How to Make Exfoliating Mix at Home

Everyone knows that it costs a lot to buy expensive exfoliating creams for facial care. If you want to save money and avoid synthetic products, you can make your own effective scrubs using things you probably already have in your kitchen. The blend you need to use will depend on your current skin condition, so we’ve gathered a ton of the most effective recipes you can try to find the right one!

Table of Contents

Coffee grounds

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Coffee grounds have an exfoliating effect and can help reduce swelling. Make some coffee and take the grounds while it’s still warm. Mix coffee grounds with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive or jojoba oil for an easy spread. Gently massage the coffee grounds onto the skin, then rinse. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Caffeine has antioxidants, which help prevent aging and improve blood circulation. ^{[2] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}
Apply moisturizer after using the coffee grounds to hydrate the skin.
Coffee grounds can be too rough for your skin; Discontinue use if you notice redness, burning or skin damage. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Linseed

It’s also a natural anti-inflammatory that helps cure redness and reduce discomfort. Grind 1 teaspoon (4g) of flaxseeds with a coffee grinder or grind with a pestle and mortar. Mix in 1 tbsp (15 ml) of a base, such as aloe vera gel, plain yogurt, or jojoba oil for an easier spread. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin, then rinse with warm water. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Flaxseed has anti-inflammatory components that can effectively treat swelling and acne. ^{[5] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Sugar, milk and honey

Honey combined with sugar makes a great antibacterial scrub. Many studies have proven that honey has the ability to kill bacteria, so it works well in treating ugly dark spots. ^{[6] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source} Mix 2 tablespoons natural honey, 1 teaspoon (5 ml) milk, and 2 tablespoons (8 g) sugar in a small bowl. Spread a thin layer of the mixture on your face and leave it on for up to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Choose fine granulated sugar instead of coarse granulated sugar so it’s not too rough.
Complete your skin care routine by using your regular cleanser to rinse off the scrub.

Coconut oil and sugar

This simple blend helps to hydrate the skin while exfoliating dead skin cells. Mix 2 tablespoons (25 g) of sugar with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of coconut oil until smooth. Spread the mixture on your face and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Rub gently on face for 30 seconds, then rinse. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

This mixture is very effective for flaky and patchy skin.
Coconut oil is extremely effective in hydrating the skin and protecting it from UV rays. ^{[9] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Aloe and sugar

This mixture is very effective for inflamed and acne-prone skin. Buy aloe vera gel at the pharmacy. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of aloe vera gel, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil, and 3 teaspoons (15 g) of sugar in a small bowl. Gently massage the mixture onto the skin, then rinse with cold water. ^{[10] X Research Source}

Aloe vera also has the added benefit of cooling the skin and reducing inflammation.
Many people have successfully used aloe vera to treat acne and fade dark spots, so it might work for you as well. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Oatmeal, yogurt and honey

Try using this mixture to treat itching or burning on your face. Several studies have proven that oatmeal is effective in treating skin problems due to its antioxidant content. ^{[12] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source} Mix 2 tablespoons (10 g) of oatmeal, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of unsweetened plain yogurt, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey in a bowl small. Rub the mixture on your face gently and let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. ^{[13] X Research Source}

Yogurt and honey keep the skin moist while exfoliating.

Brown rice and egg whites

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Rice and eggs help to lighten the complexion and treat oily skin. Take 2 tablespoons (25 g) of brown rice and grind it into a fine powder using a coffee grinder. Pour rice flour into a bowl and mix with 1 egg white to form a thick paste. Rub the mixture onto your face using small circular motions to remove dead skin, and then rinse with warm water. ^{[14] X Research Source}

Brown rice helps to absorb oil from the skin and also helps to lighten the skin tone effectively.
Egg whites help moisturize the skin and heal facial wounds. ^{[15] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Almonds and jojoba oil

Try this natural blend to soothe irritation and smooth out fine lines. Grind about 12 almonds in a food processor until smooth. Slowly stir in 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) of jojoba oil to form a paste. Gently massage the mixture onto your face to exfoliate. After washing your face, wipe the mixture off with a warm towel. ^{[16] X Research Source}

Although the exfoliating effect is not as effective as ground almonds, studies have shown that the soothing ingredients in almond oil can help improve skin. ^{[17] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

Lemon juice and salt

Kill bacteria on the surface with this mixture. Lemon has antibacterial properties, so it can get rid of dark spots. ^{[18] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source} Mix ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) of lemon juice with 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of purified water and 1 tablespoon (15 g) of salt. Gently rub the mixture on the skin for 2-3 minutes, then rinse with warm water. ^{[19] X Research Source}

Avoid using more lemon juice than in the recipe above as it can irritate the skin.
Lemon can make the skin more sensitive to the sun; You should use sunscreen after using the mixture when going outdoors.

Strawberries and yogurt

Treat acne and oily skin with this natural blend. Strawberry is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, so it also works to treat acne. Mash ½ cup (80 g) of strawberries and mix with 1 cup (240 ml) of unsweetened white yogurt. Gently massage the mixture onto your skin and let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. ^{[20] X Research Source}

You can also add ½ cup (50 g) of ground almonds and a little apple cider vinegar to help lighten the skin even more.
Strawberries also protect the skin from UVA rays. ^{[21] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Kiwi and brown sugar

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This option works great if you have oily or acne-prone skin. Peel and mash one kiwi, then mix it with 2 teaspoons (8 g) of brown sugar and a few drops of olive oil. Mix ingredients thoroughly and spread on face. Leave it on for 3-5 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. ^{[22] X Research Source}

Kiwi has amino acids and vitamin C that reduce the skin’s natural oil secretion, while brown sugar helps to exfoliate dead skin cells. ^{[23] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

Banana and sugar

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Bananas help smooth wrinkles and provide beneficial vitamins. Mash a banana with a fork and sprinkle with the same amount of fine granulated sugar as the banana. Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture to soften it even further. Gently massage the mixture into the skin and rinse with warm water. ^{[24] X Research Source}

You can add a few drops of lemon or honey to the mixture to reduce the skin’s natural oils and brighten the skin.

Peaches, honey and eggs

If you have dry skin, this mixture will help you keep your skin moisturized. Select a ripe peach and mash it with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of honey. Add 1 egg white if you have oily skin (substitute egg white with egg yolk if you have dry skin). Rub the mixture onto your skin and let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water. ^{[25] X Research Sources}

Peaches can help promote cplagen production in the skin. ^{[26] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Advice

Always test homemade scrubs on a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t have a bad reaction. ^{[27] X Research Source}

Warning

Start exfoliating once a week so you don’t irritate your skin. If your skin can tolerate it, you can try exfoliating more often. ^{[28] X Research Sources}
Avoid exfoliating if you have an open wound or sunburn on your face, as this can further irritate the skin. ^{[29] X Trusted Source American Academy of Dermatpogy Go to Source}

Steps