Around the holidays, I get really busy. Working retail has taught me to plan ahead and not expect much time for making gifts. This year is no exception. I have about 15 people to give small gifts to at work this year, so I’m making sugar scrub cubes! They’re quick and easy and can be made in most any color or scent.
Sugar Scrub Cubes are a fun, less messy, twist on regular sugar scrubs. They contain soap so they’re great for exfoliating while you wash, and are also extremely moisturizing – perfect for winter skin! They’re simple to use… just grab one before heading into the shower and gently wash skin, focusing on any rough or dry areas.
Homemade Sugar Scrub Cubes for the Body
Ingredients
- 12 ounces granulated sugar (I use organic cane sugar)
- 6 ounces melt-and-pour soap base – it can be clear or white (get it here or learn to make your own glycerin soap base)
- 4 ounces oil of your choice (jojoba, grapeseed, avocado oil, etc.)
- coloring, optional (can be food color or natural color, like beet root powder or cocoa – the amount varies with the intensity of color you want to achieve)
- essential oil of your choice – amount varies based on how strong you want the scent (find 100% pure essential oils here)
- bags or jars for storage
- ribbon or twist ties
- labels
Directions
1. Melt your soap base and add any desired coloring. Start with a few drops, then add more if you want a darker color. I melt mine in a double boiler and let it sit while I get the other ingredients ready.
2. In a glass bowl, mix the sugar and oil. When mixed well, add the essential oil. Again, start with a few drops and slowly add more until you get the scent you want.
3. When it’s all mixed, add the melt-and-pour soap base. Mix quickly and pour into a small silicone mold. I use this one – it’s made for brownies so it’s exactly the right shape and size. You can also use ice cube trays or a glass bread pan.
4. Allow them to cool and remove from molds. Cut into squares if needed. Package how you like and label.*
Helpful Tips
I use clear soap base if I want a strong color and white if I want a pastel. Goat’s milk base works great for this too.
If you use natural ingredients for color, mix them in the oil first to get rid of clumps. Then mix into the sugar.
*On the label, be sure to note that it is recommended for showers, not baths. Sugar water in the bath could contribute to yeast infections! And, like any soap or oil base, the shower can get slippery.
When choosing your mold, look for a small one so that your cubes are thicker. Or choose individual molds, like the brownie pan. If it gets too cool and is hard to work with, return it to the double boiler to soften it again.
Have fun with this recipe by using colors and scents for the season. I made green with pine scent and pink with peppermint oil. These aren’t just for Christmas though! Try lavender with lilac scent for spring, yellow with a floral scent for Mother’s Day, or brown with bay rum for Father’s Day. The possibilities are endless!
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Y Sarkar says
That’s good,because I bought 6 sparkly golden melt-and-pour soap bases.
Debra thanks for posting all these awesome DIY stuff!
Y Sarkar says
Can our melt-and-pour soap base be colored?
Debra Maslowski says
Yes, Y, you can use a colored base. You could also use a different base such as shea butter or olive oil. There are a great many to choose from.
Bina says
i am a new user to net. I read ur recipes for making body butters and body lotions. I just want to ask that what is the selflife of these products ? Can i have to use any kind of preservatives to store them for about 6 months ?
Debra Maslowski says
If you keep these scrubs in a closed container, Bina, they will last a year or more. If they are left out, the glycerin in the soap as well as the sugar will attract moisture from the air and they will get soft and sticky. I keep mine in a jar and only take out what I need each time. The oil in them could go rancid in a year or so, but I’ve never had that happen.
Carol L says
Just wondering if you noted that the link gives a glycerin soap base made with anti freeze? Toxic!
Debra Maslowski says
This product contains propylene glycol, Carol, which is only a component in some antifreeze, not the toxic part of it. It is also used in baking and cooking and many food ingredients. While it is not desirable to some, the consumer can choose which soap base to use depending on their preferences.