11 DIY Body Scrubs for Soft, Glowing Skin

Using ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

woman applying body scrub
(Image credit: Getty)

As much as we treasure (read: hoard) our skincare products, every so often we discover an easy homemade remedy we swear by, particularly when it comes to exfoliators like body scrubs. And while DIY options aren't appropriate for all skincare woes and you should always consult your dermatologist before experimenting with new ingredients, DIY body scrubs can be fun, inexpensive ways of indulging in a little self-care.

"You don't need to spend a fortune on a packaged scrub that's full of preservatives when you can make it yourself," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shamban, M.D. "The best part about a DIY scrub is that you're able to customize it to whatever your skin needs at the time, because sometimes your skin is rough and needs to be exfoliated, and sometimes it's dry and needs extra hydration."

With that in mind, we consulted our favorite beauty insiders, dermatologists, and estheticians for their best body scrub recipes.

The Coffee Scrub

coffee grounds with a cup of espresso and an espresso machine part in the background

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"In our opinion, the best body scrubs are made from coffee and honey. Coffee peeling exfoliates dead skin cells, smooths and firms the skin." says esthetician and co-founder of Atelier Beauté, Aneta Zuraw. "Honey takes care of moisture. It's cheap, easy to prepare, and is perfect for the care of the face and body." 

"We recommend using the peeling two to three times a week, but also when the skin looks gray, rough, and dull," says her co-founder and fellow esthetician Darya Rzaca.  "Performing a body scrub brings immediate results and it is best to use regularly, because it will allow you to enjoy the long-term benefits of this treatment."

  1. Brew enough coffee to generate three tablespoon of coffee grounds. For a stronger exfoliation, use at least four tablespoons.
  2. Mix the grounds with five tablespoons of honey and five tablespoons of olive oil in a bowl until thick.
  3. Apply the scrub to damp skin, massage it gently for about a minute, then rinse with warm water and dry with a towel.

The Rose Scrub

hand reaching into a box of rose petals

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Roses have tons of skin benefits and are super calming for the skin." says Karina Sulzer, founder of Skin Gym, Skin Camp, PaintLab, and YouthHaus.  "Jojoba oil is super moisturizing, and I prefer that specifically because it’s ultra-nourishing, but you can use any oil you like. Rose petals lend the scrub a sweet fragrance while rosehip hydrates. Rose extract is also good for skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. My grandma always had us use whatever we had at home to make skincare tinctures."

  1. Mash one tablespoon of rosehip oil with a handful of fresh rose petals in a small bowl. 
  2. Combine the mixture with one cup of extra-fine sugar and a quarter cup of jojoba oil. 
  3. Massage the blend into your skin, then rinse with warm water. 

The Anti-Inflammatory Scrub

bowl full of ground turmeric

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Haldi, or turmeric, as most people call it, is one of my favorite ingredients to use for any DIY body scrubs and masks," says Nikita Charuza, a fashion and beauty editor and the founder of Squigs Beauty. "Like many South Asians, I grew up using turmeric in almost everything from food to beauty products. It has amazing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This scrub will leave you with a natural glow and your skin will feel super soft at the end."

  1. Mix one cup of white sugar, a quarter cup of coconut oil,  two tablespoons of ground turmeric (haldi) powder, and half a teaspoon of Vitamin E oil in a bowl and stir well.
  2. Gently rub the mixture in a circular motion on skin.
  3. Rinse with warm water and pat (don’t rub!) dry with a soft towel.

The Brightening Scrub

mandarin oranges, one of which is peeled

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"This scrub will have you admiring how soft your skin is all day long," says Janine Mahon, a doctor of Traditional Chinese medicine. "Mandarin oranges ripen during the winter and are perfect for making the transition to spring. The peel has long been used in Chinese Medicine, prized for its ability to move stuck Qi, brighten our mood, and help relieve abdominal distention." 

  1. Combine one cup of organic cane sugar, a third of a cup of organic olive oil (or one of your choice), two tablespoons of local honey, and the zest of one mandarin orange. After zesting the mandarin, cut it in half and squeeze the juice into the mixture.
  2. Mix thoroughly and allow to sit for five minutes before using.
  3. While bathing, apply the mixture evenly on dampened skin, massaging in gentle circles towards the heart. Rinse with warm water.

