Looking for some perfect Sugar Scrubs? I share some recipes for several including this amazing Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub.
SUGAR SCRUB
Guess what? I have another version of some sugar scrubs for you today. I LOVE these! they make the perfect homemade gift. what could be better than a Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
Sugar Scrubs are a great way to add some moisture during the dry winter months and soften up dry and itchy skin. And who doesn’t need that this time of year. It is also a great way to relax during this crazy busy season.
DIY SUGAR SCRUB
Print out a pretty label and add some fun scrapbook paper or bow and you have the perfect hostess, Christmas gift or Holiday gift idea! So pretty right? DIY Sugar scrubs are so easy to make. I bet you even have all the ingredients right on hand in your home now. Its a diy gift that is fun to make, use, and to give and receive. I love that it is also pretty to look at!
CAN YOU USE PEPPERMINT EXTRACT IN A SUGAR SCRUB?
You can use an extract in a sugar scrub. However, I prefer to use essential oils. Essential oils tend to be more pure and have a longer lasting smell and benefits because they are not diluted with other fillers and additives. Be sure you are using food safe and food grade versions of either an extract or an essential oil as you are placing them on the skin. The skin will absorb them into your body so you want high quality oils and/or extracts in your scrubs.
HOW TO USE A SUGAR SCRUB
You can use sugar scrubs in a bath or a shower. Get your skin wet with warm water, then scoop a small amount of scrub into your fingers and scrub your damp or wet skin. You can use your hands, a washcloth or even a scrub loofah to increase the exfoliation. Scrub the skin in a circular motion to cover the entire area. Then rinse the area with warm water to wash away the excess sugar for smooth and soft exfoliated skin.
HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE SUGAR SCRUBS
Be sure to keep your sugar scrub in a well sealed container. Sugar scrubs should always be scooped with a clean utensil, spoon or clean hands. Keep the sugar scrub out of the humidity. So don’t store it in the shower. Store it in a dryer area and bring in the shower when you are going to use it and then return it to a different area so it can last as long as possible without spoiling.
HOW LONG DO SUGAR SCRUBS LAST?
A body scrub with high quality ingredients should last uptimes to 3 months. Keep them sealed in proper containers and don’t introduce bacteria into them with dirty hands. Keep them out of the humidity so the sugar and the oils do not spoil.
WHAT ARE THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS TO USE IN SUGAR SCRUBS?
I love using DOTERRA Essential oils. In my opinion they are one of the highest quality oils you can find and are food grade safe.
To learn more about Essential Oils or to join my team, click here:
You can buy Peppermint Essential Oils here: Peppermint Essential Oil
WHAT SUGARS SHOULD I USE FOR A SUGAR SCRUB?
There are several different types of sugars you can use when making a scrub. The bigger the sugar crystal, the more exfoliation the scrub will provide. I also like to think about the aesthetic when choosing a sugar. You can really pick and choose depending on what you want out of the scrub.
WHAT OILS CAN I USE FOR SUGAR SCRUBS?
In this recipe I used almond oil, but any of the following oils work great.
- almond oil
- coconut oil (this oil solidifies at room temperature and will soften when you use it with warm water)
- grapeseed oil
- avocado oil
- nut oils (be careful if gifting this because many people have nut allergies)
- olive oil
SUPPLIES NEEDED TO MAKE SUGAR SCRUB
You just need a few simple ingredients to make your own DIY sugar scrub. Here are my suggestions.
- glass jar with wood spoon, or mason pint jar
- small wooden spoon or small wood scoop
- essential oil or peppermint extract
- almond oil, or any of the oils listed above
- Granulated White Sugar (other sugars listed above)
- food coloring
- wooden spoon
- mixing bowls (I love these red and white striped bowls)
- printable sugar scrub label (can be found below)
- baker’s twine or cute red and white striped ribbon
- cardstock for labels
- scissors for cutting labels
- glue stick for attaching label to jars
HOW TO MAKE PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB
- Set out two separate mixing bowls and fill each bowl with one cup of sugar.
- Add the almond oil to each bowl so that the sugar is a nice soft consistency but not too wet.
