Winter Sugar Scrubs That Smell Like the Holidays

There’s something magical about winter scents peppermint, cocoa, gingerbread, vanilla, citrus, cinnamon, pine. One whiff and suddenly you’re wrapped up in blankets, sipping something warm, and leaning fully into holiday coziness.

Homemade sugar scrubs capture that feeling beautifully. They’re simple, luxurious, smell incredible, and make the easiest DIY gifts for friends, teachers, coworkers, and markets. Whether you like sweet bakery scents or clean wintry blends, these winter sugar scrubs bring all the holiday charm right into your bathroom.

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What Makes Winter Sugar Scrubs Special?

Winter isn’t kind to skin cold air outside and heaters inside can leave you dry, flaky, and desperate for moisture. Sugar scrubs gently buff away dryness while nourishing oils soak in and replenish.

Holiday-inspired scrubs go a step further by delivering mood-boosting scents that feel nostalgic and comforting. They’re also perfect for:

• Holiday gifting
• Craft markets
• Teacher appreciation
• Office gifts
• Winter self-care rituals
• Stocking stuffers

A little jar can go a long way.

Ingredients You’ll Use Across These Scrubs

You’ll see these ingredients pop up often here’s a quick glossary.

Sugars

• White sugar (fine exfoliation)
• Brown sugar (soft + caramel scented)
• Turbinado sugar (more scrub power)

Oils & Butters

• Coconut oil (softens + hydrates)
• Sweet almond oil (affiliate) (lightweight)
• Jojoba oil (affiliate) (skin-balancing)
• Shea/mango butter (optional richness)

Essential Oils

• Peppermint
• Orange
• Pine
• Cedarwood
• Cinnamon
• Vanilla
• Clove

Natural Add-Ins

• Cocoa powder
• Coffee
• Citrus zest
• Ground spices
• Dried herbs

Now let’s get into the fun part.

7 Holiday-Inspired Sugar Scrubs

1. Peppermint Cocoa Scrub

If winter had a dessert in skincare form, this would be it. The Peppermint Cocoa Scrub smells like dipping into a warm mug of hot chocolate kissed with peppermint. Brown sugar exfoliates gently while coconut oil melts into the skin for instant softness.

Shopping List

• Brown Sugar
• Coconut Oil
• Cocoa Powder
• Peppermint Essential Oil

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup brown sugar to a mixing bowl.
• Pour in ¼ cup melted coconut oil.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.
• Add 2 drops peppermint essential oil.
• Mix well and spoon into a jar.
• To use: Massage gently over damp skin, then rinse for chocolate-mint smoothness.

2. Gingerbread Cookie Brown Sugar Scrub

This scrub smells like sweet gingerbread cooling on the counter warm, spicy, and nostalgic. Brown sugar makes it feel like cookie dough in your hands, while cinnamon and ginger bring the iconic holiday smell.

Shopping List

• Brown Sugar
• Coconut Oil
• Ground Cinnamon
• Ground Ginger
• Vanilla Extract or Vanilla Oil

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup brown sugar to a bowl.
• Mix in ¼ cup melted coconut oil.
• Add ½ tsp cinnamon + ¼ tsp ginger.
• Stir until spiced and fragrant.
• Add ½ tsp vanilla extract (or 1–2 drops oil).
• Jar it up.
• To use: Massage over damp skin while enjoying that warm gingerbread scent.

3. Orange Clove Holiday Glow Scrub

Bright citrus meets warm spice this smells exactly like a Christmas pomander. It’s uplifting, energizing, and perfect for morning showers.

Shopping List

• White Sugar
• Coconut Oil or Sweet Almond Oil
• Orange Essential Oil
• Fresh Orange Zest
• Clove (ground or essential oil)

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup white sugar to a bowl.
• Pour in ¼ cup melted coconut or almond oil.
• Add 1 tsp orange zest.
• Add 2–3 drops orange essential oil.
• Add a pinch of ground cloves or 1 drop clove oil.
• Stir until glossy and fragrant.
• Store in a sealed jar.
• To use: Massage over damp skin for a bright, spicy, citrus glow.

4. Vanilla Bean Snowflake Scrub

Soft, sweet, and comforting this scrub smells like vanilla frosting on a snowy day. It’s creamy, gentle, and perfect for sensitive skin.

