Salt Scrubs and Sugar Scrubs

I used to love making these as gifts for family and friends!

Then I tried to make them for the shop and bought the wrong containers for shipping. What a mess!

I’m passing along my version of this wonderful DIY… so that you can make them for yourself and your family and friends.

Sugar vs Salt in a Natural Body Scrub

I’ll weigh out the pro’s and cons of using salts vs sugars in your oil scrub. You should choose with is best for you.

Sea Salts

You can choose from fine to coarse grain.
Many Salts have amazing restorative and healing properties for your skin.
Salts can tend to tingle or burn if you shave and have nicked yourself. This is part of the healing properties though.
Salts have natural cleansing properties… both physical and spiritual.
They make great exfoliants.
As you use your scrub… you turn your bath into a sea salt bath.

Sugars

You can use refined white sugar, brown sugar, or raw sugar similar to choosing a salt grain.
Sugars do not burn when they come in contacts with cuts.
Sugars are great for your lips and a lip scrub as they are all edible depending on the oil you use.
They make great exfoliants, but are not as aggressive as salts.
Sugars do not have any known healing properties for your skin.

Choosing the Oil for your Scrub

A natural oil that helps to heal and soothe your skin would be a great choice to add to your salt or sugar scrub.

Different oils have different viscosity, meaning how thick they are and smooth they feel.

Some are more on the sticky and thick side, like Jojoba, which is amazing for the skin… but a little harder to work with.

Others are very thin, like vegetable oil, which in my opinion is not recommended or remotely healthy for your skin.

Oils that I would recommend:

Sweet Almond
Apricot Kernel
Grape Seed
Coconut Oil
Jojoba
Olive Oil (if you must)

A Note about Essential Oils

You can choose many essential oils and blends for your scrub, but there are some things to keep in mind.

Should that essential oil be used in the bath? Perhaps it can irritate the skin or sensitive areas and mucous membranes?
All Citrus Oils cause sun sensitivity. Meaning if you use them or absorb them into your skin and go out in the sun, you may get a sunburn.
Certain Essential Oils should not be used during pregnancy.
Essential Oils can alter our moods. Pick oils that will enhance the results that you want.

Need some tips?

Download my Metaphysical and Spiritual Uses of Essential Oils PDF for free!

Salt Scrub and Sugar Scrub Recipe

What You Will Need:

8-ounce Mason jar (or whatever jar you have on hand)
1 cup sugar or salt (fine grains for sensitive skin, coarse for a deeper scrub)
10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil (any scent works)
½ cup a neutral oil like apricot kernel, coconut, grape seed, jojoba, or sweet almond
1 Tablespoon of herbs is optional

Instructions:

Add sugar or salt and base oil (herbs if using) into a mixing bowl.
Whisk or stir well to combine.
Add essential oil of your choice and stir.
Transfer the results to a festive jar or airtight container and store for up to 3 months

Safety Tips to Note:

Always test on a small patch of your skin before using.
Please make sure that you tell your gift recipient to test it before using.
Always put your ingredients on the label of your gift. Many people have allergies to different base oils and essential oils.

Get Creative with Herbs and Colors!

Have some fun and add fine ground herbs to your mix! A few ideas might be…

Lavender
Rose Petals
Eucalytus
Rosemary
Peppermint
Calendula

Another way to add a splash of color to your blend is to choose brown sugar or Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.