Get in the Holiday Spirit with This Easy DIY Candy Cane Sugar Scrub!
There’s something extra special about giving handmade gifts during the holiday season, and a DIY candy cane sugar scrub is the perfect way to spread cheer with a personal touch. Not only does it look festive and smell amazing with the peppermint oil and vanilla, but it’s also made with simple, natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin. Instead of artificial food coloring, this scrub gets its beautiful layered effect from mica powder, giving it a shimmery, candy cane–inspired finish that feels both luxurious and thoughtful.
Whether you’re whipping up a batch for friends, family, or as a little self-care treat, this easy recipe is sure to be a holiday favorite. It’s simple and fun to make with friends and even a great project for kids.
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Why You’ll Love This Festive Scrub:
- Easy & Inexpensive: You likely already have some, if not most, of the ingredients to make this. The main ingredient, sugar, is probably already in your kitchen pantry as well as some sort of carrier oil you can use. You may already have peppermint essential oil as well. If you don’t already have them on hand, these ingredients are easy to find, inexpensive, and you will be able to use them on future DIY projects.
- Smells Like Christmas: Peppermint is one of the classic scents of Christmas and brings back the nostalgic memories of decorating Christmas trees and sneaking candy canes.
- Perfect for Gifting: This makes a beautiful, handmade gift for friends, family, teachers, and neighbors.
- Nourishing for Skin: Scrubs have many benefits for our skin. The sugar exfoliates skin, and the carrier oils adds moisture to help give dry winter skin a refreshing glow.
Ingredients & Supplies to Make Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
- Ingredients:
- Granulated White Sugar
- Carrier Oil such as jojoba, almond, grapeseed or fractionated coconut oil (always stays liquid)
- Peppermint Essential Oil
- Red Mica Powder
- Optional: A touch of vanilla extract for a “peppermint bark” scent.
- Supplies:
- Mixing Bowls (at least two)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spoon or Spatula for mixing
- Airtight Jar(s) for storage (clear jars look best for the layers)
- Optional: Ribbon, twine, and a gift tag for decoration.
I recommend about a 10 oz clear glass jar with a lid. A wide mouth mason jar works great. Something like this would be great if you are gifting the sugar scrub:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Mix the Essential Oil and Carrier Oil for Scent
- Add the peppermint essential oil (and vanilla, if using) to the mixture and stir well.
Mix the sugar and oil mixture
- In a main mixing bowl, combine the sugar and melted coconut oil. Mix until it has the consistency of damp sand.
Divide and Color:
- Divide the scrub mixture evenly into two separate bowls
- Leave one bowl white.
- In the second bowl, add a tiny amount (start with 1/2 teaspoon) of red mica powder and mix thoroughly. Add more in small amounts until you achieve your desired candy cane red/pink color.
Create the Candy Cane Layers:
- Spoon the white scrub into your jar, creating the first layer. Gently pat it down to make it even.
- Carefully spoon the red scrub on top of the white layer.
- Continue alternating between white and red layers until the jar is full.
How to Use Your Sugar Scrub:
- In the shower or bath, scoop a small amount into your hands.
- Gently massage in a circular motion onto damp skin.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat your skin dry.
- Enjoy your soft, smooth, and festive-smelling skin!
- Please use caution around small children as the peppermint can sting if it gets in the eyes and can be tingly for anyone with sensitive skin.
Gifting & Storage Tips:
- Storage: Store the scrub in an airtight container at room temperature. It should last for a few months.
- Gifting Idea: Tie a festive ribbon or some baker’s twine around the lid of the jar. Attach a small candy cane and a handmade tag with the ingredients and instructions. Super cute!!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup carrier oil ex: Jojoba Oil, grapeseed oil, fractionated coconut oil
- 10 drops Peppermint essential oil
- ½ tsp red mica powder
- glass jar for storing the scrub
Instructions
- Add the drops of essential oil into the carrier oil and stir to combine.
- Mix the sugar and oil together.
- Separate into 2 bowls. Add red mica powder to one bowl until it is the red color you want.
- Put in a glass jar by layering the white sugar and red sugar mixture.
Notes
- Peppermint essential oil mixed with vanilla can give a nice candy cane smell! Use caution with peppermint oil around young children – or anyone with sensitive skin as it can be quite tingly and cause discomfort especially if it gets in the eyes.
- Any carrier oil will work. I used jojoba oil.
Putting together a candy cane sugar scrub is a simple yet meaningful way to share a bit of holiday joy. With its natural ingredients, refreshing scent, and festive look, it’s a gift that feels both pampering and personal.
Whether you package it in a pretty jar with a ribbon or tuck it into a holiday gift basket, this scrub is a thoughtful touch that shows you took the time to create something special.
Plus, it’s so easy to make that you may just want to keep a jar or two for yourself to enjoy a little seasonal self-care.
More sugar scrub recipes you may like:
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Dawn Goehring
Dawn Goehring is the founder of Desert Naturals. Combining her passion for holistic wellness, natural living and essential oils, she creates informative articles on essential oils, guides you through DIY natural bath & beauty products and homemade non-toxic cleaners, and self care.
