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!

open mason jar of homemade sugar scrub with olive oil

Homemade Olive Oil Sugar Scrub

The easiest bath and body DIY ever. Two affordable ingredients and a second of mixing.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Serving Size 0.5 pint

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.
    pouring olive oil into jar of sugar.
  • 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.
    bottle of essential oil dropping into jar.
  • 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 you’re new to making your scrub and want to use essential oils, choose calming ones like lavender or chamomile.  They’re easy on the skin.  Stay away from citrus oils for parts of your body that get a lot of sun, as they can make your skin more prone to sunburn.
You don’t have to stick to olive oil.  Try almond oil for a slightly nutty smell and something good for sensitive skin.  Castor oil is also a choice because it can help calm down skin that’s feeling irritated.
Remember, a little essential oil can go a long way.  Start with just a few drops and add more if you think it’s needed.  Putting in too much might not only be too strong smell-wise but could also bother your skin.
Mixing different essential oils can be fun if you like experimenting with smells.  For instance, mixing lavender and lemon gives you a fresh scent, or vanilla and orange for something sweet and cheerful.
If the scrub feels too rough, use a softer sugar like caster sugar.  Add sugar with bigger grains, like raw sugar, if you want something rougher.
Feel free to swap out sugar with stuff that can scrub away dead skin, like ground coffee, sea salt for hard skin on places like your feet, or finely ground oats for a softer touch.
Add some vitamin E oil to keep your scrub from going bad because of water getting in.  It’s a natural way to make it last longer.

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.

finished olive oil sugar scrub in glass jar.

I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Olive Oil Sugar Scrub Tips

  • Mix everything in a bowl first, then put it in your jar. This way, you won’t spill anything, especially if your jar isn’t big. Mixing it well in a bigger space and then putting the scrub into the jar without making a mess is also easier.
  • Over time, the oil might separate from the sugar. So, stir it well before you use it each time to keep it smooth and ready to use.
  • If this is your first time trying out a scrub you made yourself, try a little bit on your skin, like on your arm, to see if you react badly or if it’s all good, especially with new essential oils.
  • The scrub might get too liquid in really hot places because the oil stays runny. To fix this, add more sugar or use a bit of thicker oil, like coconut or jojoba, instead of olive oil.
  • Always use clean, dry hands or a spoon to get some scrub out. This keeps it clean and stops it from going bad quickly. Don’t let water get into the jar because that can make it spoil faster.
  • Be careful with the olive oil in the scrub because it can make things slippery, especially in the shower. It might be a good idea to clean the shower area with warm water and soap afterward to avoid slipping.
  • If you’re new to making your skincare and want to dive deeper, check out this helpful guide on what to know before making skincare products. It offers useful tips and safety guidelines for creating your beauty products.

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:

ingredients on white wood surface.
  • 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!

    Usage Suggestions

    For a complete spa-like experience, pair your scrub with a cup of herbal tea, some scented candles, soothing bath salts, soft, fluffy towels, and a cozy robe.

    For an extra boost of hydration, try my Beeswax and Shea Butter Body Cream. It’s a luxurious, nourishing cream that complements this scrub perfectly and makes your skin ultra-soft.

    Troubleshooting and Help

    My scrub feels too oily or too dry. What should I do?

    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.

    My scrub feels grainy and rough. Is that normal?

    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.

    Can I use this scrub on my face?

    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.

    Can I use brown sugar instead of white 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.

    Can I add other ingredients to the scrub?

    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.

    What if I don’t have a jar—can I use something else to store the scrub?

    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.

    How long will the scrub last?

    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.

    What happens if I get water in the jar?

    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.

    How often should I use this scrub?

    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!

    Can I use this scrub as a foot scrub, too?

    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.

    Can I give this scrub as a gift?

    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.

    Storage Instructions

    Keep your DIY scrub in an airtight jar or container at room temperature to store it. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the scrub. It will last for up to 6 months if stored properly.

    This recipe does not freeze well, so storing it at room temperature is best and using it as needed. Stir the scrub before each use to keep the oil and sugar well mixed.

    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!

    picture of smiling female

    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.

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    Recipe Rating




    4 Comments

    1. 5 stars, works really well and lasts a long time. I didn’t have measuring cups so I just converted into grams and the consistency was perfect.