One of the most fun self-reliance skills I've learned over the past decade is how to make my own simple sugar scrubs. This hibiscus-scented DIY sugar scrub has such a pretty fragrance, and it's an easy way to pamper your skin.
Why Make This Sugar Scrub
I love making my own beauty and skincare products because they're simple, affordable, and fun. This recipe for a hibiscus sugar scrub combines simple pantry staples with the benefits of hibiscus flowers for a natural skincare treat.
Sugar scrubs are inexpensive, simple, and effective. Even better, you don't need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just grab a few basics from your kitchen or drops of leftover infused oils and wilted flowers.
Anyone can whip up their own natural scrub with sugar and customize it to their scent and skin needs. And by the way, if you enjoy this gentle exfoliation, you might also like my Scrub With Sugar: Handmade Lavender Grapefruit Soap for a creamy, cleansing bar that doubles as a scrub.
How to Make Simple DIY Sugar Scrub with Hibiscus
So hibiscus flowers do NOT grow in northern Canada. But they are available in fresh-cut flower bouquets! Here's a quick look at how I turned my leftover hibiscus flowers into a smooth, fragrant scrub.
Once you get the hang of turning dried hibiscus flowers (or even leftover herbal tea leaves) into a natural scrub with sugar, you'll want to save all your leftover petals and tea bags to create your own combinations!
Ingredients for Homemade Sugar Scrub
Here's what you'll need to make this sugar scrub. Dry the hibiscus flowers on a tray in the sun for 48 hours. Alternatively, put then on a tray in your dehydrator on low for 8 hours.
- Dried hibiscus flowers (leftover petals or tea bags work well)
- Carrier oil (olive, coconut, almond or any kitchen oil on hand)
- granulated sugar (white or brown)
- hibiscus powder (you can grind dried flowers for this)
- essential oils (optional—lavender or citrus are nice)
- Clean 4-ounce jar or container
Directions for Making It
Follow these steps to make your own natural DIY hibiscus skincare scrub. Use it in the shower. Then, after exfoliating, continue your natural beauty routine by rinsing and treating hair with my Easy Homemade DIY Shampoo Bar Recipe Without Lye for a full head-to-toe routine. Follow that up with my Hair Butter recipe and you'll be all set!
- Infuse the oil
- Add dried hibiscus flowers to your jar until it's about three-quarters full. Pour in enough carrier oil to cover the petals completely. Seal the jar and let it sit for two to three weeks, shaking it every few days. This builds a richly colored, nutrient-packed hibiscus oil.
- Strain the infusion
- Once the oil is deeply tinted and fragrant, strain out the flowers using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. Save the infused oil in a clean container. You can dry and grind the used petals to make your own hibiscus powder.
- Blend sugar and oil
- In a mixing bowl, pour in one cup of sugar and the ½ cup of hibiscus-infused oil. Stir until the sugar is evenly coated. This forms the base of your natural scrub with sugar and oil.
- Add fragrance
- If you like, add 15 drops of essential oil for extra scent. Lavender, lemon, or rose oils complement hibiscus well. Mix thoroughly so the fragrance spreads evenly.
- Incorporate hibiscus powder
- Stir in the hibiscus powder a little at a time. The powder adds a gentle color and a hint of extra exfoliation. This also makes the scrub feel more luxurious.
- Transfer to a jar
- Spoon the finished scrub into your clean jar. Seal it tightly to keep it fresh. Store in a cool, dry spot and use within three months for best results.
DIY Sugar Scrub Recipe FAQs
Have questions about this DIY sugar scrub? These are the most common ones. If you don't see your question here, comment below, and I'll get back to you.
Can I use fresh hibiscus flowers instead of dried?
While fresh petals add a lovely scent, they introduce moisture that can shorten the scrub's shelf life. It's best to dry fresh flowers first or stick with leftover dried hibiscus to keep your homemade sugar scrub recipe safe and long-lasting.
Do I have to add essential oils?
Essential oils are optional. They enhance the fragrance and can add skin-soothing benefits, but the scrub will still work well without them. If you skip essential oils, rely on the natural aroma from the hibiscus-infused oil for a gentle scent.
How long will this scrub last?
Stored in a sealed jar at room temperature, your sugar scrub should stay fresh for up to three months. Always use clean, dry hands or a scoop to remove the scrub. Discard any batch that smells off or shows signs of mold.
Creating this simple DIY sugar scrub with hibiscus is a great way to put leftover flowers and infused oil to work while enjoying the benefits of hibiscus flowers in your natural skincare routine. For a fun twist, try my Easy Homemade Coffee Brown Sugar Scrub Recipe next time you brew a fresh pot—coffee grounds give extra polish and antioxidants. Give your skin a gentle polish and a boost of antioxidants without buying new ingredients.
How to Make Hibiscus DIY Sugar Scrub
Create a DIY sugar scrub with hibiscus using leftover petals and simple oils for a natural skincare boost. Quick and easy natural scrub with sugar at home—whip it up yourself.
Materials
- Hibiscus flowers
- Carrier oil (you’ll need at least ½ cup to create the hibiscus-inflused oil.)
- 1 cup sugar
- 15 drops essential oils
- ¼ cup hibiscus powder
- 4-ounce jar or 8oz jar
Tools
- Mason Jar
- Measuring Cup
- Measuring Spoon
- Mortar and Pestle
Instructions
- Add wilted hibiscus flowers into a glass jar of your choice and fill about ¾ of the way full. Cover the flowers completely with carrier oil. Let the jar sit for at least two weeks, shaking frequently. Then strain. But save the flowers to dry them and turn them into powder for a later batch!
- If using, add your essential oils to your infused oil.
- Next, combine the infused oil with sugar. Stir well to remove all lumps.
- Mix the hibiscus powder in last.
- Store in a glass mason jar or stone container with a scoop.
Notes
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Like this post? Save it, share it, and read it!
