Make Your Own Brown Sugar Scrub | Chickens in the Road

Feb
9

Try a natural facial scrub! You’ll never want to go back to that stuff from the store. And when you make it yourself, you won’t just be saving money, you’ll be taking better care of your skin. Organic plant-based ingredients nourish and protect your skin naturally and give you the added benefit of knowing exactly what’s in them–and you can probably find it all right now in your kitchen.

The brown sugar in this recipe is the exfoliant. The olive oil is for the moisturizer. Honey is a natural antibacterial (as well as another moisturizer), and vanilla is for the added scent.

These measurements are by volume.

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How to make Brown Sugar Scrub:

2 cups brown sugar (lightly packed)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon vanilla

Place the brown sugar in a medium-size bowl.

Add the olive oil.

You can use any other plant-based oils in place of the olive oil, such as coconut oil, sunflower oil, or almond oil, to name a few.

Add the honey.

Honey not only moisturizes your skin, it helps hold moisture in.

Add the vanilla.

Stir to combine.

Scoop mixture into a container. This recipe will fit a pint-size jar perfectly. (You could also divide it into two half-pints. Keep one for yourself and give the other away!)

A homemade natural scrub makes a great gift. Add a bit of ribbon or raffia to make it pretty.

Store-bought beauty products contain synthetic ingredients to hold mixtures together. Your all-natural scrub will separate. Stir before each use. Moisten your face with warm water, scoop out a bit of the scrub, and apply to your skin. Work it in gently–you can even leave it on for 10 or 15 minutes to increase the nourishing benefits before washing off with warm water. Use a couple times a week and you won’t believe how soft your skin will be! I love this stuff. It makes me feel as if I’ve had an expensive spa treatment–and it’s practically free.

Note: This keeps well (easily as long as it takes to use this amount) and doesn’t need to be refrigerated.

P.S. You can find more brown sugar scrub recipes here on the Chickens in the Road forum. (Thank you to Cindy, who sparked my interest in homemade scrubs with her great ideas!)

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56 Responses
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2-9
1:53
am

How neat! I’m going to try this right away :-) I’m off to scrub my face!

Motherbugs

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2-9
3:53
am

I think I’ll try this today when I take my shower. I have everything on hand for it.

Treasia

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2-9
4:04
am

T looks good enough to eat on yogurt or oatmeal or something!!

Becky

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2-9
5:36
am

Thank you Suzanne for this recipe! I love brown sugar scrub and now I can make my own.

Do you have electricity yet?

ticka1

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2-9
5:38
am

Don’t use it in the shower. The floor gets really slippery. I made that mistake once, and had to hold on to the soap dish to get out. Love it though!!!

Kathie

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2-9
6:24
am

Looks so yummy I would eat 1/2 of it as I am applying it to my face! I would then lick my face clean!

Laura in Greenwood, IN

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2-9
6:54
am

Thank you for all your great recipes!

NorthCountryGirl

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2-9
7:14
am

Thanks for the recipe, Suzanne! Any store bought stuff…even when it claims to be organic or “natural”…is so expensive that I just pass it by. This I can make myself for next to nothing.

Dianna McBride

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2-9
7:37
am

That stuff looks great! I make my own too but never thought of using honey. Great idea! You could add ground oatmeal too. You can also add coffee for body scrub as it is suppose to shrink varacose veins when applied topically but don’t put too much at one time down the drain if you are on a country septic system.

Runningtrails

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2-9
8:08
am

Oddly, I want to eat it, too. It may be good for your skin, but is also sounds delicious!!!

Susan

Susan at Charm of the Carolines

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2-9
8:11
am

It works great on the elbows and knees, too! I just love the stuff…the peppermint candy one was also delicious (well, on the skin!) LOL!

Hope you’re back in the world of electricity?!?!?!

CindyP

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2-9
8:29
am

I have already decided this is going to be my Christmas present for all my girlfriends this year! Alos great for feet (if summer ever gets here)..One word of warning…if you use it in the shower or bathtub for body scrub..make sure you wipe the shower floor for the next time..otherwise your feet will slip out from under you..been there ..done that..

aint for city gals

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2-9
8:49
am

This is a new idea for me, and I’m anxious to give it a try. Thanks so much.

Mary

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2-9
9:19
am

Can’t wait to make this! I’ve been buying Bath Junkie’s scrub, $28 for a jar and now I have a recipe to make my own! Thanks Suzanne, you ROCK!

Joycee

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2-9
9:26
am

Suzanne, Its time for you to get some Bees……Natural, unpasturized honey. YUM!

Angela Pierce

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2-9
9:32
am

Thanks for sharing the recipe!
I am going to give this a try.
Also, thanks for sharing the recipe for tortillas.
I’m making tortillas tonight for sure.
Have the best day !

Kerin

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2-9
10:02
am

Now all of your readers are going to have bright clean faces! Thanks for the recipe!

claudia w

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2-9
10:16
am

I saw this hint in a magazine several years ago and have been using it ever since. I haven’t put honey before but that will change shortly! Hope you have power back up.

