Christmas Peppermint Sugar Scrub (Perfect as a Gift!)

Growing up, I thought homemade gifts were just cookies and knitted scarves. That’s what my mom always made during the holidays. When I tried making bath products one year, they turned out too oily and not very gift-worthy.

Turns out I was using way too much oil in my DIY beauty recipes—a common rookie mistake. This peppermint sugar scrub, though, gets the ratio just right. It’s as simple as measuring ingredients and stirring them together, making it perfect for anyone who wants to give something handmade but isn’t exactly crafty.

christmas peppermint sugar scrub

 

Why You’ll Love This Peppermint Sugar Scrub

  • Quick DIY gift – You can whip up this homemade sugar scrub in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute holiday gifts or party favors.
  • Cost-effective – With just a few basic ingredients, you can make multiple jars of this luxurious scrub for less than the price of one store-bought version.
  • Natural ingredients – Using simple ingredients like coconut oil and pure peppermint oil means you know exactly what’s going on your skin – no harsh chemicals or mysterious additives.
  • Customizable recipe – You can easily adjust the peppermint scent strength or add food coloring to match your holiday theme or personal preference.
 

Options for Substitutions

Making this festive sugar scrub? Here are some helpful substitutions if you need them:

  • White sugar: You can swap white sugar with raw sugar or brown sugar for a more intense scrubbing effect. For a gentler option, try using fine caster sugar instead.
  • Fractionated coconut oil: If you don’t have fractionated coconut oil, you can use sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, or regular melted coconut oil. Just note that with regular coconut oil, the scrub might solidify in cooler temperatures.
  • Peppermint oil: While peppermint gives this scrub its Christmas feel, you could use spearmint essential oil for a similar effect. Just don’t use peppermint extract meant for baking – it won’t mix well with the oils.
  • Food coloring: Instead of regular food coloring, you can use natural alternatives like mica powder or leave it uncolored for a pure white scrub.
  • Crystal jelly jars: Any small containers with tight-fitting lids will work – mason jars, plastic containers, or even cleaned out candle jars are good options. Just make sure they’re clean and dry before use.
christmas peppermint sugar scrub
 

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest mistake when making this sugar scrub is using regular coconut oil instead of fractionated coconut oil, as regular coconut oil will solidify at room temperature and make your scrub too hard to use.

Getting the oil-to-sugar ratio wrong can leave you with either a too-runny or too-dry scrub – stick to the measurements provided and add oil gradually while stirring to achieve that perfect, sand-like consistency.

When adding the peppermint essential oil, avoid the temptation to add extra drops thinking it will make the scrub smell stronger – too much essential oil can irritate sensitive skin, and the scent will naturally become more noticeable once you start using the scrub.

If you’re using food coloring, start with just one drop at a time and mix thoroughly – you can always add more, but fixing an oversaturated color is nearly impossible.

 

Storage Instructions

Container: Pour your homemade peppermint scrub into clean, dry glass jars with tight-fitting lids. The crystal jelly jars work perfectly for this, and they look really cute as gifts too! Make sure the containers are completely dry before filling to prevent any water from getting mixed in.

Keep Fresh: Your sugar scrub will stay good for about 6-8 months when stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The bathroom cabinet is perfect, but just try to keep water from getting into the jar during use – this helps prevent any unwanted moisture that could affect the texture.

Tips: I like to make a small label with the date I made the scrub, just to keep track. If you notice any changes in smell, color, or texture, it’s best to make a fresh batch. A clean, dry spoon or scoop helps keep the scrub fresh longer than using wet fingers to scoop it out.

 

christmas peppermint sugar scrub
 

Joyful Christmas Peppermint Sugar Scrub FAQ

Why does the coconut oil need to be fractionated?

Fractionated coconut oil is important for this sugar scrub because it stays liquid at room temperature, unlike regular coconut oil that solidifies. This keeps your scrub smooth and easily spreadable, even when stored at room temperature. I’ve tried regular coconut oil before, and it made the scrub too hard and difficult to use.

How much food coloring should I add to get a nice red and white swirl?

For a festive red and white swirl, I recommend using just 2-3 drops of red food coloring in half of the mixture. Split your sugar scrub into two portions, add the coloring to one half, and then layer or swirl them together in your jars. Remember, a little goes a long way – you can always add more, but you can’t take it out!

Is this sugar scrub safe to use on my face?

No, this sugar scrub is too rough for facial skin. The granules in regular white sugar are too large and can cause micro-tears in the delicate skin on your face. I recommend using this scrub only on your body, particularly areas like elbows, knees, and feet where skin is naturally tougher.

 
Preparation Time10-15 minutes
Cooking Time0 minutes
Total Time10-15 minutes
Level of DifficultyEasy
 

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

  • Calories: 1600-1800
  • Protein: 0-1 g
  • Fat: 95-105 g
  • Carbohydrates: 200-220 g
 

Ingredients

  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil (fractionated)
  • 12 drops peppermint oil
  • Optional food coloring
  • 6 small 4oz crystal jelly jars
 

Step 1: Combine Sugar and Coconut Oil

Begin by adding the sugar into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Pour in the coconut oil and use a spoon or spatula to start combining these two ingredients.

Mix until the sugar and oil are well incorporated, forming a smooth mixture.

 

Step 2: Add Peppermint Essential Oil

Next, carefully add drops of peppermint essential oil to the sugar and coconut oil mixture.

Stir thoroughly to ensure the oil is evenly distributed throughout, infusing the mixture with a refreshing scent.

 

Step 3: Optional Color Addition

If desired, add a very small amount of red food coloring to the mixture.

Stir the mixture thoroughly until the color is evenly distributed.

Adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve your desired shade of pink or red.

 

Step 4: Transfer to Jars

Spoon the prepared mixture into Ball® 4oz Quilted Crystal Jelly Jars, filling each jar almost to the top.

Use a spoon to pack the mixture down gently, ensuring it’s nicely compacted within the jar.

 

Step 5: Seal and Decorate

Once the jars are filled, screw on the lids securely.

To add a finishing touch, tie a ribbon around each jar for a decorative element, perfect for gifting or storage.

Your peppermint sugar scrubs are ready to be shared or enjoyed!


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