Kitchen Beauty: DIY Lemongrass Sugar Scrub

A few weeks ago, I bought a brand new jar of a lemongrass sugar scrub that I really loved. It was made by a small company with all natural ingredients, and smelled absolutely amazing. It was a little on the pricey side, but given that it was a small business, I was happy to support it.

I got the jar home, drew myself a bath, got in, and proceeded to spill the entire contents of the jar into the tub! Whoosh! Just like that, my entire $14 scrub--which I'd meant to stretch out for a couple months--was gone.

During that incredibly fragrant bath, I decided that I would simply have to make my own DIY lemongrass sugar scrub. I've actually been making DIY sugar scrubs since I was a kid; my mom used to use a combination of sugar and baby oil in the shower all the time and so I learned from her and did the same. I no longer use baby oil as it isn't safe (it's made primarily from mineral oil, which inhibits the body's ability to release toxins and which leaches away fat-soluble vitamins from your body), but I regularly scrub myself with coconut oil mixed with granulated sugar or coffee grounds, which leaves my skin incredibly soft and moisturized.

I went to Whole Foods that same evening and bought the supplies to make my own scrub. Pretty much all the ingredients are things you can find in a regular grocery store if you don't already have them in your pantry. The essential oil is available at Whole Foods, health food stores, and some well-stocked pharmacies.

The Oil: I used grapeseed and almond oil as the base of my scrub. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil, if you prefer, though the latter two have a stronger scent that will compete with the lemongrass fragrance. If you want something that feels less "oily," try using glycerin as part of your base.

The Sugar: I use raw turbinado sugar (aka "Sugar in the Raw"), which is a little rougher and great for scrubbing. If your skin is more delicate, just use regular granulated sugar. Scroll down for the recipe below!

Tip: Look for the almond and grapeseed oil in the food section of the grocery store. They'll also sell it with the health/beauty products, but it will be triple the price!

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Loved this post? Here are a few other DIY gift ideas you might like:

• DIY Gingerbread Pancake Mix
• DIY Gift Basket Ideas
• Boozy Rum Cake Truffles 

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DIY Lemongrass Sugar Scrub
Makes 1 pint

Ingredients
1/2 cup grapeseed oil
1/4 cup almond oil
15 drops lemongrass essential oil (or use more or less according to your preferences)
1 1/2 cups turbinado sugar (sugar in the raw)

Material: 1 wide-mouth pint-size mason jar

Directions
Whisk together grapeseed oil, almond oil, and lemongrass essential oil. Pour into a clean mason jar with a lid. Add sugar and stir to combine. Seal with lid and store in a cool dry place.

To use: Use a scoop or spoon to scoop out scrub as needed and massage into your skin in the shower. Particularly great for legs, hands, and feet. Rinse off with warm water.