Euni

Euni Moore

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2-9
10:21
am

Thank you for the recipe Suzanne. I had made a version of scrub in the past, but your recipe has the better aroma with vanilla and honey! Yes, be careful in the shower! My husband always worried about the effects of the oil on the septic…I don’t know if that would be enough to cause problems.

rileysmom

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2-9
10:54
am

…really.Iwant to put in in my face.Not on my face.

auntbear

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2-9
10:54
am

I found another recipe for a scrub shortly after Christmas and thought “Darn that would have made great homemade Christmas gifts”…it’s on my list for next year.

Janessa

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2-9
11:16
am

This sounds like something I need to try….thanks for the recipe Suzanne and Cindy!!! Yes I agree with you..jars of these would make wonderful presents. I know what I’ll be giving away this year!

Chic

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2-9
11:22
am

So where is a pic of you modeling the scrub??

Remudamom

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2-9
11:35
am

Okay, I would never spend a bunch of money for a store bought scrub, and I know it’s oodles cheaper to make at home, but something in my nature rebels against putting ingredients that could go to making a batch of chocolate chip cookies on my face.

Although I used to make an oatmeal,honey and egg white concoction. What a mess that was to clean out of the sink!

lavenderblue

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2-9
11:38
am

Awesome recipe! Thanks! I make almost all of my personal care…toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, etc. This will be a great addition. I’ll link to it from my blog.

Blessings from snowy Ohio…Kim<

Kim W

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2-9
11:47
am

Oooh. I have a very similar one that I made as a hand scrub. I never thought of using it for my face. Thanks for the tip!

jennybek

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2-9
11:58
am

I was just thinking–when are you going to get some bee hives? I know you are working on a ‘self-sustaining’ farm, so you have to have some bee hives. You’d get honey and the wax for candles.

Shirley

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2-9
12:23
pm

I use coconut oil for soap making. At room temperature the “oil” is solid, similar to shortening. I wonder if the separation issue would be resolved by using coconut oil? That said, my favorite soap is 100% olive oil. So nice on the skin!

Kat

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2-9
12:40
pm

Sounds like it would make a wonderful rub for let’s say a ham – yummy lol.

catslady

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2-9
1:16
pm

Thanks to my own snow day, I’m off to make some of this right now. I also have some garlicky grandmother bread rising. It appears that you are my inspiration today! Thanks Suzanne!

LisaAJB

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2-9
1:46
pm

Ohhhh, so this is what is meant by the phrase
“Feeding your face!”

I found in the closet a good old glass top bail-closure 1800′s green Atlas Jar to put my scrub in….looks so countryish…LOL..
Nope, won’t be gifting this jar, but will hunt some jars this Spring at flea markets for future gift jars of ‘scrub’……
….hurry Spring!

Are you WV folks fixin’ to get another snow?

B. Ruth

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2-9
1:50
pm

I make a very similar scrub. Roughly the same as yours but I snip open a few vitamin E gelcaps to add in the recipe. LOVE it!

Moi

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2-9
3:30
pm

Wonderful idea! I have just been using honey by itself. Once it gets a little “sugary” it makes a great scrub. I’ll have to try this though and you are right, I have everything on hand!!! Adding the vitamin E sounds like a good idea, too.

Having a giveaway on my site that ends tomorrow. All are welcome to come by and join in.

http://www.theprairiemaid.blogspot.com

Cheryl

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2-9
3:53
pm

I bet this will be good for my psoriasis spots!

Deb

Debnfla3

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2-9
5:13
pm

Oh, I don’t think I’m supposed to say YUM but … YUMMY!!!

I will be trying this!

The Cotton Wife

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2-9
6:14
pm

I just made up a batch of this and put it in 2 of those little fat jelly jars! I’m going to give my mom one and I’ll be trying the scrub tonight! I am also planning to give these as gifts! Thanks again Suzanne!

KentuckyFarmGirl

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2-9
10:17
pm

Terrific! Thanks, I will make this for our next ‘Girls Only’ weekend.

RosieJo

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2-9
10:36
pm

That looks fabulous! So much better than rubbing store bought chemicals all over your face.

Amber

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2-10
12:36
am

It sound like something I would rather eat than scrub with…MzPiggy that I am…

RuthieG/TXLady

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2-10
3:07
pm

yes, be careful in the shower! i put a thick towel on the shower floor, and then turn on the water.

another facial scrub: pulverize almonds in a blender, and add olive oil or apricot seed oil.

body scrub: olive oil, extra-fine granulated white sugar, lemon juice and crushed rosemary (or rosemary sprig and lemon rind for fragrance only).

mask: baby oatmeal flakes or pulverized oatmeal, buttermilk, and smidge of honey. store in the fridge. great for acne prone skin.

after squeezing lemon, orange, or grapefruit halves for juice, cup you elbows in them for 10 minutes.

maude

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2-10
4:03
pm

I am making this TONIGHT!Thanks. One of my daughters and I would love to live in the country, and have a goat or two. My husband said, “That will have to be with your next husband.”

