How to Make a Sugar and Coffee Scrub

Co-authored by Diana Yerkes

Last Updated: November 11, 2022 References Approved

Sugar scrubs are great at exfoliating away dead skin, but did you know that if you add some ground coffee to your scrub, you can help reduce cellulite? They are also great at exfoliating and may help reduce puffiness, making them perfect for mornings.^{[1]
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Research source} Some people find that sugar and coffee scrubs also help reduce cellulite to a certain extent.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Making a Body Scrub

1
Place ½ cup (115 grams) of finely-ground coffee into a medium-sized mixing bowl. The coffee will help exfoliate your skin and leave it feeling soft and smooth. The caffeine in the coffee will may also help tighten your skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite.^{[2]
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- The coffee does not have to be freshly-ground. You can even use leftover grounds from your morning coffee.
2
Add ½ cup (115 grams) of white sugar. The sugar will help further exfoliate your skin. For something even more exfoliating, you can use raw cane or palm sugar.
- For an even more exfoliating scrub, use sea salt instead.^{[3]
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3
Add the ¼ cup (60 milliliters) of coconut oil or olive oil. If you can't find any, you can use other types of food-grade oil, such as almond oil or grape seed oil.^{[4]
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Research source} If you are using coconut oil, melt it in the microwave first, then let it cool slightly.
4
Add some fragrance with vanilla extract and/or ground cinnamon, if desired. You will need ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and/or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. These are not completely necessary, but they will make your scrub smell delightful, just like a latte!^{[5]
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5
Mix the ingredients together using a fork, then make any necessary adjustments. Ideally, the scrub should feel like wet sand. If it is too dry for your liking, add a little bit more oil. If it is too wet for your liking, add a little bit more sugar.
6
Transfer the scrub to an airtight jar and store it in a cool, dry place. The oil, sugar, and coffee may separate over time. If this happens, simply stir the scrub up using a spoon or your finger. The scrub should last up to two months. If it does start to smell or look strange before then, throw it out and make a new one.
- If you used coconut oil to make your scrub, store it at room temperature so that the coconut oil doesn't harden too much.
- Use a glass jar, if you can. The oil in the scrub may degrade plastic over time; glass will last much longer.
- If you wish to give the scrub away as a gift, consider sticking a personalized label onto the lid.^{[7]
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7
Use the scrub once to twice a week on your arms and legs.^{[8]
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Research source} Hop into the bath or shower and get your skin wet. Scoop up 1 to 2 tablespoons of the scrub into the palm of your hand. Gently massage the scrub into your skin for 45 to 60 seconds using circular motions. Rinse the scrub off when you are done.^{[9]
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- There may be some oily residue on your skin afterwards. You can wash it off with soap, or you can leave it to help moisturize your skin.
- Consider buffing your skin with a dry brush first. This will exfoliate your skin and stimulate blood flow. It will make the scrub even more effective when you use it!^{[10]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making a Face Scrub

1
Place 3 tablespoons of finely-ground coffee into a small mixing bowl. Coffee may help reduce puffiness and swelling, making it ideal for that sleepy, morning face. It is also a natural astringent, so it can help tighten your pores and reduce oiliness.^{[11]
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Research source} The coffee grounds will also help exfoliate away dead skin cells.
2
Add 2 tablespoons of oil. Olive oil is a good choice, but you can use another type of oil instead. If you tend to get breakouts, however, you should avoid olive oil and the following oils as they tend to clog pores: coconut, flax seed, linseed, palm, and wheat germ. Here are some suggestions based on certain skin types:^{[12]
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- Acne-prone or oily: argan, grapeseed, hemp, jojoba, sunflower seed, or sweet almond.
- Dry or mature skin: apricot kernel, argan, avocado, hemp, jojoba, sunflower seed, or sweet almond.
- Normal: apricot kernel, argan, grapeseed, hemp, jojoba, sunflower seed, or sweet almond.
3
Add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Avoid using white sugar or "raw" cane sugar if you can. These will make the scrub too harsh and abrasive for your face. Brown sugar is the better for the face, because of its smaller grain size. It is still exfoliating, but in a gentle way.
4
Add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for fragrance. This is not completely necessary, but it will give your scrub a nice fragrance.
5
Mix the ingredients together, then make any necessary adjustments. The scrub should feel like wet sand. If this is too dry for you, add a little more of whichever oil you were using. If the scrub is too wet, add a little bit more ground coffee or brown sugar. Remember to stir the scrub well after each addition.
6
Scoop the scrub to an airtight jar and keep it in a cool, dry place. If the oil, sugar, and coffee start to separate, simply stir the scrub with your finger or a spoon. The scrub should last up to two months, but if it starts to smell or look strange before then, discard it and make a new one.
- Try to use a glass jar, if you can. The oil in the scrub may deteriorate plastic over time; a glass jar will last longer.
- If you plan to give the scrub as a gift, stick a homemade label onto the lid for a personalized touch.
7
Use the scrub on a clean face. Wash your face first using warm water. This will get rid of any surface dirt and open up your pores. Scoop out a small amount of the scrub, and gently massage it onto your face for 45 to 60 seconds. Use small, circular motions and take care to avoid the area around your eyes. Rinse the scrub off with warm water, then splash cool water onto your skin to seal the pores. Apply some moisturizer afterwards, if needed.^{[14]
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- You can also use this scrub on your neck.^{[15]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Are used coffee grounds good for the skin?

Diana Yerkes
Skincare Specialist
Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

Diana Yerkes

Skincare Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, you can use your used coffee grounds. If you'd rather save fresh grounds for coffee, use the leftover grounds after brewing a cup for your scrub. The hot water keeps the grounds clean, and they can still exfoliate your skin after being used.
Question

How often should I use this scrub?

Community Answer

If you are particularly oily, three to four times a week. For combination or normal skin, use it two to three times a week. If you have dry skin, just once a week is fine.
Question

How long should I apply the scrub?

Community Answer

Mix until it feels like wet sand. I think it should take around 1-2 minutes.

Warnings

The sugar, oil, and coffee may separate overtime. If that happens, simply give your scrub a stir before using it again.

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Coffee scrubs can help reduce cellulite, but they are not a magical cure for it. If you wish to truly get rid of cellulite, you will also need to focus on your diet and exercise regularly.

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