7 Homemade Body Scrub Recipes for Glowing, Smooth Skin (Easy & Natural!)
I’ve been formulating natural skincare for years now, and if there’s one thing I wish more people knew, it’s how simple and effective a good homemade body scrub can be.
You don’t need ten products or a complicated routine. Just the right ingredients, in the right combination… and suddenly your skin feels soft, smooth, and like it can finally breathe again.
Over the years, I’ve studied natural ingredients in depth, trained professionally, and tested more scrub recipes than I can count.
And what I’ve learned is this: less is often more. Especially when you’re working with raw, skin-loving ingredients like sugar, coffee, oats or oils. I love them, they’re wonderful and they work.
So, if you’re looking for natural, easy body scrubs that really do make a difference (whether your skin is dry, flaky, tired, or just needs a little boost) this is for you.
Every recipe here is one I’d recommend as a formulator.
No fluff, no fillers.
Just simple homemade body scrubs that help you exfoliate gently and get that natural glow without confusing your skin or crowding your shelf.
Let’s get straight into it.
These are the scrubs that work.
✨ Brown Sugar & Coconut Oil Scrub
Softens, hydrates & smooths rough skin
This is the classic homemade body scrub — and for good reason. Brown sugar gently exfoliates without irritating, while coconut oil locks in moisture and leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft.
It’s simple, quick to make, and perfect for regular use.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted if solid)
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract for a sweet scent
How to make:
Mix everything in a clean bowl until it forms a soft, grainy paste. Spoon into a jar with a lid.
How to use:
Scoop out a little and massage onto damp skin in circular motions. Focus on dry areas like elbows, knees, and shins. Rinse with warm water and pat skin dry.
Why it works:
- This scrub can be used 2–3 times a week as part of your regular natural exfoliating routine.
- Brown sugar is gentle enough even for sensitive skin.
- Coconut oil helps restore moisture and soften rough patches.
☕ Coffee & Olive Oil Scrub
Boosts circulation, smooths skin & adds glow
This one’s a favourite for that post-shower glow. Ground coffee is a fantastic natural exfoliant that not only removes dead skin cells but also helps wake up dull, tired-looking skin. Paired with olive oil, it leaves skin soft, nourished, and radiant.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup used coffee grounds (or fresh if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for extra grit)
How to make:
Stir everything together until you get a rich, grainy paste. Store in a small jar with a lid.
How to use:
Apply to damp skin and massage in circular motions. Use on arms, legs, thighs — anywhere that could use a little refresh. Rinse well. This one’s best used in the shower.
Why it works:
- Coffee helps exfoliate and may support circulation.
- Olive oil nourishes and softens the skin barrier.
- A great option for a weekly scrub that leaves skin smooth, glowing and ready to absorb moisture.
🍋 Lemon & Sugar Scrub
Brightens dull skin & helps smooth rough patches
This is a great option when your skin’s looking a little flat or uneven. The sugar gently exfoliates, while the fresh lemon juice offers a natural brightening effect. It’s especially useful for areas like knees, elbows, or the backs of arms.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white sugar
- Juice of ½ a lemon
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or jojoba oil)
How to make:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Adjust the texture by adding a bit more sugar or oil if needed. Store in a sealed jar and use within a week.
How to use:
Gently massage into damp skin, focusing on areas that need a bit of brightening or smoothing. Rinse thoroughly. Avoid using on broken or sensitive skin, and don’t use this scrub just before sun exposure (lemon can make skin more sun-sensitive).
Why it works:
- Sugar exfoliates to help clear away dullness.
- Lemon juice contains citric acid, which may help even tone.
- Grapeseed oil is lightweight and rich in skin-friendly antioxidants.
A simple DIY body scrub that leaves your skin feeling refreshed, clean, and noticeably smoother.
🌾 Oatmeal & Chamomile Scrub
Soothes sensitive skin & supports barrier health
This one’s for days when your skin needs extra kindness. Ground oats gently buff the skin without irritation, and chamomile tea adds a calming, anti-inflammatory touch. It’s a soft, creamy scrub that feels more like skin care than exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup finely ground oats
- 1–2 tablespoons cooled chamomile tea
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil (or sunflower oil for a lighter option)
How to make:
Stir the ingredients together until it forms a smooth, creamy texture — not too thick, not too runny. Add more tea or oats to adjust. Make a fresh batch as needed or store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How to use:
Massage gently onto clean, damp skin. You can also leave it on as a calming mask for 5–10 minutes before rinsing.
