Salt Scrub Recipe: Make Your Own Natural DIY Exfoliant

There’s something quietly satisfying about slowing down and turning everyday routines into moments of self-care. One of my favorite ways to do that is by trying new DIY recipes. I feel like an alchemist as I blend oils and natural exfoliants. 

I love using natural ingredients like coconut oil, brown sugar, salt, mint, and citrus zest because they feel wholesome and pure. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with a salt scrub more often, and I’m surprised by how incredible it feels. There are so many easy salt scrub recipes out there, and creating your own blend at home makes the experience feel even more personal and nourishing.

Salt Scrub Benefits

Salt scrubs help remove dead skin cells, dryness, and flakes. Exfoliating helps smooth your skin’s texture and improves hydration by allowing moisturizers to penetrate more deeply. When used on the scalp or body, a natural exfoliant like salt encourages healthier skin and hair by clearing away buildup and promoting natural renewal.

Using a salt scrub also stimulates blood flow and circulation. It reduces puffiness, calms inflammation, and helps brighten and awaken tired-looking skin.

Just remember, using a salt scrub is only one part of the journey to glowing skin. To truly nourish and maintain softness, it is essential to follow up with hydrating and moisturizing products, especially when caring for delicate areas.

How to Make a Salt Scrub

The main ingredient of any DIY scrub is the exfoliant, which can be salt, brown sugar, coffee grounds, or ground oats. Each one helps remove dead skin cells in its own way.

Once you’ve chosen your exfoliant (we’re using salt today), you’ll mix it in a bowl with nourishing ingredients that not only assist with exfoliation but also help hydrate and regenerate your skin to create your homemade salt scrub.

Carrier oils like coconut, almond, or jojoba are frequently used because they deeply moisturize and create a balance between exfoliation and nourishment.

For scrubs with stronger exfoliants like salt, I like to add a little extra oil to make the texture softer and less abrasive on my skin.

Best Types of Salt for Scrubs

There are several types of salt to choose from when creating your own salt scrub recipe, and selecting the right one for your skin type is key.

Sea salt is known for its moderate coarseness and rich mineral content, making it a great all-around option. Epsom salt offers a gentler exfoliation and is especially well-suited for sensitive skin. Himalayan pink salt is loved for its detoxifying properties and the beautiful color it adds to any scrub.

Many people swear by Dead Sea salt, but I usually stay away from it because its mineral composition tends to be a bit too strong for my skin. My personal favorites are Epsom salt and Himalayan pink salt for their balance of texture, benefits, and overall feel.

Carrier Oils to Use

Carrier oils are key for creating a homemade salt scrub. Coconut oil is nourishing and easily absorbed, leaving the skin feeling silky without greasiness. Sweet almond oil is rich in vitamins, and its lighter consistency makes it ideal for sensitive or dry skin.

Jojoba oil helps balance hydration without clogging pores, making it a great everyday option. Avocado oil is packed with good fats and antioxidants that your skin needs. It is deeply moisturizing and especially helpful for repairing dry or sun-damaged skin.

Optional Add-Ins

You can add other natural ingredients for extra benefits and a more enjoyable experience. Essential oils like lavender or peppermint can invigorate the senses and bring a soothing touch of aromatherapy. Citrus zest offers a bright, uplifting scent and gentle natural acids that support exfoliation. Fresh or dried herbs such as lavender, rosemary, or chamomile add calming properties, making your salt scrub feel even more luxurious and grounding.

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DIY Salt Scrub Recipe

Creating your own salt scrub at home is simple, affordable, and incredibly rewarding. This recipe is really easy to follow, perfect for beginners, and can be customized depending on your skin needs or favorite scents.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 1 cup salt
• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil
• 1 teaspoon of dried herbs: lavender, rosemary, or mint (choose one or mix)
• Optional: 5–8 drops of your favorite essential oil

Instructions

1. In a glass bowl, combine the salt and dried herbs.
2. Add the coconut oil and avocado oil (olive and almond oil are also good alternatives).
3. Mix well until the texture is an even, paste-like consistency.
4. Add 5–8 drops of your favorite essential oil.
5. Spoon the mixture into an airtight jar or container.
6. Use your salt scrub in the shower and gently massage it into your skin.
7. Rinse and follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Notes

You can use only essential oils, only dried herbs, or a mix of both.

If your skin is sensitive, opt for a finer salt and reduce the amount slightly for a gentler scrub.

How Long Will It Last

This homemade salt scrub can typically last up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in a cool, dry place away from moisture. However, I try to use mine relatively quickly. Using a clean spoon instead of wet fingers will help prevent contamination. If you added fresh herbs or citrus zest, use it within 2-3 weeks and store it in the refrigerator to be safe.

How to Use a Salt Scrub

How to Use a Salt Scrub on the Body, Feet, and Hair

Salt scrubs are super versatile, but they work best when used thoughtfully on the body. For the scalp, body, and feet, salt scrubs gently remove rough, dead skin and encourage softness and smoothness. On the feet especially, they help soothe and soften dry patches, making them a perfect self-care treat after a long day.

