I created this Pink Peppermint Body Scrub with my cousin Jillian years ago as a homemade gift and completely forgot about it until now! It comes together so easy and leaves your skin feeling silky soft and smelling like Peppermint candy. Bottle it up in little glass jars for a pretty no-waste DIY Christmas gift!
My skin gets so dry in the winter, so I’m always looking for new ways to moisturize. The step I often skip is exfoliating (it’s not like us moms typically get extra minutes in the shower); this scrub helps solve (almost) all my problems!
I’ve been really missing the old-fashioned simple things from my childhood like making homemade ornaments (I used to make these really elaborate ones every year with my mom) and little homemade gifts like this scrub. The pace of life has gotten a bit out of control in my humble opinion. I vowed to myself to carve out more time for creating things this year, and have always preferred a homemade gift over a store-bought one.
This scrub is such a great little project as it takes very little time but is so beautiful. I also love that it gives the suggestion to take a bit of ‘me time’ during the crazy holiday season. On that note, don’t forget to make yourself a jar!
How to make a natural body scrub
The sugar and pink Himalayan sea salt help exfoliate the skin and the almond oil, rich in vitamin E, does the moisturizing. I found the almond oil at Superstore in the ethnic food section but you can substitute liquid coconut oil (the one that is in a bottle, not the kind that is solid at room temperature). We used Saje Peppermint Halo for the essential oil (my favourite).
I think this makes an adorable Christmas present for someone or even as a random gesture to let someone know you’re thinking of them. Package this up in a cute re-useable jar with a little note and some pretty ribbon for a sweet hostess gift. Zero waste and 100% love.
I’ve been keeping a jar of it at my kitchen sink to scrub my hands (we often neglect our hands, or at least I do): it’s like a mini spa treatment in the middle of my day! My hands are SO soft!
Pink Peppermint Body Scrub
This recipe makes just over 1 cup (8 oz) of scrub.
To make this gorgeous scrub you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fine ground pink Himalayan salt
- 1/4 cup almond oil or liquid coconut oil*
- 12-15 drops peppermint essential oil
*use the coconut oil that is in a bottle and liquid at room temperature
To make your body scrub simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well combined. Transfer the scrub into a small jars with lids and tie with a ribbon and a personal note or hand written label.
If you’re bundled up inside and looking for more crafts in addition to this Pink Peppermint Body Scrub you can make these Sweetheart Lavender Magic Bags, or make a few jars of this DIY Gingerbread Spice to give as gifts!
Beautiful gift idea Tori! Thank you for sharing!
This sounds great. On question I am allergic to nut and soy oils. Any suggestions for a substitute?
Cheers
Andrea
Hi Andrea- yes use liquid coconut oil!
I love this idea! Sadly I am VERY allergic to almonds. Any suggestions for a substitute oil?
Thank you!
Hi Nancy try using liquid coconut oil!
So cute! I love home made gifts! Have you tried any other oils? Any suggestions for a family with but allergies?
Yes I made it with the liquid coconut oil worked so well!
I too miss the good old days when we cut & painted wooden ornaments, made boxes of baked goodies, cross stitched, sewed, etc for gifts! Wishing we could find the key to slowing up the nutty pace we all live in & bring back those memorable days!!!
I hear you mom… let’s get on it this year! xo
Looks great! Would Coconut oil work as well? Nut allergies preclude us from using almond oil.
Hi Lindsay yes it would! I included that in the preamble but added it to the recipe too – just use the type that is liquid at room temperature.
Would other essential oils work? Or will direct contact cause stinging/burning?
Hi Erika,
We haven’t tried it with other oils yet but we’ve heard some people use Grapefruit essential oil and love it!
I just made a batch with grapefruit essential oil. It’s fabulous! A different kind of refreshing. I’ve made 15 jars so far!
I’ll have to give it a try with Grapefruit!
How is yours so pink!? Mine stays very white..
Hi Kristin, I’m not sure perhaps it is the type of salt? You can try increasing the proportion of pink salt in it to make it more pink!
I can’t wait to try this! Can you tell me what kind of Pink Salt you use? I’ve only ever seen the kind that comes with the grinder attached to the container but it grinds the salt very fine
I found a giant tub at Costco for $10 today or I have found it at Nature’s Fare (natural food store)
Is there just regular sugar?
Yes!
I made this with coconut oil today and it is lovely! I’ll definitely be making more as Christmas gifts ❤️
What size of jars did you use?
Where did you find these cute containers?! And the ones for the gingerbread spice?!
Sorry if you’ve said it elsewhere 🤦🏻♀️
Hi Amanda no problem! I think that they are from the dollar store but I’ve had them for awhile – check out Dollarama!
Is it course salt, or as fine as the sugar?
Hi Sue it is fine – I will add that!
Hello
How long will this keep? If I make it now for Christmas will it keep? Thanks
Yes it should keep fine until then and far beyond – it is just the oils that will eventually oxidize but that would take awhile.
I absolutely love this. This is my intention for the holiday season. We have been baking cookies for neighbours for the last few years
That’s amazing – there is nothing that beats a homemade gift!
Just made this scrub today …with coconut oil …it is fabulous Tori – thank you so much for sharing the recipe. Such a great idea for a hostess gift for those Christmas parties too!!
That’s awesome thanks Cathy!!!
Do you use regular white sugar or cane sugar? And yes wow, I’m surprised how you got it so pink. It’s so pretty!
Hi Tam, regular granulated sugar!
thanks so much 🙂
Will coconut oil in a jar work? What if I melt it?
I would probably not do that – it would likely be too firm and solidify – but I haven’t tried!
I’m wondering the reason for using liquid instead of solid coconut oil?
Hi Erin, it doesn’t otherwise mix in or stay as fluffy.
i’ve made a similar scrub with grapeseed oil in past, what do you think?
i’ve made a similar scrub with grapeseed oil in past, what do you think?
Love this! I tried it with lavender, eucalyptus and grapefruit essential oils to switch it up and they all work great! Perfect little Christmas favours ❤️
Yum love the idea of switching it up those all sound like they smell so yummy
Tori, how long does this keep? I am wanting to make gifts for Christmas.
It should keep for at least a couple months!
We changed our Christmas traditions over the last few years so the holidays are stress free and more enjoyable. I’m all about homemade gifts and experiences, so thank you for sharing, love this idea!
PS: Did you use Jilly’s presets for editing pics? Trying to figure out why your salt is pinker.
Amazing little christmas gift idea! I found the cutest jars at IKEA that even have hearts on them and they’re perfect. Thanks for sharing this Tori. I know all the ladies in my life will love the homemade gesture and of course the exfoliation! And of course I will keep a supply of my own and even try using different essential oils in the future!
Oh Adorable! I bet IKEA would have lots of great options, so glad you you’re giving this a try Kody!
Hi love this scrub. But I melted the solid coconut oil. I’ve since found the liquid in the bottle and was wondering if I add some to my mixture to soften it will it be ok to gift and use. It feels a lot better.
I can’t wait to make this and gift it to friends!
What a delightful scrub. I made the scrub this morning as gifts to my family. Thank you for the wonderful recipe 🌷
Thanks, love it!
I made this last night and this morning the oil has settled at the bottom of the jars, should I include directions to stir before using?
Hi Patty, hmmm that’s strange not sure why it did that but sure you can include those instructions!
Thanks, Tori! It looked fluffy like yours when I added it to the jars, then the next day the almond oil had settled. It really does feel like a spa treatment with the Saje Peppermint Halo!