The Soothing Scrub

a bowl and spoon full of oats

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Oats are naturally soothing and are rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides, which bind water and form a barrier to protect the skin," says naturopath and nutritionist Anna Mitsios. "I love using olive oil on the body as it is rich in antioxidants and is ultra-nourishing."

  1. Mix one cup of quick oats, half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of olive oil, and eight drops of your favorite essential oil in a bowl (Mitsiosrecommends grapefruit to enhance circulation), adding more essential oil if required.
  2. Scoop out a small amount in a plastic container and apply to the body in circulation motions at the end of your shower.
  3. Rinse with warm water off, allowing some of the oil to linger on your skin. Store any remaining scrub in the fridge. It should last for at least five days.

The Sensitive Skin Scrub

honey in cups

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Celebrity facialist Lord Gavin McLeod Valentine, who counts Kim Kardashian-West and Julianne Moore as his clients, spilled the recipe he likes to use on a daily basis that contains sea salt, brown sugar, and one other special ingredient: "In this mix, I love to add honey," Valentine explains. "Honey is one of nature’s super healers, effective at treating a variety of skin concerns due to its natural antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Honey is also known to help repair skin tissue and prevent UV damage, in addition to targeting congested pores and bacterial build-up, which leads to body acne."

  1. Combine half a cup of brown sugar, a quarter cup of sea salt, half a cup of the oil of your choice, and two tablespoons of honey in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly, adding more sugar, salt, or oil until the consistency feels right.
  3. Optional: You can add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil to give the scrub an uplifting scent that awakens your senses for the day ahead or calms your mind for a good night’s sleep.
  4. Apply evenly on dampened skin, brushing upwards towards the heart to increase blood and micro-circulation.

The Nourishing Scrub

coffee scrub on skin

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"When used correctly, coffee has many benefits for the skin because it's high in antioxidants," says founder of nature-inspired skincare brand Arêmês Fermentis, Regan Schneider. "These antioxidants help protect skin from free radicals, increase blood flow, and fight against anti-aging effects. The large amount of caffeine in coffee can also stimulate blood flow and dilate blood vessels, which has a huge tightening effect on the skin."

  1. In a bowl, combine half a cup of olive oil with one tablespoon of finely ground coffee grounds. Mix thoroughly.
  2. Add a quarter teaspoon of liquid hand soap to the mixture.
  3. Add one to two drops of the essential oil of your choice.
  4. Gently rub into the skin and rinse with warm water,

The Two-in-One Sugar Scrub

a bowl of brown sugar, with a spponful of brown sugar and brown sugar cubes in the foreground

(Image credit: Getty Images)

You may not have used two-in-one products since adolescence, but who's to say you can't rekindle that relationship? This recipe from Diana Shneider, founder of BELLA Skin Beauty, doubles as a face scrub. Now that's a win-win.

  1. Mix four tablespoons of brown sugar, one tablespoon of clover honey, and half a tablespoon of sweet almond oil in a bowl.
  2. Add four drops of lemon essential oil and three drops of orange essential oil.
  3. Stir and lather all over. Wash off with warm water when done.

The Tingling Scrub

pink salt in a bowl with spoon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"Himalayan fine salt and coconut sugar are both raw and full of trace minerals, which add nutrients to boost the skin’s appearance," explains Sophie Oliver, founder of botanical skincare line Baie Botanique. So get ready to feel all sorts of things after seeing how gorgeous your skin looks post-scrub.

  1. Mix four tablespoons of fine Himalayan pink salt, four tablespoons of coconut palm sugar, four tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil (or substitute olive oil), four tablespoons of maple syrup, and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (pulp included) in a bowl.
  2. Apply in a circular motion to wet skin, keeping some water nearby to apply to skin as needed to increase slip. Massage gently on your skin for one to two minutes. Rinse and pat dry.

The Glowing Citrus Scrub

bowl of white plain yogurt

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"This scrub and face mask is a great way to reduce inflammation and keep [your skin] hydrated and glowing," says Elizabeth Palomares-Michael, an aesthetician to Dr. Jason Emer in Beverly Hills. "This gentle scrub can also be left on for 15 minutes as a hydrating mask."

  1. Mix and gently apply three tablespoons of oatmeal, two tablespoons of yogurt, and one tablespoon of honey.
  2. Lather in a circular motion for two minutes, then allow it to dry on the skin for 15 minutes.
  3. Gently remove with a soft, wet washcloth.