Why it works:
- Oats soothe and soften irritated skin
- Chamomile helps reduce redness and calms sensitivity
- Jojoba oil protects the skin barrier without clogging pores
This is a great scrub for anyone dealing with dry, reactive, or easily overwhelmed skin. Gentle, natural, and kind.
🍊 Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
Brightens skin & boosts your mood
This one smells like sunshine in a jar. Grapefruit essential oil gives this scrub a fresh, invigorating scent that’s perfect for sluggish mornings. Sugar provides the exfoliation, and a lightweight oil keeps your skin feeling soft — not greasy.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil (or another light oil like sunflower)
- 8–10 drops grapefruit essential oil
How to make:
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until evenly combined. Store in a clean jar with a lid. Use within 2–3 weeks and avoid getting water into the jar.
How to use:
Massage onto damp skin during your shower, then rinse thoroughly. Focus on arms, legs, and anywhere that feels a bit dull or dry.
Why it works:
- Sugar gently removes dead skin cells
- Grapeseed oil softens without heaviness
- Grapefruit oil adds a refreshing scent and is often used for its cleansing, mood-lifting qualities
An easy body scrub recipe that’s simple, effective, and makes your whole bathroom smell amazing.
🧂 Epsom Salt & Lavender Scrub
Relaxes, smooths & helps tired skin feel renewed
This scrub is ideal for evening showers or days when you just need to slow down. Epsom salt gently buffs away roughness while lavender oil helps calm both skin and senses. A great one to use before bed or after a long day.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons sunflower oil (or almond oil)
- 6–8 drops lavender essential oil
How to make:
Stir the salt and oil together until fully combined. Add essential oil and mix well. Store in a clean, dry jar with a lid.
How to use:
Scoop a little into your hand and massage onto damp skin in gentle circles. Focus on heels, elbows, shoulders — anywhere that holds tension or feels rough. Rinse well.
Why it works:
- Epsom salt exfoliates and may help relieve muscle tension
- Lavender oil is calming and well-known for supporting skin repair
- Sunflower oil is lightweight and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for most skin types
A natural exfoliating scrub that doubles as a little moment of self-care.
🍯 Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Softens skin & smells like a treat
This one’s for when you want your scrub to feel like a little indulgence. The warm scent of vanilla paired with sugar and coconut oil creates a creamy, moisturising scrub that’s gentle and deeply satisfying to use.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup white or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted if needed)
- ¼ teaspoon natural vanilla extract or a few drops of vanilla oleoresin
How to make:
Mix everything in a bowl until smooth and well blended. Store in a small glass jar with a tight lid. If it hardens slightly, just warm a bit between your hands before use.
How to use:
Apply to damp skin, gently massage, and rinse with warm water. Great for arms, legs, and anywhere that needs softening.
Why it works:
- Sugar polishes the skin without being too abrasive
- Coconut oil hydrates deeply and leaves a soft glow
- Vanilla adds a subtle, calming scent many people find comforting
This scrub is perfect when you want something simple but lovely — and it also makes a beautiful gift.
A few final tips before you scrub
All these recipes are made with simple, natural ingredients — but there are still a few things to keep in mind:
- Always patch test new scrubs, especially if you have sensitive skin
- Use clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop them out — this helps them last longer
- Most of these will keep for around 1–2 weeks in a sealed jar (refrigerate those with fresh ingredients like lemon juice or chamomile tea)
- Don’t use scrubs on broken, sunburned, or freshly shaved skin — wait until your skin’s calm
Want more like this?
If you found this helpful, you might also love:
- Why Your DIY Coffee Scrub Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It!)
- DIY Sugar Scrub Benefits & Why they Make the PERFECT Gift!
- Flax Seed Body Scrub (Just Like at the SPA)
Or why not save this article for later so you can try them all?
Patri xx
