DIY Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars: Quick and Easy Recipe
DIY Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars are simple, mess-free skincare bars that gently exfoliate, moisturize, and nourish your skin. Made with natural ingredients like sugar, melt-and-pour soap base, and coconut oil or shea butter, these customizable bars are perfect for personal pampering or handmade gifts. Enjoy the benefits of exfoliation combined with moisturizing and aromatic essential oils in a convenient solid bar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8-10 scrub bars depending on mold size 1x
- Category: Body Care
- Method: Melting
- Cuisine: Skincare
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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)
Optional Add-ins
- 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
Instructions
- Melt the Soap Base: Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small chunks. Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until completely melted. Alternatively, melt it using a double boiler to prevent overheating.
- Add Coconut Oil or Shea Butter: Stir the coconut oil or shea butter into the melted soap base until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, adding moisturizing properties.
- Incorporate Essential Oils: Add 10–15 drops of your preferred essential oil, stirring thoroughly to distribute fragrance and therapeutic benefits evenly throughout the mixture.
- Add the Sugar: Gradually stir in 1 cup of granulated sugar. The mixture will thicken and develop a gritty, sand-like texture ideal for exfoliation. For a firmer scrub, you can increase sugar up to 1½ cups.
- Customize with Add-ins: Stir in optional ingredients like ½ teaspoon natural colorants for a subtle hue, 1–2 tablespoons dried flowers for decoration and calming effects, 5–10 drops vitamin E oil to extend shelf life and enhance skin benefits, 1–2 tablespoons ground oats or coffee grounds for extra exfoliation, and 1 tablespoon honey for additional hydration and antibacterial properties.
- Mold the Bars: Pour the prepared scrub mixture evenly into silicone molds such as ice cube trays, cupcake molds, or specialty shapes. Allow the bars to cool and solidify at room temperature or in the refrigerator for faster setting.
- Remove and Store: Once set, carefully pop the bars out of the molds. Store them in an airtight container away from moisture and heat to maintain freshness and longevity.
Notes
- Use brown sugar as a gentler exfoliant if you have sensitive skin.
- Adjust sugar quantity to achieve desired scrub firmness and exfoliation level.
- Essential oils should be chosen based on skin type and personal preference; some oils may cause sensitivity.
- Store scrub bars in a cool, dry place to prevent melting or degradation.
- These scrub bars are for external use only; avoid contact with eyes and broken skin.
- Customize colors and scents to create unique personalized gifts.
- Make sure silicone molds are clean and dry before pouring the mixture to ensure easy removal.
Keywords: DIY sugar scrub bars, exfoliating scrub bars, homemade sugar scrub, natural skincare, body exfoliation, moisturizing scrub, melt and pour soap scrub
