Want to pamper someone special with an at-home spa-worthy gift? You could go to a store and buy an expensive scrub with some unknown ingredients, but why? With just five ingredients you probably have in your pantry right now, you can create a DIY sugar scrub that’s great-smelling and works wonders.
The combination of white and brown sugars yields the perfect consistency for a scrub — and the cocoa powder, of course, is responsible for the luscious chocolate scent. Almond oil has a light texture, is easily absorbed into the skin, and gently removes debris from pores. And unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know about coconut oil’s moisturizing superpowers, so it’s a no-brainer in this concoction.
You could just make a small batch of this DIY sugar scrub and use it as a holiday gift… or you could make a big ol’ batch for your friends and yourself. Put some in small mason jars or other cute containers, add lids, wrap in pretty fabric or paper, tie on a ribbon, and you have a thoughtful DIY gift. Make sure you keep it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out.
The kiddos can even help make this easy gift. They’ll enjoy impressing grandmas, sisters, neighbors, teachers … anyone to whom they’d like to give a sweet thank you, for any occasion or none at all.
Experiment with different scents for different occasions. For a Christmas-inspired DIY sugar scrub, try adding some peppermint oil or cinnamon. Floral and citrus scents are refreshing for springtime. You might even convert some of the men in your life once they see how soft and smooth their skin can be!
MORE: How to use holiday leftovers for a hydrating face mask
>> Click here to jump straight to the craft instructions
The ingredients are the most important part of the DIY sugar scrub
Pour granulated sugar into the bowl with brown sugar
Add cocoa powder into mixing bowl
Add almond and coconut oil to the bowl
Mix everything together by hand
Spoon your sugar scrub into a glass jar or other container
Add a ribbon or a bow to make a super-cute gift
MORE: Dry lips need this DIY honey-coconut scrub
How to make a batch of this chocolatey DIY sugar scrub
Materials for each batch
Ingredients:
- 1-1/2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1/8 cup almond oil
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine sugars and cocoa powder.
- Add coconut and almond oils; mix until well-combined.
- Store in airtight container.
To use the DIY sugar scrub:
In a warm shower, use about a tablespoon of scrub at a time on moistened skin. Rub it in with a gentle circular motion to help remove dead skin cells and to moisturize. Rinse off with clear water and then gently pat dry. Don’t use body wash or soap on the area immediately afterwards to keep the fragrance of the cocoa, and the moisturizing softness from the coconut and almond oils. (Note: Sugar scrubs are not best for all skin types or for those with sensitive skin.)