You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (2024)

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (1)

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Looking to get glowing skin and have a little fun in the kitchen? We've got you covered. Whether your skin is dry, acne-prone, oily, aging or just in need of a boost, there is a homemade natural face scrub for your needs. All you'll need is a mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, a liquid or cream base and the ingredients you want to add in. From there you just need to mix and apply, says Rachel Roff, founder and CEO of Urban Skin Rx.

"Many DIY face scrubs are based on traditional remedies," says Joanna Vargas, celebrity facialist and founder of Joanna Vargas Salons and Skin Care. "Some of these recipes were developed when there wasn't accessibility to products. You'll see your skin is instantly softer and brighter after using them."

Worried about the safety of DIY face scrubs? Don't stress, Lorena Balensi from Balensi Spa says: DIY face scrubs are generally safe to use since the natural ingredients aren't likely to cause skin problems. When applying, remember to use gentle movements and light to moderate pressure to prevent irritation and avoid the delicate eye area. If you find your skin itching, burning or otherwise reacting poorly to your homemade scrub, discontinue use immediately.

How to make the best DIY face scrub for your skin

There are many ways to exfoliate skin naturally. Coffee grounds, sugar, finely ground sea salt, cinnamon and oats are some of the best ingredients to use in a homemade exfoliating scrub, Roff says. She is a big fan of sugar face scrubs, as they can brighten dull skin and fight signs of aging. They remove dead skin cells and surface build-up to reveal new, healthier skin and speed up the skin renewal process. Just make sure that the sugar granules are finely ground and small enough so they don't irritate the face, she advises.

When it comes to the "best homemade face scrub," it all depends on your skin type, says Balensi. When choosing a DIY facial scrub, look for one that is meant for your complexion type and targeted to treat your skin issues. Ingredients like salt and baking soda are better for oily or breakout-prone skin, while those with dry or sensitive skin should choose gentler exfoliators like oats. If you have combination or normal skin, sugar and coffee grounds provide a balanced buffing.

Now that you've got the scoop on scrubs, it's time to start mixing! Check out the eight best DIY natural face scrubs from skincare pros for every skin type, goal and concern, from breakouts to brightening and more.

1

Face Scrub for Glowing Skin

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (2)

Give your complexion a jolt of caffeine for a quick brightening boost. Coffee has many rejuvenating benefits for skin — it instantly wakes up your face while gently exfoliating, Roff explains.

Recipe:
1/2 cup freshly ground coffee
1/2 cup yogurt or milk
1 tbsp. of honey

Mix ingredients together and gently smooth onto skin. Rinse with warm water.

2

Face Scrub for Acne

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (3)

Prevent (and treat) pimples with this fruity acne-fighting yet soothing face scrub. Strawberry acts as an astringent so it helps to clean the pores, Vargas says. It also contains salicylic acid to brighten dull skin and exfoliate away dead cells. If you’re bothered by persistent breakouts, or dull, oily skin, this scrub will help brighten, clear and reduce surface bacteria.

Recipe:
1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup mashed strawberries
½ cup almond meal
A splash of raw apple cider vinegar

Mix all ingredients and lightly buff the blend onto skin. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

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3

Face Scrub for Blackheads

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (4)

Bye, bye blackheads! Try a scrub with lemon juice to get rid of them for good. Lemon juice has antiseptic properties that aid in killing off bacteria, Balensi explains. It’s also great for reducing sebum and inflammation. Just be mindful of the amount of lemon juice you use — it's acidic, so too much can irritate the skin. And it can make your skin extra sensitive to the sun, so always apply sunscreen afterward to protect against UV damage.

Recipe:
½ tsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. salt
1 tsp. purified/distilled water

Mix the ingredients well and rub the paste onto skin in a circular motion. Gently scrub for two to three minutes, being careful not to rub too hard. Rinse off with warm water and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.

4

Face Scrub for Aging Skin

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (5)

Talk about an anti-aging all-star. Vargas' light, oil-based scrub hydrates skin, tightens pores and reduces inflammation, making your skin noticeably brighter. Ground almonds exfoliate physically, helping to remove dead skin cells and dirt that will improve the overall appearance of the skin, says Vargas.

Recipe:
2 tbsp. grapeseed oil
5 tsp. ground almonds
1 tsp. warmed honey
2 drops rose oil

Blend all ingredients together in a small bowl, then buff onto face and decolletage. Rinse with warm water.

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5

Face Scrub for Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive or easily irritated skin, "skip the physical scrubs all together and use a mask with ingredients that naturally exfoliate," says Roff. She suggests combining aloe vera, which calms inflammation and soothes skin, and raw honey, a natural exfoliator that sloughs off dull, dead skin, to reveal a radiant complexion.

Recipe:
2 tsp, raw honey
1 tsp, aloe vera

Mix the two ingredients together and apply all over face and neck. Leave on for 10-20 minutes and rinse.

6

Face Scrub for Dry Skin

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A face scrub with honey is great for hydrating skin without risking breakouts, thanks to its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, says Vargas. It’s also loaded with antioxidants, so in a raw state it’s a great tool for anti-aging. Use this honey face scrub whenever your complexion needs a boost of nourishment and exfoliation at the same time.

Recipe:
5 cherries (mashed)
1 tbsp. almond powder
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. yogurt

Mix together and gently scrub onto skin for 30 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Do this scrub once a week if skin is feeling dry.

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7

Face Scrub for Oily Skin

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (8)

Kiwi is rich in amino acids and vitamin C, both of which help reduce excess production of oil in skin. In addition to being a cooking staple, olive oil contains strong antibacterial properties and actually helps stop the skin from secreting excess sebum, Balensi says. Plus, brown sugar sloughs off dead skin cells and hydrates, which (bonus!) gives your skin a healthy glow.

Recipe:
1 whole kiwi (peeled and mashed)
2 tsp. brown sugar
A few drops of olive oil

Stir all the ingredients together, mixing well. Gently rub the scrub onto skin in a circular motion for three to five minutes. Remove with warm water.

8

Brightening Oatmeal Face Scrub

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (9)

Radiance, revealed! This rich, creamy face scrub is perfect for dull, tired skin, as it softens, calms redness and gives skin a much-needed boost, Vargas says. The milk does double duty: it soothes skin and exfoliates with lactic acid, which brightens skin. Cooked oatmeal is packed with vital minerals to help replenish skin, calm inflammation and prevent breakouts. Honey is a great hydrating ingredient and brown sugar provides a soft scrub that will be gentle enough to remove dead skin cells without causing surface damage.

Recipe:
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tbsp. brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup cooked oatmeal

Combine all ingredients and mix until you achieve a thick yet grainy texture. Buff onto your face, then rinse.

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9

Smoothing Coconut Sugar Face Scrub

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (10)

Sugar is a classic exfoliator and for good reason: it helps to smooth skin without drying it out like salt can, Vargas explains. This sweet face scrub also contains coconut oil to help to soothe and hydrate skin, thanks to its omega-3 fatty acids. Plus, the high levels of polyphenols in matcha help to increase skin cell growth. A bit of honey helps deeply nourish skin at the same time.

Recipe:
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 cup of coconut palm sugar
1 tbsp. of organic matcha powder
1 tsp. organic honey

Mix all ingredients together and gently scrub your face, then rinse well. (Feel free to use any excess on your body.) Vargas suggests using this scrub two or three times per week.

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (11)

Dori Price

Contributing Beauty Editor

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com, Elle.com and HealthCentral.com.

You Probably Already Have the Ingredients to Make These Homemade Natural Face Scrubs (2024)
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