DIY Salt Scrub Recipe

DIY SALT SCRUB RECIPES

Have you been out and in the bathroom to wash your hands and on the counter is a glass jar with some incredibly smelling scrub to wash your hands? You try it out and first thing you think is, “This stuff is incredible!” Not only does it remove dead skin, but it makes your hands feel so silky smooth. After leaving the bathroom I see that the scrub is sitting on the counter for sale just to look at the price for over $20.00. UGH. I buy it because, well I love this sort of stuff lol. Once I get home I started looking for a recipe and I CANNOT BELIEVE I PAID SO MUCH. This salt scrub is so easy to make that you will be making it for gifts and more.

CHECK IT OUT.

What is salt scrub?

Salt scrubs are a type of body exfoliant similar to sugar scrubs but made with salt instead of sugar. This easy sea salt scrub recipe exfoliates and nourishes, which is essential for healthy, great-looking skin. A salt scrub is a gritty, oil-based body exfoliant made with salt crystals (like sea salt, Epsom, or Himalayan) that you massage onto damp skin to buff away dead skin cells. It leaves skin smoother and helps oils seal in moisture after you rinse.

Why a Salt Scrub?

Buffs away dry, rough skin (heels, elbows, legs, arms)
Leaves skin silky thanks to nourishing oils
Customizable with your favorite scents

Tip: Salt scrubs are a bit grittier than sugar scrubs—great for body/feet. Skip the face if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Tip: Salt scrubs are a bit grittier than sugar scrubs—great for body/feet. Skip the face if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.

Salt scrub benefits

Smoother skin fast: Buffs away dead cells so skin feels soft and looks brighter.

Better product absorption: Exfoliating first helps lotions and body oils sink in.

Targets rough spots: Great for heels, elbows, and KP-prone bumps on arms/legs.

Preps for shaving & self-tan: Helps reduce ingrowns and gives a more even tan application.

Temporary circulation boost: The massaging action can give skin a healthy glow.

Customizable & budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients; add scents/skin-loving oils as you like.

Items Needed For Your Salt Scrub

Different Types of Salt

Himalayan salt scrub – Himalayan pink salt is rich in minerals, containing over 80 trace elements, and sometimes considered as the purest form of salt.

Sea salt body scrub –Sea salt is created by evaporating seawater and contains small amounts of minerals.

Dead Sea salt scrub – Dead sea salt is famous for its therapeutic properties and features a 10 times higher concentration of minerals than sea salt.

Epsom salt scrub – Epsom salt is made up entirely of magnesium, which is beneficial to ease muscle tensions.

Coconut Oil

Essential Oil (scent to your preference) We love Vanilla

Glass Jar to store the scrub

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SALT SCRUB

Making zero waste, toxic free body scrub, DIY coffee, sugar, coconut oil body scrub is an excellent way to exfoliate and moisturize the skin.

Base Recipe (One 8–10 oz jar)

1 cup fine sea salt or Epsom salt
1/2 cup carrier oil (fractionated coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, or olive)
1 tsp vitamin E oil (optional, for skin + freshness)
10–20 drops essential oil (lavender, lemon, peppermint, vanilla blend), optional

Directions

In a bowl, combine salt and oil until it’s a scoopable, wet-sand texture.
Mix in vitamin E and essential oils (start small; add to preference).
Spoon into a clean, dry jar with a tight lid. Label and date.

To Use

On damp skin, massage a small amount in circular motions for 30–60 seconds per area.
Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Use 1–3x/week depending on your skin.

4 Scent & Benefit Variations

Relaxing Lavender
- 15 drops lavender EO + 5 drops vanilla (or benzoin)
Energizing Citrus
- 10 drops sweet orange + 5 lemon + 3 grapefruit
- (Sun caution: citrus can increase sun sensitivity—don’t use right before sun exposure.)
Peppermint Foot Spa
- 10 drops peppermint + 5 tea tree
- Cooling + fresh for tired feet
Coffee Sea Salt Buff
- Add 2 tbsp very finely ground coffee + 1 tsp vanilla; smells like a café

Want a less oily, rinse-clean finish? Stir in 1–2 tsp Polysorbate 80 (emulsifier) with the oils before mixing into salt.

Storage & Shelf Life

Keep sealed and water-free (use a spoon to scoop).
Lasts about 2–3 months at room temp.
If water gets in, scent changes, or texture looks off—discard and make fresh.

Safety Notes

Do not use on broken, sunburned, or freshly shaved skin.
Avoid eyes and face; patch test if you have sensitive skin.
Essential oils: avoid during pregnancy/while nursing unless approved by your provider; keep away from kids/pets.
Oil can make tubs/slippers slippery—rinse surfaces after use.

Gifting Idea (Free Tag Copy)

“Handmade Salt Scrub — Massage onto damp skin, rinse, pat dry. Use 1–3x/week. Keep water out of jar. Enjoy!”

Quick Cost Saver (Approx.)

Sea salt: low cost per cup
Carrier oil: budget-friendly (olive or grapeseed are great)
Essential oils: optional splurge
DIY beats store prices and you control every ingredient—Savings to Splurge vibes. ✨