Sugar Scrub Recipe for Smooth & Moisturized Skin

By Lisa Maliga copyright 2015-2025

Sugar scrubs are perfect for exfoliating and leaving your skin feeling smoother, more radiant, and deeply moisturized—especially during cooler and drier weather. This simple sugar scrub recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the three key ingredients can be found in your local grocery store, natural food market, or even right in your pantry. Whether you're looking for a gentle facial scrub, a nourishing body scrub, or an effective lip scrub, this recipe is versatile and effective. Just remember, as tempting as it may be, please try not to eat too much—it's deliciously sweet!

If using a sugar scrub in the bathtub or shower, be aware that it can become slippery after you rinse off the sugar scrub.

Sugar Scrub Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic brown sugar

  • 1/2 cup organic virgin coconut oil

  • 2 tablespoons shredded coconut [unsweetened]

Equipment:

  • 2-ounce measuring cup

  • Measuring spoon

  • Wooden spoon

  • Plastic or glass container for storage

Prep time:

5 minutes

Yield:

Approx. 11 ounces

Instructions:

Pour the brown sugar into the measuring cup. Then add the virgin coconut oil. Mix well and add the shredded coconut. Once mixed, scoop into your container. Make sure the container is tightly closed.

The look and texture will resemble wet sand.

Some variations may include: half brown/half white sugar, coconut sugar, demerara sugar [which has larger sugar grains that may scratch very sensitive skin]. Please note that the shredded coconut may be too rough for sensitive skin although the amount included is far less than the other ingredients. You can also add half the amount of shredded coconut or leave it out.

While this can be used on your body, exercise caution when applying to the face as it might be too rough for some people. Do a patch test, if in doubt. Also, apply to clean, damp skin.

About the Shelf Life:

When I was running my former company, everythingshea.com, I didn't sell sugar scrubs from my website, but I made them for a few wholesale accounts. One of the clients asked me about the shelf life. I was straightforward about it as I didn't use preservatives back then and I still don't! I can't guarantee a scrub will have a one year shelf life, even though I have made some that have lasted longer than that because I made large quantities or else I didn’t use them that much. 

If you don't use this recipe right away, here are some ways to extend the shelf life. Between uses, make sure the lid is always tightly shut. Keep it away from water when using at the sink or in your shower or tub. Apply with dry fingers. If concerned about spoilage, apply with a spoon, wooden craft stick or cosmetic spatula, if possible. Store in a cool, dry place. If you don’t plan to use it a lot, you can refrigerate the sugar scrub.

Thank you for reading this and let me know if you make it and how you like it! Don't hesitate to share this easy-to-make recipe and please Don't Eat the Sugar Scrub! :)

For a luxurious whipped sugar scrub recipe, check out my eBook Nilotica [East African] Shea Body Butter Recipes [The Whipped Shea Butter Series], Book 1.

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