Exfoliating regularly helps to remove dead skin cells that accumulate on the surface, which can lead to acne, dryness, dullness, and itching. Olive oil is a natural antioxidant that protects and moisturizes the skin. By combining olive oil with sugar, a completely natural ingredient, you create a magical scrub for exfoliating. With just sugar, olive oil, and a few other ingredients likely already in your kitchen, you can make a variety of exfoliating materials for your face, lips, and body.
Ingredients
Basic olive oil and sugar scrub
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (45 g) organic honey
- ½ cup (120 g) organic sugar
Sweet vanilla sugar scrub with olive oil
- ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120 g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (45 g) honey
- ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil
Strawberry, olive oil, and sugar scrub for the face
- ½ cup (120 g) sugar
- ¼ cup (60 ml) olive oil
- 2-3 chopped strawberries
Brown sugar and olive oil scrub for the lips
- 1 tablespoon (12 g) brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon (7 ml) olive oil
Steps
Create a Basic Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
Mix olive oil with honey. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil into a plastic or glass jar with a lid. Stir in 2 tablespoons of organic honey until the ingredients are well combined.
- Organic honey will give you the most natural mixture, but regular honey can be used as well.
Add sugar. Once the olive oil and honey are thoroughly mixed, stir in ½ cup (120 g) of organic sugar. Mix well until the ingredients form a thick, grainy paste.
- You can replace regular white sugar with organic sugar.
- Add more sugar if you prefer a scrub with larger grains.
- If you prefer a smoother scrub, you can use less sugar.
Massage the mixture into your skin. Use your fingers to scoop a small amount of the mixture from the jar. Gently rub the mixture into your skin in circular motions for about 60 seconds to exfoliate.
- For very dry areas like elbows and feet, you can massage for more than a minute.

Rinse the mixture off with water. After massaging the scrub into your skin, rinse it off with warm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel to finish the process.
- The olive oil in the mixture helps to moisturize the skin, but if your skin feels too dry, you can apply lotion or cream to add extra hydration.
Create a Sweet Vanilla Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub
Combine olive oil, honey, vanilla extract, and vitamin E oil. Pour 1/3 cup (80 ml) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (45 g) of honey, 1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of vitamin E oil into a small bowl. Stir the ingredients thoroughly with a spoon.
- If you prefer a different scent, you can replace the vanilla extract with your favorite essential oil. Lemon, grapefruit, and lavender essential oils are great options.
Add sugar. Once the liquid ingredients are well combined, stir in 1/2 cup (100 g) of brown sugar and 1/2 cup (120 g) of granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture becomes a grainy paste.
- You can use all brown sugar or all granulated sugar, depending on what you have in your pantry.
Massage the mixture onto your skin in circular motions. Gently massage the mixture into your skin using circular motions, being careful not to scrub too hard to avoid irritating the skin.
- This scrub can be used on both your face and body. Just avoid applying it near your eyes.

Rinse the mixture off with water. After massaging the scrub into your skin, rinse it off with warm water. Splash cool water onto your skin to close your pores, then gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel.
- Apply body lotion or facial moisturizer after using the scrub to lock in moisture.
Create a Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberry Scrub for the Face
Mix sugar and olive oil. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup (120 g) of sugar with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of olive oil. Stir the ingredients carefully until they are fully blended.
- This recipe uses a 2:1 ratio of sugar to olive oil. You can adjust the amounts to suit your preference.
Add mashed strawberries to the mixture. Once the sugar and olive oil are well mixed, add 2–3 finely chopped strawberries to the mixture. Use a spoon or fork to mash the strawberries into the sugar and oil blend until everything is evenly combined.
- Avoid over-mixing the strawberries, as they can dissolve the sugar granules.
- Strawberries help brighten and balance the skin.
Transfer the mixture to a sealed container and store it in the fridge. Once all the ingredients are combined, use a spoon to scoop the mixture into a jar or container with a lid. Store the scrub in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for up to 2 weeks.

Massage the mixture onto dry skin. Using clean fingers, apply the mixture to dry skin on your face. Massage it gently in circular motions to exfoliate dead skin cells.
- Be careful not to scrub too hard. Your facial skin is delicate and can easily become irritated if you apply too much pressure.

Cleanse the mixture with water and dry your face. After exfoliating with the scrub, rinse your face with warm water. Use a clean towel to gently pat your face dry, then apply serum, moisturizer, and/or other products you typically use.
- You can use this mixture 1-2 times a week to brighten your skin.
Mix brown sugar and olive oil for a lip scrub
Combine brown sugar and olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon (12g) of brown sugar and 1/2 tablespoon (7.5 ml) of olive oil into a small bowl or plate. Stir the ingredients together until fully blended.
- You can adjust the amount of olive oil. The mixture only needs to be sticky enough for the sugar to bind, so you may use less than 1/2 tablespoon of oil if desired.

Massage the mixture onto your lips. Once the sugar and olive oil are well mixed, use your finger to gently apply the scrub onto your lips. Massage the mixture for about 30-60 seconds to exfoliate away dead skin.
- Use this scrub once a week. If your lips are severely chapped during the cold winter months, you can apply it twice a week.

Wipe away the mixture with a damp cloth. After massaging the scrub onto your lips, dip a cloth into warm water and gently wipe your lips clean of the mixture.
- Be sure to apply a lip balm afterward to soothe and hydrate your lips.
Advice
- If you don't have sugar in your kitchen, you can substitute fine sea salt for sugar in any recipe.
- Although regular exfoliation is good for your skin, avoid using it more than 1-2 times a week. Over-exfoliating can easily irritate the skin.
Warnings
- Although the mixtures contain natural ingredients, they may still cause skin reactions. It’s best to patch test before applying to a larger area. Dab a small amount onto the inner wrist and wait 1-2 minutes before rinsing off. Wait 12-48 hours, and if no reaction occurs, you can use the mixture.
Things You Will Need
Basic sugar and olive oil mixture
- Plastic or glass jar with a lid
- Spoon
Sweet vanilla sugar and olive oil mixture
- Small bowl
- Spoon
Sugar, olive oil, and strawberry mixture for the face
- Small bowl
- Spoon or fork
- Jar or container with a lid
Brown sugar and olive oil mixture for the lips
- Small bowl
- Spoon
