Today, I'm going to tell you how to make a very simple Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub. Before you run off because you don't have lavender, just wait...you can make this scrub with just the simplest ingredients that you probably already have in your home. Using lavender is optional (but highly encouraged).
I made a version of this scrub for my mother last Mother's Day and she loved it. Due to the calming and stress-relieving properties of lavender, she is now worry-free and always in a good mood. (I'm kidding. Come on. Lavender is very calming, but not magic.) All you really need to make this is sugar and an oil and maybe vanilla extract. Then you will have a simple vanilla sugar scrub. Everything else is optional, but adds a nice scent or other purpose (Vitamin E oil is an antioxidant and nourishes the skin).
Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub
1 cup sugar (white or brown)
1/4 - 1/2 cup oil (coconut, olive, sweet almond, grapeseed)
1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean
5-10 drops lavender essential oil
1/2 tsp Vitamin E oil (optional)
1 tbsp dried lavender buds (optional)
1 (8oz) or 2 (4oz) jars
Mix all ingredients in a glass bowl. Start with 1/4 cup oil and increase a tbsp at a time until desired consistency is reached. You don't want the scrub to be runny, but the sugar should be soft and saturated with oil. Test on the back of your hand if needed. Start with 5 drops of lavender oil, adding up to 10 to get desired scent. Scoop into jar and store out of direct sunlight. (Use glass jar/container or PET plastic if using essential oils.) Add label and tie ribbon around the top if giving as a gift.
*(I used all brown sugar, but you can use either white or brown or a mix of both. I used 1/4 cup coconut oil and 2 tbsp sweet almond oil plus 8 drops lavender essential oil and 1 tbsp dried lavender.)
How to use:
For use on hands, feet, and body, or (gently) on the face. Scoop a small amount of scrub into wet hands. Apply to area and scrub in circular motions until most of sugar dissolves. Wash off with warm water.
Read here for essential oil safety for kids.
Where do I find this stuff?
- Essential oils and Vitamin E oil: I buy my essential oils from Mountain Rose herbs (HERE) or the Aura Cacia brand from Vitacost (HERE) or Amazon (HERE). (Save $10 off your first Vitacost order with my refer-a-friend link here.) You can also find in some health food stores. If you are new to essential oils, while some of them may seem expensive, when used sparingly, they will last a long time.
- Carrier/Base oils (sweet almond, etc.): Since the oil will be absorbed in your skin, you want to use good quality oils for this. Again, I buy most of mine from Mountain Rose Herbs (here) and typically get my coconut oil from Amazon (here). You can find carrier oils like this almond oil (here) on Amazon as well. You can find decent quality olive oils in your grocery or health food store or online.
- Dried lavender buds/flowers: Mountain Rose Herbs (buy here) (Notice a trend?) But you can also find them on Amazon here. (Is there anything you can't find on Amazon...) Or you might find them at your local health food store -- I have bought them in bulk at Earth Fare.
- Jars: I use 2 (4oz) ball jars like these. You can find jars like the blue one pictured HERE (MRH) or HERE (Specialty Bottle). (I buy a lot of my jars/bottles from Specialty Bottle. No affiliation with the company.)
- Natural Foot Baths for dry skin, aches, detox, and more
- DIY Peppermint and Lavender Foot Scrub
- DIY Kichen-to-Tub Exfoliating Body Scrub (single use)
- and more Crunchy posts...
Shared at: Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Natural Living Monday, Thank Goodness It's Monday, Make Your Own Mondays
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I used to purchase an amazing sugar scrub that was from a spa in California. I live in WA, and after tax I would spend nearly $20. I loved how happy my skin was, but they discontinued the product from the store. I could not find it online for purchase either. I then decided to go for it and make my own. Vanilla lavender was the scent I loved so this recipe seemed perfect. I just made the body scrub and I am in love! It is exactly like the one I used. I used dark brown sugar too. I am happy I went for it and made it. Happy camper I am now! Thank you for sharing this info.!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I am happy that you love it and don't have to spend so much for it! I used to buy tons of expensive products for my skin, and it's amazing how much better my skin is since using oils and other natural things. Thank you for sharing your story!
ReplyDeleteI love sugar scrubs! This recipe looks like a great! I haven't ever used or cooked with vanilla bean paste. Sounds interesting! I will have to order some.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing on Natural Living Monday! I am off to pin this, so I remember to make it this weekend :)
Thanks Andrea! I love using vanilla bean paste. Hope you like it!
ReplyDeleteSounds great! It's exactly what I've been looking for! How long will it keep in a jar? I want to make heaps and stock up :)
ReplyDeleteHi Georgia! It should last several months as the ingredients aren't perishable. I've had mine in the bathroom for probably 6 months now...still smells and looks good! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHow come I can't use it on my face? Do you have one I can use on my face?
ReplyDeleteHi Angie...sorry, I meant to change that. You can use it on your face, just apply with gentle circular motions. Some people might have issues using it on the face, but I haven't.
ReplyDeleteYou can also use this baking soda/water mixture to exfoliate your face. http://livinthecrunchylife.blogspot.com/2013/03/at-home-microdermabrasion-with-baking.html
Hope it works out for you! Thanks for stopping by.
With the ingredients you used in parenthesis, is that what we see in the picture? So no vanilla was used? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Erv! Nope, I used vanilla. What I wrote in parenthesis was just more specifically the type of carrier oil, sugars, and oils that I used. But what is pictured is the complete recipe with vanilla, etc. I'll try to edit to make it more clear. Thanks for stopping by...I hope that answered your question!
ReplyDelete