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These easy DIY Lavender Sugar Scrub Bars cleanse and exfoliate the skin while soothing your mind with their relaxing scent.
I love how relaxing and soothing lavender is in homemade beauty products. And, these easy DIY sugar scrub cubes are no different!
They have all the exfoliating power of traditional sugar scrubs with the convenience of being in a bar form. And, since they’re set with melt-and-pour soap, they also cleanse your skin at the same time!
So get your DIY Beauty supplies ready so you can make a batch of these easy Lavender Sugar Scrub Bars. Then, at the end of a long day, you can just hop in the shower or bath and pamper your skin while giving yourself a relaxing aromatherapy experience.
Supplies
- ⅓ cup of melt and pour soap
- ¼ teaspoon of sweet almond oil
- 1-2 drops of vitamin e oil
- 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of dried lavender
- ⅓ cup of granulated sugar
Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Double Boiler
- Silicone Molds
Step-by-Step: How to Make Lavendar Sugar Scrub Bars
Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make exfoliating sugar scrub bars scented with soothing lavender.
Step 1: Melt Soap Base
Place about 5-6 large ice cube-sized pieces of your melt and pour soap into a double boiler and heat over medium until completely melted (should equal ⅓ cup, a little more is fine but no less).
Step 2: Add Oils and Lavender
Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in ¼ teaspoon of sweet almond oil, 1-2 drops of vitamin e oil, 3-5 drops of lavender essential oil and 1 teaspoon of dried lavender.
Step 3: Add Sugar then Press Into Molds
Quickly mix in ⅓ cup of sugar then pour the sugar scrub mixture into your silicone molds (once the sugar is added, the mixture hardens quickly, so be sure to work fast). Set the silicone mold in the freezer for 15 minutes to harden the sugar scrub cubes.
Step 4: Unmold and Use the Cubes
Remove the silicone mold from the freezer and push up on the bottom of your molds to remove each sugar scrub cube. Place several homemade sugar scrub bars in a mason jar and top with some fabric and a ribbon for a special handmade gift!
Tips for Making the Best Lavender Sugar Scrub Bars
Answers to all of your questions about making this sugar scrub bar recipe, including tips, substitutions and variations.
How to use sugar scrub bars
All you have to do is rub these bars on areas of skin that need to be exfoliated. They’ll both cleanse and exfoliate skin at the same time.
Use the scrub bars 1-2 times a week. Over-exfoliating can irritate the skin, so it’s important to find a balance that works for your skin type.
Making a bigger batch
This is a small batch recipe for 3 sugar scrub bars. If you want to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe!
Skin types
The bars are generally suitable for all skin types. However, if you have sensitive skin, consider reducing the amount of sugar for a gentler exfoliation and perform a patch test before full use.
Adjust exfoliation level
To adjust the texture, vary the amount or type of sugar. More sugar creates a rougher scrub for intense exfoliation, while less sugar results in a gentler bar. Finer sugar provides a less abrasive scrub compared to coarse sugar.
Using other scents
You can use any essential oil you like. I often like making Peppermint Sugar Scrub Bars, depending on the time of year, but you’re only limited to your imagination (and what’s safe for skin).
Colorants
While I like the subtle color of these sugar scrub bars, you can add natural colorants like mica powder or beetroot powder for color. Start with a small amount (a pinch or two) and increase as needed to achieve the desired hue.
Substitute other carrier oils
If you have allergies or you don’t have or want to use sweet almond oil or vitamin E oil, you can substitute your favorite carrier oil. Be sure to read my post on the best carrier oils for tips on choosing the right one for your skin type.
Alternative mold ideas
If you don’t have a silicone mold, you can also use ice cube trays, muffin tins or even small plastic containers as alternatives.
Preservative advice
If adding preservatives for a longer shelf life, opt for natural preservatives like grapefruit seed extract. However, always research and use them according to safe guidelines. A great place to start learning about this topic is my post on Natural Preservatives for Homemade Beauty Products.
Are lavender flowers necessary?
No, you can completely omit them or add other small dried flowers, herbs, or citrus zest to the mixture for an aesthetic appeal. Ensure they are skin-safe and finely chopped to avoid harshness on the skin.
Shelf life and storage
These sugar scrub bars typically last for about 6 months. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposure to moisture or direct sunlight to prolong their shelf life.
Also keep in mind that they may soften in warm environments. Store them in a cool place during summer or in the refrigerator if your environment is particularly warm.
Packaging for gifts
For gifting, place the bars in mason jars, tie with a ribbon, and add a personalized tag. Consider using recycled paper or fabric for an eco-friendly touch. Reusable cloth bags or glass containers are also great options.
More DIY lavender beauty products
If you love the scent of lavender, try some of these beauty product recipes
- Lavender Lotion Bars
- Lavender Rosemary Shampoo
- Lavender Salt Scrub Bars
- Lavender Calendula Salve
- Lavender Bath Bombs
Lavender Sugar Scrub Bars Recipe
Supplies
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup melt and pour soap
- ¼ teaspoon sweet almond oil
- 1-2 drops vitamin e oil
- 3-5 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 teaspoon dried lavender
Tools
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Double Boiler
- Silicone Molds
Instructions
- Put 5-6 large ice cube sized pieces of melt and pour soap into a double boiler and heat over medium until completely melted.
- Remove the pan from the heat, then stir in sweet almond oil, vitamin e oil, lavender essential oil and dried lavender.
- Quickly mix in your sugar and immediately pour into your silicone before it hardens. Freeze the silicone mold for 15 minutes to harden the cubes.
- Remove the mold from the freezer and push up on the mold to remove the sugar scrub cubes. You can now store or use your lavender sugar scrub bars!
I love your DIY but what do you mean by a 1/3 cup melt and pour soap. What kind of soap do you use?
Hi Carmetta, thank you. Melt and Pour Soap is the type of soap used in this DIY. It can be purchased many places online and at most craft stores like Michaels.
I love all of your DIY Beauty recipes. Thank you!
Thank you Rebecca!
When you say 1/3 of a cup of melt & pour soap—-question is: is that 1/3 measurement after the M&P Soap is melted or is it before melting and if so how do you measure the 1/3 cup? –grating it OR?????
Sorry if I sound dumb but am perplexed –weight of soap would be very helpful.
Thank you as this recipe sounds very nice.
Yvonne
I usually just chop up my melt and pour soap, then measure it.
How long do each square last in the shower? Are they a one time use?
It really depends on the size of mold you choose and on how much of the scrub you tend to use. For some people, they can be single use, and for others, they can last multiple uses.
How long do these last? And what size mold did you use, thank you!
As long as you don’t expose them to moisture, they’ll have a long shelf life.