Citrus-Rose Sugar Scrub Bars

Buff away dry, dead skin cells and lock in moisture with these DIY citrus-rose sugar scrub bars. They make great gifts too!

By Stephanie Pollard, Hello Glow

How is it that with spring fast approaching and temperatures here in Virginia in the 60s most days, my skin is drier and flakier than ever? I think my skin missed the memo on beach season being right around the corner, so I recently made these awesome sugar scrub bars to give new life to my sad skin.

Unlike some sugar scrub bars, these babies don’t contain soap so they won’t dry you out even further. Plus they’re made with essential oils, shea butter and beeswax to help moisturize even the driest of skin. And did I mention that they hold their shape through hot showers and don’t turn into an oily, drippy mess? I highly recommend making a few and stashing them away for the next time you need a quick buff and polish before pool season.

The problem with regular sugar scrub is that I always feel like I have to use it up immediately, otherwise I’ll just end up throwing it out. You see, by the time I’m finished making the scrub, carrying it to the bathroom and scooping it out of the jar with my wet hands, I’m ready for fresh scrub. But not with these! Since they hold their shape, they last pretty much forever so you don’t end up wasting any. And this recipe makes a ton, so you have plenty of extra bars to stash away in case of emergencies.

How to Make Sugar Scrub Bars

When it comes to sugar scrub, I need mine to moisturize just as well as it exfoliates. So I use a combination of essential oils and shea butter to help rejuvenate skin and lock in moisture. If you have it, I also highly recommend sweet orange oil for these. Not only does it smell amazing (like yummy orange dreamsicles) but it’s also an anti-aging, wrinkle-fighting powerhouse. Just a few drops can help fight free radicals, encourage cell turnover and calm inflammation. But if you don’t already have orange oil on hand, feel free to substitute with whatever oils you do have. They’ll turn out just as amazing–promise.

And since dry skin usually needs a little extra nourishment, I also like to toss in a large pinch of beet root powder. It isn’t necessary, but beet powder is loaded with vitamin A and C to help brighten your skin and encourage cell regeneration. It’s not as hard to find as you might think, and you can probably find it in the bulk food sections at your local health food store. Plus it doubles as natural lip and cheek stain, so it’s always fun to have a little extra lying around.

Last but not least, add some caster sugar for a super gentle, non-irritating texture. Sprinkle in some rose petals for scent (again, check a health food store in your area), and finish it off with a little coconut oil and some beeswax to bind everything together. Then hop in the shower for a quick scrub and say hello to fresh, pretty skin. 

Materials

Instructions

• Combine the coconut oil, shea butter and beeswax in a small microwave proof bowl (it's best to use a bowl you don't mind getting messy).
• Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until everything is melted. Whisk to combine.
• Add the essential oil, beet root powder and rose petals, and whisk again.
• Slowly pour in the sugar and mix it all together. If you have trouble with the mixture solidifying too quickly, just pop it in the microwave for another 30 seconds.
• Pour the mixture into your molds and place in the freezer for 20 minutes to cool.
• To use, warm a bar in your hands until it has melted slightly then gently buff skin. Rinse with water.