- Stir together the oil and the sugar in each bowl.
- Take one bowl and set it aside.
- Take the other bowl of sugar and add two drops of red food coloring and mix it together.
- Add 8-10 drops Peppermint Oil to the pink sugar mixture and mix it well.
- Take a clean container and add a layer of pink sugar using a large funnel. A paper funnel works well so the sugar can easily slide into the glass jar.
- Follow with a layer of white sugar.
- Continue until the layers until the jar is full.
- Add the lid to your store-boughtpintjar and wrap up with a bow or ribbon.
- Attach one of my free printable labels!
Peppermint Sugar Scrub
Sugar scrubs make the perfect homemade gift. What could be better than a Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub.
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup almond oil, divided coconut oil works too
- 2 drops red food coloring or raspberry juice
- 8-10 drops doterra peppermint essential oil
Instructions
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Set out two separate mixing bowls and fill each bowl with one cup of sugar.
-
Add the almond oil to each bowl so that the sugar is a nice soft consistency but not too wet.
-
Stir together the oil and the sugar in each bowl.
-
Take one bowl and set it aside.
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Take the other bowl of sugar and add two drops of red food coloring and mix it together.
-
Add 8-10 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil to the pink sugar and mix it well.
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Take a clean container and add a layer of pink sugar using a large funnel. A paper funnel works well so the sugar can easily slide into the jar.
-
Follow with a layer of white sugar.
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Continue until the layers until the jar is full.
HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB LABELS
If you would like to download the FREE printable sugar scrub labels, click on the link below:
DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub Labels
*As always, these labels are provided FREE for your own personal use. Please do not sale them on your sites, etsy stores, etc. or share them with friends and family. Send friends and family here to download their own labels. Thank you!
WHAT OTHER HOMEMADE SUGAR SCRUBS CAN I MAKE?
I have several other fun DIY sugar scrub recipes that I have created and shared here. There are so many scent options and essential oil benefits, so do a little research and create a scrub for anything you feel you would like! Click on the links to be taken to each recipe.
- Frankincense Sugar Scrub
- Myrrh Bath Salts
- Homemade Bath Salts Recipe
- Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub
- Peppermint Sugar Foot Scrub
- Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
- Lemon Sugar Scrub
- Citrus Bliss Sugar Scrub Cubes
- Lavender Sugar Scrub
- Brown Sugar Scrub
- Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub
- Grapefruit Sugar Scrub
- Chocolate Sugar Scrub
- Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar Scrub
THE ORIGINAL HOMEMADE PEPPERMINT SUGAR SCRUB
I am so glad you found me here. This recipe has been shared thousands of times over the last several years since I first shared it. It was even featured on The Ellen Show. I hope you enjoy making, using, gifting this sugar scrub, or receiving it! It has been a fan favorite and one of my favorite sugar scrubs to make and use still! Thanks for referring others back to my site. I always appreciate your support for the time and effort I put in here in my small corner of the internet! :)
BEST ESSENTIAL OILS TO USE FOR SUGAR SCRUBS
I love a good, high quality essential oil. I love DOTERRA Essential oils and use them in my home all of the time.
If you would like to learn more about Essential Oils or to join my team, click here:
You can buy DOTERRA Peppermint Essential Oil here: Peppermint Essential Oil
Be sure to pin the picture below to save this idea! xoxo
Brilliant! Now please share where you came up with those delicious looking jars!!
Ha! Thanks Beth! I have collected a few of the empty StarBucks Frappucino Drinks from my friend. They are the Jars the drink comes in! Aren’t they so cute. I use them as my milk jars that you may have seen in some of my photos and have done a few other projects with them. They are the perfect size and shape!! http://www.theidearoom.net/2011/04/diy-labeled-bathroom-jars.html http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/04/mississippi-mud-brownies.html
That’s brilliant! So cute. I was wondering where you found them too, and I can’t believe I didn’t recognize the bottles!
