Have you ever wondered how to make your skin feel super soft and touchably smooth all over? One of the best ways is by using a body scrub made with raw sugar and coconut oil. The combination of exfoliating raw sugar and hydrating coconut oil makes for a simple yet effective homemade scrub that reveals brighter, glowing skin.
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making your own raw sugar and coconut oil scrub. You’ll learn the benefits of using these natural ingredients, get recipes for 5 different variations, find out how to choose the right scrub for your skin type, and discover answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
Why Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Make an Amazing Scrub
Raw sugar and coconut oil are something of a dream team when it comes to homemade body scrubs. Here’s why they work so well together:
Natural Exfoliation – The coarse crystals of raw sugar provide excellent physical exfoliation to slough off dead skin cells and reveal the fresh new skin underneath. This helps unclog pores, fade dullness, and make skin impossibly soft.
Deep Moisturization – Coconut oil penetrates deeply into skin to provide hydration while also giving your scrub a silky texture. The rich fatty acids in coconut oil soften and smooth skin.
Softer Scrubbing – Raw sugar crystals are less abrasive against the skin compared to standard white table sugar. This makes it gentler on sensitive areas.
Antimicrobial Activity – Coconut oil contains lauric acid which gives it antibacterial and antifungal properties to protect skin.
Smoothing Effect – The combination of sloughing off dead skin then moisturizing newly revealed skin makes this scrub leave skin feeling unbelievably soft and smooth.
Fading Stretch Marks – Regular use of a raw sugar scrub can help minimize the appearance of stretch marks thanks to the exfoliation and skin hydration.
Low Cost – Raw sugar and coconut oil are very affordable ingredients, making this a budget-friendly DIY scrub option.
Using a raw sugar and coconut oil scrub 1-2 times per week is an easy and luxurious way to care for your skin. The results speak for themselves in terms of soft, touchable skin all over your body!
5 Amazing Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub Recipes
Ready to get started making your own sugar scrub? Here are 5 different recipes to give your skin an invigorating glow up:
1. Basic Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub
This easy 2-ingredient scrub is a great place to start experiencing the benefits of raw sugar and coconut oil. Customize the proportions to adjust the scrub intensity to your needs.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sugar (turbinado or demerara work well)
- 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, melted
Directions:
- Add 1 cup of raw sugar to a small bowl or jar.
- Melt 1⁄2 cup of coconut oil either in the microwave or on the stovetop then let cool slightly.
- Pour the melted coconut oil over the sugar and stir to combine.
- Scoop a tablespoon or so of the mixture into your hands, rub together, and gently scrub over damp skin in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and follow up with moisturizer.
- Store leftover scrub in an airtight container for up to 4 weeks.
This simple combination provides both deep exfoliation from the sugar along with silky soft moisturization from the coconut oil. It’s gentle enough for daily use over your entire body, though limit to 2-3 times per week on your face. The texture is lightly gritty yet creamy. Store it in the fridge between uses to keep the coconut oil solidified. This basic scrub is ready whenever you need a quick skin pick-me-up!
2. Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub with Essential Oils
Take your basic scrub up a notch by adding some skin-loving essential oils to the mix. The essential oils not only provide a lovely aroma but also give additional benefits.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 5-10 drops essential oil (suggestions: lavender, lemon, rose, peppermint, grapefruit, tea tree)
Directions:
- Add 1 cup raw sugar to a small bowl or jar.
- Melt 1⁄2 cup coconut oil in the microwave or stove. Allow to cool slightly.
- Add 5-10 drops of your chosen essential oil(s) and stir in.
- Pour the scented coconut oil over the sugar and mix together.
- Use as directed for the basic scrub, massaging over damp skin.
- Rinse, pat dry, and moisturize after use. Store in an airtight container up to 4 weeks.
Lavender oil adds a calming floral aroma while also being antiseptic. Lemon oil brightens dull complexions with its citrusy scent and vitamin C. Peppermint oil leaves skin tingling fresh. Experiment with different oil combinations to create your own signature scrub!
3. Coffee Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub
The caffeine in coffee combined with the exfoliation from sugar makes this an energizing scrub. The coffee also provides antioxidant benefits to help combat free radicals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee
Directions:
- Grind 2 tablespoons of fresh coffee beans into a powder.
- Mix together the ground coffee, 1 cup raw sugar, and 1⁄2 cup melted coconut oil until combined.
- Scoop some of the mixture onto damp skin and gently scrub in circular motions.
- Rinse off thoroughly. The coffee may temporarily stain light skin but will rinse away.
- Pat dry, apply moisturizer, and store remainder in an airtight container for 3-4 weeks.
