We all secretly want to feel like Ariel from The Little Mermaid sometimes. This coconut-scented DIY Mermaid Sugar Scrub recipe will leave you feeling like a mermaid, even if you aren’t anywhere near the ocean!
DIY Sugar Scrub – Mermaid Style!
The beautiful blue and purple sugar sprinkles combine to create a look like the swirling ocean, and the scents of coconut and lavender will transport you to the beach!
This DIY sugar scrub recipe is easy to make at home with simple kitchen ingredients, and is safer way to exfoliate than many chemical concoctions!
What is a Sugar Scrub?
A sugar scrub is a skin care product designed to gently and naturally cleanse and exfoliate the skin. The sugar granules slough away dead skin cells, revealing soft, smooth skin beneath.
Sugar scrubs are a safe alternative to plastic microbeads, which used to be a common ingredient in body and face washes. Microbeads are banned in many countries now due to the fact that they pollute the environment.
How to Use Sugar Scrub
Use 1-2 times per week to remove dead skin cells and prevent rough, dry skin.
Sugar scrubs are best used on the body, especially rough patches on elbows, knees, and feet. Dermatologists don’t recommend using sugar scrubs on the face, as the large particles might be too rough for sensitive facial skin.
To use: In the shower, cleanse and rinse skin as normal. Gently massage sugar scrub into wet skin, then rinse and pat dry.
Sugar scrubs are also an excellent way to exfoliate the lips — try our Homemade Vanilla Honey Lip Scrub recipe!
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Mermaid Sugar Scrub Ingredients
- Granulated White Sugar — The sugar granules are what work magic to exfoliate dead, dry skin cells!
- Coconut Oil — This is the base for our sugar scrub, and also serves to moisturize the skin. Coconut oil is one of my favorite ways to heal dry skin naturally!
- Blue and/or Green Food Coloring — Just a couple drops for a fun mermaid experience!
- Blue and/or Purple Sugar Sprinkles (optional) — More mermaid magic! These are also exfoliants like the white sugar.
- Lavender Essential Oil (optional) — For a calming spa experience. Lavender is revered for its relaxing properties and promoting restful sleep.
How to Make Sugar Scrub (Pro Tips!)
Start by combining coconut oil and sugar in a mixing bowl.
- If your sugar scrub seemss too runny, simply add more sugar.
- If the scrub is dry and crumbly, add more coconut oil until you a spread-able consistency.
- When adding food coloring, start with 1-2 drops and mix well. You can always add more as desired, but if you add too much right away, you’ll have a scrub that is super dark and could stain the skin.
- Colorful sugar sprinkles make this mermaid sugar scrub even more fun! Adding a pinch of sugar sprinkles or sanding sugar adds color and helps exfoliate. However, the scrub will work just as well without this decorative sugar, should you not have any on hand.
- Adding essential oils, such as lavender, creates a calming, aromatherapy enriched experience.
How to Store
Always store your sugar scrub in an air-tight container to prevent drying out or contamination. With careful storage, a homemade sugar scrub can last up to 6 months.
Before using, give your scrub a quick sniff to make sure it still smells good. If it smells “off” then it’s time to toss it!
You can also store the scrub in a container in the fridge, to extend its life even longer.
Mermaid Sugar Scrub Recipe (Printable Copy)
If you like this recipe, please rate it! We’d also love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Mermaid Sugar Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- 1/4 Cup Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
- Blue Food Coloring
- Blue and/or Purple Sugar Sprinkles optional
- 5-7 Drops Lavender Essential Oil optional
Instructions
- Start by combining the coconut oil and white sugar in a large mixing bowl. Stir together to create your sugar scrub base.
- If your scrub feels too runny, add a bit more sugar. If it feels dry or crumbly, add more coconut oil.
- Stir in 2 drops of blue food coloring for a light blue tint.
- Optional: Add blue or purple sugar sprinkles for more color and extra exfoliation benefits.
- Optional: Add lavender essential oil for a calming aromatherapy experience.
More of our favorite homemade beauty products:
Chocolate & Cinnamon Natural Lip Balm Recipe
Cotton Blossom Sugar Scrub Recipe
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Helen says
Hi Stacy. .
I was wondering if using a more coarser sugar would be fine as well, or do you think i should stick with fine granules and not deviate…thank you.
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
I think a coarse sugar would work great and exfoliate well! Let me know how it goes!
Kathy Craig says
My granddaughter is allergic to coconut, I was wondering what I could use in place of the coconut. Thank you for your help. I’m just starting out and don’t know this stuff yet. 😆
Stacey aka the Soccer Mom says
Hi Kathy, you could use another mild oil — such as grapeseed oil, sweet almond oil, or even olive oil (though the other options may smell better!)