If you love making your own bath and body products, DIY body scrubs are one of the easiest places to start. They require only a few ingredients, don't require complicated equipment, and can be customized with your favorite oils, butters, scents, and exfoliants.

Whether you prefer a gentle sugar scrub or a more invigorating salt scrub, making your own gives you control over the ingredients you're putting on your skin.

In this guide, we'll cover the difference between sugar and salt scrubs, explain what the individual ingredients do, and share 6 easy DIY scrub recipes—three sugar scrubs and three salt scrubs.

Let's get scrubbing!

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What Is a Body Scrub?

A body scrub is a rinse-off product designed to physically exfoliate the skin.

The exfoliating ingredient—such as sugar or salt—helps loosen and remove some of the dead skin cells sitting on the surface. The oils and butters in the scrub help provide slip and leave the skin feeling conditioned after rinsing.

A good body scrub generally contains three basic components:

An exfoliant: Sugar or salt provides the physical exfoliation.

A carrier oil or butter: Oils and butters help bind the scrub together and provide a conditioning feel.

Optional extras: Fragrance, essential oils, coffee, botanicals, clays, or other skin-friendly ingredients can add additional characteristics to the scrub.

The beauty of DIY scrubs is that you can keep them incredibly simple.

Sugar Scrub vs. Salt Scrub: What's the Difference?

Both sugar and salt can be excellent exfoliants, but they don't feel exactly the same on the skin.

Sugar Scrubs

Sugar crystals are generally considered a gentler choice than salt, particularly when using a finely granulated sugar.

Sugar scrubs are a good option when you want a softer-feeling exfoliation. They are especially popular for hands, arms, legs, and feet.

There are several types of sugar you can use:

White granulated sugar: Fine crystals and an easy beginner option.

Brown sugar: Softer-feeling crystals with a warm, naturally sweet appearance and aroma.

Cane sugar: A slightly more rustic option that works well in body scrubs.

For most DIY body scrubs, choose a relatively fine sugar rather than a very coarse crystal.

Salt Scrubs

Salt generally provides a more vigorous exfoliating experience. Salts also have minerals that are good for skin and that's why they are used in so many different bath and body products.

Sea salt, fine Himalayan salt, and other cosmetic-grade salts can be used in body scrubs. Fine salt is usually preferable because large, sharp crystals can feel unpleasant or be too abrasive.

Salt scrubs are particularly popular for areas such as the feet, elbows, and knees.

Important: Salt scrubs can sting irritated, freshly shaved, cracked, or broken skin, so don't use them on damaged skin.

Supply List on Amazon: DIY Scrub Supplies

Ingredients You'll See in These DIY Scrubs

Before we get to the recipes, let's look at some of the ingredients you'll be using.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a popular DIY body-care ingredient because it provides a rich, emollient feel and helps create a creamy scrub.

It is relatively solid at cooler room temperatures and melts with body heat, which can give scrubs a lovely texture.

Because coconut oil can feel heavy on some people, you can substitute another carrier oil if you prefer a lighter formula.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil is technically a liquid wax rather than a traditional vegetable oil.

It has a lightweight, silky feel and is one of my favorite oils for body-care formulations. It also has excellent oxidative stability compared with many other plant oils, making it a useful ingredient in products where you want a longer-lasting formula.

Sweet Almond Oil

Sweet almond oil has a smooth, conditioning feel and is a popular ingredient in homemade body-care products.

It works especially well in sugar scrubs because it helps create a spreadable texture without being quite as heavy as some butters.

Nut allergy note: If you're making products for others, consider using a nut-free alternative such as sunflower or jojoba oil.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is a richer-feeling plant oil that works nicely in body products designed to leave the skin feeling nourished and conditioned.

A little goes a long way in a scrub, especially when paired with a lighter oil.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a relatively lightweight carrier oil with a smooth skin feel.

It works well when you want a scrub that feels less heavy than one made primarily with coconut oil or butter.