The invigorating scent of coffee will help wake up your senses while getting your skin squeaky clean and soft. Use this scrub in the mornings for an energizing start to your day!
4. Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub with Honey
Honey adds extra conditioning properties to this recipe. The combination of raw sugar to exfoliate and honey to moisturize makes this scrub especially nourishing.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
- Mix together 1 cup of raw sugar with 1 tablespoon of honey until fully incorporated.
- Melt 1⁄2 cup of coconut oil and drizzle over the sugar and honey mixture.
- Stir to thoroughly combine then scoop some onto damp skin to gently scrub in circular motions.
- Rinse off then pat dry. Follow up with moisturizer.
- Store in an airtight jar in a cool place for 3-4 weeks.
The honey adds a natural sweetness while providing antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties. Be sure to really work the honey into the mixture to avoid clumping. Your skin will drink up the moisture while getting thoroughly exfoliated.
5. Raw Sugar, Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Scrub
For the ultimate softening effect, add shea butter to the coconut oil. This recipe delivers intense hydration.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw sugar
- 1⁄4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1⁄4 cup shea butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or oil (optional)
Directions:
- Melt 1⁄4 cup each of coconut oil and shea butter over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon honey or oil if desired.
- Pour the melted oils over 1 cup of raw sugar and stir until fully mixed.
- Allow to cool slightly before scooping some out to gently scrub skin.
- Rinse thoroughly, pat dry, and apply moisturizer after. Store leftovers for up to 4 weeks.
The addition of ultra-hydrating shea butter makes this scrub especially effective for dry skin types since it leaves behind deep, lasting moisture. The oils thoroughly coat each granule of sugar to make an ultra luxe exfoliant that smells divine!
With these simple raw sugar and coconut oil scrub recipes, you can give your body soft, smooth skin without spending a fortune. The ingredients are natural, effective, and easy to customize to your personal preferences. Mix up a batch and start gently scrubbing your way to beautiful glowy skin!
How to Choose the Best Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrub
Part of the fun of a homemade scrub is tailoring the ingredients to get the perfect texture and benefits for your unique skin. Here are some tips on how to select the right raw sugar and coconut oil scrub for your skin type:
Dry skin – Focus on extra moisturizing ingredients like honey, shea or cocoa butter. Use a higher proportion of coconut oil to sugar to combat dryness.
Oily/acne-prone skin – Incorporate clay or oil-absorbing ingredients like activated charcoal. Add tea tree, lemongrass or grapefruit essential oils. Use more sugar than oil.
Sensitive skin – Do a patch test before full use. Stick to gentle formulations without fragrances or extracts. Monitor skin closely.
Dull skin – Choose a coffee or higher-exfoliating version to slough off dead cells. Opt for moisturizing additions like honey.
Eczema/psoriasis – Avoid fragrance and keep it simple. Do a patch test first. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Consider whether to purchase a premade scrub or make your own using the recipes above as a base. Look for quality ingredients like organic, fair trade, unrefined, cold-pressed oils. Carefully check the label to avoid parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and other undesirable additives.
Be sure to store your scrub in an airtight container in a cool, dry place and use within 1 month for best freshness. Limit use to 1-2 times per week and adjust as needed based on your skin’s feedback. Gentle, thorough exfoliation is key to getting that coveted natural glow!
FAQs and Answers About Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil Scrubs
Curious to learn more about properly using raw sugar and coconut oil scrubs? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
1. Is it necessary to use raw sugar?
Yes, raw sugar is highly recommended for skin scrubs rather than white table sugar. Raw sugar has a larger grain size that provides a more gentle exfoliation. The molasses left in raw sugar also makes it less drying than refined white sugar. Plus, the minerals from the molasses offer additional skin benefits. Overall, raw sugar is a smarter choice than white refined sugar for homemade scrubs.
2. Can I use coconut oil if I’m allergic to coconut?
No, you should avoid using coconut oil if you have a coconut allergy. Some good substitute oils include almond, olive, avocado, or jojoba oil. You can also look for a premade scrub that doesn’t list coconut oil as an ingredient. Coconut allergies can cause rashes, hives, swelling, and other adverse reactions so it’s important not to use it if you know you are allergic.
3. How should I store my homemade scrub?
Be sure to store your homemade raw sugar and coconut oil scrub in an airtight container like a mason jar or plastic tub with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in a cool, dry place away from direct light, heat, and excess moisture. Heat and humidity can cause the coconut oil to melt or the ingredients to develop mold. Ideal storage temperature is around or just below room temperature. Only make enough scrub to use up within 3-4 weeks for maximum freshness. Preservatives allow some premade scrubs to last longer unrefrigerated.
