How to Make a Fresh Citrus Sugar Scrub in Just 10 Minutes
If you haven’t tried making your own body scrub yet, starting with this refreshing citrus sugar scrub is a great idea. It’s easy, fast, and uses a few simple ingredients you probably already have—sugar, coconut oil, and some citrus essential oil for a fresh scent. With its lively smell, this scrub will make you feel more awake and leave your skin smooth and well-hydrated.
The best thing? It takes about 10 minutes, making it perfect for a quick self-care moment or a thoughtful, last-minute present. Whether you’re spoiling yourself after a busy day or preparing a batch for a friend, you’ll find it simple to make. Plus, it lasts for months, so you can always have a small luxury ready to rejuvenate and soften your skin whenever you like!
Homemade Citrus Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil (buying in bulk will save you money)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon essential oil or fragrance oil approximately 20 drops
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil. In a small saucepan, melt the coconut oil over low heat, or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl at 50% power for about 45 seconds. Then, melt just until liquid, avoiding overheating.
- Add the avocado oil. Remove the coconut oil from the heat and stir in the avocado oil until well combined.
- Mix in the sugar. Gradually add the sugar to the oil mixture, stirring continuously. Mix until the sugar is fully coated and the texture becomes crumbly.
- Add the essential oil. Stir in your citrus essential oil (about 20 drops) and mix until evenly distributed throughout the scrub.
- Transfer to a container. Pour the mixture into a clean, airtight jar or container. The scrub will keep for up to 6 months at room temperature.
Notes
Many people avoid making soap because it can involve risky materials, which is perfectly reasonable. Making soap isn’t right for everyone. But making a sugar scrub at home is so easy. Seriously, it’s so easy. In college, I would splurge on store-bought body scrubs like this homemade version, which barely cost anything.
Plus, creating your own sugar scrub at home is flexible and forgiving. You don’t need to measure everything since the exact amounts aren’t critical precisely. You can swap in nearly any oil you like; make sure to maintain the balance between solid and liquid oils.
Looking for a scrub with a different twist? Check out my olive oil sugar scrub recipe for another simple, nourishing option.
I hope it becomes a favorite for you, too.
Key Ingredients and Tools
To whip up your own scrub at home, you need a handful of basic items:
- Coconut oil: This solid oil turns liquid when warmed up and helps moisturize your skin deeply. Olive oil is a decent substitute if it’s not on hand, but coconut oil makes the scrub feel rich.
- Avocado oil: It’s a gentle, nourishing oil for almost all skin types. If you don’t have avocado oil, olive, almond, or grapeseed oil can work too. You’ll usually find it in the same area as other special cooking oils at the store.
- White sugar: Its small granules are perfect for scrubbing away dead skin. Brown sugar is a good swap if you want something softer because its crystals are less harsh.
- Citrus essential oil: This is what gives your scrub that refreshing, invigorating smell. You can buy essential oils at health food stores or in the wellness aisle of big supermarkets. If citrus isn’t quite your thing, lavender or peppermint are great choices, too.
- Glass jar with a lid: You’ll need a strong, sealable container to keep your scrub usable for a while. Glass is perfect since it doesn’t interact with the oils, but if you need something lighter, plastic works too.
Each ingredient is key for making your scrub both feel and work wonderfully. For the best experience, aim to use fresh, high-quality oils and ingredients!
Watch How Easy It Is!
Troubleshooting and Help
Absolutely! You can add a tablespoon of honey for added moisture or a few drops of vitamin E oil for extra skin nourishment. Dried citrus zest or lavender buds also add a nice touch if you want a little extra texture and fragrance.
It should be, but it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor, especially when using essential oils. Some oils, like certain citrus or peppermint, may need to be avoided or used in small amounts during pregnancy.
No worries! Coconut oil tends to solidify when it’s cool, but you can just rub a small amount of the scrub between your hands to soften it. Once you apply it, it’ll melt with the warmth of your skin.
This scrub can last up to six months if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Just make sure no water gets into the jar, as that can cause it to spoil faster.
You can, but be gentle! The sugar granules can be a little too rough for sensitive facial skin. If you want to try it on your face, I’d recommend using brown sugar and scrubbing very lightly.
It’s totally up to you, but I’d suggest using it 2-3 times a week. You don’t want to over-exfoliate, especially if your skin is sensitive, so just listen to your skin and adjust as needed.
This citrus sugar scrub is an easy and quick way to treat your skin with the natural stuff you probably already have. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a nice, simple present, it’s perfect. It’s also a cheap recipe that makes your skin feel soft and fresh. The best thing? It takes just a few minutes to make and can last for a long time, so you can always have some ready. Try it out for some pampering whenever you need a quick pick-me-up or a simple homemade gift!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.