If you're like me, you love finding simple ways to pamper yourself at home. Today, I'm thrilled to share a recipe I've been absolutely obsessed with lately: a whipped lemon vanilla sugar scrub that smells like a dream and leaves your skin feeling like silk!
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Why I Love Whipped Sugar Scrubs
If you've never tried a whipped sugar scrub, you're in for a treat. The light, airy texture feels amazing as you massage it into your skin to help with dry skin!
Sugar is a natural exfoliant, helping to slough away dead skin cells and reveal a brighter, smoother complexion. Coconut oil, the base of this scrub, is deeply moisturizing and nourishing.
The combination of lemon and vanilla is just heavenly… maybe my two favorite scents ever! And I love that I can make these homemade vanilla sugar scrub for cheap without having to buy expensive scrubs at the store!
Lemon is naturally uplifting and has some astringent properties, while vanilla is soothing and comforting. Plus, the vanilla bean powder gives the scrub the most beautiful, natural speckled look.
Let's Get Whipping!
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 cup granulated sugar (I prefer organic)
- 1 cup solid coconut oil (room temperature, not melted)
- ⅛ tsp vanilla bean powder
- 10 drops pure vanilla essential oil
- 15 drops pure lemon essential oil
Easy-Peasy Directions:
Combine & Whip: In a large bowl, combine the sugar and coconut oil. Using a hand mixer (or stand mixer with the whisk attachment), beat on high speed for about one minute, or until the mixture starts to look like wet sand.
Add the Goodness: Sprinkle in the vanilla bean powder, vanilla essential oil, and lemon essential oil.
Whip It Good: Continue beating on high for another 3-4 minutes, or until the scrub becomes light, fluffy, and almost doubled in volume. It should hold its shape when you lift the beaters out of the bowl.
Jar It Up: Transfer the scrub to a clean, airtight jar (a mason jar works perfectly).
How to Use Your Luxurious Scrub
To use the scrub, scoop out a small amount and gently massage it into damp skin in circular motions. Pay extra attention to rough areas like elbows and knees. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry. Your skin will be left feeling soft, smooth, and wonderfully scented.
Substitutions You Can Do To Customize These Scrubs!
This basic vanilla lemon sugar scrub is just a starting point – the possibilities for customization are endless! Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:
- Swap the sugar: Instead of white sugar, experiment with raw cane sugar, turbinado sugar, or even sugar crystals for a more intense exfoliation. For a truly invigorating treat, try a peppermint scrub with crushed peppermint candies.
- Switch up the oils: While coconut oil is lovely, you can substitute olive oil, jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Amp up the citrus: Add lemon zest for an extra burst of fragrance and a touch of natural color. Or, for a zestier experience, replace some of the lemon essential oil with a few drops of fresh lemon juice.
- Get creative with flavors: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract, or go for a bolder scent with peppermint or spearmint essential oil. For a more complex aroma, try a blend of citrus and spice oils.
- Explore other exfoliants: If you prefer salt, try a Himalayan salt scrub. You can also try a coffee scrub using finely ground coffee beans for a boost of caffeine.
- Add a fruity twist: Infuse your scrub with the vibrant flavors of summer with a raspberry lemon sugar scrub.
Feel free to experiment and discover your own signature scrub. The possibilities are truly endless!
A Few Tips:
- Adjust the essential oils: If you want a stronger scent, feel free to add a few extra drops of essential oil. Just be mindful not to overdo it, as essential oils can be potent.
- Storage: The scrub should last for several weeks if stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Gifts: This scrub makes a lovely homemade gift! Just dress up the jar with a ribbon and a little tag. Think of it for a great gift idea for Mother’s Day, Christmas gifts or her birthday!
I hope you enjoy this homemade body scrub as much as I do! It's a great way to save a little bit of money making your own homemade scrubs that will leave your skin (and your senses) feeling rejuvenated!
Other Sugar Scrub Recipes You Will Love:
- The very best brown sugar scrub recipe!
- DIY sugar scrub… made with rose petals!
- Looking for different types of sugars scrubs? Try this Green Tea Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Bars!
