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Who would have thought that coffee grinds would make a powerful, effective, and natural exfoliator? Well, that is just what this peppermint mocha face scrub is.
It complements the holiday festivities and makes a great gift for anyone on your Christmas list that can be made in less than 10 minutes!

What is Face Scrub?
A face scrub is a gentle exfoliating cleanser designed for sensitive skin. It can remove dead skin cells, just like homemade sugar scrub bars can remove makeup and dirt from the skin.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Homemade face scrubs are so much cheaper and cleaner than store-bought. Face scrubs can be purchased from the store, but most scrubs are EXTREMELY expensive. And all you really need to make a face scrub yourself is a few simple ingredients found right in your pantry.
- Using a face scrub can help rejuvenate damaged skin and even return dull skin to its original, youthful, radiant glow.
Some of the best exfoliators can be found right in your kitchen! For this peppermint sugar scrub recipe, you will need sugar, coffee grinds, oil, and cocoa powder. All things you have on hand, right?
What Goes into this Recipe
- Coffee beans, finely ground: It is best to use freshly ground beans, but any will do. If you do grind your own beans, be sure to grind them up fine. Coarsely ground coffee beans will be too aggressive on the skin.
- Granulated sugar: Sugar is made up of very small particles that can be beneficial for exfoliating and cleansing the skin. Using a sugar scrub can help remove dead surface skin cells and reveal the healthy new skin underneath.
- Cocoa powder: Not only will it make this face scrub smell fabulous, but it can also soften, clear, and gently detoxify the skin.
- Jojoba oil: it has a mild scent and penetrates the skin well. Jojoba oil is an excellent option for anyone with ultra-sensitive skin.
- Peppermint essential oil: will leave it feeling soothed, cooled, and fresh. Peppermint essential oil will naturally cleanse the skin and may help with skin blemishes and other imperfections.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a gentler exfoliation, especially if you have sensitive skin, or use finely ground oats for a soothing and hydrating scrub.
- If you don’t have jojoba oil, you can use coconut oil for dry skin, as it adds a thicker, richer texture. You can also try sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil if you want a lighter oil that absorbs faster.
- For a fun variation, try Cinnamon Mocha Scrub: add ยฝ tsp of ground cinnamon for a warming effect and to boost circulation; great for colder months or when you want to stimulate your skin.
Peppermint face scrub recipe
Step 1. Combine dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
Step 2. Add in the jojoba oil and essential oils.
Step 3. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon until well combined.
Step 4. Scoop into a container with an airtight lid for storage. (These make nice gift sized containers)
Using Face Scrub
- Rinse face with warm water.
- Add a small amount of face scrub into the palm of your hand.
- Apply scrub to damp face.
- Gently work the scrub into your face with your fingers in a small circular motion.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
Pro Tip: For a more powerful exfoliation on tougher skin, like your feet, use my homemade foot scrub. Its coarse texture effectively removes dead skin cells, making it a great alternative to this gentler coffee face scrub.
Benefits of Face Scrub
Adding a gentle face scrub to your skincare routine may help with breakouts, soften skin, and rejuvenate dull skin.
Expert Tips
- Always perform a patch test before trying new DIY recipes. Apply a small amount to your wrist to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction.
- Store your scrub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Since it’s an oil-based scrub, it should last about 2-4 weeks, but discard it if you notice any unpleasant odor or change in texture.
- When rinsing the scrub off, use lukewarm water. Hot water can strip your skin’s natural oils and cause unnecessary dryness.
- Use finely ground coffee to avoid irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin. Coarser grounds can be too abrasive, especially for sensitive skin.
- After rinsing off the scrub, follow up with a gentle moisturizer or a hydrating serum to lock in moisture and soothe the skin. This DIY anti-aging face cream or homemade body cream are great to use.
Recipe FAQs
Overuse of facial scrub can dry out the skin. It is recommended to use a facial scrub 1-2 times a week. If you have over oily skin, you may need to use a face scrub 3 times a week. Let your skin be the judge! If you notice that the scrub is irritating the skin, use it less or stop altogether.
Your skin renews itself every 30 days and naturally sheds the old skin. Dead skin cells are shed daily with our everyday activities; however, sometimes, this can be hindered by makeup or dry skin. Exfoliating the skin can remove dead skin cells, revealing the beautiful, glowing skin beneath.
Facial scrubs can helpย keep the skin clear, hydrated, and smooth. I also find that using a gentle cleanser like myย homemade charcoal soapย is an important part of my skincare routine.
If you love DIYing with coffee, you’ll love this deliciously-smelling coffee soap bar recipe.
Related Content
- Homemade Coffee Scrub
- DIY Scalp Scrub
- Dead Sea Salt Scrub Recipe
- Homemade whipped Lavender Sugar Scrub
If you tried thisย Peppermint Sugar Scrub Recipeย or any other tutorial on my website, please leave a ๐ย star ratingย and let me know how it went in the ๐ย commentsย below.
Thanks for visiting! And if you love DIYing with coffee, you’ll love this deliciously smelling coffee soap bar recipe.
Peppermint Mocha Face Scrub
Equipment
- 8 ounce container for storage
Ingredients
- ยฝ cup finely ground coffee
- ยฝ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- ยผ cup jojoba oil or similar carrier oil
- 10 drops peppermint essential oil, optional
Instructions
- Combine the dry ingredients in a small mixing bowl.
- Stir in jojoba and peppermint oil with a wooden spoon. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to a shallow, airtight container for storage.
- To use the scrub, rinse face with warm water, then massage the scrub into the skin using your fingertips.
- Rinse and pat dry.
Hi, wonderful recipe. How long can I keep this scrub ?
It should last for several months.
Laura, I sometimes get confused reading recipes with coffee in them. I thought I read about using coffee grounds, and then coffee grinds so are we using unused coffee or used coffee in this recipe?
Thank you so much for your really nice recipes, and your help with this question.
I used freshly ground coffee in this recipe.
Thank a lot for this recipe, I love the compensation of the coco powder and the coffee ^_^ its looks yummy too.
If I need to used preservative which one should I used and how long can stay ?
You can add an antioxidant like vitamin E antioxidant or rosemary antioxidant to help extend the shelf life of the product if desired.