A few weeks ago I did a post on Epsom Salt scrubs/soaks. This week, I’m doing one on sugar scrubs. My inspiration? This ad that I came across on Facebook. 
They look fun, fresh, and premade! Chocolate scrub!? YUMMO! But I did a little investigating. This is what I found on the website for the Kiwi scrub….
First, it’s $13 and the container isn’t that big- 1.7oz to be exact.
Second, let’s take a look at these ingredients. You can’t even pronounce half of them, but I’d like to focus towards the bottom. CI 19140/Yellow 5 and CI 61570/Green 5. Those are DYES. Fake, synthetic, dyes, to help make the scrub kiwi colored. They do NOTHING to help your skin, and yet these additives are….added….and applied to your face, and then absorbed by your skin.
Third, the last is fragrance. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN!? The number that follows tells me it’s chemical. AKA fake smell. Don’t even get me started on why caramel is listed?
As per usual, there is a MUCH better, safer, alternative. There are SO many options when making your own sugar scrubs, personalized FOR YOU! Ingredients range from organic sugar, honey, coconut oil, cocoa powder, various essential oils, coffee….the options go on! Let me add, way more cost effective as well! 1 bag of sugar, a container of coconut oil, and essential oils may seem more expensive initially….but you can make multiple batches. You can gift them, or keep it all to yourself and have a supply on hand!
Organic Sugar
Organic coconut oil
Essential Oil(s) of Choice (here are a few I like):
–Grapefruit: natural antiseptic and disinfectant. Citrus is generally a great purifying agent!
–Lavender: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, disinfectant
–Geranium: antiseptic, astringent, and disinfectant
–Melaleuca: antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, astringent, disinfectant
1. In a bowl gently warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Do not melt it completely or make it too hot, it will melt the sugar. You want it just soft enough to mix. Think soft butter. Sitting it out at room temperature should do the trick.
2. Add 20 drops of essential oil of your choice. *I find geranium to be a strong scent and lean towards 10-15
3. Pour in 1/2 cup organic sugar. Mix until combined. You may want or need to add some additional sugar to create the consistency of your choice.
Store in a class container, small mason jars are perfect. Everything is personalized and you have control over what is going into your scrubs. No weird fragrances, no artificial dyes, you can pronounce every ingredient- all natural. These make great gifts, party favors, or just a way to treat yourself every day! I love using a citrus scrub in the mornings to help wake up, and lavender in the evenings. The sugar gently exfoliates, the coconut oil moisturizes.
Next time you’re tempted to grab a “scrub,” from the store, take a moment to look at the ingredients and remember that you have the power to take control of the products you use!
The Nurtured Bee 