Shopping List

• White Sugar
• Coconut or Almond Oil
• Vanilla Bean / Vanilla Paste / Vanilla Oil
• Optional: White or silver mica

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup white sugar to a bowl.
• Stir in ¼ cup melted oil.
• Add vanilla bean seeds, vanilla paste, or 1–2 drops vanilla oil.
• Optional: Add a pinch of mica for shimmer.
• Spoon into a jar.
• To use: Massage gently for soft, velvety skin with a warm vanilla scent.

5. Cinnamon Roll Swirl Scrub

Sweet, buttery, and warm-spiced this scrub smells like freshly iced cinnamon rolls. Perfect for cozy winter nights.

Shopping List

• Brown Sugar
• Coconut Oil
• Ground Cinnamon
• Vanilla Extract or Oil

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup brown sugar to a bowl.
• Mix in ¼ cup melted coconut oil.
• Add ½ tsp cinnamon.
• Stir until caramel-colored.
• Add ½ tsp vanilla extract.
• Jar it.
• To use: Massage over skin for warm, bakery-scented bliss.

6. Hot Cocoa Scrub

This one is pure comfort a chocolate lover’s dream. Rich cocoa powder and brown sugar make a decadent exfoliating treat.

Shopping List

• Brown Sugar
• Coconut Oil
• Cocoa Powder
• Vanilla Extract or Peppermint Oil

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup brown sugar.
• Add ¼ cup melted coconut oil.
• Mix in 1 tbsp cocoa powder.
• Add ½ tsp vanilla or 1 drop peppermint oil.
• Jar it.
• To use: Apply to damp skin for chocolate-silk smoothness.

7. Christmas Tree Forest Scrub (Pine + Cedarwood)

Fresh, crisp, and woodsy like walking through snowy evergreens. A great option for men or anyone who prefers clean, outdoorsy scents.

Shopping List

• White or Turbinado Sugar
• Coconut or Jojoba Oil
• Pine Essential Oil
• Cedarwood Essential Oil
• Optional: Crushed dried rosemary

How to Make It (Step-by-Step)

• Add ½ cup sugar to a bowl.
• Mix in ¼ cup melted oil.
• Add 2 drops pine oil.
• Add 1 drop cedarwood oil.
• Optional: Add ½ tsp crushed rosemary.
• Spoon into a jar.
• To use: Massage over damp skin for a clean, forest-fresh feel.

How to Package Your Scrubs for Holiday Gifting

These scrubs look instantly festive with thoughtful packaging:

• Mini mason jars
• Recycled glass jars
• Kraft labels
• Red + white twine
• Candy-cane striped ribbon
• Pine sprigs
• Printable gift tags

For a polished look, layer colors (like peppermint red + white) or add a ribbon bow around the lid.

Craft Market Tips

These scrubs sell beautifully at markets, especially winter-themed ones. Here’s how to stand out:

• Offer sample jars for customers to smell.
• Sell in sets (e.g., “Winter Spa Trio”).
• Add allergy + ingredient labels.
• Price based on jar size and ingredients.
• Display on wood crates, white marble trays, or tiered stands.

Seasonal scents like Peppermint Cocoa, Gingerbread, and Christmas Tree Forest are top sellers.

Shelf Life and Storage

• Basic sugar scrubs last 2–3 months.
• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep water out of the jar to extend freshness.
• Add a broad-spectrum preservative only if introducing water or emulsifying ingredients.

FAQ’s

How often should I exfoliate? 2–3 times per week for most skin types.

Can they be used on the face? Use caution sugar may be too rough for sensitive facial skin.

Is cinnamon or clove safe for everyone? Always patch test these oils are potent.

Can I color my scrubs? Use mica, plant powders, or skin-safe colorants. Avoid food coloring in oil-based scrubs.

More Sugar Scrubs

• Simple Sugar Scrub Recipes for Glowing, Smooth Skin
• DIY Coffee Sugar Scrub Guide: Easy Steps
• DIY Orange Blossom Sugar Scrub: A Refreshing Skin Treat
• How to Make and Sell Lime and Mint Sugar Scrubs in Mason Jars at Farmers Markets

Wrapping Up

Winter has a scent several, actually and these sugar scrubs capture every cozy, nostalgic, holiday-inspired note. They’re simple, giftable, luxurious, and a joy to make. Whether you’re crafting for yourself, for loved ones, or for a holiday market, these blends will fill your home (and your bathroom) with festive cheer.