DIY Brown Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub: Sweet, Smooth, Nourished Skin
There’s just something so cozy and comforting about brown sugar and olive oil especially when they come together to treat your skin! This DIY brown sugar & olive oil scrub is the perfect go-to when your skin needs a little TLC. It smells sweet and softly earthy, thanks to the brown sugar and optional splash of vanilla, and it leaves your skin feeling incredibly soft, supple, and hydrated.
This scrub is one of those beautifully simple recipes that anyone can make in minutes. You probably already have everything in your kitchen! The brown sugar gently exfoliates while the olive oil deeply moisturizes, making this scrub a total skin-saver during dry months or whenever you need a quick glow-up.
Ready to whip up a little self-care magic? Let’s dive into this easy, skin-loving DIY!
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What You’ll Need
Yield: About 1 ½ cups
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Mix Time: 2 minutes

Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar: Gently exfoliates dead skin without irritation.
- ½ cup olive oil: Deeply hydrates and nourishes dry skin.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional): Adds a sweet, calming scent for a little extra luxury.
Tools & Utensils
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean glass jar with lid (8 oz or larger)
How to Make Brown Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub
- Mix the good stuff: In your mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar and olive oil. Stir until everything is fully blended and has a soft, paste-like texture.
- Add the scent (optional but delightful!): If using vanilla extract, pour it in and stir again until evenly distributed. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
- Jar it up: Transfer your finished scrub into a clean jar. Seal it with the lid and it’s ready to go!

How to Use Brown Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub
Scoop out a small amount and apply to damp skin in the shower or bath. Gently massage in circular motions, focusing on rough spots like elbows, knees, and feet. Rinse off with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.
Pro Tip: Follow up with your favorite body lotion to lock in moisture and enjoy even silkier skin.
Benefits of the Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: A natural exfoliant that’s gentler than salt scrubs perfect for sensitive skin.
- Olive Oil: Rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that moisturize and protect.
- Vanilla Extract: Offers a subtle scent and antioxidant properties (plus it smells like dessert!).
Tips for the Best Sugar Scrub Experience
- Use 2–3 times a week for soft, smooth skin.
- Always stir the scrub before each use if the oil settles.
- Avoid using on freshly shaved or irritated skin.
- For extra exfoliation, let the scrub sit on skin for 1–2 minutes before rinsing.
- Try using it as a pre-manicure hand treatment!
Gift Idea: Brown Sugar & Olive Oil Scrub in a Jar
This scrub makes a lovely handmade gift! Spoon it into a cute mason jar, tie a ribbon around the lid, and add a little handwritten label or tag. Include a tiny wooden spoon or scoop for an adorable finishing touch. Perfect for birthdays, bridal showers, or a cozy self-care gift basket.
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your scrub in a cool, dry place with the lid tightly sealed. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.
Important: Always use dry hands or a clean spoon to scoop out the scrub no water in the jar! Moisture can cause it to spoil faster.
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s made with only 3 natural ingredients you probably already have!
- Leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and beautifully hydrated.
- It takes just minutes to make perfect for quick self-care anytime.
If you enjoyed making this simple scrub, check out simple sugar scrub recipes for even more DIY ideas.