Name: DIY Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars: Quick and Easy Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Skincare
Ingredients: 1 cup Granulated Sugar (can substitute with brown sugar for softer scrub); ½ cup (about 120g) Melt-and-Pour Soap Base; ¼ cup (about 60g) Coconut Oil or Shea Butter; 10–15 drops Essential Oils (your choice for fragrance and therapeutic benefits); ½ teaspoon Natural Colorants (mica powder, beetroot powder, turmeric); 1–2 tablespoons Dried Flowers (lavender, rose petals, chamomile); 5–10 drops Vitamin E Oil; 1–2 tablespoons Ground Oats or Coffee Grounds; 1 tablespoon Honey

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Introduction

DIY exfoliating sugar scrub bars are an easy and mess-free way to pamper your skin at home. Combining gentle exfoliation with nourishing oils, these solid bars leave your skin silky smooth. Plus, they make lovely handmade gifts!

The image shows twelve round jelly-like desserts arranged in three rows of four on a white marbled surface. The top row contains light cream-colored jellies with small brown bits inside, each having a smooth and glossy texture. The middle row showcases slightly darker beige jellies with specks of darker brown scattered evenly throughout, giving a speckled look. The bottom row features the darkest jellies, deep brown with a glossy surface and heavier speckling in darker brown shades. Each dessert has a consistent, circular shape and a shiny finish, showing small imperfections on the surface, suggesting a soft gelatin texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar (brown sugar can be used for a softer scrub)
½ cup (about 120g) melt-and-pour soap base
¼ cup (about 60g) coconut oil or shea butter
10–15 drops essential oils (your favorite fragrance)
Optional Add-ins:

½ teaspoon natural colorants (mica powder, beetroot powder, or turmeric)
1–2 tablespoons dried flowers (lavender, rose petals, or chamomile)
5–10 drops vitamin E oil
1–2 tablespoons ground oats or coffee grounds
1 tablespoon honey

Instructions

Step 1: Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small chunks. Melt in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
Step 2: Stir the coconut oil or shea butter into the melted soap base until fully combined.
Step 3: Add 10–15 drops of your chosen essential oil and stir well to distribute the fragrance evenly.
Step 4: Gradually stir in 1 cup of sugar. The mixture will thicken to a gritty, sand-like texture. For a firmer scrub, add up to 1½ cups of sugar.
Step 5: Incorporate any optional add-ins such as natural colorants, dried flowers, vitamin E oil, ground oats or coffee grounds, and honey. Mix gently to combine.
Step 6: Pour the mixture into silicone molds (ice cube trays, cupcake molds, or specialty shapes). Allow to cool and harden completely before removing.

Tips & Variations

Use brown sugar for a gentler scrub suitable for sensitive skin.
Customize with your favorite essential oils for a personalized fragrance.
Add dried flowers for extra charm and a calming effect while exfoliating.
Replace coconut oil with shea butter for a richer, creamier texture.
Store bars in a cool, dry place to prevent melting.

Storage

Keep your sugar scrub bars in an airtight container at room temperature away from heat and moisture. They typically last up to 3 months. To use, gently rub the bar on wet skin in circular motions, then rinse. If bars soften, store them in the fridge briefly to harden. Avoid prolonged water exposure to extend their life.

How to Serve

The image shows twelve round pudding-like desserts arranged neatly in a 3 by 4 grid on a white marbled surface. The top row contains four creamy white puddings with small brown bits scattered inside, giving a light speckled texture. The middle row has four light brown puddings with visible specks of darker ingredients evenly mixed throughout, making a soft, grainy look. The bottom row features four darker brown puddings with more intense spots and a slightly glossy surface, indicating a denser texture. Each pudding is smooth with a slightly shiny top surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Yes, brown sugar works well and provides a softer exfoliation, which is ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

How long do homemade sugar scrub bars last?

When stored properly in a cool, dry place, they can last up to three months without losing effectiveness.