Homemade Salt Scrubs

By Valerie Kolligian Thayer • December 10, 2015 • Recipes

This week, I was inspired by a conversation with my friend, Cherie to dig out an old recipe for homemade salt scrubs that I made for gifts many years ago. Luckily, I had time in my schedule to do some experimenting with different scent combinations and came up with a few to share with you in time for the holidays.

These salt scrubs are incredibly easy to make with ingredients that are readily available. Some of those ingredients may already be in your pantry! I have included recipes for the scrubs I made, but the possibilities for scent combinations is endless. The only limitation is your imagination!

If you are looking for a last minute gift idea for hostesses, friends, teachers or anyone else in your life, then you can whip up a batch of these salts and have them wrapped and ribboned in no time at all. The best part? You know exactly what you are putting in your scrub – no hidden chemicals.

Let’s get started.

For the most basic salt scrub, you will need Epsom salts (available at the drug store), an odorless carrier oil such as Sunflower or Grapeseed oil, and the Essential oil of your choosing (I found mine at Whole Foods). I chose Sunflower oil as my carrier oil and used Lemon, Grapefruit and Lavender essential oils in my recipes. Other examples of essential oils include peppermint, eucalyptus and geranium…

I also used my homemade Vanilla Extract and some fresh rosemary from a plant I have in my kitchen…

The first combination I made was Lemon & Rosemary using Lemon Essential Oil and chopped fresh rosemary. I added just a drop or two of yellow food coloring to this salt, but that is completely optional. It smelled so good! This jar found a home with my friend, Susan who treated me to lunch this week. I suggested she put it in the fridge if it hasn’t been used up in a couple of weeks…

I also mixed up my personal favorite, Grapefruit & Vanilla inspired in part by the scent of my favorite shampoo from Beautycounter. And finally, I made a soothing Lavender scrub that I gave to a friend who is recovering from some surgery. She gave it the thumbs up…

For gift giving, you can add a little spoon if you want. I found this 3 1/2 inch spoon at a nearby kitchen store but you can find them online. My jars came from The Container Store and hold about 8 ounces of salt scrub which is about what you get from one batch…

I think this would be a great project to do with teens who might be looking for something fun and inexpensive to give to their friends for the holidays. Or just whip up a batch for yourself!

See you next week!

One Year Ago: Sarah Bernhardt Cookies

Homemade Salt Scrubs

These scrubs are just a sampling of the combinations you can create in your kitchen! There are lots of Essential oils to choose from depending on your scent preferences. Add vanilla to my lavender scrub or combine lemon and grapefruit for a unique citrus blend. The possibilities are endless. Have fun and make scrubs that smell good to you!

Ingredients

Epsom Salts
Odorless carrier oil such as Sunflower or Grapeseed
Essential Oils of your choosing
Food coloring, optional
Glass jars

Instructions

For the Grapefruit-Vanilla Salt Scrub. Place 1 cup of Epsom salts in a bowl. Add 3 Tablespoons of the Carrier oil and mix until completely combined. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and 8 or so drops of Grapefruit essential oil, one drop at a time and stirring. You can add more or less as you prefer. Add pink food coloring (optional), one drop at a time and stir until color is even throughout.

For the Lemon & Rosemary Salt Scrub. Place 1 cup of Epsom salts in a bowl. Add 3 Tablespoons of the Carrier oil and mix until completely combined. Add 8 drops or so of Lemon essential oil and 1 teaspoon of finely chopped, fresh rosemary. Stir until completely combined. Add yellow food coloring (optional), one drop at a time and stir until color is even throughout.

For the Lavender Salt Scrub. Place 1 cup of Epsom salts in a bowl. Add 3 Tablespoons of the Carrier oil and mix until completely combined. Add 8 drops or so of Lavender essential oil and stir until completely combined. Add violet food coloring, one drop at a time and stir until color is even throughout.

Tips from The Kitchen Scout

You can substitute granulated sugar for the Epsom salts if you'd prefer although you may want to adjust the amount of oil to make sure it has the texture you desire. Essential oils are available online and at certain health food stores. Specialty food colors are available online or at baking supply stores and stores like Michael's.

https://www.thekitchenscout.com/recipes/homemade-salt-scrubs/

How to Other

Doretta Taverna

It's a Wrap, 2015!

About the Author

Valerie Kolligian Thayer

the kitchen scout: seeking inspiration in and out of the kitchen

Ellen December 11, 2015 at 8:20 am
These look beautiful Val. I would love to get one of these as a gift. Might have to go through my pantry for ingredients.

Valerie Kolligian Thayer December 12, 2015 at 8:30 am
Let me know if you come up with some fun scent combinations and packaging ideas! Always love what you do!