Sugar Scrub Soap Recipe
Looking for a natural and gentle way to exfoliate your skin and clean it too? This sugar scrub soap recipe is just what you need.
Made with all-natural simple ingredients like almond oil, goat milk soap, and essential oils, this scrub soap bar will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Plus, it's easy to make right at home. Read on.
Estimated reading time: 13 minutes
What is sugar scrub soap?
Sugar scrub soap is a type of exfoliating soap that uses sugar as its primary exfoliating agent. Additionally, sugar is a natural humectant. So it helps to keep skin hydrated and soft.
It's also gentle enough for everyday use, so it's a sensible choice for those with sensitive skin. Basically, it's the solid form of a sugar scrub.
This sugar scrub soap recipe combines the sugar scrub benefits of moisturizing and exfoliating with the convenience of a cleansing soap bar. You get everything you need in one shot and with less mess.
This particular DIY sugar scrub recipe for soap also uses a combination of essential oils to help keep skin clear and balanced. It will help with dryness, combination skin, and blemishes.
And the scent is a nice clean one too.
How to make sugar scrub soap bars
To make sugar scrub soap, you'll need sugar, goat milk soap base, sweet almond oil, argan oil, and essential oils. You can find sugar scrub soap recipes all over the internet, but most follow a similar format. And that makes it easy to experiment.
First, melt your goat milk soap base in the microwave. Then, add sugar, sweet almond oil, argan oil, and essential oils to the melted soap base and mix well.
Pour the mixture into a mold or container and let it cool. Once it's hardened, cut it into bars and enjoy.
Simple ingredients for sugar scrub soap recipe
The main ingredients you'll need for sugar scrub soap recipes vary, depending on the recipe you use.
However, most sugar scrub soaps include
- sugar
- goat milk soap base
- sweet almond oil or coconut oil as a carrier oil
- vitamin E oil or argan oil for dry skin
- and essential oils for scent
Optional ingredients may include shea butter, cocoa butter, or other dried herbs or flowers.
Goat’s milk soap
I began with my goat's milk melt for this recipe and pour soap base. It comes in a brick form from Amazon.
I like this form of goat's milk as it cuts out buying a few different products. In addition, it is very easy to use as my daughters help me with soapmaking.
To make the soapmaking process even faster and easier, I melt the goat milk base bars in the microwave.
That is when our solar panels are bringing in enough power. Otherwise, I use a double-boiler on my propane stove.
Then I add in all the other ingredients.
Goat's milk soap moisturizes well and is a great way to remove dead skin cells gently. It leaves the skin feeling lovely and soft.
Sweet Almond Oil
The next ingredient is sweet almond oil. I use this for many of our homemade natural beauty and health products.
It's gentle and doesn't add a heavy scent that interferes with the essential oils. If you prefer, substitute another oil such as olive oil or jojoba oil.
Vitamin E and or Argan oil Serum
I also get these from Amazon. Today, I'm using Argan oil serum only, although you could only make it with Vitamin E if you prefer.
Sugar
Sugar provides the "scrub" as the exfoliant in this sugar scrub soap recipe. Not only does regular white sugar (or brown) work as a scrub, it's all-natural.
So if you have a toddler who tries to eat the soap, they should be fine. (Ask me how I know.)
When you add the sugar, remember this. Use equal parts soap base to sugar. And don't worry, you'll find specific details on making this sugar scrub soap down below.
If you want it more "sugary," add in another quarter to half cup. However, I suggest trying this ratio first.
I've tried it a few ways and found this to be the best. It gives you a good amount of soap to lather. Yet it still has the sugar scrub feel.
Essential Oils
Lastly, you may add fragrance oil and essential oils.
If you are familiar with using essential oils, you understand the difference between using good pure ones vs. the cheaper quality ones now sold in many stores.
Just a word of warning. Be very careful about your source of essential oils. For example, essential oils that have been made with synthetic perfumes instead of plant extracts can be toxic.
They may have been formulated for use in a diffuser. So the oils might not be suitable for homemade health and beauty products.
You may want to try using your own naturally foraged and formulated oils. For example, we'll try this recipe with our homemade rosehip oils when I make my next batch this summer.
What's the difference between a sugar scrub and sugar scrub soap bar?
