Simple to make, classic sugar scrubs are a must-have item for your skin-care routine. They not only help remove dead skin cells, improve circulation, unclog pores, and prevent ingrown hairs, but they also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth — a necessary tool during the cold winter months. You can use a sugar scrub one or two times each week. For sensitive skin, you’ll want to watch how your skin reacts and perhaps exfoliate less often.

Brown Sugar Rose Body Scrub

by Heather Skasick from Willow and Sage Summer 2023

You Will Need

• • Bowl
• • 1 cup brown sugar
• • 1 cup rose-infused almond oil
• • 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• • Spoon
• • Airtight jar

To Make

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together. Pour the brown sugar body scrub into an airtight jar, and store in a cool, dry place for about three months.

Citrus Brown Sugar Body Scrub

by Kayla Lobermeier from Willow and Sage Spring 2021

You Will Need

• • Bowl
• • 1 cup granulated sugar
• • ½ cup brown sugar
• • ½ cup jojoba oil
• • 2 TB. vitamin E oil
• • 2 TB. citrus-scented Castile soap
• • Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
• • 20 drops tangerine essential oil
• • 20 drop grapefruit essential oil
• • Spoon
• • Airtight container

To Make

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together until fully incorporated. Store in an airtight container. If using lemon zest, this scrub will expire more quickly because the ingredients are fresh. To use, apply a small amount to wet skin and gently exfoliate. Wash away with warm water. Best if used in the shower. This project is not intended for the face.

Winter Body Scrubs

by Vivi Locicero from Willow and Sage Winter 2020

Eucalyptus Body Scrub

You Will Need

• • Bowl
• • ¼ cup organic virgin coconut oil, melted
• • 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
• • ½ cup organic fine sugar
• • Spoon
• • Airtight glass jar

To Make

In a bowl, add the coconut oil, eucalyptus essential oil, and sugar, and mix everything together with a spoon until fully incorporated. Transfer the scrub to an airtight glass jar. To use, apply the scrub with your hands in circular motions all over your body while in the shower. Rinse off with warm water.

Oat & Chamomile Body Scrub

You Will Need

• • 3 TB. rolled oats
• • Mortar & pestle
• • Bowl
• • 5 drops chamomile essential oil
• • 3 TB. organic sweet almond oil
• • Spoon
• • ⅓ cup organic sugar
• • Airtight glass jar

To Make

Break up the oats into smaller pieces with a mortar and pestle. In a separate bowl, combine the chamomile essential oil with the sweet almond oil. Add the oats and sugar, and mix everything together with a spoon or your hands until fully combined. Transfer the scrub to an airtight glass jar. To use, apply the scrub with your hands in circular motions all over your body while in the shower. Rinse off with warm water.

Discover more body scrubs in our latest issue of Willow and Sage.

Danielle Williams is the managing editor for Willow and Sage, The Natural Home Issue, Mingle, and Art Quilting Studio. She lives with her growing family in Orange County, California.