I was actually thinking what bottles to use and realised my Starbucks frappucino bottles looked similar and would be perfect. I rarely buy expensive drinks but they were half price and we kept the bottles. I think my mum took them though and it’s her I’d be making this for. :S
Maybe I’ll ask for one back and she can reuse it after she finishes the scrub!
So weird about it being the exact same bottles.
I made a sugar scrub once before, not of your recipe, and within a short time it had turned rancid so I had to throw it out. I did thoroughly enjoy it and it did make my skin feel very soft. Anyway to keep this from happening?
You can add like 1 tsp of Meadowfoam carrier oil. It will extend the shelf life.
Would castor oil work to extend shelf life?
I bought coconut oil for this scrub because the store did not have almond oil. I opened the jar and it is like solid wax. How can I use it for this scrub? I thought if i heated it then it would liquify, but then it would just solidify again at room temperature. Suggestions?
Heating it should melt it enough to mix everything together. When it’s all mixed and in the jar, it’s very easy to scoop out some to use. (I received this as a gift this Christmas and I’ve used it every day since!)
How much does it make?
I was thinking of using the same, maybe it has to do with fractionated versus unfractionated coconit oil. Unfractionated with solidify.
I believe you are right. Fractionated works best with this recipe.
Where do u get the bottles?? I’m looking everywhere and don’t find them.
Thanx. … wendy
These are bottles from Starbucks Frappes (come individually or 4-pack)
hi Amy! i am new to making sugar scrubs and is it OK if i use olive oil and peppermint flavoring instead of almond oil and peppermint essential oils?
The only problem with using olive oil is the color and slight smell. I prefer almond oil or coconut oil. As far as the peppermint oil, the oil is more concentrated than the extract, so you might want to use less extract. The Peppermint Oil has a lot of health benefits. So I really prefer the oil. Hope you enjoy!
This is a beautiful idea, but how do you use the scrub?
Using the scrub is super easy! You can take it into the shower or bath with you. Use it like you would with other exfoliating techniques- apply in circular motions to areas of the body that you want to remove dead skin cells. Doing this will also help improve circulation, especially with peppermint added it. I love using peppermint scrubs on my feet and then putting them into a hot foot bath. It is invigorating.
Great answer! Thanks for sharing. I am so behind on answering my emails and comments! So thanks for sharing all that!
Can I use it for my face?
Yep! Should be fine. Don’t use any oils that will clog pores like mineral oil. Coconut oil and olive oil will be great!
Not sure about hers, but you can buy the Starbucks cold coffee bottles that come in these exact shapes and size, enjoy them and then use to hold this scrub!
I think they look like the cold starbucks frapachino drinks, anyway I have been saving those jars and they look the same. I plan to make some for Christmas gifts. I am also going to make this up in small amounts using baby food jars, for a Bridal shower gift. Just as a small thank you for coming. Thank you for sharing your wonderful creativity with all of us :)
You are right about the jars! Thanks so much for the great comment. Giving away small jars of it sounds like a great idea!
Was wondering does just the 2 cups make just one bottle?? Making these for family needed to know how much to buy thanks
When I did this I used little Starbucks jars, you know the ones that you drink out of? They work perfect and are the perfect size! I also tried mason jars, they worked just as well. The only difference is the mason jar allows you to add more of the scrub! I absolutely LOVE this scrub, it makes a perfect gift for literally anyone!
I found jars just like this at Michaels. I don’t know but maybe Hobby Lobby has the too. Michaels had quite a few different Jars!! Walmart also carries what they call Shooter Jars in their Kitchen wares. Just not sure where to find the lids for those though.
Guys go check at the dollar stores for the jars! I just bought some there for a dollar each! Hope that helps! They’re the exact same ones :)
That looks so pretty! I can’t wait to try out this project. Thanks for sharing. :)
Megan
Thanks so much Megan. You are so sweet to take the time to leave a comment. I always appreciate it! I hope you love it!
I just made this a few minutes ago…I ended up using a small mason jar. I’m excited to give it a try. :) Thanks again for sharing.
Megan
I love this Amy!
Thank you for sharing it… I am pinning.
oh Thanks so much Desiree!!