Because grapeseed oil is more prone to oxidation than some more stable oils, homemade scrubs containing it should be stored properly and used within a reasonable period.

Cocoa Butter

Cocoa butter is a firm vegetable butter that adds richness and body to DIY products.

It can also help create a thicker, more luxurious scrub texture.

Because cocoa butter is solid at room temperature, it can make a scrub feel more substantial than one made entirely with liquid oils.

Honey

Honey is a humectant, meaning it attracts and holds water.

In a rinse-off scrub, honey contributes to the overall formula and can give the finished product a lovely, smooth texture.

Remember that honey doesn't make a DIY scrub a preservative-free substitute for a properly preserved cosmetic product. Our recipes below are designed as simple, small-batch rinse-off scrubs.

Coffee

Finely ground coffee can add another source of physical exfoliation and gives a scrub a wonderfully rich appearance and aroma.

For body scrubs, use finely ground coffee rather than large, sharp pieces.

Coffee can also make a mess in the shower, so keep that in mind!

Essential Oils

Essential oils can add fragrance to homemade scrubs, but they're highly concentrated and should never simply be poured into a recipe without considering their appropriate usage rate.

For these recipes, use skin-appropriate essential oils and follow the supplier's recommended dermal maximum.

If you're making scrubs for children, pregnant people, or anyone with fragrance sensitivities, it's safest to leave essential oils out.

3 Easy DIY Sugar Scrub Recipes

1. Vanilla Coconut Sugar Scrub

This is a wonderful beginner recipe if you want something simple, creamy, and luxurious.

Ingredients

1 cup white granulated sugar

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoons jojoba oil

Vanilla fragrance oil, according to supplier's recommended usage rate

Directions

1. Add the sugar to a clean mixing bowl.

2. Slowly add the melted coconut oil and jojoba oil.

3. Stir thoroughly until the sugar is evenly coated.

4. Add your fragrance according to the supplier's recommended usage rate.

5. Spoon the scrub into a clean, completely dry container.

6. Allow the mixture to cool completely before sealing.

Why These Ingredients Work

Sugar provides the physical exfoliation.

Coconut oil gives the scrub a rich, creamy feel.

Jojoba oil adds a silky, lightweight conditioning quality and helps balance the richness of the coconut oil.

This recipe is particularly nice for arms, legs, hands, and feet.

2. Brown Sugar & Honey Scrub

If you want an easy DIY scrub using ingredients that may already be in your kitchen, try this brown sugar combination.

Ingredients

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup sweet almond oil

1 tablespoon honey

Optional: skin-safe fragrance or essential oil at the appropriate usage rate

Directions

1. Place the brown sugar into a clean bowl.

2. Add the sweet almond oil and stir.

3. Add the honey and mix thoroughly.

4. Add fragrance if desired, following the supplier's recommended usage rate.

5. Transfer to a clean, dry container.

Why These Ingredients Work

Brown sugar has softer-feeling crystals and is a popular choice when you want a gentler sugar scrub.

Sweet almond oil provides a smooth, conditioning feel.

Honey is a humectant and contributes to the texture of the scrub.

This one makes a particularly nice hand and body scrub.

3. Coffee & Cocoa Body Scrub

Coffee and cocoa make this scrub smell absolutely delicious.

Ingredients

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup finely ground coffee

2 tablespoons cocoa butter, melted

3 tablespoons grapeseed oil

Optional: chocolate or coffee fragrance at the recommended usage rate

Directions

1. Melt the cocoa butter gently and allow it to cool slightly.

2. Combine the brown sugar and finely ground coffee.

3. Add the grapeseed oil and melted cocoa butter.

4. Stir until everything is evenly combined.

5. Add fragrance if desired.

6. Spoon into a clean, dry container.

Why These Ingredients Work

Brown sugar provides the primary exfoliation.

Coffee grounds provide additional physical exfoliation and give the scrub its signature appearance.

