Honey Sugar Scrub: An Easy DIY Recipe and How to Use It
A honey sugar scrub is one of the easiest DIY skin care recipes. Sugar gently buffs away dry flakes, honey adds moisture and stickiness to hold it together, and a little oil makes it glide. It works well for elbows, knees, hands and lips. But dermatologists caution that scrubs can be too harsh for the face and sensitive skin. This article gives a simple honey sugar scrub recipe, explains how to use it safely, and covers who should skip physical exfoliation. For bath ideas, see honey bath.
For general education only, not medical advice. Our honey is a food and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
How a honey sugar scrub works
Physical exfoliants use small particles to remove dead skin cells from the surface. Sugar crystals are a popular choice because they dissolve as you scrub, which makes them less harsh than ground shells or salt.
Honey binds the sugar into a paste and, as a humectant, helps draw moisture into newly exposed skin. A review of honey in dermatology describes honey's use in cosmetic formulas for these reasons.
Basic honey sugar scrub recipe
In a small bowl, mix half a cup of sugar with a quarter cup of honey and one to two tablespoons of a gentle oil like olive, sweet almond or jojoba. Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste. Add a little more oil if it is too stiff.
Use fine white sugar for a gentler scrub and brown sugar for a slightly softer, more moist texture. Coarse raw sugar is best kept for very rough areas like heels.
| Ingredient | Amount | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar | 1/2 cup | Exfoliates |
| Honey | 1/4 cup | Binds and moisturizes |
| Oil | 1 to 2 tablespoons | Helps it glide |
How to use it
Apply the scrub to damp skin in the shower. Massage gently in small circles for 30 to 60 seconds. Rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry. Apply moisturizer right away.
Pressure should be light. If skin turns red or stings, you are scrubbing too hard.
- Damp skin
- Light, circular motions
- 30 to 60 seconds per area
- Rinse and pat dry
- Moisturize
Honey sugar scrub for lips
For dry lips, mix a teaspoon of fine sugar with a little honey. Rub very gently for a few seconds, then wipe off with a damp cloth and apply lip balm. Once a week is enough. Skip it if lips are cracked or bleeding.
Our article on honey for lips has more lip care tips.
Should you use it on your face?
The American Academy of Dermatology advises choosing exfoliation methods based on skin type and being gentle. Many dermatologists caution against sugar scrubs on the face, because crystals can create tiny tears in delicate skin.
If you want to exfoliate your face, gentle chemical exfoliants or a soft washcloth may be better. People with acne, rosacea, eczema or very sensitive skin should avoid physical scrubs on the face.
How often to use a honey sugar scrub
Once or twice a week on the body is plenty. Over-exfoliating can lead to redness, irritation and a damaged skin barrier. If your skin feels raw or tight, take a break.
Storing your scrub
Store the scrub in a clean, airtight jar and use a clean spoon to scoop it out. Water dripping into the jar from wet hands can encourage mold or fermentation. Make small batches that last a few weeks.
Variations
Some people add a pinch of cinnamon or coffee grounds for scent and texture. Cinnamon can irritate sensitive skin, so patch test first. Avoid citrus juice, which can sting and make skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Who should skip it
Skip scrubs on sunburned, broken, irritated or infected skin. People with pollen or bee product allergies should patch test honey before use. See our article on honey allergy.
If you shave, avoid scrubbing freshly shaved skin, which is more easily irritated.
A honey sugar scrub as a gift
Homemade scrubs make lovely gifts in small glass jars. Add a label with ingredients and a note to use within a few weeks and keep water out of the jar.
Our gift guide has more ideas for honey lovers.
The takeaway
A honey sugar scrub is simple, inexpensive and enjoyable for smoothing rough body skin. Keep pressure light, use it sparingly, and always moisturize afterward.
Honey sugar scrub for hands
Hands take a beating from washing, weather and work. A pea-sized amount of scrub, rubbed gently over the backs of the hands and knuckles for 30 seconds, can smooth rough patches. Rinse, dry and apply a thick hand cream. Doing this before bed lets the cream work overnight.
Avoid scrubbing cuts, hangnails or cracked skin, since sugar crystals will sting and can irritate open areas.
Body areas that benefit most
Elbows, knees, the backs of the arms and the tops of the feet often have the roughest skin and respond well to a gentle scrub. Thinner areas like the chest, neck and inner arms need a lighter touch, or can be skipped entirely.
Raw honey for DIY
Al Safa honey is raw food honey, never heated above hive temperature. Pure honey with no added syrups is ideal for homemade scrubs.
Find a jar in our shop.
Sources
Outside health sources we used for this article. They open in a new tab.
- Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review (Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2013) · PubMed
- How to safely exfoliate at home · American Academy of Dermatology
- Dermatologists' tips to relieve dry skin · American Academy of Dermatology
Frequently asked questions
- How do you make a honey sugar scrub?
- Mix half a cup of sugar, a quarter cup of honey and a tablespoon or two of oil.
- Can I use a honey sugar scrub on my face?
- Many dermatologists advise against sugar scrubs on the face. Use a gentler method.
- How often should I use a sugar scrub?
- Once or twice a week on the body.
- Which sugar is best?
- Fine white or brown sugar is gentler. Coarse sugar suits only very rough areas.
- How long does a honey sugar scrub last?
- A few weeks if kept dry and sealed.
- Can I use it on my lips?
- Yes, very gently and with fine sugar, about once a week.
- Should I moisturize after scrubbing?
- Yes, right after patting skin dry.
Al Safa Honey is a food producer, not a medical provider. Nothing here is medical advice, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Talk to your doctor about any health concern. Never give honey of any kind to a baby under 12 months old.