As the days grow warmer, body scrubs become especially useful again. With our skin spending more time exposed to sun, garden soil, salt air, and sunscreen, scrubs can help soften dry patches while leaving the skin refreshed.

A good warm-weather scrub does not need to feel overly polished or complicated. The most satisfying versions are often the simplest: sugar or salt, a light oil, and herbs.

Choosing a Lighter Base

The foundation of a body scrub usually begins with either sugar or salt. Both exfoliate the skin, though they create different experiences.

Sugar dissolves more easily in warm water and generally feels gentler, making it well-suited to frequent use during summer. Fine sugar produces a softer scrub, while coarser grains give more texture.  Meanwhile, salt works particularly well on rough areas such as elbows and heels due to its firmer exfoliation.

The oil portion matters just as much during warmer weather. Heavy oils that feel comforting in winter can leave too much residue in the heat. Lighter oils such as sweet almond or fractionated coconut oil absorb more easily.

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
• • Airtight jar

To Make

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

A Scrub to Beat the Heat

by Danielle Williams from Willow and Sage Summer 2021

You Will Need

• • ½ cup organic cane sugar
• • ¼ cup organic dark brown sugar
• • 2 TB. aloe vera gel: clear
• • 2 TB. grapeseed oil
• • Bowl: small
• • Airtight jar

To Make

Combine the cane sugar, brown sugar, aloe vera gel, and grapeseed oil in a small bowl. Store in an airtight jar, making sure to keep water out of the jar. To use, rub a spoonful of scrub on wet skin as needed. Avoid using this scrub on your face if you have sensitive skin.

Discover more simple body scrub recipes in our newly released Willow and Sage Summer 2026.