There was no way I was letting those vanilla beans go to waste.
After making a batch of homemade bourbon vanilla extract, I had a few leftover vanilla bean pods sitting on the counter, and I was almost out of my tea tree sugar scrub. It felt like the perfect excuse to slow down for ten minutes and make something new out of what I already had.
That’s really what this little jar is about. One of my favorite parts of simple living is finding a second use for what’s already on hand instead of buying something new. Those extra vanilla beans turned into a warm, lightly scented sugar scrub that’s become a small, grounding part of my self-care routine, and it takes almost no effort to make.
Made with just four simple ingredients, this vanilla sugar scrub gently exfoliates while the coconut oil leaves your skin feeling soft and moisturized. The tiny flecks of real vanilla bean make it feel a little extra special, whether you’re keeping the jar for yourself or wrapping it up as a gift.
You can use a vanilla bean pod, vanilla extract, or both if you want a stronger scent. The bean gives the scrub its pretty speckled look and a richer natural fragrance, but the extract works well on its own if that’s what you have in the pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Sugar Scrub
- Made with just four simple ingredients
- Naturally scented with real vanilla bean
- Gently exfoliates dry skin
- Leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized
- Ready in about 10 minutes
- Makes a beautiful homemade gift
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup melted coconut oil
- 1 vanilla bean pod
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
I like to use these 8 oz amber glass jars to store it in. I’ve tried mason jars and I find these work better.
Homemade Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Equipment
- Small mixing bowl
- Spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 vanilla bean pod
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil if it has solidified.
- Slice the vanilla bean pod lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
- Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla bean seeds to a small mixing bowl.
- Stir until well combined.
- Add in the sugar and mix
- Mix in the vanilla extract, if using.
- Transfer the sugar scrub to an 8 oz glass jar and seal with a lid.
Video
Notes
- Store in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to 2 months.
- Keep water out of the jar to help extend its shelf life.
- Gently massage onto damp skin using circular motions, then rinse with warm water.
- Use caution in the shower or bathtub, as the coconut oil can make surfaces slippery.
How to Use
Scoop a small amount into your hand and gently massage it onto damp skin using circular motions. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your skin dry. I like using it on my hands, arms, elbows, and legs whenever my skin feels a little dry and could use some extra care. It’s a simple way to build a small pause into an ordinary day.
Used once or twice a week, the sugar gently sloughs off dry, dead skin while the coconut oil helps lock in moisture, leaving skin noticeably smoother and softer over time.
Storage
Store your vanilla sugar scrub in an airtight glass jar at room temperature for up to 2 months. To help it stay fresh, avoid getting water directly in the container.
More Simple Self-Care Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
Simple living is about making the most of what you already have. This vanilla sugar scrub started with leftover vanilla beans and turned into something I’ll keep making, one small jar at a time.
Disclaimer: This homemade sugar scrub is intended for external use only. Always perform a patch test before using any new skincare product, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Avoid applying to broken or irritated skin, and discontinue use if irritation occurs. Because this scrub contains oil, use caution in the shower or bathtub, as surfaces may become slippery.
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