The Clarifying Almond Scrub

almonds in a bowl

(Image credit: Getty Images)

"The exfoliating aspect of this scrub comes from almonds, which are rich in both vitamin E and antioxidants,” says Dr. Shamban. "Plus, unlike some harsh scrubs, which irritate the skin and cause an overproduction of oil, this one uses olive oil and avocado to prevent that dryness, making it especially great for people with oily backs or shoulders."

  1. Using a coffee grinder or food processor, grind a third of a cup of almonds into a rough powder. You could also finely chop the almonds by hand.
  2. Combine half a cup of olive oil with half an avocado (which contains vitamins B, C, E, and K) in a food processor until smooth.
  3. Mix the almonds and the avocado mash in a bowl or jar, then add two tablespoons of witch hazel (an astringent loaded with antioxidants).
  4. Smooth the resulting product over your skin, paying extra attention to oil-prone areas. Be sure to avoid the face!
  5. Rinse skin with warm water, dry with a soft towel, and be sure to follow up with a moisturizer.

The Healing Salt Scrub

Epsom salt in a bowl with spoon

(Image credit: Getty Images)

This DIY is a double whammy, thanks to its hero ingredient Epsom salt, which acts not only as a gentle exfoliant, but also as a tried-and-true muscle relaxant. “Epsom salts are high in magnesium sulfate, which directly relaxes muscle aches and pains,” says Dr. Shamban. The recipe also calls for green tea—one of the best antioxidants on the market, she adds—and lavender oil to create an incredibly relaxing and soothing body formula.

  1. Combine a quarter cup of olive oil, five drops of pure essential lavender oil, three teaspoons of Epsom salt, and one teaspoon of green tea in a bowl or jar.
  2. Mix the ingredients until you’ve created a paste-like consistency.
  3. Massage across skin, avoiding the face, and rinse with warm water when you're done.

Meet the Experts

Dr. Ava Shamban
Dr. Ava Shamban, MD

Dr. Ava Shamban is a board-certified dermatologist passionate about helping her patients feel their best. A California native, she is currently based in Santa Monica.

Aneta Zuraw
Aneta Zuraw

Aneta Zuraw is a co-founder of Atelier Beauté, a spa in New York City. She is currently based in Brooklyn.

Darya Rzaca
Darya Rzaca

Darya Rzaca is a co-founder of Atelier Beauté, a spa in New York City. She is currently based in New York, where she lives with her partner and children.

Karina Sulzer
Karina Sulzer

Karina Sulzer is an accomplished beauty and wellness entrepreneur, having founded Skin Gym, Skin Camp, PaintLab, and YouthHaus. Originally from Ukraine, she is now based in Miami.

Nikita Charuza
Nikita Charuza

Nikita Charuza is a fashion and beauty editor who has been published in Allure, People, InStyle, and more. She is also the founder of Squigs Beauty. She is currently based in New York City.

Dr. Janine Mahon
Dr. Janine Mahon

Dr. Janine Mahon is a doctor of Traditional Chinese medicine and founder of a body care brand. She is based in the southwest, travelling between the Santa Fe area and the Mexico City area, where she treats patients directly through her private practice.

Lord Gavin McLeod Valentine
Lord Gavin McLeod Valentine

Lord Gavin McLeod Valentine is a celebrity aesthetician and facial masseur. Trusted by a litany of A-list celebrities, he is currently based in Los Angeles.

Regan Schneider
Regan Schneider

Regan Schneider is the founder and CEO of bodycare brand Arêmês Fermentis and has also founded Matin du Bois Vintners. She is currently based in San Luis Obispo, California.

Sophie Oliver
Sophie Oliver

Sophie Oliver is the founder of Baie Botanique, a skincare brand devoted to creating products made exclusively from organic botanicals. She is currently based in London.

Elizabeth Palomares Michael
Elizabeth Palomares Michael

Elizabeth Palomares Michael is a licensed esthetician and therapist based in the Los Angeles area. She also works as a beauty consultant for brands and editorial.

Anna Mitsios
Anna Mitsios

Anna Mitsios is a naturopath with over 15 years of experience. She is also the founder of Edible Beauty, a sustainable skincare range that's also entirely edible. She is currently based in Australia.

Ruby Buddemeyer

Ruby was the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covered beauty across print and digital. Her work has appeared on The Zoe Report, Fashionista, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram.