DIY Oatmeal Sugar Scrub Recipe

If your skin feels dry, dull, or in need of a little calm, this oatmeal sugar scrub might be just what it needs. It’s gentle, creamy, and easy to make with just a few ingredients from your kitchen.

Oatmeal has long been used to comfort and soften skin, and when blended with sugar and oil, it turns into a soothing scrub that’s perfect for regular use. You don’t need much to feel the difference—just a small scoop, a bit of time, and a quiet moment to care for yourself.

Let’s explore why this blend is so beneficial for skin (especially dry skin) and how to make your own.

What Makes This Oatmeal Sugar Scrub a Skin Favorite

This oatmeal sugar scrub is designed to bring balance to your skin and lock in moisture. It gently removes buildup, soothes dry patches, and leaves your skin feeling soft and supported.

Gently Exfoliates Without Irritation

The scrub polishes the skin without harshness. Sugar helps lift away dead skin cells while the ground oats create a softer texture that cushions the scrub. The result is a smooth finish that feels cared for, not over-scrubbed.

Soothes Dry and Sensitive Skin

Oatmeal brings calm to areas that feel rough or irritated. Whether you’re dealing with dryness, redness, or skin that just needs a little softness, this scrub gives it what it needs without any sting or tightness afterward.

Leaves Skin Feeling Moisturized

The carrier oil in combination with the oatmeal hydrates as you scrub. It leaves behind a light layer of moisture that helps your skin stay soft and smooth long after you rinse. There’s no greasy feel, just clean, well-nourished skin.

Hydrates and protects

Oats contain polysaccharides and beta-glucan, which form a protective barrier and lock in moisture.

Rich in antioxidants

Oats contain avenanthramides and vitamin E, which combat oxidative stress and support overall skin health.

Brings a Spa-Like Scent (If You Want One)

Essential oils are optional, but they can add a moment of calm to your routine. Just a few drops turn this scrub into a mini spa moment, right at home. You can go for relaxing, bright, or neutral—whatever matches your mood.

Lavender is always a great choice for it’s benefits for skin. Other great choices are geranium, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Sandalwood, and even Peppermint.

Avoid the use of citrus essential oils right before going out in the sun because they will make your skin photosensitive, meaning extremely quick to sunburn. If you are using the scrub at night before bed, then citrus oils will be fine.

A Quick, Calming Treat for the Skin

This small-batch scrub takes just minutes to make and gives you a product that feels thoughtful and soothing. Whether you use it once a week or more often, it’s an easy way to give your skin a little extra care.

What You’ll Need to Make This Scrub

This small-batch recipe makes around 3 to 4 ounces of scrub. It’s just the right amount for testing, gifting, or keeping by your sink for regular use.

Here’s what goes into it:

• 3 tablespoons oatmeal (try to use organic if possible – oats are one of the worst offenders when it comes to pesticide use)
• ½ cup sugar
• ¼ cup carrier oil ex: Jojoba, Almond, Argan Oil,
• 10 drops essential oil (optional but highly recommended)

Let’s take a closer look at how each ingredient works in the blend:

Oatmeal

Oatmeal brings softness to the scrub. Once ground into a fine powder, it blends into the sugar and oil to create a creamy, cushioned texture. It tones down the roughness of the sugar, so the scrub feels smooth and gentle on the skin. Oats also give the mixture a slightly milky look when mixed with oil, which adds to the calming feel. If you prefer a finer blend, you can use colloidal oatmeal, which dissolves more easily and adds even more softness.

Sugar

The sugar is what gives the scrub its mild exfoliating action. Its natural crystal shape helps lift away surface buildup, making your skin feel clean and refreshed. When mixed with oil and oatmeal, the sugar softens slightly, giving the scrub a nice balance between texture and glide. It does the work without feeling scratchy or leaving any redness behind.

Carrier Oil

The carrier oil brings moisture and helps the scrub hold together. Almond oil, used in this version, has a silky texture that soaks into the skin without feeling greasy. It binds the dry ingredients into a scoopable blend and leaves a soft, moisturized finish after rinsing.

You can choose another carrier oil based on what your skin prefers—jojoba is closest to our skin’s natural oils, argan is great for dry skin.

Essential Oils (Optional)

Essential oils are used mainly for scent and a bit of aromatherapy. They don’t change the texture much, but they can turn the scrub into a calming or energizing part of your routine depending on the oils you choose. Just ten drops are enough to add a gentle scent without being overpowering. If you prefer an unscented scrub, you can leave them out entirely, and the natural scent of the oats and oil will still be pleasant.

How to Make Your Oatmeal Sugar Scrub

Putting this scrub together takes just a few simple steps. With a bowl, a spoon, and a jar, you’ll have your own skin-softening blend ready in minutes.

Step 1: Mix the Oils

In a small bowl, pour in your carrier oil. If you’re using essential oils, add about ten drops to the oil and stir gently. This helps the scent spread evenly when everything is combined later.

Step 2: Prepare the Oatmeal

Place the oatmeal into a clean blender, grinder, or food processor and pulse until it becomes a fine powder. It should feel soft between your fingers, not chunky.

Note: If you’re using colloidal oatmeal, you can skip this step.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, add the sugar and ground oats. Stir them together first so the powders are evenly blended.

Then slowly pour in the oil mixture.

Mix everything well until you have a soft, slightly damp texture. It should hold together when pressed but still feel loose and easy to scoop.

Step 4: Transfer to a Jar

Spoon the finished scrub into a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Press it down gently to remove any air pockets. Store it in a cool, dry place away from water and direct sunlight.

Your scrub is now ready to use whenever your skin needs a little care.

How to Use Your Oatmeal Scrub

This scrub is gentle enough to use regularly and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and lightly hydrated. Here’s how to use it:

• Scoop out a small amount using clean fingers or a dry spoon.
• Apply to damp skin and massage in gentle circles, focusing on areas like your hands, arms, feet, or anywhere that feels dry or rough.
• Rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry with a soft towel.

You can use this scrub one to three times per week depending on your skin’s needs. After rinsing, you may not need a moisturizer, as the carrier oil usually leaves behind a soft, nourished finish.

Avoid using on broken or irritated skin, and keep the jar tightly sealed when not in use to protect the texture and scent.

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