The main difference between traditional sugar scrubs and a sugar scrub soap bar is that sugar scrub soap bars usually include a goat milk soap base. On the other hand, sugar scrubs do not.
Goat milk soap is a good choice for people with sensitive skin, as it's gentle and non-irritating. It also contains natural moisturizing agents that help to keep your skin healthy and hydrated.
What essential oils can I use for sugar scrub bars?
The essential oils you choose for sugar scrub soap (or body scrubs) will depend on your preferences.
Some popular options include lavender, lemon, peppermint, and rosemary. It's essential to do your research and choose only safe essential oils. We are pleased with our Young Living Oils and the Revive Oils we've tried.
Here's what I used for this sugar scrub soap recipe.
Geranium
Geranium is the first of the four essential oils in this soap. At first, I found the floral scent overpowering but grew to like it when used in moderation and combined with the others.
Geranium is antibacterial and an antioxidant. So it helps stop aging signs and also acts as a natural cleanser.
Geranium also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps reduce puffiness in the skin.
Rosemary
I love the smell of rosemary and often use it in cooking. I grow it from seed and also have the essential oil. Rosemary's wonderful aroma always makes me feel like it is clearing out my respiratory system.
In the past, I've used it in a hair rinse recipe. It's been known to help with skin issues like flaking and itching.
Frankincense
Frankincense is one of the most popular essential oils and has a long-documented history of being used in skincare dating back to the Egyptians.
The earthy scent of frankincense helps tone down the floral of the geranium.
In addition, it's said to offer numerous health benefits.
Frankincense is an astringent, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. It can help strengthen the skin and brings balance to the tone and elasticity. And it helps reduce blemishes, and it is said to be anti-aging.
Lemongrass
The last essential oil in this recipe is lemongrass, an oil frequently used in body products. It adds a light, cheerful scent to the bar and helps to temper the geranium scent.
Lemongrass contains limonene. Limonene can lighten and brighten the skin and great for unclogging pores. It fights blemishes and purifies too.
FAQs for Making Sugar Scrub Soap Recipes
Here are a few of the questions I had before creating my sugar scrub soap at home.
What are some variations of sugar scrub soap to try?
If you're looking for some variation in your regular sugar scrubs, here are a few ideas to try next time.
Add different oils to change up the scent.
Try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper exfoliation.
Add dried herbs or spices like dried rosemary, basil, or peppermint for extra "scrub" or turmeric, ginger, or cinnamon to boost antioxidants.
How to store your sugar scrub soap?
Homemade sugar scrub bars should be stored in an airtight container (try a mason jar) in a cool, dry place. If they get too wet, they may start to melt.
How to use sugar scrub soap?
Sugar scrub soap can be used all over the body. Simply wet your skin, then rub the sugar scrub bar in a circular motion. Rinse off with warm water and pat dry.
What should I watch out for when following a sugar scrub soap recipe?
When making a sugar scrub soap at home, it's essential to ensure the ingredients are properly combined. If not, the sugar scrubs may be too harsh or irritating for your skin.
It's also important to use a mold or container that's the right size for the amount of soap you're making. Otherwise, the bars may be too thick or thin.
How often should I use sugar scrub soap?
Use sugar scrub soap 2-3 times per week for best results.
How to Make Geranium Rosemary Sugar Scrub Soap
I used a silicone mold to shape the soaps, and I usually would use a larger sized bar one.
I like the heart-shaped ones, but I like the honeycomb ones too. So I used the heart-shaped ones for the plain recipe (as below.)
But then I decided to add some of our homegrown dried rosemary. So I made smaller sugar scrub soap bars in the honeycomb mold.
This recipe makes six smaller-sized bars. However, you could use a smaller mold for sugar scrub cubes or even a larger mold to make three traditional-sized soap bars.
Ingredients:
1 cup (or 8 cubes) of goat's milk soap base
2 tsp. sweet almond oil
10 drops Vitamin E & Argan serum
1 cup of sugar
11 drops geranium essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
5 drops frankincense essential oil
8 drops lemongrass essential oil
Directions
First, check your silicone molds to make sure they're dust-free free. You don't want dirt and dust in your soap!
Melt the soap
Next, melt the soap base.
