10 Best Homemade Body Scrubs For Glowing Skin

Dull, dry skin? Don’t reach for the store-bought body scrubs just yet. Making your own homemade body scrub is easy, affordable, and ensures you know exactly what’s going on your skin. Natural ingredients like sugar, salt, coffee, oats, and coconut oil gently buff away dead skin cells while delivering nourishing antioxidants, minerals, and essential fatty acids.

Exfoliating with body scrubs 1-2 times per week gets rid of flaky skin, boosts circulation, and reveals softer, smoother, and more radiant looking skin. The granulated texture in body scrubs provides physical exfoliation while the oils and butters hydrate. Body scrubs also help extend your tan by removing the dead skin cells that make your tan look patchy.

This post will share 10 recipes for homemade body scrubs using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. We’ll include details on prep, tips for use, proper storage, and the skin benefits of each recipe. Give yourself an at-home spa experience with one of these pampering body scrubs. Your skin will look and feel refreshed in no time!

Why Use a Body Scrub?

Before we get into the recipes, let’s look at some of the benefits of regularly using body scrubs:

• Removes Dead Skin Cells: Body scrubs exfoliate away the top layer of dead, dull skin to reveal newer cells underneath. This makes skin look smooth, radiant, and evenly toned.
• Prevents Ingrown Hairs: By removing dead skin cells and oil buildup, body scrubs help prevent ingrown hairs especially in areas like the bikini line and legs.
• Improves Circulation: The massage motion increases blood flow to the skin’s surface giving you a healthy glow.
• Softens Skin: Natural oils and butters contain fatty acids that deeply moisturize for touchably soft skin.
• Extends Tan: Scrubbing off flaky skin helps your self-tanner or natural tan last longer and fade evenly.
• Makes Skin Glow: Getting rid of dull cells and hydrating reveals bright, healthy looking skin.

Things to Look for in Body Scrub Ingredients

When making your own body scrubs at home, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Exfoliants: Sugar and salt are common base ingredients that provide scrubbing action. Look for large grained sugar rather than superfine. Sea salt, Himalayan salt, or Epsom salt work well too.

Oils/Butters: Coconut, olive, almond, or jojoba oil add moisture and glide to the scrub. Shea or cocoa butter are great too.

Essential Oils (optional): For scent, use 5-15 drops of essential oils like lavender, lemon, mint, eucalyptus or citrus oils.

Vitamin Sources: Honey, yogurt, and oats add skin-loving vitamins and minerals.

Skin Type Considerations: Sensitive skin may require finer grained sugar or salt. Limit use on irritated skin.

Natural Add-Ins: Get creative with ingredients like coffee, green tea, rosemary or lemon zest.

Now that we’ve got the basics down, let’s get into these nourishing homemade body scrub recipes!

1. Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

This classic scrub combination leaves skin smooth and soothed. The brown sugar gently buffs away dead skin cells while the olive oil ensures your skin stays deeply moisturized.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
• 5-10 Drops Essential Oil (optional for scent)

Instructions:

1. Mix brown sugar and olive oil together in a bowl until thoroughly combined and uniform in texture. For smoother scrub, use a fork to break up any large clumps of brown sugar.
2. Add essential oil if desired for fragrance. Lavender, lemon, vanilla, or grapefruit oils all smell wonderful.
3. Scoop a generous tablespoon amount of scrub into your hands. Apply to damp skin and massage in gentle circular motions to exfoliate.
4. Focus on rough spots like knees, elbows and heels that need extra buffing. Avoid sensitive areas.
5. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Moisturize post-shower.

Benefits: Brown sugar scrubs away dry, flaky skin and is gentler than granulated sugar. It melts as you massage, releasing humectants that attract moisture. Olive oil conditions skin without clogging pores. Leaves skin feeling velvety smooth!

Storage: Store in an airtight glass jar or container. Keeps for 2-3 weeks in a cool, dry place. The oils may separate so give it a good stir before each use.

Tips: Customize with different essential oils to create your own signature scent. Adjust olive oil amount if too greasy. Use once or twice a week as needed.

2. Coffee Scrub

Wake up your skin with this aromatic coffee body scrub! Used coffee grounds provide gentle exfoliation while the coconut oil helps deeply moisturize skin.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Used Coffee Grounds
• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
• 1-2 tbsp Sugar or Salt

Instructions:

1. Brew a pot of coffee and let cool completely so grounds reach room temperature before using. Or repurpose used coffee grounds from your morning brew.
2. Combine cooled used coffee grounds, coconut oil and sugar/salt in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until a paste-like consistency. The coconut oil will melt from the heat of the coffee grounds.
3. Scoop a tablespoon amount and apply directly to damp skin. Massage in circular motions to slough off dead cells.
4. Focus on elbows, knees and heels. Avoid facial application and sensitive areas.
5. Let sit for 5 minutes before rinsing so the grounds can work their exfoliating magic. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Benefits: The caffeine in coffee improves blood circulation to skin while providing antioxidants. Coconut oil penetrates deeply to provide intense hydration without clogging pores. Leaves skin incredibly soft, smooth and vibrant.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The oils may separate between uses so give it a good stir before applying. Use within 2-4 weeks.

