Bath and Body

Soap Making, Oils and Recipes

Homemade Vanilla and Coffee Body Scrub

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Vanilla Coffee Sugar Scrub Recipe – This DIY spa treatment is so easy to make and will leave your skin feeling amazing. The recipe can be increased to make a larger batch if you wish to gift it to friends and family.

Why Coffee? The caffeine in coffee grounds has potent antioxidant properties that can help protect the skin from sun damage, reduce cellulite and stimulate the blood vessels.

 

Recipe fills (3) 4 ounce mason jars

Ingredients:

Step 1. Add sugar, coconut oil and essential oil to a bowl. Stir well

Step 2. Add coffee grounds.

Step 2. Stir well to combine.

Step 4. Using a canning funnel, pour into 4 ounce mason jars.

DIY body scrubs are a great way to give handmade gifts to friends, family, and even yourself. Not only are they thoughtful presents, but they also have a variety of beneficial effects on the skin. Body scrubs can help to exfoliate, moisturize, and nourish the skin, giving it a healthy glow.

Exfoliating with a body scrub helps to remove dead skin cells and any impurities that can lead to a dull complexion. By removing these elements, body scrubs help to reveal softer, smoother skin and a brighter complexion. They can also help to reduce the appearance of acne and prevent ingrown hairs.

In addition to exfoliating, body scrubs can also help to nourish the skin and lock in moisture. Many body scrubs are made with natural oils, such as coconut, jojoba, or almond, which can help to replenish the skin and protect it from dryness. These oils are also rich in antioxidants, which can help to fight the signs of aging.

Finally, DIY body scrubs are an excellent way to relax and unwind. The act of scrubbing the skin with a body scrub can be incredibly therapeutic, and many scrubs are made with essential oils that can help to relieve stress and create a calming atmosphere.

Overall, DIY body scrubs can be a great way to give a handmade gift that is both thoughtful and beneficial to the recipient’s skin. They can help to exfoliate, nourish, and moisturize the skin, while also providing relaxation and stress relief.

Comments

  2. I’d like to know myself…. Are the coffee grounds fresh or is it already used coffee grounds?

  3. I save the coffee grounds from my husband’s morning coffee, spread them out to dry and save them in a container to use in coffee scrubs.

Have you read?

DIY Burn Relief Soap – A Soothing Aloe Vera and Lavender Recipe for Sunburn, Windburn, and Irritated Skin

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been caught out without sunscreen—and paid the price with lobster-red shoulders, itchy rashes, or skin so tender you could cry brushing against cotton sheets. Been there, done that (more than once if I’m honest). Whether it’s summer sunburn, winter windburn, or a splash from a hot pan, our skin sometimes needs a little extra TLC—and that’s where this DIY Burn Relief Soap comes in.

This homemade soap bar is designed to calm, hydrate, and gently cleanse burned or irritated skin. Made with a melt-and-pour soap base, soothing aloe vera, and essential oils like lavender and chamomile, it’s gentle enough for daily use—even for kids or those with sensitive skin.

Think of it as first-aid meets spa day in a soap bar.

Why This Soap Works for Burn Relief

Each ingredient in this recipe has a soothing purpose—no fillers, no synthetics, just skin-loving goodness:

  • Aloe Vera Gel
     Famous for its burn-healing powers, aloe is cooling, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory. It speeds up healing and eases discomfort on contact. 
  • Chamomile-Infused Oil
     Chamomile contains bisabolol and apigenin—natural compounds known to reduce redness, calm inflammation, and support skin regeneration. 
  • Lavender Essential Oil
     Not just for relaxation, lavender is also antimicrobial and helps soothe painful skin. It may even reduce scarring over time. 
  • Goat’s Milk or Aloe Melt and Pour Base
     A gentle, nourishing base loaded with vitamins, perfect for dry or damaged skin. The creamy lather won’t strip away your natural oils. 
  • Tea Tree Oil (Optional)
     A drop or two adds antibacterial support, especially if your burn is the result of heat rash or has broken the skin. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb goat’s milk or aloe vera melt-and-pour soap base 
  • 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no alcohol or colorants) 
  • 1 tablespoon chamomile-infused oil
     (You can DIY this by steeping dried chamomile flowers in sweet almond or olive oil for 1–2 weeks) 
  • 10 drops lavender essential oil 
  • 5 drops tea tree essential oil (optional) 
  • Silicone soap mold 
  • Rubbing alcohol (for surface bubbles, optional) 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Soap Base

Cut the melt-and-pour soap base into small cubes for even melting. Use a double boiler or microwave in short 20–30 second bursts, stirring often until smooth.

2. Add Aloe Vera and Oils

Remove from heat and stir in the aloe vera gel and chamomile-infused oil. Mix gently until fully combined.

3. Add Essential Oils

Once the soap cools slightly but is still pourable, add the lavender (and optional tea tree) essential oil. Avoid adding them while the soap is too hot, or they’ll evaporate.

4. Pour Into Molds

Carefully pour the mixture into your soap molds. Spritz the surface with rubbing alcohol to remove bubbles.

5. Let It Set

Allow the soaps to cool and harden completely—usually 3–4 hours at room temp, or pop into the fridge to speed things up.

6. Unmold and Store

Once firm, gently pop out your bars. Store in an airtight container or wrap in wax paper to keep them fresh and prevent “soap sweating.”

How to Use Your Burn Relief Soap

  • Use in the shower or bath after sun exposure or any time your skin feels tight, hot, or inflamed. 
  • Gently lather with lukewarm water—avoid hot water, which can aggravate burns. 
  • Pat skin dry with a soft towel and follow with a natural after-sun lotion or body oil for extra moisture. 

Make It Your Own – Variations & Tips

  • Add Oatmeal: For extra calming, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of finely ground oats (colloidal oatmeal works best). 
  • Extra Cooling: Add 2–3 drops of peppermint essential oil for a gentle cooling tingle—great for sunburn. 
  • Herbal Layer: Place dried calendula or chamomile petals in the bottom of your mold before pouring the soap for a botanical, handmade look. 
  • Mini Soaps: Pour into mini silicone molds to make burn relief travel soaps for beach bags, camping kits, or gifts. 

Safety Notes

  • This soap is ideal for minor burns, sunburns, and skin irritation. 
  • Don’t use on open blisters or severe burns—in that case, stick to medical treatment. 
  • Always do a patch test if you’re using a new essential oil or ingredient, especially for kids or sensitive skin. 

Perfect For…

  • After-sun showers 
  • Camping and travel first aid kits 
  • Gift baskets for gardeners, surfers, or outdoor lovers 
  • Care packages for new mums or anyone with sensitive skin 
  • Self-care stash for menopause-related heat sensitivity 

Making your own burn relief soap is such a simple but powerful way to care for your skin naturally—and it feels especially good knowing there are no sneaky synthetic additives or harsh ingredients lurking in your bar. Just healing herbs, soothing oils, and a whole lot of love.

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