When it comes to the face, however, salt scrubs require extra caution. Because facial skin is more delicate, only use very mild ingredients or avoid salt scrubs altogether if you have sensitive skin. I personally have oily but sensitive skin that reacts to salt, so I tend to skip salt scrubs on my face to avoid irritation.

And when it comes to lips, I don’t recommend using salt scrubs at all. The skin there is incredibly thin and delicate, and even gentle DIY salt scrubs can cause discomfort or damage. Instead, opt for softer lip scrubs designed specifically for that sensitive area.

How Often Should You Exfoliate?

It really depends on your skin type and how your skin responds to exfoliation.

For me, I exfoliate with a salt scrub no more than twice a month. My skin tends to be oily, and my goal is always to detoxify and refresh without stripping away the natural oils that keep my skin soft and balanced. If your skin is more delicate or dry, exfoliating with a salt scrub once a month and using other exfoliants like sugar or ground coffee the rest of the time might be just right.

Exfoliation is a gentle refresh. It helps prevent dead skin cells and buildup, but we don’t want to over-exfoliate, abrade the skin, or scratch it in any way. Everything in moderation.

Note: Avoid using any exfoliant on open wounds, sunburns, or irritated skin. Even the gentlest natural scrub can sting or slow healing in these sensitive areas.

Salt Scrub Variations to Try

If you’re ready to start creating your own salt scrub recipes, these blends are a great place to begin. Each one combines simple, natural ingredients with powerful benefits. They’ll help smooth your body, detoxify tired feet, and invigorate dry skin.

Lavender and Coconut Oil Dead Sea Salt Scrub

This calming salt scrub is perfect for winding down after a long day. Lavender essential oil promotes relaxation, while coconut milk adds creamy hydration and a touch of gentle exfoliation. Honey is that natural humectant most of us love. Coconut oil nourishes deeply, leaving your body soft, smooth, and delicately scented.

This salt scrub recipe is ideal for full-body use, especially in the evenings or after a hot bath when your skin is ready to absorb all that goodness.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Dead Sea salt or sea salt

• ½ cup of finely ground coffee

• 2 tablespoons coconut milk

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil 

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

DIY Lemon, Baking Soda and Epsom Salt Scrub

This refreshing salt scrub revives tired feet. This bright and zesty blend combines lemon juice and zest with baking soda and sea salt to create a powerful yet gentle detox treatment. Lemon is naturally antibacterial and packed with vitamin C, which can help brighten dull skin, while baking soda helps neutralize odors and soften rough patches.

The coarse salt exfoliates calluses and boosts circulation, making this an excellent salt scrub recipe to use in a relaxing foot soak before bed.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Epsom salt

• ½ cup baking soda

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• ¼ cup olive oil or coconut oil

• Optional: 2–3 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil for a cooling effect

Himalayan Salt Scrub Recipe with Almond Oil

For a warm, invigorating treat, try this rich salt scrub made with shea butter, almond oil, fresh ginger, and Himalayan pink salt. Shea butter deeply repairs and moisturizes the skin. Almond oil contains vitamin E, D, and nourishing fatty acids. Ginger provides a natural warming effect that stimulates circulation and awakens dull, tired skin.

This rejuvenating blend is perfect for colder months and feels especially comforting on the body. I also love using it on my scalp for a refreshing cleanse.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Himalayan pink salt

• ½ cup raw shea butter (softened)

• 3 tablespoons almond oil

• 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

• Optional: 3–5 drops of eucalyptus or peppermint essential oil 

Salt Scrub vs Sugar Scrub: What’s the Difference?

When it comes to exfoliation, salt scrubs and sugar scrubs are two of the most popular options, but they aren’t quite the same.

Salt scrubs use coarse salt crystals, which tend to be firmer and abrasive. That’s why I love using them on rougher areas like feet, elbows, and knees, or whenever I want a deeper exfoliation to clear buildup from my scalp. Sea salt and Himalayan salt contain natural minerals that can help detoxify and refresh the skin.

Sugar scrubs, on the other hand, feature softer, more gentle granules. This makes them friendlier to use in DIY recipes and ideal for more delicate areas or sensitive skin. Sugar scrubs are wonderful for the face and lips. I use them a couple of times a week, and they leave my skin feeling super soft.

Ultimately, the choice between salt scrubs and sugar scrubs comes down to your skin type, sensitivity, and the results you want. Many people enjoy keeping both on hand, switching between the two depending on their needs and mood.

My personal recommendation is to reserve salt scrubs for the body and scalp, and use them only once a month to avoid over-exfoliation. 

Beyond Salt Scrubs: Exploring Other Natural Exfoliants

I hope you love these DIY salt scrub recipes as much as I do.While salt scrubs are amazing for detoxifying and smoothing rough skin, there are so many other natural exfoliants worth exploring. If you enjoyed these recipes, don’t forget to explore our other favorites, including DIY body scrubs, face scrubs, and our beloved turmeric exfoliants.

Pin this article and save it for whenever your skin needs a little extra love and care.

And if you have your own favorite exfoliant recipes or tips, share them with us in the comments.

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Let us know in the comments how your salt scrub turned out or which scent blend you loved most!

Besitos,

Laura

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