What a fun gift idea! I look forward to making some of this – for myself and others. :-) I’ve been trying to think of a fun homemade gift for some of my neighbors and this looks like it might just be the thing. Thanks so much for sharing!
This is lovely Amy!! Can you please share a pdf of the label you used on the jar?
These are so cute! Would you be able to share the fun label on the front?
Great idea! I’m doing the foot scrub as well! Love the raspberry for color! ~Lisa
What a cute idea. I will have to make some of these. I just got some almond oil yesterday.
Cheri
Hello! I’ve made your sugar scrubs in the past and am anxious to try this latest version. I wondered what type of essential oils you used? I want to make certain I use one that is tried and true. Thank you. :)
These look really pretty but my question is what is a sugar scrub what do you do with it?
A sugar scrub can and is usually used to scrub the skin with. I use mine in the shower or just on my hands and feet. It leaves your skin soft, smooth and it smells amazing!
Love love love this idea!!!
Just curious, should it be refrigerated?? How long would it stay good for?
I think it will be fine if it is NOT refrigerated. My best guess is that it will last a couple of months in a well sealed container if you take care to not introduce bacteria off of dirty hands when scooping some out.
Where do you buy your almond or coconut oil? Do you recommend a specific brand?
I just buy mine at my local grocery store. I have purchased Coconut Oil in the bigger bottles (you see in the pic above) at Wal-Mart. Whole foods and health stores may carry them as well. I do not really have a certain brand that I love.
This is so pretty. I am determined to make some sugar scrubs for presents this year. Oh, and the jar idea is perfect, thanks for sharing.
love this idea! i love anything peppermint. so festive!
I love this idea and I am totally using it for Christmas presents this year! Would baby oil work in place of coconut or almond oil? And where is a cheap place to get essential oil fragrances? Thanks for this great idea!
Baby oil would not be an oil I would personally use. I hear it can really clog your pores. I would try to go with the other oils first.
I don’t really know of a CHEAP place to get essential oils. I feel like you get what you pay for. I really love using doTerra Oils. I do have a girl who I order my essential oils from. I can give you her email address if anyone is interested.
would appreciate the email address of your oil lady
I was wondering about Avon’s Skin so Soft
These look great! I was just wondering how long they last?
I would say a couple of months in a well sealed container.
Wow! I am definitely making this and handing it out to my friends and neighbors! What a great gift idea!
I’ve been wanting to do something like this for my sisters in law. Wait, let’s clarify. What I had in mind was not nearly so beautiful. Thanks for the wonderful idea!
These are so adorable! Would you be able to share the label file? I could never create anything that CUTE! Thanks for sharing this!
Like everyone else, I’m begging you to share the file for the label too. I’m making a basket of goodies for my boys’ teachers for Christmas and there is no way any label I make would look as good as yours!
Thanks so much for posting this awesome idea!!!
This will be perfect for a beginner like me! Thanks!!!
I know!! Anyone can make this and have great results!!
Is the white sugar loose or us it mixed w the oil as well? Thanx.
Yes. All the ingredients are mixed together!
Thanks for giving these beauty scrubs for free… Other people are charging for the same recipes…
Honestly, these are so simple to make. All you need is your imagination. Mix sugar and oil and then your favorite essential oils or spices and you should be able to come up with any combination!
I’m making these for my mum for Christmas! I love your recipes! The problem I had was with other recipes was that it was over-complicated by the people who wrote them. As I’m 12 I can’t really make anything that involves a lot of heating on the stove, in the oven etc as i’m not sure what bowls to use :-P so this really is perfect!
Will it change the results if I use hazelnut oil instead of almond?
I love this! What a great gift idea, thanks for sharing it.
Thanks for sharing! Mind if I ask where you got the jars?
The jars are simply recycled Starbucks Frappucino bottles. My friend gives them to my when her drinks are gone :) Aren’t they fun? I like to use them to drink milk out of too when the kids have a snack or a cookie!
Can you please post or email the PDF for the label you used? I really like your label, normally I would stamp my own, any ideas for that?
Several posters have asked for your labels, and also other questions regard shelf life, and info on essential oils. Where have you gone? Any reason for not answering these valid questions? Just curious!