The soap should've come in a large brick. Instead, I sometimes buy a pre-scored brick already divided into cubes.
If that is what you have, you will need about 8 cubes total. If it's not already marked, cut out a slice of the soap around an inch thick. Then cube that into small blocks.
Add the soap cubes to a larger 8 or 12-cup glass measuring cup. Use this large measuring cup to mix the whole soap recipe. Microwave the cubes for 30 seconds.
Use a rubber spatula to stir and scrape the cup, especially on the bottom, for any clumps of soap. If you find soap clumps, stir a few times. Then place the soap mix back into the microwave for 30 seconds and then recheck it.
Microwave in 30-second intervals until it has melted and is smooth.
Note: the goat milk soap base thickens and sets quickly. So once the sugar gets added, you'll need to work fast to avoid re-heating your soap mixture.
Add the serum and sweet almond oil
Then, add in the Vitamin E serum and stir again. If you find the soap is clinging to the sides of the cup, just scrape or peel it and add it back to the middle.
Now, measure out the sweet almond oil and stir into the soap base.
Add essential oils
Next, you can add in the essential oils. Stir well as you add the drops to disperse them evenly.
Place the soap into the microwave for 30 more seconds to get it smooth and hot before you start to add the sugar. This will help the sugar mix in more easily.
Gradually mix in sugar
It is easy to have the sugar clump together in the soap and form a ball as you go, so I typically mix it in slowly, half a cup at a time, instead of all at once.
Keep stirring and turning the soap as you pour it in. If you feel the soap getting thick, don't worry, you can reheat it for 20-30 seconds to loosen it again.
Be sure you scrape the bottom and sides to get it all and give it one more go in the microwave if needed, so it all liquefied before you pour.
Pour the soap into the molds until they are around three-fourths full, and then if you have more soap left, top them off to finish.
The key to the last step in the process is not to move the molds once you've poured the soap. The top will be set up fast. And the bottom takes time to catch up. So they can easily spill and ruin the shape if you move them.
Let them fully cool, which should take about an hour or two, depending on your soap mold sizes.
Feel the center of the soap on the bottom to check the temperature. If it's cooled all the way through, peel the soap out of the molds.
Let the soap cool facing up for a few minutes, so if there is any moisture left, it will dry up. Now you are ready to use your new soaps!
Step-By-Step Sugar Scrub Soap Bars
How to Make Homemade Sugar Scrub Soap Bars
Looking for a natural and gentle way to exfoliate your skin and clean it too? This sugar scrub soap recipe is just what you need. Made with all-natural ingredients like almond oil, goat milk soap, and essential oils, this scrub will leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed. Plus, it's easy to make right at home. Read on.
Materials
- 1 cup (8 cubes or ½ block) goat milk soap base
- 2 tsps sweet almond oil OR coconut oil
- 10 drops vitamin E or Argan serum or a combination of both
- 1 cup white sugar
- 11 drops geranium essential oils
- 6 drops rosemary essential oils
- 5 drops francincense essential oils
- 8 drops lemon essential oils
- OPTIONAL: 2 tbsps dried rosemary
Tools
- Silicone soap mold
- 4 cup glass measuring cup
- measuring spoons
- rubber spatula
- wooden or metal stir stick
Instructions
- Melt soap in the largest measuring cup you have in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Add serum and sweet almond oil and mix well.
- Mix in essential oils. Microwave for 30 seconds more.
- Pour sugar ½ cup sugar, mix well.
- Pour in the remainder of the sugar. Microwave again if it starts to solidify before mixing.
- Pour into molds.
- Let cool for 24 hours.
- Peel out of molds.
Notes
This sets VERY fast! Microwave in 30 second intervals if needed to keep it workable. Be careful though, it's easy to overheat and you could burn your hands.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Making DIY sugar scrubs is a fun and easy way to start your first homesteading artisan and craft DIY projects.
The girls and I plan to give our sugar scrubs as gifts. You could make your soap and gift them for Mother's Day, Valentine's day, or a birthday.
We also keep these for personal use because we're trying to stick with all-natural products.
If you're looking for more ways to use natural ingredients in your home, check out our other homesteading crafts articles. And if you like this article, remember to save it for later!
