DIY Exfoliating Sugar Scrub Cubes (For Body & Legs)

Scrub and moisturize with DIY exfoliating sugar scrub cubes! These DIY sugar scrubs come in individual cubes and are made with soap, sugar, and oil. Meaning, they cleanse, remove dirt and leave your legs and body silky smooth all at once.

Learn how to make sugar scrubs and whip up a big batch for yourself or use them as part of a homemade gift like spa baskets.

Save time in your shower routine with these DIY exfoliating sugar scrub cubes! Not only do these homemade sugar scrubs do a bit of everything, but they also come in individual form.

No more reaching into a jar of scrub and worrying about mold. Just grab one of these cubes for each shower and be done with it.

The best part about these sugar scub cubes is that they:

• contain soap which means they lather and clean
• use sugar to gently exfoliate
• are coconut oil-based so that your skin feels like silk

These sugar scrub cubes make it so you don't need multiple products, just one cube will get the job done!

The Most Hilarious Fail

Now, there's actually quite a story regarding this scrub. A hilarious story that I can't help but share. If you're looking for a bit of a laugh stay with me.

I've never made DIY sugar scrubs before. So when I set out to try I purchased a block of goats milk melt and pour soap and got to it. Everything I read said how easy they were.

I've never used any soap-making products before so I had no idea what to expect. With my first batch, I put the ingredients into a jar in the toaster oven to melt. I made the mistake of thinking I could grab the jar with one oven mitt.

And proceeded to pour the mixture all over my toaster oven.

I got through the end of the recipe but when it came time to pour into the molds it was like effing cement glue. It solidified almost instantly and everything looked crappy.

On my next attempt, I spilled the soap in the toaster over and proceeded to practically light it on fire. It was smoking and reeked of burnt soap. I actually had to tell my training client to "come in and ignore the smoke".

The third attempt I switched to a double boiler and halfway through melting the jar cracked and broke. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME. 

Attempt four, I used a measuring cup in the pot. When I went to add the sugar the cup was too small and it overflowed blue tar-like stuff all over my stove and floor.

At this point, I Really. Truly. Hated them.

But I preserved. By batch six I finally had a recipe I loved. The downside is I also had eight batches of random goop I was trying to pass off to friends.

How Do You Make Exfoliating Sugar Scrubs

The trick I learned with homemade sugar scrub cubes is to use bar soap and grate it. This way it eliminates any hardening issue. 

Likewise, it also leaves your skin feeling much more nourished than a melt and pour base.

To make the sugar scrub cubes all you need to do is melt down the ingredients, whisk in the sugar and portion into molds. 

You do need to move quickly though. Once portioned, let them sit overnight so that they firm up nicely and you can pop them out of the mold.

Can You Make Them Without Soap?

Yes! I actually use these individual salt scrub cubes frequently. They're made with only four ingredients and don't contain the soap aspect.

However, this also means that they only exfoliate and moisturize.

Personally, I prefer these exfoliating sugar cubes a bit better as I find that they're softer on the skin. Also, I like that they work into a little lather which saves me a step in the shower.

Texture Of The Scrubs

These sugar scrub cubes come out extremely soft. This is mostly due to using white sugar.

While you can use other sugars, you want to make sure you grind it down to more of a powder. Chunky sugar will be a bit harsher on your body and legs. This is often an issue when people use salt for scrubs

Likewise, the bigger surface volume may make it so that the cubes don't hold together as well.

These cubes are also delicate. They will crumble in your hand easily so take care with them! Their delicate nature is what makes them easy to rub into your skin.

Scenting The Cubes

There are two ways to add scent to this DIY sugar scrub recipe.

Personally, I prefer to omit essential oils and just use zest or rinds I have on hand. Likewise, you can omit the scent altogether!

The ingredients themselves give off a nice honey scent if you prefer that.

Of course, you can also add in essential oils. Make sure to do your research regarding safe essential oils as well as your preferred dilution rate. Especially if using them with kids.

I like t use essential oils from Plant Therapy as they carry a kid-safe line specifically.

How To Use Them

When you're in the shower simply grab a cube and run your hand through the water. Then, press the cube (in your hand) onto your body and start to rub back and forth as you would with any soap.

Move slowly and press down. 

The cube will begin to lather, breakdown and you'll feel it exfoliate your skin.

Tips & FAQ's

These cubes can be stored in a jar in the cupboard for a few weeks. So long as you don't get water in the jar they last a while.

Depending on your mold and how big you make the cubes, you may need 2-3 cubes per shower (I make minis).

The cubes do contain coconut oil. Thus, take care moving around in the shower as they can make the tub slippery!

Side note: if making your own body products is still a bit overwhelming, Perma Earth has an amazing, coffee-scented scrub bar. All natural and super nourishing.

The BEST DIY Beauty Products For Busy Moms

Packed with quick, natural recipes that fit seamlessly into your busy mom life, giving you safe, glowing skin without the hassle!

The DIY Beauty Ebook For Busy Moms contains 21 easy-to-make beauty recipes from lip chaps, to lotions, and scrubs to washes.

Kitchen tools you need:

• Double boiler
• Silicone cube tray
• Whisk

How To Make The DIY Sugar Scrubs

Combine the soap and oil in a double boiler over medium heat and begin to melt. Add in half the orange and lemon zest.

Stir every so often but know that the soap won't melt solid. You'll know it's done (about twelve to fifteen minutes) when the oil is melted but the soap still looks slightly "chunky". 

While the mixture is melting, divide the tablespoon of cane sugar into the bottom of the molds. You just want a light sprinkle.

Then pour the white sugar into a large bowl )if using essential oils and not zest, add them into the sugar and mix well). Add in the remaining zest.

Once your oil mixture is melted pour the it into the bowl of sugar and mix with a fork until all of the sugar is coated and wet. This is where you can add any color you like too.

Using a spoon portion and press the sugar scrubs into the molds (press down hard so they hold together).

Place the molds in the fridge for thirty minutes to set.

Makes 12 cubes depending on the molds.

Tip: I've used regular white sugar for the bulk of this recipe as it tends to be softer on the skin. But if you like something a little more intense sub it for organic cane sugar as the granules are a bit bigger.

 

So there you are a homemade moisturizing, exfoliating orange lemon sugar scrubs recipe perfectly portioned and ready to go (finally). They're quick, simple, and smell deliciously of citrus. They make it easy for busy moms to pamper themselves and work great as gifts for other mamas too!