8 Homemade Salt Scrub Recipes for Silky, Glowing Skin—Natural Exfoliation You Can Make in Minutes

February 6, 2015 by Larissa Coleman Leave a Comment

If your skin’s been feeling a bit dull, rough, or just in need of some serious TLC, a homemade salt body scrub might be just what the (kitchen) doctor ordered. Salt scrubs are one of my go-to DIY beauty staples—especially when the seasons change or my skin starts to feel like it’s been through the wringer.

Using a good salt scrub not only helps exfoliate dead skin cells, but also encourages circulation, promotes cell renewal, and gives your body that smooth, rejuvenated glow we’re all after. And the best part? These scrubs are incredibly easy and fast to make—no fancy equipment, no mystery ingredients. Just pure, skin-loving goodness whipped up in your own kitchen.

Once you make your first homemade salt scrub, I promise you’ll be hooked. They’re so quick to throw together and customizable to your specific skin type—whether you’re dealing with dry patches, oily zones, or sensitive skin that needs a gentle touch. Plus, they make fabulous last-minute gifts (especially when you pop them in a cute jar with a label and ribbon). Trust me, your friends will be begging for more.

In this roundup, I’ve pulled together 8 of my favorite salt scrub recipes—each with its own skin-boosting benefits and scent profile. From energizing citrus blends to calming lavender soaks, there’s a recipe here for every mood and moment.

So grab your mixing bowl, open the pantry, and let’s get scrubbing!

Looking for more recipes? Check out these scrub recipes over on our DIY Craft tutorial site, Craftbits.com

Check out these 8 salt scrub recipes for making your own salt scrubs that we found and try them out to see what is your favorite.

1- DIY Citrus Salt Scrub from Off Beat and Inspired

2- Ginger Lime Salt Scrub from Soap Deli News

3- Sea Salt Scrub from Primally Inspired

4- Homemade Coconut Salt Scrub from Wonky Wonderful

5- Honey Salt Scrub from Living Well Spending Less

6- Lavender Vanilla Salt Scrub from Building Our Story

7- Lemon and Grapefruit Salt Scrub from Frugal Living Mom

8- Coffee Salt Scrub from Savy Naturalista

This free bath and body recipe project shows you how to make your very own basic sugar scrub.

What you need

5 Tbs White sugar
2 Tbs Brown sugar
3 Tbs Epsom salt
1 Tbs Sea Salt
1/2 tsp Olive oil
2 Tbs Vegetable glycerin
2 Vitamin E capsules
1 Tbs Essential or fragrance oil

Instructions

1. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

2. Add oil, vitamin E and glycerin.

NOTE – slice Vitamin E capsules and squeeze out the liquid.

3. Mix until wet, and the ingredients stick together.

4. If it’s too crumbly, add a little more glycerin and fragrance.

5. Put in jar or plastic container.

Have you read?

DIY Herbal Vapor Rub Balm – A Natural Vicks-Style Decongestant for Cold and Flu Relief

When someone in the house starts sniffling, you just know it’s going to make the rounds. That’s when I reach for this homemade herbal vapor rub—our family’s go-to chest balm for easing congestion, coughs, and that heavy-headed sick feeling.

Made with gentle yet powerful essential oils, this balm works just like the classic Vicks rub (but without the synthetic stuff). It’s safe, effective, and smells like a eucalyptus grove with a hint of grandma’s medicine chest—in the best possible way!

Whether you’re treating a toddler’s sniffles or trying to head off a man cold, this DIY vapor rub will be your winter wellness MVP.

Why You’ll Love This Natural Decongestant Balm

No petroleum or nasties – A clean, green homemade Vicks alternative
Gentle enough for kids – With optional adjustments for littlies
Nourishing balm texture – Melts into skin without being greasy
Essential oils – Provide cooling, clearing, and comforting support
Customizable – Make it stronger for adults or extra-gentle for babies

Ingredients

Base:

1/4 cup coconut oil (or olive oil for a softer balm)
2 tbsp shea butter or mango butter
2 tbsp beeswax pellets

Essential Oil Blend (for adults):

10 drops eucalyptus essential oil
8 drops peppermint essential oil
6 drops rosemary essential oil
4 drops tea tree essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil

Optional for kids under 5:
Replace eucalyptus and peppermint with fir needle and cedarwood atlas, and halve the total essential oil amount.

How to Make Your Own Vapor Rub

Melt the base:
In a double boiler (or a bowl over simmering water), gently melt the coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax together. Stir until smooth and liquid.
Cool slightly:
Remove from heat and let cool just a few minutes—enough that it’s no longer scalding hot but still liquid.
Add essential oils:
Stir in your essential oil blend. Don’t add them too early or the heat will evaporate their goodness.
Pour into tins or jars:
Carefully pour into a small glass jar or metal balm tin. Let cool completely before putting the lid on.
Label & store:
Store in a cool place away from sunlight. Balm will keep for up to 6 months.

How to Use Your Herbal Chest Rub

For chest and back: Rub a small amount onto chest, upper back, and soles of the feet during cold or flu season.
For steam relief: Add a pea-sized amount to a bowl of steaming water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale.
For headaches: Dab a touch on temples and neck (use caution and avoid eyes).

Mum Tips

Patch test first if you’re unsure about sensitivities.
Keep a tiny jar in your handbag during winter for on-the-go sniffles.
For a nighttime version, add a few drops of Roman chamomile or lavender for extra sleep support.