Last updated: 6 August 2025
Quick Summary: This DIY Vanilla and Brown Sugar Body Scrub is a fast, fragrant, and all-natural exfoliator you can make in 10 minutes using ingredients from your kitchen. It gently smooths dry skin and adds a warm vanilla scent — the perfect homemade spa treatment for glowing skin.
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to soften rough skin and treat yourself to a spa-like experience at home, this DIY Vanilla and Brown Sugar Body Scrub is the answer. I make this scrub all the time — especially during winter — and it always leaves my skin smooth, moisturized, and lightly scented with warm vanilla.
Even better? It takes just 10 minutes to make, smells divine, and costs less than your average coffee. If you enjoy this, don’t miss my Lemon Sugar Scrub, Coffee Scrub, or Honey Sugar Scrub — all reader favourites!
3 Reasons to Love This DIY Scrub
1. Natural & Gentle
This scrub uses brown sugar — a soft, natural exfoliant rich in glycolic acid — and coconut oil for intense hydration. It’s suitable for all skin types and free from synthetic ingredients.
2. Customisable
Make it your own by adding lavender oil for calm, orange oil for energy, or a spoonful of honey for extra moisture. I love playing with new scent combinations based on the season!
3. Budget-Friendly
Each batch costs under $2 and makes enough for several uses. It’s also great for gifting — just pop it into a cute jar and add a ribbon!
Ingredients at a Glance
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | 1 cup | Exfoliates dead skin |
| Coconut Oil | ½ cup | Moisturizes deeply |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 teaspoons | Adds natural fragrance |
| Essential Oils (optional) | Few drops | Enhance scent/benefits |
🕒 Time: 10 minutes | 🧴 Yield: 1 x 8 oz jar | 🧖 Skin Type: All skin types
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- 8 oz airtight jar or container
How to Make the Scrub (4 Easy Steps)
- Combine 1 cup brown sugar and ½ cup melted coconut oil in a bowl.
- Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until evenly mixed.
- Add any optional essential oils and stir again.
- Scoop into a clean jar and seal tightly. Label with the date made.
Tip: Your scrub should feel moist but gritty. If it’s too dry, add more oil. Too wet? Mix in a little extra sugar.
How to Use Your Scrub
- Use a clean spoon to scoop a small amount onto damp skin.
- Massage gently in circles, focusing on dry areas like elbows, knees, and feet.
- Let sit for 3–5 minutes, then rinse off with warm water.
- Pat dry and follow up with moisturizer for extra hydration.
How Often?
- Normal skin: 2x per week
- Sensitive skin: 1x per week
- Not recommended for facial use — try my face scrubs instead
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this scrub on my face?
It’s best to avoid using body scrubs on the face — the sugar particles can be too rough. Use a dedicated DIY face scrub instead.
What oils can I substitute for coconut oil?
Try olive oil, jojoba oil, or sweet almond oil — all work well and offer similar benefits.
How long will the scrub last?
If stored in a cool, dry place and kept sealed, it should stay fresh for 2–3 months. Always use clean hands or utensils when scooping.
Can I give this as a gift?
Definitely! It’s a great homemade gift — just package it in a cute jar, add a tag, and you’re set.
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Hi, I’m Hershey — a lifelong natural skincare enthusiast with a love for creating simple, homemade beauty solutions that actually work. Inspired by my grandmother’s herbal remedies and my own sensitive skin journey, I started DIY Beauty Corner to share effective, affordable skincare recipes made from ingredients you already have at home.
Since launching this blog back in 2001, I’ve published over 750+ DIY tutorials — from nourishing body butters and exfoliating scrubs to soothing face masks and lip balms. Every recipe is designed to help you simplify your routine and glow naturally, without harsh chemicals or complicated steps.
With over 1,200 Pinterest followers, 900–1,400 daily saves, and nearly 900 daily visitors from Pinterest alone, DIY Beauty Corner has become a trusted space for thousands of readers exploring natural skincare each month.
If you’re new here, check out some of my most-loved body scrubs or explore the body butter section for skin-soothing inspiration. Thanks so much for stopping by — I hope you leave inspired to try something new!
