You don’t need a trip to the spa—or even the store—to get glowing, soft skin. With a few backyard herbs and flowers, you can whip up DIY sugar scrubs that feel ultra-luxurious and cost next to nothing. Think lavender, mint, calendula, or even rose petals that you can pick fresh and blend in minutes.
These homemade scrubs not only smell like heaven but also help exfoliate, hydrate, and refresh your skin naturally. We’ve rounded up 5 plant-powered recipes you can make from what’s already growing near you, plus 11 more ideas that smell so good, you’ll want to use them daily—no synthetic fragrance required.
From calming blends that help you unwind to citrusy combos that wake you up in the shower, these are the natural skincare DIYs that will have your friends asking, “What are you wearing?” (Spoiler: It’s lemon balm and sugar.) If you’re into clean beauty, herbal living, or just want a fun, easy project, this list is basically your summer skin reset.
Minty Fresh Delight
Mint leaves are not just for adding a refreshing touch to your drinks. When crushed, these leaves release natural oils that invigorate the senses. Imagine the cool, tingling sensation on your skin after using a mint-infused sugar scrub. This DIY scrub is a perfect choice for those hot summer days. It’s like a breath of fresh air for your skin. Harvesting mint from your garden makes this scrub all the more rewarding. Give your skin the minty love it deserves.
Lavender Calm
Lavender, with its soothing aroma, is known to relax the mind and body. This purple-flowered plant not only looks beautiful in your garden but also works wonders in skincare. Picture a peaceful evening bath, enhanced by a lavender sugar scrub. The calming scent is perfect for unwinding after a long day. When the flowers bloom, you can harvest them right from your backyard. Lavender-infused scrubs are a gift from nature to your skin.
Rose Petal Luxury
Roses symbolize elegance and beauty. Their petals, when used in a sugar scrub, gently exfoliate and nourish the skin. Imagine the soft touch of rose petals mixed with sugar, caressing your skin. This scrub is not just about cleansing; it’s an experience of pure indulgence. Creating this scrub from garden-grown roses adds a personal touch that store-bought products can’t match. Every scrub session becomes a luxurious ritual.
Lemon Zest Energy
Lemons are synonymous with freshness and vitality. Their zest, combined with sugar, creates an invigorating scrub that awakens both your skin and senses. Imagine the citrusy aroma filling your bathroom as you scrub away dullness. This DIY delight is perfect for a morning ritual that energizes you for the day ahead. Plus, having a lemon tree in your backyard means you can enjoy this zesty scrub anytime.
Aloe Vera Soother
Aloe vera is celebrated for its soothing properties, making it a staple in skincare. Its gel, when mixed with sugar, creates a gentle scrub that hydrates and calms irritated skin. Imagine the cool relief you feel as aloe vera works its magic. This plant is easy to grow, often requiring minimal care. Having aloe vera in your backyard means always having access to a natural skin soother. It’s your skin’s best friend.
Coconut Dream
Close your eyes and imagine being transported to a tropical paradise with the sweet scent of coconut enveloping you. Coconut sugar scrub boasts a rich, creamy texture that gently buffs away dead skin cells, leaving you with a radiant glow. It’s like taking a mini vacation in your own home. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil provide deep hydration, making this scrub a must-have for dry skin. Enjoy the tropical escape every time you use it.
Vanilla Spice Harmony
Warmth and comfort come to mind with the enchanting blend of vanilla and cinnamon in this scrub. Imagine the rich aroma filling the air as you pamper yourself. This scrub not only exfoliates but also leaves your skin with a delicious scent that lingers all day. The combination of spices and natural ingredients offers a cozy experience, perfect for chilly winter nights. Vanilla and cinnamon make a harmonious pair in this delightful scrub.
Coffee Wake-Up Call
For coffee enthusiasts, this scrub is a wake-up call in more ways than one. Imagine the robust aroma of freshly ground coffee beans invigorating your senses as you scrub away fatigue. The natural exfoliating properties of coffee leave your skin feeling refreshed and smooth. The caffeine content helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, making it a beauty favorite. Enjoy the energizing boost as you start your day with this aromatic treat.
Chocolate Indulgence
Indulge your skin with the luxurious feel of chocolate. This scrub combines the rich scent of cocoa with the exfoliating power of sugar. Imagine the velvety texture gliding over your skin, leaving it soft and nourished. Chocolate is known for its antioxidant properties, making this scrub not only a treat for your senses but also a boon for your skin’s health. Experience the ultimate indulgence with every use.
Peppermint Tingle
Peppermint offers a refreshing twist to your skincare routine. Imagine the cool tingling sensation as this scrub revitalizes your skin. The minty aroma is both invigorating and calming, making it a versatile choice for different moods. Peppermint is celebrated for its ability to soothe sore muscles, adding an extra benefit to this delightful scrub. Embrace the refreshing afterglow and let your skin feel renewed.
Honey and Oatmeal Comfort
There’s something intrinsically comforting about the combination of honey and oatmeal. This scrub offers a soothing embrace, leaving your skin feeling pampered and loved. Imagine the gentle exfoliation as oatmeal buffs away impurities, while honey locks in moisture. It’s a perfect solution for sensitive skin, offering a mild yet effective scrub. The natural ingredients work in harmony to provide a spa-like experience at home.
Cinnamon Spice Invigoration
Cinnamon, with its warm and spicy aroma, brings an invigorating touch to this scrub. Imagine the scent enveloping you, offering both relaxation and stimulation. The natural exfoliation helps to renew your skin, leaving it smooth and revitalized. It’s a delightful way to awaken your senses and add a spicy twist to your skincare routine. Enjoy the cozy warmth of cinnamon every time you use this scrub.
Orange Citrus Burst
Oranges bring a burst of sunshine to your skincare regimen with their vibrant scent and juicy freshness. Imagine the lively citrus fragrance lifting your spirits as you exfoliate. The natural oils and vitamin C content offer a rejuvenating effect, making your skin feel alive and vibrant. It’s a delightful way to start your day on a sunny note. Embrace the zesty allure of oranges with this refreshing scrub.
Ginger Spice Zing
Ginger adds a zingy twist to this invigorating scrub. Imagine the spicy warmth enveloping your skin as you gently exfoliate. The natural anti-inflammatory properties make it a wonderful choice for soothing tired muscles and rejuvenating your skin. The zing of ginger leaves you feeling energized and ready to tackle the day. It’s a spicy treat for both your skin and senses, offering a unique touch to your routine.
Jasmine Sweetness
Jasmine offers a sweet, floral escape that transforms your skincare routine into a beautiful ritual. Imagine the intoxicating scent enveloping you, creating a serene and soothing experience. The delicate nature of jasmine flowers brings a gentle touch to exfoliation, leaving your skin feeling pampered. This scrub is perfect for unwinding after a long day, as jasmine’s calming properties relax both skin and mind. Enjoy the floral serenity with every use.
Tea Tree Clarity
Tea tree oil is known for its clarifying properties, making it a favorite in skincare. Imagine the refreshing sensation as this scrub clears away impurities, leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. The natural antiseptic qualities of tea tree oil help to maintain healthy skin. It’s a wonderful choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin, providing a deep yet gentle cleanse. Experience the clarity that tea tree brings to your skincare routine.