Vanilla Peppermint Sugar Scrub Recipe (2024)

It is no secret that winter can be rough on skin, especially for gardeners. But whether you’re a gardener or not, we can all use some extra TLC on our dry skin during the holiday season, especially hands and feet. Why not try this luxurious spa-quality scrub this year?

This easy vanilla peppermint sugar scrub recipe smells like a candy cane and will help smooth out that rough skin on your entire body and moisturize it! Grab this easy sugar scrub recipe for yourself and make it as a fantastic DIY gift for friends and family!

What is Sugar Scrub?

Sugar scrubs are created with simple ingredients such as sugar, oil and sometimes salt that is mixed together in a bowl with essential oils, herbs, or extracts. The sugar helps to smooth out rough skin while the oil moisturizes it.

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While there are lots of combinations and variations you can use, I love to use coconut oil as my oil of choice, as well as small amounts of essential oil for a lot of bang for your buck. On the coconut oil topic, I do use refined coconut oil, so there isn’t any coconut scent in my sugar scrub. If the coconut scent works for you, then by all means, use unrefined coconut oil.

Why Use Sugar Scrub?

In winter, the cold, dry air not only causes you to lose moisture in your skin but also leaves it feeling tight and uncomfortable. One of the best ways to combat this is by using a sugar scrub on your skin to exfoliate off those dead skin cells.

Sugar scrub will exfoliate the surface layer of dead cells while moisturizing at the same time! And since this scrub can be made with ingredients you may already have on hand, it’s a cost effective way to have a little low-cost self care.

Homemade sugar scrub is also a wonderful gift to give to others, and while it can be bought at the store, making sugar scrub at home lets you know exactly what’s in it. Many commercially produced sugar scrubs use artificial fragrances and dyes that can actually irritate instead of soothing the skin.

This recipe calls for both vanilla extract and peppermint oil, but if you’re uncertain about using peppermint oil, I do give a substitution for peppermint extract in the recipe. You can also check out my recipe forcoconut sugar scrubif you’re looking for a difference scent.

Vanilla Peppermint Sugar Scrub Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make vanilla peppermint sugar body scrub at home:

• 2 cups white sugar (raw cane sugar or turbinado sugar can also be used)
• 2/3 cup refined coconut oil (unrefined works as well, but it will have a coconut smell.)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (learn how to make your own vanilla extract at home!)
• 6 drops peppermint oil (or substitute 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract.)
• 4 glass 1/4 pint mason jars

How to Make Sugar Scrub at Home

1. For best results, begin by setting out all of the ingredients within easy reach. In a glass measuring cup, scoop out coconut oil if it’s solid, and warm for 30 seconds in the microwave to return to liquid state.
2. Next, measure sugar into medium size bowl. Pour liquid coconut oil on top and stir until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and peppermint oil (or extract if using). Stir well.
4. Spoon sugar scrub into 4 glass 1/4 pint jars (for gifting) or into a 1 pint jar (to keep for use at home).

How to Use Sugar Scrub

To use homemade sugar scrub, you will want to wet your skin and then apply a small amount of the scrub to your hands. Rub the sugar scrub in a circular motion all over your body, taking care to avoid sensitive skin areas like your face and neck. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Close up your jar until ready to use next time.

I like to keep my jar in the shower for use there, but it can also be used exclusively on hands and kept next to the sink. Store it at room temperature, not in the fridge.

Making your own skincare products helps save money and lets you know exactly what you’re putting on your skin. The best part is this exfoliating scrub makes a lovely homemade gift that is affordable and just an all over great idea!

How long does homemade sugar scrub last?

Homemade body scrub has a shelf life of about six months (if it makes it that long) if it’s stored well. Use the mason jars I recommended above, and the best way would be to consider investing in the plastic lids that won’t rust if constantly exposed to the moisture in the bathroom.

Bonus, those plastic lids come in so handy anytime you want to use a mason jar for storage. We love them!

Sugar Scrub Variations

Want to mix this sugar scrub recipe up a bit? Here are some options for making homemade scrubs the way you want!

• Try almond oil or olive oil in place of the coconut.
• Add lemon zest and a few drops of lemon oil for a lemon sugar scrub.
• Leave out the vanilla extract or peppermint oil to create a simple vanilla or peppermint scrub.
• Try dried herbs from your garden. Rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano and lavender all make great sugar scrub flavors.
• Combine almond extract and vanilla extract for a fun variation.
• Use brown sugar or raw sugar for a richer scent and coarser scrub.

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