Tips: Grind any leftover coffee beans to create extra exfoliation power. Can customize with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Use maximum 1-2 times per week.

3. Oatmeal and Yogurt Scrub

Give your skin a soothing feeding of yogurt and oats. This vitamin-rich scrub is great for sensitive skin that needs gentle exfoliation and hydration. The oats buff away flakes while the yogurt’s lactic acid smooths.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Plain Oats
• 1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1-2 tbsp Honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Grind the plain oats in a food processor or blender until a fine powder texture is achieved. The oat powder will help remove dead cells without irritation.
2. Mix the ground oats together with the yogurt and honey if using. Stir thoroughly until fully combined.
3. Apply a generous layer over damp skin and massage in circular motions. Focus on areas needing exfoliation like knees and elbows.
4. Allow to sit for 5 minutes before rinsing clean. This gives the lactic acid in yogurt time to loosen dead skin. Pat dry.

Benefits: Finely ground oats gently buff away dry, flaky skin without irritation. Yogurt contains lactic acid which chemically exfoliates while providing hydration and probiotics to nurture skin. Honey adds antioxidants.

Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator and use within 1 week. The mixture may separate so give it a quick stir before applying.

Tips: Make sure the yogurt isn’t expired before using on skin. Use extra caution if you have active acne. Rinse thoroughly as yogurt can feel sticky if left on skin.

4. Coconut Oil and Sugar Scrub

This hydrating coconut oil and sugar scrub leaves skin smooth and supple. The coconut oil melts into skin to soften while the sugar granules dissolve as you massage to lightly exfoliate.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup White Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (melted)
• 5 Drops Essential Oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil either in the microwave or stovetop so it has a liquid consistency.
2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the melted coconut oil and sugar until thoroughly combined.
3. You can add 5 drops of your favorite essential oil for scent like lavender, lemon or mint.
4. Scoop a spoonful of the mixture into your hands and massage over damp skin. Apply lightly to avoid scratching skin with the sugar granules.
5. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Moisturize post-shower while skin is still slightly damp.

Benefits: Ultra-hydrating coconut oil makes this a great choice for dry skin. It absorbs readily without feeling greasy. The sugar provides polishing action to smooth skin texture without drying it out.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place. The coconut oil may re-solidify between uses. To remix, simply melt again before applying. Use within 1 month.

Tips: Adjust coconut oil amount down if too greasy. Mix in used coffee grounds for extra exfoliation. Add vitamin E oil to extend shelf life.

5. Honey and Almond Scrub

Treat your skin to a sweet antioxidant dose with this honey almond scrub. The finely ground almonds serve as a gentle polishing agent while raw honey moisturizes and soothes.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Raw Honey
• 1 Cup Finely Ground Almonds
• 1 tsp Lemon Juice

Instructions:

1. Mix the raw honey and ground almonds together in a small bowl. Use a fork to break up any clumps.
2. Add in the lemon juice and stir to combine. The lemon brightens up the scent.
3. Apply a small dollop to damp skin and gently massage in circular motions before rinsing clean.
4. Focus on rough spots like elbows and knees that need extra buffing.

Benefits: Honey is antibacterial and moisturizing for all skin types. The almonds exfoliate away dead cells without irritating. Lemon juice brightens dull complexions.

Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The honey may crystallize between uses so place the jar in warm water to reliquify before using.

Tips: Grind whole almonds in a small blender or food processor for fresh batch. Use caution applying to sensitive areas like the face.

6. Sea Salt and Lavender Scrub

Drift away to the spa with this soothing sea salt and lavender scrub. The sea salt grains scrub skin smooth while the lavender oil calms the senses.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Sea Salt
• 1/4 Cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the sea salt and almond oil together in a small bowl. Use a fork to break up any large clumps.
2. Add in the lavender essential oil and mix thoroughly to distribute evenly.
3. Scoop a spoonful into your palms and massage over damp skin in circular motions. Focus on rough areas like feet, knees and elbows.
4. Rinse thoroughly. The sea salt may feel prickly at first but skin will be incredibly soft once rinsed.

Benefits: Sea salt deeply cleanses pores and gently exfoliates away dead cells. Lavender oil calms inflammation and nourishes skin. Sweet almond oil provides deep hydration without clogging pores.