Cocoa butter makes the formula richer and helps give it a thicker consistency.

Grapeseed oil adds a lighter-feeling oil to balance the richness of the cocoa butter.

This scrub is especially fun as a weekend at-home spa treatment.

Supply List on Amazon: DIY Scrub Supplies

3 Easy DIY Salt Scrub Recipes

4. Lavender & Jojoba Sea Salt Scrub

This simple salt scrub is perfect for anyone who loves a classic lavender bath-and-body scent.

Ingredients

1 cup fine sea salt

1/4 cup jojoba oil

1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

Lavender essential oil, according to the supplier's recommended dermal usage rate

Directions

1. Place the fine sea salt into a clean bowl.

2. Add the jojoba oil and melted coconut oil.

3. Mix thoroughly.

4. Add the lavender essential oil at the appropriate usage rate.

5. Stir well and transfer to a clean, dry container.

Why These Ingredients Work

Fine sea salt provides a more vigorous physical exfoliation than sugar.

Jojoba oil gives the scrub a silky feel without making the formula overly heavy.

Coconut oil adds richness and helps create a smoother texture.

Lavender essential oil provides the familiar lavender aroma that makes this scrub feel especially spa-like.

5. Citrus Coconut Salt Scrub

Bright, fresh, and simple, this is a great choice for a refreshing body scrub.

Ingredients

1 cup fine sea salt

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

2 tablespoons avocado oil

Citrus essential oil, according to the supplier's recommended dermal usage rate

Directions

1. Add the salt to a clean mixing bowl.

2. Add the melted coconut oil and avocado oil.

3. Stir until the salt is evenly coated.

4. Add your chosen citrus essential oil according to its recommended skin-safe usage rate.

5. Mix thoroughly and transfer to a clean, dry container.

Why These Ingredients Work

Sea salt gives this scrub its exfoliating power.

Coconut oil adds a rich, creamy feel.

Avocado oil contributes a richer conditioning quality and helps make the scrub feel less dry.

The citrus scent makes this a fun morning or summertime body scrub.

Essential oil safety: Some citrus essential oils can increase photosensitivity depending on the oil and extraction method. Always check the supplier's safety information before using them in a leave-on or rinse-off body product.

6. Rosemary & Grapeseed Salt Scrub

This recipe combines fine salt with lightweight grapeseed oil for a refreshing, invigorating-feeling scrub.

Ingredients

1 cup fine sea salt

1/4 cup grapeseed oil

1 tablespoon jojoba oil

Rosemary essential oil, according to the supplier's recommended dermal usage rate

Directions

1. Add the fine sea salt to a clean bowl.

2. Stir in the grapeseed and jojoba oils.

3. Add rosemary essential oil according to the supplier's recommended usage rate.

4. Mix thoroughly.

5. Transfer to a clean, dry container.

Why These Ingredients Work

Fine sea salt provides physical exfoliation.

Grapeseed oil gives the scrub a lighter, smoother feel.

Jojoba oil adds conditioning and helps create a silky finish.

Rosemary essential oil contributes a fresh, herbal aroma.

This scrub would be especially nice for feet, elbows, knees, and other areas where you prefer a more vigorous exfoliation.

Supply List on Amazon: DIY Scrub Supplies

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How to Use a DIY Body Scrub

Using a scrub doesn't need to be complicated.

Wet your skin with warm water.

Scoop a small amount of scrub into your hand.

Massage gently over the body using small circular motions.

Rinse thoroughly.

Pat your skin dry rather than aggressively rubbing it.

Follow with your favorite body lotion, cream, or body oil if desired.

Remember that more pressure doesn't mean better exfoliation. Scrubbing too aggressively can leave skin feeling irritated.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

There's no universal schedule that works for everyone.

A good starting point is once or twice a week, paying attention to how your skin responds.

If your skin feels tight, irritated, unusually dry, or uncomfortable afterward, reduce the frequency or use a gentler scrub.

