Natural body sugar scrubs aid the skin in the exfoliation process, or removal of dead skin cells, and help loosen ingrown hairs, stimulate circulation, and lift away dirt and excess oil. According to Stephanie Tourles in her book, "Organic Body Care Recipes," sugar contains natural glycolic acid that works on a chemical level to dissolve dead cells and clarify the skin. Although gentler than salt scrubs, sugar scrubs may still irritate extremely sensitive or thin skin. Use with caution if your skin is prone to irritation.
Step 1
Place the brown or white sugar into a clean glass jar. Brown sugar is more gentle on sensitive skin, but both types provide the same exfoliating benefits.
Step 2
Add the oil to the sugar, and stir well to combine. Use any type of vegetable or gourmet oil such as coconut, safflower, olive, jojoba, grapeseed, apricot kernel, avocado or wheat germ.
Step 3
Add the dried herbs if using, and stir again until all ingredients are well combined. Try shredded ginger for extra exfoliation, lemon peel to alleviate lethargy and increase energy, lavender flowers to promote relaxation, or ginseng to increase energy and circulation.
Step 4
Add the essential oil to the sugar mixture, and stir well to combine. Use your favorite scent, or an oil that imparts the desired mood or effect. Try a citrus oil such as lemon or orange for uplifting the spirit, cinnamon or clove for stimulating circulation, or lavender for relaxation.
Step 5
Place a lid on the glass jar, label with the contents, and store in a cool, dark place when not in use. For maximum freshness, use the scrub within six months. To use, massage 1/4 to 1/2 cup scrub onto moistened skin in a circular motion.
Tips and Warnings
- Use fragrance oil instead of essential oil to scent your sugar scrubs, if desired. You can purchase fragrance oils at craft and hobby stores in scents unavailable as essential oils. Vanilla complements a brown sugar scrub, while scents such as rose and jasmine create a floral scented scrub. Use more than one essential oil or fragrance oil if you like, but don't exceed 15 to 20 drops total. Mix and match to create your own personal blend of fragrances. Body sugar scrubs make great inexpensive gifts. Attach a decorative label including the recipient's name and instructions for use, and tie a ribbon around the jar to create an attractive, spa-inspired gift.
- Do not use mineral oil to make natural body sugar scrubs, as it cannot penetrate the skin and may clog the pores. For best results, always use a vegetable-based oil. Do not use sugar scrubs on delicate areas of the body such as the face, throat or genital area, as irritation may occur.
Things You'll Need
- 1 1/4 cups brown or white sugar
- Clean glass jar
- 6 to 8 tbsp. vegetable or gourmet oil
- 2 tsp. dried herbs, optional
- 15 to 20 drops essential oil
References
- Cancerlynx: Yummy Body Scrub Recipes
- "Organic Body Care Recipes"; Stephanie Tourles; 2007
- "Natural Beauty From the Garden"; Janice Cox; 1999
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