Whipped sugar scrub will leave your skin smooth, rejuvenated, and exfoliated. Make this scrub for a thoughtful homemade gift, or include it in your next in-home spa night.
This post was published in December 2020 and updated in August 2022.
Homemade whipped sugar scrub is a simple recipe made with coconut oil, sugar, and lavender essential oil.
It has incredible benefits for the skin and can remove dead skin cells leaving your skin soft and smooth.
Sugar scrub was one of the first skincare recipes I made when I bought my first set of essential oils. I kept a jar of it by the bathroom sink and found myself using it nearly every time I washed my hands.
Since then, I have experimented with different types of sugar scrubs, including a sugar scrub bar and now this whipped sugar scrub.
They are all amazing, but I find this one best for that dry, winter skin. Plus, it only takes 4-ingredients to make!
Types of body scrub
Have you noticed how smooth the bottoms of your feet are after a week at the beach? The tiny granules of sand are a natural exfoliant, smoothing out the rough patches of skin as you walk.
Well, that is just one simple example of a type of body scrub. Here are the most common exfoliants for body scrubs:
- Sugar (brown or white)
- Salt
- Coffee grounds
- Oatmeal
- Honey (very mild)
There are countless more options for exfoliants that I’m not going to list here. So instead, these are just a few of my favorite body scrub ingredients.
Lastly, having a body scrub, or whipped sugar scrub, in this case, is one of the most gentle and effective ways to get rid of dead skin; there is, however, one other very straightforward method.
Have you heard of dry brushing? While this method is harsher on the skin, it can be an effective way to rid your skin of dead skin cells using just a brush.
So what is in this whipped sugar scrub?
Knowing this recipe could potentially become a gift, assuming my daughter and I will not be enjoying a spa night every evening the next week, I decided to use a few key ingredients that would last several months.
Whipped sugar scrub ingredients
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is incredibly moisturizing and hydrates dry skin.
This oil also has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, which is perfect for cleansing and purifying the skin, as well as reducing inflammation.
Coconut oil can work wonders for skin imperfections and mature skin, helping to reduce signs of aging, wrinkles, and fine lines.
Note: This recipe is for regular coconut oil, not fractionated coconut oil. FCO is liquid and will not ‘whip up’ in this whipped lavender sugar scrub.
Cane Sugar
Any sugar will work for this recipe. I use organic cane sugar because that is what I had on hand. However, brown sugar may be a better option for sensitive skin.
Sugar is one of the more popular body scrub options, while the more abrasive salt is better for, the tougher areas of skin such as the bottom of the feet and elbows.
Lavender Essential Oil
Three words; lavender body scrub. That should be reason enough to drop what you are doing to reap the benefits of clearer, smoother, and younger-looking skin!
But lavender is so much more than a beautiful floral scent; it’s great for skin imperfections and impurities.
Remember to always dilute essential oils before ever applying them topically.
Vitamin E oil
Vitamin E oil is an excellent addition to this recipe. Vitamin E oil is great for sensitive skin, dry skin, and inflamed skin.
This ingredient promotes cell regeneration and helps with skin irritations.
Natural Coloring (optional)
Color for your whipped sugar scrub is merely for the appeal. I usually only add color if I am making these with my daughter or making a gift.
Adding color is easy enough; add a few drops at a time to the sugar until you reach the desired color. Then mix with the rest of the ingredients.
Get my favorite natural dyes here.
How to make a whipped sugar scrub recipe
Making whipped sugar scrub is so easy to do and very inexpensive. It is kind of ironic because sugar scrubs seem fancy and can be quite pricy.
But in reality, you can make your own for less than $1 in just a couple of minutes.
If you don’t have a hand mixer to whip the ingredients, that’s fine; it just won’t be nearly as creamy!
Whipped sugar scrub recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of coconut oil
- 10 drops of lavender
- 5 drops of vitamin E oil
- Natural dye, 2-3 drops, optional
Instructions
- Add sugar and (optional dye) to a small mixing bowl and stir well. Add two drops at a time until the desired color is reached.
- In a separate bowl, whip coconut oil with a hand mixer for about 10 minutes.
- Add sugar, essential oils, and vitamin E oil to the coconut oil and continue to whip until well combined.
- Transfer to a glass airtight storage container.
Recipe variations
Best sugars for body scrubs:
- Brown sugar – Brown sugar is perfect for sensitive skin or as a face sugar scrub being the least abrasive of all sugars.
- Granulated sugar – Granulated sugar is very popular in homemade sugar scrubs. It works well at exfoliating the skin and is generally safe for most areas, excluding the face.