Sorry! My five kids and Thanksgiving preps have kept me away from the computer!
As for those of you who have asked for labels…I am working on it. I have lots of trouble recently with other people just taking the link to my free downloads and then re-posting it on their own sites. This has been very frustrating for me and I am working on a solution. If you have followed me for a while you should know that I don’t mind sharing and am working on finding a good solution.
hey! what program do you use to make labels??
your website is fab! Happy Holidays
I usually use Photoshop elements or the Silhouette Cameo program and then print them out. thanks so much!
How do you get the label to stick on the bottles? Do you use some sort of special sticky paper or regular printing paper? I highly doubt its the latter since its not waterproof. Thx xx!
I actually do just use regular card stock paper and glue it on with a glue stick. You can print it on a laser printer so it will not run if it gets moisture on it!
do you find the coloring stains the skin at all?
Yes, it can if you use too much. That is why if you do add coloring just add a tiny little bit and then you will not have trouble!
Hi.
When you say use a small amount, would you say one drop of food coloring? Two? I am nervous about giving these as gifts and staining the skin. Thanks!
Amy, thank you for your reply. Just glad you’re back! :-) I hope you and your family have a bountiful Thanksgiving!!
Thank you for the wonderful idea!!! I am going to make this as a gift for the parent helpers in my classroom. This is an easy, not-too-expensive thing that I can give to “my mom’s” that shows my appreciation for their help.
Amy
Thanks for this post! I am so excited to make this for little gifts to pass out!
Can you find this granulated sugar at any store? It doesn’t look super fine & I was wondering if you used a specific brand! Thanks !!
Could you use peppermint extract instead of the essential oil?
how about the extract..as I already have some but not oils
Would I need to melt the Coconut oil down before I try to make any scrub?
I lovee this! They are super cute. I already made a few. Thanks for sharing :D
Hello there,
I love this idea and am planning on making this.. Can you post or send me a printable for the cute label?
thanks,
Lindsey
Can you tell me where I can print of labels? Thanks!
Just made this and used a coffee grinder to grind up candy canes to add to the recipe- it made the scrub a perfect pink, added peppermint smell, and it now has little chunks of candy cane that up the wow factor! I def recommend adding the candy canes. Thanks for the recipe!
I was thinking about this as well, but are there any problems with the “sticky” factor??
Oh I LOVE LOVE this, wondering if you can email me your thing as well for the labels and than I was wondering do you have any home made bath salts or something like this you can put in a bath, or can these go in a bath? Thanks
Bri
does the food coloring or the rasberry juice stain the skin?
I too, like everyone else, am wondering if you can email a link or post a link for the cute labels :) I’d love to have the labels to use for some Christmas gifts I am making. :)
Love this!! I love using the frapp bottles as well, as I drink them daily. I love to recycle! I was wondering what you use to get the label sticky off? I’ve used everything – as I feel – and it’s still such a tedious task. Any ideas or pointers would be much appreciated!
I am used a product called Goo-gone and it took all of the sticky adhesive off from the frappe bottles, followed up with a good washing with some dishwashing liquid.
I let them soak in hot soapy water and use the metal dish scrubbers to get it all
Peanut Butter! I know it sounds crazy, but it works amazingly well. Just put a thin layer of peanut butter over the sticky residue and then wipe with a paper towel. Little circles worked best for me. It came off SO easily, it was no work at all!!!
Amy,
I was wondering where you got the labels or had them made? THanks
Jessica
I am making this for gifts this Christmas, it looks so pretty!!!
So pretty and what a great gift! Your pictures came out great :)
I made this with red food coloring, which the red tinted my hands. I would omit the red and jsut add the oils for the smell. I also purchased lilac, which smells awesome. Thanks for teh great idea.
Will sunflower oil work??? I can’t find almond our coconut!!!
Sunflower or Safflower oils can work too.
How many jars will this make?
The recipe made enough to fill this one jar with about 1/4 cup of leftover scrub.
