DIY Sugar Scrub: Adding Some Pumpkin Spice

Last week I got out of the shower and noticed that my legs were a little flaky.  Ugh.  I hate when that happens, especially when I am conscientious about exfoliating with my shower puff.  It was clear I needed to grab a body exfoliator the next time I was at the store.

Unfortunately, the store I stopped in didn't have anything I wanted.  They had the body wash with "exfoliating beads" but those lather based exfoliants really don't work well for me.  All I wanted was a sugar or salt scrub and they didn't have either.  I left the store empty handed.

A few nights later, it dawned on me that I could probably make my own scrub.  Not only could I make my own, it would save me a trip to the mall, be a lot cheaper AND have less chemicals.  I was thinking about what I had on hand to make such a concoction and immediately thought of using coconut oil and sugar as the base to the scrub.  One google search later, I was writing my own recipe!

The recipe below is adapted from The Novice Chef.




Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

Recipe Note: If you prefer a polish verses a coarse scrub, you can substitute all granulated sugar for the turbinado sugar.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup coconut oil
1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg

Did I mention this is good enough to EAT??!?

Directions:

Combine the two sugars and spices in a bowl and mix to incorporate. Microwave coconut oil for about 30 seconds to liquefy.  Add coconut oil and stir with a fork to combine with dry ingredients.  Add vanilla.  Store in a cute airtight container and stir before using as the oils will settle over time.

What I like about this is that it is natural (hello, you can eat it!), I can make it at home and it's much cheaper!  It's a win-win all around.  :)


Variations
You can go nuts with this basic recipe and pretty much make any kind of scrub you could ever want!

Coconut Vanilla Sugar Scrub:  Substitute the coconut oil for virgin coconut oil.  It's a little pricier but the difference in scent is amazing.  The virgin coconut oil literally smells like a vacation!  Omit the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Espresso Vanilla Sugar Scrub: Omit the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add 1/2 c. espresso or coffee grinds to the sugars and mix as directed.

Almond Sugar Scrub:  Omit the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add 1 teaspoon almond extract.

Orange Ginger Sugar Scrub: Omit the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add 1 teaspoon orange extract or oil and 1/2 tsp. ground ginger.

Peppermint Vanilla Sugar Scrub:  Omit the pumpkin spice, cinnamon and nutmeg.  Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract  Add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract or oil.  Add more peppermint, if desired. 


Who needs Bath & Body Works now?

I'm inspired to try making my own body wash now.  Stay tuned.