Create spa-worthy skin at home with this professional-quality DIY emulsified sugar scrub recipe. This 226 grams shea butter-infused body scrub gently exfoliates, deeply hydrates, and—thanks to an emulsifier—rinses completely clean with no greasy residue.
Unlike traditional oil-and-sugar scrubs, this formula delivers a creamy, lotion-like feel that washes away easily, leaving skin soft, smooth, and nourished.
Table of Contents
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What Is an Emulsified Sugar Scrub?
An emulsified sugar scrub contains an emulsifier that allows oils and butters to mix with water during rinsing. This creates a scrub that feels rich during use but washes clean—no oily skin, no slippery tub.
Benefits:
- Clean, residue-free rinse
- Creamy, professional texture
- Hydrating but not greasy
Ingredient Breakdown (By Weight & Percentage)
Total Batch Size: 226 g (100%)
Vegetable Glycerin – 36% (82 g)
A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin. Glycerin offsets sugar’s natural drying effect, leaving skin soft, hydrated, and comfortable after rinsing.
Shea Butter– 4% (9 g)
A rich yet fast-absorbing emollient butter that melts on contact. Shea butter delivers deep, nourishing moisture and supports the skin barrier without greasiness or heaviness.
Sweet Almond Oil – 2% (4.5 g)
A lightweight oil that improves slip and spreadability while conditioning the skin. Ideal for emulsified rinse-off products.
Polysorbate 20 – 2% (4.5 g)
The key to a true emulsified sugar scrub. Polysorbate 20 allows oils and butters to rinse away cleanly with water, preventing greasy residue.
Fragrance Oil – 2% (4.5 g)
Adds a luxurious sensory experience. Use only skin-safe, phthalate-free fragrance oils formulated for body products.
Sugar – 54% (122 g)
A natural, biodegradable exfoliant that gently removes dead skin cells. Fine to medium grain sugar provides effective exfoliation without excessive abrasion.
Key Benefits of This DIY Emulsified Sugar Scrub
- Gentle exfoliation
- Deep hydration without oiliness
- Clean rinse—no slippery shower floor
- Beginner-friendly, professional results
Ingredient Substitution Options
Keep percentages the same when substituting to preserve texture and emulsification. Always test small batches.
| Ingredient | Substitutions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Glycerin | Vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol | Propylene feels drier |
| Shea Butter | Mango butter, cocoa butter | Mango = softer; cocoa = firmer |
| Sweet Almond Oil | Jojoba oil, fractionated coconut oil | Jojoba is non-comedogenic |
| Polysorbate 20 | Polysorbate 80 | Increase slightly for heavier oils |
| Fragrance Oil | Essential oils | Max 1%; patch test |
| Sugar | Brown sugar, sea salt | Salt is more abrasive |
Safety & Storage Guidelines
- Patch test 24 hours before use
- Avoid broken skin, face, and children under 3
- Keep water out of the jar to prevent contamination
- Discard if odor, texture, or color changes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Tools: Digital scale, double boiler, silicone spatula, airtight jars
Sanitize all tools and containers
In a double boiler on low heat, melt shea butter and sweet almond oil
Remove from heat and stir in Polysorbate 20, vegetable glycerin and fragrance oil until uniform
Slowly fold in sugar until a thick, frosting-like texture forms
Transfer to jars, seal tightly, and label with the date
Allow to cool at room temperature before use.
How to Use
Apply to wet skin, massage gently for 1–2 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use 2–3 times per week and follow with lotion or body butter.
Shelf life: 3–6 months when kept dry and airtight.
Printable Emulsified Sugar Scrub Recipe
How to Make Emulsified Sugar Scrub (Easy DIY Recipe + Step-by-Step Tutorial)
Ingredients
Heat Phase
- 9 g | 4% Shea Butter
- 4.5 g | 2% Sweet Almond Oil
Cool Down Phase
- 82 g | 36% Vegetable Glycerin
- 4.5 g | 2% Polysorbate 20
- 4.5 g | 2% Fragrance Oil
- 122 g | 54% Sugar
Instructions
- In a double boiler on low heat, melt shea butter and sweet almond oil
- Remove from heat and stir in Polysorbate 20, vegetable glycerin and fragrance oil until uniform
- Slowly fold in sugar until a thick, frosting-like texture forms
- Transfer to jars, seal tightly, and label with the date
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