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As promised, one solution to overpriced, way over packaged, chemical laden, body care products. I make a lot of homemade body care stuff – but this one is my favorite because it’s so good it’s gift worthy. Perfect to make in bulk, and give away to friends. Some people I know make this with salt – I have this lame tendency to try and chop veggies like a knife pro (which I’m not) and cut my fingers – salt and cuts don’t mix. That’s why I use sugar. But you can use salt.
Supplies:
- 2 cups sugar – I like a mix of coarse natural brown, and basic white; it makes a good scrub worthy feel. You can use just coarse brown or just plain white though. Do not use soft brown baking sugar.
- Oil: I like apricot or light olive best. Any oil that’s natural and from a nut or fruit will work. Baby oil (non-scented) will also work. Do not use cooking oil like corn – that will make a funky smell and a too-slick feel.
- Vanilla beans: Use whole organic, or in a pinch I’ve used organic vanilla extract (seriously, I was hard up). However, extract will darken your mix – no biggie though.
- Organic lavender essential oil.
- Any old container with a lid.
Instructions:
- Place vanilla beans in dry sugar. Cover and let sit for a week or two – the longer it sits the better the smell. If using vanilla extract, skip this step.
- Remove vanilla beans. Cover sugar until saturated (but not over saturated) with oil. Short on oil? You can also use a mix of oil and water – I know the two don’t mix, but in sugar it will work.
- Add a few drops of lavender oil. If you’re using vanilla extract add a few drops now.
- Use to scrub down your body either before you start the shower or during. Rinse well. Do not use on face or hair.
- This last a long time – i.e. it won’t mold or anything before you use it up. You can keep it in your bathroom. Also, contrary to what you may think, you won’t be sticky. You don’t need to wash this off with soap; plain water is fine.
One, you will feel smooth and smell delicious. Two, your bathroom will also smell great all day long. I’ve been reusing the same container for years. If you want to give this as a gift, look for short, squat, wide glass containers at thrift stores. You can also mix this up with various herbs and essential oils.
Other nice mixes I’ve tried include:
- Grapefruit and peppermint
- Orange, clove, and lemon
- Tea tree
- Basil and lemon
- Cedar and lavender
- Coffee (I ground a bit of espresso) and grapefruit
- Almond and orange
Really the sky is the limit. The best thing about homemade body scrubs is how versatile and cheap they are. If you mess up, no big loss. It’s natural and degrades so no worries. If you don’t have essential oils around they can be a be more costly to get started with. I use oils for everything though so I have many. Also, one small bottle of organic lavender oil will make tons of this stuff. TONS. I saw some sugar scrub at the store and it was $22 – holy. I can make batches for that much money. Plus mine has no artificial anything in it.
Give it a try, you’ll love it.
i just made an olive oil lemon tea tree oil scrub cant wait to use it it smells wonderful
805 days ago
[...] Sugar Body Scrub by BlissTree. Instead of lavender, I used peppermint essential oil because the smell of lavender [...]
805 days ago
[...] Sugar Body Scrub by BlissTree. Instead of lavender, I used peppermint essential oil because the smell of lavender [...]
I have organic virgin coconut olive oil- but it is unrefined. it’s a solid, but liquefies in warm water. is this okay to use?
I’m just starting to experiment with making sugar scrubs- I really like your lavender vanilla recipe. I have infused the sugar with fresh crushed lavender flowers instead of the oil and vanilla bean. Why can’t this scrub be used on the face?
also, I infusing sugar with fresh orange peel and grated zest- I plan to keep it in a jar for about a week-
I’m doing the same with a mixture of olive oil, grape seed oil and grated lemon zest
do you think they will grow mold?
Can you tell me what the shelf life would be for scrubs mixed with citrus?
Thanks so much :))
Donna
Hey Sarah, I sometimes make a scrub with ONLY essential oils, or I’ll keep the vanilla in and add some essential oils. The sugar and base oil is the main deal in this recipe, the other stuff is all based on how you’d like it scented or if you want the therapeutic rewards of a specific oil.
I was wondering… when I use different essential oils do I still use the vanilla bean? & How many drops would I use, of the oils, if I’m using two different kinds of oils? Does it stay the same?
I have some oils, but i used to make candles, these wouldn’t be the right oils would they?
I hope this makes sense! Can I use massage oils that have a blend of oils for the base and essential oils in it?
I have been searching online for the right recipe to make sugar scrub with for a while now, and although I haven’t tried yours yet, your site is definitely the most cohesive and inviting! I can’t wait to make a batch.
Thanks!
I just made my own Brown Sugar Lavender scrub in 10 mins, with all the ingredients readily available in my kitchen and dressing table. I love this site!!
Here are some websites where you can buy essential oils and carrier oils:
http://www.desertwhale.com
http://www.brambleberry.com
http://www.fromnaturewithlove.com
Jennifer,
Thanks for all of the helpful info! I’m thinking about making this as a craft with about 95 women!! Should I offer a few different scents? How many bottles and what size do you think I’ll need for that many scrubs? AND where is the best place to get essential oils? I appreciate any advice you have :)
Thanks!
I was wondering if grapeseed oil, sugar & peppermint oil would be a good mix? The peppermint oil is AWESOME to relieve those bad headaches or migraines and I wondered if it would mix well to have an all-over scrub..thanks for all of the wonderful ideas!
My favortie scrub is a chocolate mint. It’s great for the holiday season too.
FYI… If you ever use cocoa or coffee be ware that it leaves a lil residue of color. It’s won’t be a big change, more like a sun kissed glow. A self tanner:). Just don’t use a white towel and pat to dry not wipe. It will keep and once dry won’t stain clothes.
Oh and I also have vanilla essence the sort you use in baking.
I love this idea… my gf’s birthday is coming up and im broke, so ive been looking to make scrubs with incredients at home… what can i make with unsweetened cocoa powder, white normal sugar, baby oil a tiny bit of fudge scented bath wash and mint leaves. Anything? And what would the shelf life be like aprox… please please please let me know as soon as you can! her birthday is on Saturday night!
i have try lots of different acne treatments but not a lot of them worked. but when they did they only worked for a small amount of time. i have found some that work but they took so long to put on. i have back acne to and i have found that when you mix white suger and water together and mix till a past. it works well. then you rub on face . leave on for 10 minets. i have also found that good soap like dove works to.what should i do
can i also use coconut oil??
Hey Jenny…what if u mix the sugar with honey and olive oil…is that ok…cus i dont have any essential oils…r they important and what do they do?…
Also, can u give me a good proportion for this mix?