Can I use peppermint extract and do u have to melt down the coconut oil first? Need to make soon. :)
Hi Amy! I am loving this scrub for holiday gifts and can’t wait to make it. Was wondering can you email me the lable? It really makes the jar! Also, where can I get the almond or coconut oil from? Thanks so much for sharing such a wondeful idea!
I just finished making this. It was super easy! I used peppermint extract because the Walmart in my area does not carry peppermint oil, it still smelled good. I did have to use quite a bit more than a few drops of raspberry juice to get the right color. I even had some left over to use myself(as I made 4jars for gifts). Thanks!!
The label WE ARE BEGGING NOW!! This is such a great thing for the kids and me to make for teachers and friends. The label makes it SUPER great as a gift!!
The label is super cute, I see a few asking for a pdf of the label. are you able to email or give a link to the label to us?
Amy, this looks awesome and a great gift to giveaway during the holidays!
I would love the label for this as well! It’s so adorable! Much better than anything I’ve been able to create!
Hi! I am thinking about making these for Christmas presents for family… I have a question about the dye… Would it dye their skin? I am very concerned about this happening.
Please respond. :)
I mentioned earlier that the dye could stain. So I would omit that if you are worried about it. It will still be pretty white! :)
I would LOVE the pdf of the labels too!!! I am excited to make this for gifts!!! Thanks!!
I have started making some for Christmas. Would love the PDF for the label. Thanks
oh my goodness people make your own label! great idea, christmas pressie this year!
I would love to make these but where do I find the.bottles ?
Awesome project! TFS
Hey Everyone, Just google ” free labels”. More specifically, “kitchen labels”. And there you go. Pick the ones you like! You can choose the color, and the style and print whatever you want!
good luck!
i used this label (deep coral color) for the first line i put “merry christmas” 2nd line “peppermint candy cane” and 3rd line “sugar scrub”
http://www.myownlabels.com/bath-and-body_labels/SPMO81/
WHere do u find essential oils???? I want to use peppermint but idk where to even find the oils…HELP!!!
I buy them from a friend who sells doTerra oils! I love them. Here is her name and email. She is so kind and helpful. Just tell her I sent you over. Her name is Julie Crowell and her email is [email protected]
I just wanted to share this…I have made sugar scrubs for a while…and enjoy them…I have found a place locally where I live that sells scents…..I have found out that some essential are not safe for the skin. The place I use is Aztec Candel making supplier in Knoxville TN….they make a ton of scents that can be used to make sugar scrubs….including some by Bath and Body and Victoria Secerts and are skin safe. I love the scents that I am able to make…and they ship. If your feeling up to it…they also have a Lotion base (actually several to choose from including goats milk) and you can make your own lotion…(if you ask they will give you the recipe of how much scent to use per gallon) and they sell jars and other packing supplies. I found this place about a year ago…but this week will be my first attempt to make lotion…I am so excited!! HOPE this helps if you want a different slection of SCENTS.
How much did this recipe make? I am trying to do gifts and wanted to make sure I had enough for everyone :)
Thanks!
I was wondering the same thing! I think Amy mentioned earlier that it makes one Frap bottle plus about a quarter cup left over!
Hey! I just made a dozen of these!! I used the Starbucks jars which worked perfectly. I tested the scrub on myself and I used raspberry juice for the dye and it didn’t stain. I know some were worried about that but it doesn’t! Thank you for this post!
Where do you buy theses essential oils at?
Can you use any other oil alternative other than almond or coconut?
I cant find peppermint oil anywhere can I substitute it for peppermint Excreta
Oh my goodness….decisions decisions! I’d LOVE the peppermint candy cane label emailed to e if its not too much trouble. This is the PERFECT gift for all my co-workers! You are AWESOME!
She has them at the top of the page!
That’s so nice of you to share- thanks so much!
Thank you so much for the wonderful idea and sharing the tags!
Hi Sweetie,
I’m making these for my daughter for Christmas and have a question for you. I know you have to liquify the coconut oil first but does it go solid again after you make this? I want to keep it fairly soft. I know not to put it in the refrigerator and wondered how long it’s safe to use? I would think a couple of months? Feel free to email me!
Thanks!