How to Make Sugar Scrub

Use everyday sugar to make a scrub that will keep your skin soft.

Cosmetic companies peddle thousands of skincare remedies to Americans every year, promising to leave skin bright and smooth -- and charge ridiculous prices for it. Don't spend another dime on any product in a tube that makes these outrageous claims. The secret to silky, glowing skin is in one simple product: sugar scrub. Sugar contains glycolic acid, an ingredient found in many "anti-aging" cosmetics. Glycolic acid is a chemical exfoliant, which means it removes dead skin cells and reveals the soft new skin underneath. Combining the exfoliating action of sugar with a moisturizing oil, your homemade sugar scrub will leave you with soft, healthy-looking skin.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil
• Essential oils
• Liquid soap dye
• Large bowl
• Wooden spoon
• Lidded glass container

Instructions

1. Pour the granulated white sugar into a large bowl.

2. Mix in the coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil. Stir with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed. If the mixture seems to be too hard, try adding a teaspoon or two of water. If the mixture is runny, add a few more tablespoons of sugar.

3. Add 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil. While this isn't necessary, it gives your sugar scrub a pleasant smell and leaves a lingering scent on your skin all day. You can also add in liquid soap dye to color your scrub, though this has no effect on the final product.

4. Transfer your sugar scrub into a glass container. Avoid using plastic, as the oils from your scrub will be absorbed into the container.

5. Store your sugar scrub in your bathroom, bedroom or anywhere you keep your beauty products. It does not need to be stored in a special manner.

Tips & Warnings

• Sugar scrub made with oil will not clog pores when thoroughly washed off, so don't be afraid to use your scrub on your face.

• Sugar scrub will last for 3 to 6 months without being refrigerated. While the scrub won't spoil after that time, the sugar will begin to settle to the bottom and will be less effective.

• Use brown sugar instead of granulated white sugar if you want a scrub with a coarser feel.

• If you don't have coconut oil, olive oil or almond oil, use vegetable glycerin instead.

• Since sugar scrub is a chemical exfoliant, it should not be used every day. Use it once or twice a week to avoid skin irritation.

References

• Care2: Homemade Sugar Scrub
• Oh My! Handmade Goodness: Tutorial: Make a Yummy Natural Sugar Scrub
• Glycolic Acid: Home