How to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub

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Exfoliating your skin regularly gets rid of dead cells that build up on the surface, which can cause acne, dullness, and dry, itchy skin. [1] Olive oil contains natural antioxidant properties that protect the skin from damage and helps moisturize as well. Combine it with sugar, which provides all natural grains that can help buff away the dead skin, and you have the magic ingredients for an effective scrub. With sugar, olive oil, and some other items you probably have in your kitchen, you can create a variety of scrubs for your body, face, and lips.

Ingredients

Basic Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (43 g) honey
  • ½ cup (115 g) sugar

Sweet Vanilla Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

  • ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (115 g) granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup (79 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons (43 g) honey
  • ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil

Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberry Facial Scrub

  • ½ cup (115 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup (59 ml) olive oil
  • 2 to 3 strawberries, chopped

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Scrub

  • 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) brown sugar
  • ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) olive oil
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Sweet Vanilla Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    Add ⅓ cup (79 ml) of olive oil, 2 tablespoons (43 g) of honey, ¼ teaspoon (1 ml) of vanilla extract, and ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vitamin E oil to a small bowl. Use a spoon to thoroughly mix the ingredients together. [2]
    • If you prefer a different scent, you can substitute your favorite essential oil for the vanilla extract. Lemon, grapefruit, and lavender are all good options.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    Once all of the liquid ingredients are mixed, stir in ½ cup (100 g) of brown sugar and ½ cup (115 g) of granulated sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a thick, grainy paste. [3]
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    When you’re ready to use the scrub, gently massage it into your skin. Work in circular motions, and be careful not to scrub too hard to avoid irritating your skin. [5]
    • You can use the scrub on your face and body. Just be sure to avoid the eye area.
  4. After you’ve massaged the scrub over your skin, rinse it off with warm water. Splash your skin with cool water to close your pores, and pat it dry with a clean towel. [6]
    • Apply a body cream or facial moisturizer after using the scrub to lock in the moisture.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

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  1. Add 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of extra virgin olive oil to a plastic or glass jar with a lid. Next, stir in 2 tablespoons of organic honey and blend until the ingredients are fully mixed. [7]
    • Organic honey offers the most natural scrub, but you can use regular honey instead.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    When the olive oil and honey are mixed, stir in ½ cup (115 g) of organic sugar. Blend the mixture well until it forms a thick, grainy paste. [8]
    • You can substitute regular white sugar for the organic sugar.
    • If you prefer a grainy scrub, you can add more sugar.
    • For a smoother scrub, add less sugar.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    When you’re ready to use the scrub, scoop a small amount out of the jar with your fingers. Rub it into your skin in circular motions for approximately 60 seconds to gently exfoliate. [9]
    • For very dry areas, such as the elbows and feet, you may want to scrub longer than a minute.
  4. After you’ve rubbed in the scrub, wash it off with warm water. Gently pat your skin dry with a clean towel to finish up. [10]
    • The olive oil in the scrub helps moisturize the skin, but if your skin is very dry, follow up with lotion or cream to hydrate the skin further.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberry Facial Scrub

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    Add ½ cup (115 g) of sugar and ¼ cup (59 ml) of olive oil to a small bowl. Use a spoon to carefully stir the ingredients together until they’re fully blended. [11]
    • The recipe calls for a 2 to 1 ratio for sugar and olive oil. Adjust the amounts to make as much or as little of the scrub as you’d like.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    When the sugar and oil are mixed, stir in 2 to 3 finely chopped strawberries. Use a spoon or fork to muddle the fruit into the sugar and oil mixture until they are just combined. [12]
    • Avoid overmixing the berries into the sugar mixture. It can cause the sugar granules to dissolve.
    • The strawberries help brighten and tone your skin.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    When all of the ingredients are combined, spoon the scrub into a jar or other container with a lid. Keep it in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to two weeks. [13]
  4. To use the scrub, apply it to a dry face with clean fingers. Use a circular motion to rub it into the skin and gently buff away dead skin cells. [14]
    • Be careful not to rub too hard with the scrub. The skin on the face is fragile and can easily become irritated if you scrub too hard.
  5. After you’ve applied the scrub, wash it off with warm water. Use a clean towel to gently dry your face, and apply your usual serum, moisturizer, and/or other treatment products. [15]
    • You can use the scrub one to two times a week for brighter, clearer skin.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Scrub

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Make an Olive Oil and Sugar Scrub
    Add 1 tablespoon (12.5 g) of brown sugar and ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml) of olive oil to a small bowl or dish. Stir the two ingredients together until they’re fully blended. [16]
    • You can adjust the amount of olive oil. You need just enough to help the sugar stick together, so if you prefer a grainy scrub, you can mix in less than ½ tablespoon (7.5 ml).
  2. Once the sugar and olive oil are mixed, use your finger to gently apply the scrub to your lips. Massage it in for approximately 30 to 60 seconds to slough off the dead skin. [17]
    • You can use the scrub once a week. When your lips are extremely chapped in colder months, you may want to use it twice a week.
  3. After you’ve massaged the scrub in, wet a washcloth with warm water. Gently wipe your lips with the cloth until all of the scrub is removed. [18]
    • Be sure to follow up with a lip balm to help soothe and hydrate your lips.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you apply sugar scrub properly?
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Use it in the shower and gently massage it in on your legs, thighs, stomach, and arms. Rinse it off when you are done and follow up with a body moisturizer.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    Is it okay to exfoliate every day?
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    No, don't exfoliate daily because it can harm your skin. While exfoliation is good, too much of a good thing can be bad. Only exfoliate twice a week.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    What are the benefits of exfoliating?
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.
    Diana Yerkes
    Skincare Professional
    Expert Answer
    Exfoliating your skin removes dead skin cells that might cause acne, dull skin, or dry, itchy skin.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      Warnings

      • While these scrubs contain natural ingredients, you can still have a reaction to them. It’s best to do an allergy test before using the scrubs all over. Dab a small amount of the scrub on the inside of your wrist, and let it sit for a minute or two before washing it off. Wait 24 to 48 hours, and if there’s no reaction, you can probably use the scrub without issue.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 3
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      Things You'll Need

      Basic Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

      • A plastic or glass jar with a lid
      • A spoon

      Sweet Vanilla Sugar and Olive Oil Scrub

      • A small bowl
      • A spoon

      Sugar, Olive Oil, and Strawberry Facial Scrub

      • A small bowl
      • A spoon or fork
      • A covered jar or other container

      Brown Sugar and Olive Oil Lip Scrub

      • A small bowl or dish
      • A spoon

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      References

      1. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      2. ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
      3. ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
      4. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.
      5. ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
      6. ↑ http://www.thankyourbody.com/sweet-vanilla-sugar-scrub/
      7. ↑ https://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
      8. ↑ https://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
      9. ↑ https://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
      1. ↑ https://michellephan.com/diy-sugar-and-olive-oil-scrub/
      2. ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
      3. ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
      4. ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
      5. ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
      6. ↑ http://www.brit.co/homemade-face-scrub/
      7. ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
      8. ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
      9. ↑ http://everydayroots.com/homemade-lip-exfoliator
      10. ↑ Diana Yerkes. Skincare Professional. Expert Interview. 16 April 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To make an olive oil and sugar scrub to exfoliate your skin, start by mixing 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of organic honey. Once the oil and honey are fully mixed, stir in ½ cup of organic sugar until you have a thick, grainy paste. When you’re ready to use your scrub, massage it into your skin in a circular motion for about 1 minute. Then, rinse the scrub off with warm water and gently pat your skin dry. To learn how to add a sweeter scent to your exfoliating scrub, keep reading!

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