Clean Ingredients to Use in Your DIY Face Scrub

These skin-loving power players can help boost your exfoliating game – without stripping your skin

DIY face scrub recipes are taking the internet by storm. We think that’s awesome! After all, 60% of what’s put on your skin is absorbed – so shouldn’t you be in charge of what’s entering your skin?

In this article, we’re outlining the do’s and don’ts of exfoliation, safe and natural ingredients you should try, and common ingredients you’d be better off avoiding (looking at you, salt scrub). Try our easy to make DIY face scrub recipe at the end for glowing, clean, healthy skin.

Exfoliating Ingredients for Your DIY Face Scrub

What’s more satisfying in a face scrub than that exfoliating feeling? We argue: nothing!

Unfortunately, traditional face scrubs use plastic beads that can damage sewers and ultimately end up polluting the ocean.

By using our suggested ingredients, you’ll get to enjoy the exfoliating sensation of your DIY face scrub in addition to the fact that it’s completely biodegradable.

Extra Fine Coffee Grounds

Using coffee on your skin is no new trick. That’s because coffee has brightening effects and reduces redness and puffiness. It’s also thought to have anti-aging and skin toning properties. Best of all, coffee grounds are gentle exfoliators.

Jojoba Beads

Jojoba oil has garnered a big reputation among skincare fanatics due to its incredibly gentle healing attributes. It’s non-comedogenic and its nutrients are easily absorbed by the skin. 

Jojoba beads are made from solidified jojoba oil. They dissolve slowly during use and are 100% biodegradable and renewable. So why wouldn’t you utilize jojoba beads as a mild exfoliant? Trick question. You would!

Grape Seeds or Skins

Non-comedogenic, nourishing, and natural. Grape seeds and skins work their magic into your skin tenderly without being too abrasive. They are ideal for all skin types as they have anti-acne properties, and grapeseed oil doesn’t go on greasy. You get all the benefits of exfoliation with your DIY face scrub and none of the irritation – even if you have sensitive skin.

Cleansing Ingredients for Your DIY Face Scrub

We recommend you use a good, clean cleanser as a carrier oil for your DIY face scrub. Here are a couple of our favorite oils that your face will love.

Argan Oil

Enjoy a subtle, nutty aroma as this nourishing oil cleanses your skin. Argan oil is safe for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores. Aren’t oils known for clogging pores, you ask? Not this one.

The secret of argan oil is that it’s lighter than other oils. It doesn’t feel greasy, it’s quickly absorbed into your skin, and it’s easy to wash off when your DIY face scrub is done.

Argan oil is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants that reduce inflammation and encourage your body’s natural healing processes, making it safe for people with acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis (eczema). It also improves oily skin while moisturizing the dermis.

Jojoba Oil

We’ve already sung the praises of jojoba oil, but we’re going to do it again. Another non-comedogenic carrier oil, jojoba oil performs total damage control using vitamin E and B vitamins. It’s mild on sensitive skin, taming redness and inflammation – which is extra helpful when exfoliating with your DIY face scrub.

Adding Fragrance to your DIY Face Scrub

As always, avoid synthetic fragrances. Synthetic fragrances are made from hundreds of different chemicals that manufacturers are not required to list. You could be exposing your skin to harmful toxins, like phthalates.

If you’d like to add a relaxing, refreshing scent to your DIY face scrub, opt for organic essential oils. Essential oils like lavender and rose petal have a delicate, therapeutic scent and are safe for topical use when diluted by your carrier oil.

Do your research to find out which essential oils are safe (and even beneficial) for skin.

Facial Scrub Ingredients to Avoid

Salt and sugar DIY face scrubs are popular among at-home skincare enthusiasts. But are all natural solutions safe solutions?

We advise against using salt and sugar for DIY face scrubs and here’s why.

• Salt – While salt may be suitable for other parts of your body, it’s simply too harsh for sensitive facial skin. Salt is known for its ability to dry and preserve – but you don’t want to look like cured meat. In fact, even consuming too much salt may result in inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, the second most common inflammatory disease next to diabetes among Americans.
• Sugar – When compared with salt, sugar may seem like a better DIY face scrub option. However, even though sugar granules are smaller, they can still cause microtears in your skin. When exfoliating, you want to work off the dead skin, not create more of it. Furthermore, eating too much sugar can cause collagen breakdown and advanced aging. Avoid the risk and try a healthier exfoliant.

Quick Tips: The Do’s & Don’ts of Exfoliation

Whether you’re new to exfoliation or need a quick refresher, remember these quick tips when applying your DIY face scrub.

Exfoliation Do’s

• Only exfoliate once or twice per week to avoid irritation
• Know your skin type: find a gentle exfoliator if you have dry skin, and exfoliate more often if you have oily skin
• Be sure to wear SPF, especially after exfoliating

Exfoliation Don’ts

• Do not exfoliate every day
• Don’t use too much pressure – exfoliation should feel like a relaxing massage, not a cheese grater
• Avoid exfoliating recently waxed, irritated, or damaged skin

Try This: DIY Face Scrub Recipe

Lavender Latte DIY Face Scrub

This blend is best used for nighttime exfoliation. The scent of the coffee grounds will get you excited for your nightly routine, while the lavender’s stress reducing effects help you unwind from your busy day.

Ingredients

• Jojoba oil
• Extra fine organic coffee grounds
• Organic lavender essential oil

Put It Together

Start with a ½ cup of jojoba oil. Add 1 tablespoon of organic finely ground coffee grounds. Sprinkle in 1-2 drops of organic lavender essential oil. Stir.

How To Use It

1. Use a mild cleanser and warm water to remove makeup, oil, and dirt from the day.
2. Pat your face dry.
3. Wash your hands.
4. Using your fingertips, apply this DIY face scrub to your face, neck, chest, and shoulders.
5. Gently massage the face scrub over all areas for 2-5 minutes, or until you notice the oil sinking in.
6. Rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.

If you have dry skin that the jojoba oil didn’t fully moisturize, apply a fragrance-free nighttime moisturizer to your face before bed.