Avoid exfoliating over cuts, sunburn, rashes, freshly irritated skin, or areas that are already sore.

Beginner Tips for Making DIY Scrubs

Keep Water Out

This is one of the most important tips for homemade scrubs.

These recipes contain no added water and don't contain a broad-spectrum preservative system. Introducing water into the container can increase the risk of microbial contamination.

Always use clean, dry hands or a dry scoop to remove your scrub.

Better yet, package your scrub in a small container so you aren't opening the same jar repeatedly for months.

Make Small Batches

DIY scrubs are easy to make, so there's usually no reason to make a huge batch.

Small batches allow you to enjoy the product while it's fresh and reduce the amount of time the oils are exposed to air.

Choose Fine Exfoliants

When making a body scrub, think about the texture.

Extremely coarse salt or sugar crystals can feel rough and uncomfortable.

Fine sea salt and finely granulated sugar generally provide a more pleasant body-scrub experience.

Don't Use Kitchen Ingredients Without Considering Stability

Just because an ingredient is edible doesn't mean it automatically makes a good cosmetic ingredient.

Fresh fruit, dairy, aloe vera gel, and other water-containing ingredients can significantly change the preservation requirements of a product.

For beginner oil-and-sugar or oil-and-salt scrubs, keeping the formula simple is often the best approach.

How to Store Homemade Body Scrubs

Store homemade scrubs in a clean, dry, airtight container away from excessive heat and moisture.

A bathroom shower may seem like the obvious place to store a scrub, but it's also an environment with plenty of humidity and water.

If possible, store the container somewhere dry and bring out only the amount you plan to use.

Because homemade scrubs don't contain a conventional broad-spectrum preservative system, don't assume they have the same shelf life as a professionally formulated cosmetic product.

If you notice an unusual smell, appearance, texture, or other sign of spoilage, discard the product.

Can You Sell DIY Sugar and Salt Scrubs?

You can make body scrubs as gifts or personal-use products, but selling cosmetics is a different matter.

If you're planning to turn one of these recipes into a product for your own bath and body business, you'll want to move beyond a simple kitchen-style recipe.

That means considering:

Accurate weighing rather than volume measurements

Ingredient percentages

Cosmetic-grade ingredients

Fragrance and essential-oil usage rates

Product stability

Packaging compatibility

Proper labeling

Batch records

Good manufacturing practices

Applicable cosmetic regulations

This is one reason I recommend beginners start by making small batches for personal use before attempting to sell their formulations.

Which DIY Scrub Should You Try First?

If you're completely new to making body products, I'd start with the Vanilla Coconut Sugar Scrub.

It's simple, requires only a few ingredients, and gives you a good introduction to how an exfoliant and carrier oils work together.

If you want something more invigorating, try the Lavender & Jojoba Sea Salt Scrub.

And if you want something that feels especially luxurious, the Coffee & Cocoa Body Scrub is a fun choice.

The best part about DIY body scrubs is how easy they are to customize. Once you understand what each ingredient contributes, you can start creating your own combinations using different sugars, salts, carrier oils, butters, and fragrances.

Final Thoughts

Making your own DIY body scrubs is an inexpensive and beginner-friendly way to explore homemade bath and body products.

Sugar gives you a gentler-feeling exfoliating option, while salt provides a more vigorous scrub. Pair either one with the right carrier oil or butter and you've got the foundation for a simple homemade body-care product.

Start with small batches, keep water out of your jars, use appropriate fragrance or essential-oil levels, and remember that gentle exfoliation is usually better than aggressive scrubbing.

Once you get comfortable with the basics, the possibilities are practically endless!

Shop the Ingredients

Want to make your own scrubs? Stock your DIY bath and body-making supplies with:

Supply List on Amazon: DIY Scrub Supplies

Cosmetic-grade fragrances

Skin-safe essential oils

Small cosmetic jars and containers

Pin this recipe collection for later and come back when you're ready for your next DIY spa day!

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