DIY Olive Oil Sugar Scrub Recipe: The Easiest Way to Pamper Your Skin
If your skin feels dry or needs extra care, you’ll love this homemade olive oil sugar scrub. You only need sugar, olive oil, and a bit of essential oil to create this cost-effective, natural alternative to commercial scrubs.
This scrub will make your skin feel soft, smooth, bright, and soft enough to use daily. It’s perfect for a relaxing treat after a busy day or as a homemade, thoughtful present. The best thing? It can last long, so you always have a spa-like luxury ready whenever you want.
If you’re looking for an easy project before making your soaps or lotions, this is a good place to begin. Just mix, keep it stored, and enjoy!
Homemade Olive Oil Sugar Scrub
Equipment
- Half pint jar with a lid
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Dropper or small measuring tool
- small bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 5 drops essential oil
Instructions
- Mix the oil and sugar. Combine the sugar and olive oil in your half-pint jar (or a small bowl). Then, stir thoroughly with a spoon or spatula until the mixture is fully blended and no dry spots of sugar remain. The scrub should have a grainy texture that’s easy to scoop and apply.
- Add the essential oil. Add 5 drops of your chosen essential oil directly into the sugar mixture. Stir again to make sure the scent is evenly distributed. Feel free to adjust the number of drops to suit your fragrance preference.
- Store the scrub. Secure the lid on the jar and store it at room temperature. The scrub will stay fresh for up to 6 months. Be sure to stir before each use if the oil begins to separate.
Notes
If I want to give my skin a bit of a treat, making this Olive Oil Sugar Scrub at home is my go-to. It’s super simple and uses stuff I already have in my kitchen. I can whip it up in just a few minutes. Mixing sugar with olive oil works wonders for scrubbing away dead skin while keeping things moisturized, leaving my skin smooth and rejuvenated. It’s gentle enough for me to use daily, and the best part is that I can customize it with my favorite essential oils for that extra personal touch.
Check out my Oatmeal Soap Recipe if you want more ways to pamper your skin with homemade products. It’s a gentle, soothing soap that pairs perfectly with this scrub for a complete skincare routine.
I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this scrub, along with some tips to help you mix it up if needed:
- Olive oil: This is super hydrating and easy to find. It’s great for the base of the scrub, but if you’re looking for something a bit lighter, almond oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil can work, too.
- White sugar: This is what helps scrub away dead skin. For a softer scrub, try brown sugar since the crystals are smaller, or go for coarse sugar if you want it to be more abrasive.
- Essential oil: These add a nice smell and can be good for your skin. You can pick them up in the health and beauty aisle, but you can leave them out if you’re not into fragrances. If you don’t want any scent, you can leave it out. Otherwise, vanilla extract or citrus zest can add a natural smell. If you enjoyed this olive oil scrub, you might want to try my Citrus Sugar Scrub for an extra refreshing twist. It adds a zesty kick that brightens both your skin and your mood!
- Half-pint jar: You’ll need a small jar with a good seal to keep your scrub. You can reuse a jam jar or get a small glass from a craft store. Any container that seals well, like a clean plastic container or an old glass jar, will do.
Keeping these items ready means you can easily make this scrub anytime. Plus, they’re all easy to swap out depending on your preferences or what you have on hand!
Troubleshooting and Help
No worries—this is an easy fix! If it feels too oily, add more sugar and stir it in. If it’s too dry, add more oil until it reaches the consistency you like. The beauty of this scrub is that it’s totally customizable, so play around with it until it’s perfect for you.
Yes, the sugar gives the scrub its exfoliating power, so it will feel grainy when you rub it on your skin. If you like a finer texture, you can pulse the sugar in a food processor to break it down or use brown sugar for a softer feel.
I’d recommend using this scrub on your body rather than your face. The sugar crystals might be a little too rough for the delicate skin on your face. If you want to make a facial scrub, use something gentler, like finely ground oats or brown sugar.
Yes, you can! Brown sugar is a bit softer and more gentle on the skin, so it’s a great choice if you have sensitive skin or want a milder exfoliation. The scrub will also have a slightly different texture, but it works just as well.
Yes! You can get creative with add-ins. Some people like to add a teaspoon of honey for extra moisture or a few drops of vitamin E oil, which is great for the skin and helps the scrub last longer. Just be mindful not to add anything that might spoil quickly, like fresh fruit or dairy.
Totally! Any airtight container will work just fine. You can use a small plastic container, a mason jar, or old Tupperware. Just make sure it’s clean and dry before putting your scrub in it.
Keeping it sealed and storing it at room temperature should last up to six months. Just make sure not to get water in the jar because that can spoil it faster. A good stir before each use will also help keep everything fresh.
Avoid getting water into your scrub because it can cause bacteria to grow or shorten the shelf life. If a little water does get in, it’s best to use the scrub-up quickly—within a few weeks—just to be safe. And if it starts to smell off, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Depending on your skin type, you can use the scrub twice a week. If your skin is sensitive, start with once a week and see how it feels. If you don’t have any issues, you can use it 2-3 times per week. Don’t overdo it—your skin needs time to recover between exfoliations!
Absolutely! It’s great for rough areas like feet, knees, and elbows. If your feet need extra exfoliation, swap the sugar for a coarser salt or a mix of the two for a stronger scrub.
Definitely! This scrub makes a fantastic gift. Add a cute label and tie a small spoon or ribbon around the jar. Just let the recipient know to keep the jar sealed and use it within six months for the best results.
This simple DIY Olive Oil Sugar Scrub is an easy way to treat your skin with natural ingredients you likely already have at home. It’s quick to make, customizable with your favorite scents, and makes a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family. Whether you want some self-care or something special to share, this scrub is perfect for you. Try it out for smooth, rejuvenated skin whenever you feel like a pick-me-up. With just a few basic items and a little bit of time, you’ll have a wonderful scrub ready for use or to share with others!
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.