4. How often can I use a raw sugar and coconut oil scrub?
It’s best to limit use of your scrub to 1-2 times per week for both your face and body. Over-exfoliating with a scrub can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity. Pay attention to how your skin feels and looks. If it seems tender, irritated or dry, cut back on frequency of use. When applying your scrub, use gentle circular motions and light pressure rather than roughly rubbing. Scrub for just 1-2 minutes before thoroughly rinsing off. Make sure to properly hydrate skin with moisturizer after exfoliating.
5. Is it okay to use a raw sugar scrub on my face?
Yes, raw sugar and coconut oil scrubs can be safely used on the face. Take care to avoid the delicate eye area and any open cuts, wounds or irritated areas. Use an extra light touch when scrubbing the sensitive facial skin. Rinse very thoroughly after use to remove all oil and sugar residue. Follow up with a good facial moisturizer since the coconut oil alone may not provide enough hydration for the face. Limit use to just 1-2 times weekly if your facial skin is very sensitive. Discontinue use if irritation occurs and opt for a gentler facial exfoliant instead.
6. Do I need to do anything special before using the scrub?
It’s best to properly prep your skin before going in with the scrub. Cleanse your skin or take a warm shower to open pores and remove excess dirt, oil or makeup first. Gently pat skin dry before applying the scrub. Make sure to wet your skin before putting on the scrub to allow it to spread evenly and penetrate better. If shaving, it’s ideal to exfoliate before shaving to prevent irritation. Have a towel ready to wipe off any oily residue after scrubbing. Follow up with a hydrating body butter or moisturizer.
7. What raw sugar should I use?
Look for raw sugar labeled as turbinado, demerara or evaporated cane juice. Be sure to avoid sugars that are too coarse or fine – the ideal crystals are medium sized. Darker colored raw sugar contains more molasses and minerals compared to light golden. Opt for organic raw sugar when possible since it is made without pesticides and excessive processing. Fair trade certified raw sugar supports ethical working conditions for the farmers. Store your raw sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to prevent clumping before use.
8. What’s the best coconut oil to use?
For scrubs, look for virgin or extra virgin coconut oil which is unrefined to retain more nutrients. Unrefined also has that nice coconut scent. Refined coconut oil goes through more processing but has less of a scent. Organic, unrefined coconut oil ensures no pesticides or additives are used. Fair trade brands also support better working conditions for production. Purchase coconut oil in glass jars or BPA-free plastic tubs. Avoid any coconut oil that smells rancid or looks yellowed. Store in a cool, dark place to prevent spoilage.
9. Can I adjust the proportions of the ingredients?
Absolutely! You can tweak the amounts of raw sugar versus coconut oil to find your perfect scrub texture. Use more sugar for extra scrubbing power if your skin needs more heavy-duty exfoliation. Use more coconut oil for very dry skin types that require extra moisture. Start with equal 1:1 parts sugar to oil as a baseline. Then slowly increase one ingredient or the other a tablespoon at a time depending on your preferences. Just be sure to add enough oil so the sugar spreads easily and scrubs gently without abrasiveness. You can also add other ingredients like honey, coffee grounds, essential oils, etc.
10. What precautions should I take when using a scrub?
- Do a patch test on your arm before initial use to check for any adverse reactions or allergies.
- Avoid using a sugar scrub on sunburned, windburned, peeled, broken or irritated skin.
- Rinse very thoroughly after use to remove all residue as sugar can allow yeast overgrowth.
- Discontinue use if skin becomes painful, inflamed or overly irritated. Seek medical help for severe reactions like swelling or rashes.
- Keep sugar scrubs away from the eyes, lips, open wounds, mucous membranes and other sensitive areas.
- Check ingredient lists for nut oils if you have tree nut allergies.
- Monitor use if you have diabetes, as sugar can impact blood glucose levels.
- Stop using if you experience discomfort and switch to a gentler scrub.
Give Your Skin a Glow Up with Raw Sugar and Coconut Oil
Hopefully you now feel excited and empowered to make your own luxurious raw sugar and coconut oil scrub right at home! This simple yet effective combo delivers incredible exfoliation and hydration to transform lackluster skin into touchably soft and smooth.
We covered the many benefits of raw sugar and coconut oil for homemade scrubs. You got 5 different recipes to try: a Basic version, one with Essential Oils, a Coffee scrub, one with Honey, and a Shea Butter blend. Tips were provided on how to select the perfect ingredients and frequency for your unique skin type. And common questions were answered to help you use your scrub properly and safely.
Reveal your most beautiful, radiant skin by gently sloughing away dullness with these easy raw sugar and coconut oil scrub recipes. Your skin will drink in the moisture while getting a healthy natural glow. A little self-care goes a long way, so take a moment to show your skin some love!
