Refreshing DIY Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipe

Rejuvenate and revive your skin with this easy citrus sugar scrub recipe. With only 3 ingredients you probably already have on hand, you’ll be ready to whip up this gentle exfoliating body scrub in no time! 

The rosemary spearmint sugar scrub is such a winter hit that I decided to share my summer favorite as well!  It’s refreshing for your senses and your feet!

Sugar Scrub, or body polish is a luxurious way to refresh your skin. It is so gentle that it can even be used on sensitive skin. 

Exfoliating body scrub makes a great shower favor, quick gift, treat for yourself or a hostess gift when you are welcomed to a friend’s beach house.  This jar will keep my skin happy all summer long!

Keep a jar of this sugar scrub by your kitchen to soothe your hands after washing dishes. It will rehydrate your skin from the harshness of the hot water and dish soap. Keep a jar of sugar scrub in the shower for a mini spa treatment up to 3 times a week! 

Citrus Sugar Scrub Recipe Ingredients

It’s made with just a few ingredients, from your kitchen!

• Sugar – 1/2 cup of regular white table sugar is perfect for this diy sugar scrub! It exfoliates your skin, gentling rubbing away dead skin cells leaving your skin feeling smooth and radiant. 
• Oil – I use 1/4 cup Vitamin E Oil in this recipe which is so good for your skin. Its anti inflammatory properties soothes and calms, while hydrating dry skin and working to heal any blemishes. 
• Citrus – Is so good for your body inside and out! Naturally full of vitamin C it leaves your skin with a beautiful glow! It also can help to lighten sun spots or other blemishes on your skin. I love the texture and beautiful color the citrus adds along with its amazingly refreshing scent!  You can use the zest from one Orange, Grapefruit, or Lemon, or 2 Limes, in this recipe.

Supplies

• Large Glass Mixing Bowl
• Handheld Citrus Zester (variations under Tips and Tricks)
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups
• Sealable Glass Jars (I like to use mason jars or repurpose clean jars I already own)
• Ice Cream Scoop

How to Make Exfoliating Body Scrub

This scrub is so easy to make. It only contains natural ingredients and no artificial food colorings.

1. Combine sugar and oil.
2. Add zest.
3. Scoop into sealable glass jars.
4. Label and date.
5. Store for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Variations

This sugar scrub recipe is so easy to customize to fit your needs! 

• Citrus Variations – In this recipe I use orange, but any other citrus would work well! In the past, I have used grapefruit, orange, lime, and lemon. They all have worked wonderfully! If using lime I chose to use the zest from 2 limes since they are smaller sized fruit.
• Oil Variations – Vitamin E Oil, Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Almond Oil, Carrot Oil, Argan Oil, Jojoba Oil, and Grapeseed Oil. 
• Sugar Variations – Any white sugar should work well in this recipe. Sugar is used for a gentle exfoliation so keep that in mind when choosing the coarseness of the sugar. 
• For a winter sugar scrub try adding a dash of ground cloves or ground cinnamon. 
• Add a few drops of essential oils. My favorite combinations include other citrus oils to complement and enhance, floral scents such as moroccan rose or lavender, and woody scents such cedar or rosemary. 

Pro Tip: If using coconut oil, it will help to slightly warm the oil on the stovetop or even the microwave before adding it to the mixture. I love coconut oil and lime combination! 

How to Store Sugar Scrub

• This Sugar Scrub recipe can be stored for up to 3 months in a properly sealed jar / airtight container.  
• PRO TIP: Upcycle jars you already own!
• A simple ribbon also dresses up the jar and is a placeholder for a label. 

Tips

• See variations to mix and match with this versatile recipe! 
• Label and date your jars to ensure freshness.
• Zest is made from the top layer of a fruit peel. Always try to avoid the white pith. If you don’t have a zester, you can use a vegetable peeler to gentle peel the top layer of your fruit. Then cut the strips into finer strips lengthwise, and then again into tiny cubes widthwise. 
• To use in the shower, apply the exfoliating body scrub in a circular motion. Rinse.

Gifting Tips

Homemade body scrubs make perfect last minute gifts! Who doesn’t love a little pampering? 

I’ve found that quarter-pint size mason jars are perfect for storing this diy sugar scrub. It is also the perfect size for gifting. It provides several uses prior to expiration. Gift a jar alone or as a part of a gift basket. 

Wrap a jar in a square piece of burlap and tie it off with twine and add a manila tag. 

More Sugar Scrub Recipes

• Lilac Sugar Scrub – This all natural floral sugar scrub smells wonderful! It makes a perfect gift for Mother’s Day, teachers gift, or part of a gift basket!
• Lavender Lemon Sugar Scrub – I love fresh lavender, and what better way to use up leftover lavender than in the fresh and natural spring inspired lavender and lemon sugar scrub recipe! 
• Vanilla Brown Sugar Scrub –  Enjoy a little pampering with this luxurious and all natural sugar scrub! 
• Sugar Lip Scrub – Treat your lips to this hydrating sugar lip scrub! During the winter, my lips can become so dry and chapped. This sugar scrub has been so healing and renewing. 
• Sugar Scrub – Another amazing and easy sugar scrub recipe! 

More Natural Bath Recipes

• Homemade Lavender Milk Bath Recipe – Enjoy a long, luxurious soak in the tub with this homemade lavender milk bath recipe. This all natural recipe contains only 3 staple ingredients and cannot be more simple to whip up! 
• Rose Milk Bath Recipe – This rose scented milk bath is the ultimate luxury. Enjoy a little pampering for yourself or mix up a little extra for a friend. 
• Homemade Bubble Bath Recipe – Try this homemade bubble bath using your own favorite scents to inspire and refresh! 
• Bath Soak Ornament – For Christmas I was inspired to make a holiday themed bath soak ornament. Instead of a traditional jar, I stored the bath salts in a plastic ornament. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results! 
• Milk and Honey Face Mask – This super easy and simple face mask is full of nutrients for your skin to help it glow with health and retain its youthful appearance.