Storage: Store in an airtight glass jar away from direct sunlight. Use within 1 month. Remix before each use as the oil may separate.

Tips: Use fine grain sea salt if you have sensitive skin. Customize with different essential oil scents like lemon or grapefruit.

7. Green Tea and Lemon Scrub

Perk up tired, stressed skin with this refreshing antioxidant-packed scrub. It energizes the senses with bright citrus while nourishing with green tea’s formidable free radical fighting powers.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Strong Brewed Green Tea (cooled)
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• Zest from 1 Lemon
• 5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew a strong cup of green tea and allow to cool completely.
2. Mix the sugar and lemon zest into the cooled green tea. Stir thoroughly until the sugar fully dissolves.
3. Add the lemongrass oil if desired for scent.
4. Apply the liquid scrub onto damp skin and massage in circular motions before rinsing clean.

Benefits: Green tea is packed with antioxidants that protect skin from free radical damage. It also reduces inflammation. The lemon zest provides vitamin C and gently exfoliates.

Storage: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The sugar may recrystallize so you may need to give it a quick stir before using.

Tips: Avoid getting scrub in your eyes. Can customize with different citrus. Use a strainer when pouring out scrub liquid to catch zest pieces.

8. Rosemary Mint Scrub

This aromatic scrub pairs refreshing mint and rosemary to awaken the senses and purify skin. The sea salt buffs away dead cells while the rosemary stimulates circulation.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Sea Salt
• 1/4 Cup Sweet Almond Oil
• 10 Drops Mint Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the sea salt and almond oil in a small bowl. Use a fork to break up any large salt clumps.
2. Add in the essential oils and mix thoroughly so the mint and rosemary scents are distributed evenly.
3. Scoop a spoonful into your palms and massage gently over damp skin in circular motions before rinsing clean.
4. Avoid facial application and sensitive areas. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of salt.

Benefits: Mint essential oil gives a cooling, tingly sensation and stimulates blood flow. Rosemary improves circulation and has purifying effects. Sea salt deeply cleanses pores.

Storage: Store in an airtight container away from heat and light. Use within 1 month and stir before each use as the oil may separate.

Tips: Use fine grain sea salt if you have sensitive skin. Add lemon zest for an extra refreshing boost!

9. Peppermint Foot Scrub

Give tired, achy feet some love with this cooling peppermint foot scrub. The peppermint and tea tree oils provide an invigorating antimicrobial effect while the salt softens calluses.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Epsom Salt
• 1/4 Cup Olive Oil
• 10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
• 5 Drops Tea Tree Essential Oil

Instructions:

1. Mix the Epsom salt and olive oil together until combined.
2. Add in the peppermint and tea tree essential oils.
3. Sit with feet in warm water to soften calluses first. Then scrub the mixture gently over feet, exfoliating heels, soles and toes.
4. Rinse feet clean and pat dry. Apply moisturizer.

Benefits: Peppermint oil gives a cooling, refreshing sensation to tired feet while softening callused areas. Tea tree oil helps sanitize and fight odor. Epsom salt removes dead cells.

Storage: Store in a sealed container away from heat and light. Use within 1 month and remix before each use.

Tips: Start with less peppermint oil if skin is sensitive, 1-2 drops at first. Do not use if you have open cuts or sores on feet.

10. Coffee and Coconut Scrub

Mix your morning buzz with tropical coconut for an energizing scrub that smells like a tropical vacation. Coffee grounds provide gentle exfoliation while coconut oil offers deep moisturization.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Used Coffee Grounds
• 1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (melted)
• 1 tbsp Sugar
• 5 Drops Vanilla Essential Oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Brew coffee and allow grounds to cool completely before using. Or repurpose leftover grounds.
2. Melt the coconut oil in the microwave or stovetop so it is liquid.
3. Combine coffee grounds, coconut oil and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add vanilla essential oil if desired.
4. Scoop a spoonful and massage onto damp skin in gentle circles. Focus on rougher areas like knees and elbows.
5. Allow to sit for several minutes before rinsing to let the coffee work its magic. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

Benefits: The caffeine in coffee improves blood flow and antioxidants while coconut oil provides deep hydration. Leaves skin unbelievably soft and supple.

Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool dark place. The oils may separate so remix before each use. Use within 3-4 weeks.

Tips: Avoid using on sensitive areas like the face. Start with less coconut oil if skin tends oily.

Next time your skin needs a little TLC, give one of these natural homemade body scrubs a try rather than reaching for store varieties laden with artificial fragrances and chemicals. You can customize and tweak these recipes based on what your skin needs. Exfoliate and nourish your skin the natural way while saving money too. Your skin will thank you!