my all-time favorite because it smells so good though.
Michelle says
Wow Erin, just @WAYWOW. I can't wait to try some of this. I love the smell of vanilla and using it as a scrub definitely works for me.
Erin says
I love the contrast the brown sugar brings to this recipe. Time to get to work on those dry feet from summer flip flops!! Enjoy, Michelle!
Nikki says
Erin, I think I would definitely have to remind myself not to lick myself after I apply this. It looks delicious. But I'm sure my skin would feel delicious after I used it. I love knowing that what I'm putting in my mouth is chemical free, and I have been paying far more attention to what I put on my skin too. What a perfect gift idea, one that the recipient will use to pamper themselves and I love giving a gift that shows that I took time and put thought into. This is perfect with the holidays right around the corner.
Erin says
Me too, Nikki. I've been paying way more attention lately to what I'm putting on my body and my kids. It just makes sense...too many chemicals in our environment. I just love how simple and lovely this pampering scrub is for a DIY.
Estefania - The Spanish Mom says
I'm definitely going to try this at home! And I agree that this is an awesome gift too!
Thanks for the post 🙂
Erin says
I love giving this as gifts! Put it in a pretty jar or bottle and you're all set!! Print the tag for added cuteness!