- Coarse sugar – Course sugar is best for dry or flaky skin, especially around the bottoms of the feet.
- Fine sugar – Finely ground sugar is an excellent option for those with sensitive skin.
Best essential oils for sugar scrubs:
- Lavender – Soothes almost all skin imperfections and is great for sensitive skin types.
- Frankincense – Reduces signs of aging and can tighten the skin.
- Tea Tree – A cleansing and purifying oil that can be used to keep the skin healthy.
- Roman Chamomile – Great for natural skincare and gentle enough for all skin types.
- Rose – Encourages collagen production and reduces signs of aging.
How to use whipped sugar scrub?
No sugar scrubs or any type of exfoliation is intended for daily use. Instead, use this DIY whipped sugar scrub 2-3 times a week or as needed.
Apply a small amount of scrub to clean skin. Rub it in gently and allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Note: always test a small patch of skin first.
Why you’ll love this scrub
#1 It’s so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients that won’t break the bank.
#2 You will see results after just one day!
#3 It is made with natural ingredients, and you can reuse the same jar for every batch to reduce waste!
I hope you enjoy this whipped sugar scrub as much as I do! Feel free to let me know what you think and how you liked it in the comments below.
And as always, if you enjoy DIYing your own skin care products, a few of my most popular recipes can be found below!
- Simple summer body scrubs
- Peppermint mocha face scrub
- Salt scrub for the feet
- Scalp scrub for dandruff
- Coconut oil lip scrub
Homemade Whipped Lavender Sugar Scrub
Homemade whipped sugar scrub is a beautiful and gentle skin exfoliator great for all skin types.
Materials
Instructions
- Add sugar and (optional dye) to a small mixing bowl. Stir well until the desired color is reached.
- In a separate bowl, whip coconut oil with a hand mixer for about 10 minutes.
- Add in sugar, lavender, and vitamin E oil to the coconut oil and continue to whip until well combined.
- Transfer to a mason jar or similar glass container for storage.
Donna says
We’re can I find your printable labels for your different products you make?
Laura says
Head over to my online resource library for all my freebies.
Katelynn says
What would be the expiration date?
Also if you wanted to make more, would you just double the numbers?
Laura says
It will last for 6 months. Yes you can double the recipe.
Jenn says
Is this ok for an elder person? I’m super new at this. I’ve been reading that kids and elders need a smaller percentage of EO. Not sure how to tell what is safe for them and what’s not.
Thank you!
Laura says
You can dilute it further if you want, just use half the amounts of oil.
Sarah says
I have made this and it smells absolutely divine, but it has solidified. What am I doing wrong? Not enough whipping or maybe too much coconut oil possibly?
Laura says
Yes to both! I would try to re-whip it. Alo, store at room temp.
Karen says
Just made turned out beautiful!! Nice and fluffy
Laura says
Awesome, enjoy!
Joan says
Can other oils be used?
Laura says
Yes, you can use any essential oils you want!
Allyson says
Can you use a different oil to coconut oil? I have an allergy to it
Laura says
Yes, any carrier oil will work!
Emily says
Hi Laura ! I’m making this recipe right now ! I wondered, can I use it as an exfoliating facial scrub ( to apply once a week ) ? And is this recipe suitable to acne-prone skin ?
Laura says
I have only used this as a body scrub.
Julie says
Can you use this scrub in the shower for easy rinsing? If so should I worry about bacteria growth from water getting into scrub?
Laura says
If you have an airtight lid on the jar it should be fine. It is best to keep it dry for longer shelf life.
Kathy Archer says
Is the solid coconut oil best for this or can I use liquid coconut oil?
Laura says
Either is fine, it will just change the texture.
Natalie says
I just made a batch. Used all of the correct ingredients, but it’s pretty runny and not whipped. What am I doing wrong? Do I need to whip longer than 10 minutes? Add more sugar? Help! 😬
Laura says
The coconut oil, whipped or not, should never be runny unless it is stored above 76°F. Were you able to use regular coconut oil, not fractionated coconut oil?
Amber says
I have used granulated sugar many times on my face. It may not be hood for people with sensitive skin, but it was just fine for me because i have oily skin.
Rachel says
Hey Laura, I was so excited to see you have a coconut based sugar body scrub. My body can’t handle dry brushing and is allergic to most store-made products. I want to make the recipe exactly the way you wrote it. I do have one question though…I notice some sugar scrubs contain Rosemary leaf oil to extend the shelf life and add extra benefits that rosemary oil can offer your skin. You use the Dr. Adorable Rosemary Antioxidant Co2 Extract in your makeup remover recipe. Could that be used in this as well, and if so, how many drops would you recommend per batch?