Christmas Sugar Scrub Recipes
The holiday season is the perfect time to slow down and enjoy cozy self-care rituals. Christmas sugar scrubs are an easy, affordable way to care for dry winter skin while creating beautiful handmade gifts. These scrubs gently exfoliate, deeply moisturize, and fill your home with festive scents using simple ingredients you may already have.
Cold winter air can leave skin feeling rough and dull. Sugar scrubs help remove dead skin cells while nourishing oils restore softness and hydration. When paired with classic Christmas scents like peppermint, vanilla, citrus, and warm spices, these scrubs turn everyday routines into comforting holiday moments.
Below, you’ll find 5 easy Christmas sugar scrub recipes, each made with simple ingredients and perfect for gifting or personal use.
Why Christmas Sugar Scrubs Are Perfect for the Holidays
Christmas sugar scrubs are popular holiday DIY gifts because they are practical, customizable, and beautiful. Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant and humectant, helping skin stay smooth and hydrated during winter. Oils like coconut and almond oil lock in moisture, making these scrubs ideal for cold weather.
They are also budget-friendly and easy to batch-make, making them perfect for teachers, friends, neighbors, and stocking stuffers.
What You Need to Make Sugar Scrubs
Basic Ingredients
- Sugar (white or brown)
- Oil (coconut oil, olive oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil)
- Essential oils or fragrance oils
Optional Add-Ins
- Vitamin E oil
- Natural colorants
- Crushed candy canes or spices
Basic Sugar Scrub Formula
Standard Ratio
- 2 cups sugar
- ½–¾ cup oil
- 10–15 drops essential oil
Mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Adjust oil as needed.
Recipe 1: Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
A refreshing, festive scrub that feels like Christmas morning.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 10–12 drops peppermint essential oil
- Crushed candy canes (optional)
Instructions
Mix sugar and melted coconut oil. Add peppermint oil and gently stir. Fold in crushed candy canes if desired. Spoon into jars and allow to cool.
Recipe 2: Vanilla Sugar Cookie Scrub
Warm, sweet, and comforting, this scrub smells like holiday baking.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Combine all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Transfer to jars and seal tightly.
Recipe 3: Christmas Citrus Glow Sugar Scrub
Bright and uplifting, perfect for dull winter skin.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ½ cup almond or olive oil
- 10 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 5 drops lemon essential oil
Instructions
Mix sugar and oil, then stir in essential oils until fully combined.
Recipe 4: Gingerbread Spice Sugar Scrub
A cozy, warm scrub inspired by classic Christmas treats.
Ingredients
- 2 cups brown sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil
- 5 drops ginger essential oil
- 5 drops cinnamon fragrance oil
Instructions
Blend all ingredients thoroughly. Spoon into jars and label.
Recipe 5: Frosted Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub
Fresh and woodsy, inspired by snowy winter forests.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white sugar
- ¾ cup coconut oil
- 8 drops fir or pine essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint oil
Instructions
Mix all ingredients until thick and creamy. Store in airtight jars.
How to Package Christmas Sugar Scrubs as Gifts
Use small glass jars with wide mouths. Tie twine or ribbon around the lid and attach simple kraft paper tags. Include ingredients and a reminder to keep water out of the jar.
How to Use and Store Sugar Scrubs
Use 1–2 times per week on damp skin. Massage gently, rinse, and follow with moisturizer. Store scrubs in a cool, dry place. When kept dry, they last several months.
Final Thoughts
These 5 Christmas sugar scrub recipes are simple, festive, and perfect for winter self-care or handmade holiday gifts. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, you can create meaningful gifts that feel warm, personal, and practical throughout the holiday season.