LaTonya

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2-10
4:55
pm

My roommate in college (who was Sicilian) used to douse herself (hair to toes) in olive oil once a week and then put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt and wrap her hair in a towel. She’d go to bed that way and then shower the next morning (which would make our shower like a slip-n-slide!) Weird…but she had THE most beautiful and soft skin of anyone I’ve ever known. I think I’ll start with this scrub….

Melissa

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2-10
6:03
pm

Made this today with my daughter. Fun kitchen project and my skin feels so smooth now. Thanks!
~Jenny~

Jenny

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2-10
7:46
pm

Brown sugar scrub will not be harsh to the skin as it dissolves as you scrub your face–no sharp edges to scratch delicate skin. Suzanne’s scrub recipe is terrific!

However, I would not recommend crushed up nut shells or fruit pits as they do not dissolve and the edges can be sharp (without you even realizing it) and scratch and irritate your skin. I am surprised at the number of commercial scrubs and exfoliates that tout that they contain finely crushed apricot or almond shells–the better to tear up your skin.

princessvanessa

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2-15
9:13
am

Another great old craft is homemade soaps. Not the chunks of glycerin that you melt, but the old fashioned (new version of) lye soaps. My kids and I did this one year, and we are still using the soaps. When I first started reading up on these, I thought they had to be harsh on your skin, since they are made with a very dangerous product called lye. But when made correctly, they are wonderful. More mild and better for your skin that any store bought. Lots of varieties to try.Great blog Suzanne.

tammy

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2-16
1:47
pm

Finally made it today, and it is wonderful. Makes me feel so refreshed. Told some friends about it too.

Glory

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2-17
7:50
am

I will have to try this. I make the white sugar scrub adn use. This would really smell good.

lisa brawner

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2-18
12:58
am

I had a thought for those with really sensitive skin – these folks may not want to add vanilla to their scrub since the vanilla is in an alcohol base. Alcohol is very drying to the skin. Why couldn’t you make “Vanilla Bean Brown Sugar” by placing a vanilla bean in a closed container of brown sugar for a few days. Then you could make your vanilla-scented Brown Sugar scrub without adding any alcohol.

Just a suggestion! Here’s to self-improvement and great skin!

Cousin Sheryl

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3-2
3:53
pm

Just wanted to say thank you for posting this recipe! It seems as I age, my skin is becoming sensitive. I have three different types of moisturizer in the cabinet that all irritate my eyes. My eyes will just water all day if I put it on my face. I made this scrub today using grapeseed oil…used it and my face feels WONDERFUL! Not a tear shed!

WatkinsGal

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3-12
12:39
am

Hi there! My cousin posted this a few weeks ago. I wanted to try it as soon as my scrub ran out which it did. So, today I had to make this! I already tried it and I like it a lot. My face is real soft only thing is my hands are oily. Thanks Im gonig to have to make this for Christmas presents.. or Birthday!

Glenda09

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4-21
11:38
am

I love this. Great gift and favor idea for my sister-in-law’s upcoming “spa” bridal shower. Thanx for sharing!

Callie

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4-26
1:43
pm

I’ve been using this brown sugar scrub for three weeks now – every day. Amazing exfoliation and moisturizing. I’m hooked! Many thanks for the recipe and advice.

Deborah

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6-10
1:27
pm

I can’t wait to try this! I’m hoping to make it for baby shower favors… this with a pink bow is perfect! Yay! It will just add to that glow!

Kathleen

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6-26
8:10
pm

I have been going back reading posts from before I came aboard. I make a verison of this but use liquid soap and brown sugar. Even got my husband to try it. I will definitely have to give this one a try.

mamajhk

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7-8
9:24
pm

As B.Ruth put it, it certainly gives new meaning to “feed your face”! I just made this and it only took 15 minutes tops. If you go to make this and your brown sugar is rock solid, put it in a bowl in the microwave next to a cup of water and heat for 90 seconds or so. It might still be in chunks, but they break them apart easily with your fingers. Can’t wait to try tomorrow. Thank you so much, Suzanne. I just found this blog and I’m loving it.

tkg in nc

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9-12
9:05
am

My son loves all things honey (the bees, the thought of the hives, eating honey, talking about honey) so I thought this would be a good craft for us to do together.

He loved it and couldn’t wait to get into the tub later in the evening.

Only problem was the oil. I cannot believe such a small amount of oil in the little bit I gave him to “scrub” on his arms and legs made the tub so slick!

I used it all over my arms and legs this morning knowing that I would need to clean the tub anyway and I loved the way it felt and how moisturizing it is.

Anyone have any suggestions for a less slippery/more water-soluble oil? Is there such a thing?

Leck Kill Farm

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