Easy Whipped Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Recipe Plus Benefits

DIY Whipped Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

If sweater weather has you dreaming of pumpkin spice lattes, then this skincare DIY is a must! Not only is the scent amazing, but it’s also wonderful if you need a little self-care. An ideal way to both exfoliate and moisturize skin, this DIY pumpkin spice body scrub is affordable and easy to whip up in your kitchen. Made with a combination of coconut oil and warm, cozy spices whipped to perfection, there’s no better way to care for skin.

Whether you need creative and frugal gift ideas, or are looking to replace those expensive store bought products, this exfoliating scrub is tops! Not only is this beauty product a fab addition to your skin care routine, these homemade body scrubs also make great DIY gifts for the holiday season. Keep reading to learn how to make your own whipped pumpkin spice sugar scrub.

The Benefits of Sugar Scrubs

There are a number of key benefits to using a pumpkin pie spice sugar scrub in your beauty routine. Following are the natural advantages of using homemade body scrubs for skin:

• A homemade sugar scrub for the body sloughs off the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. This helps you get better looking skin right away and keeps your skin looking and feeling good.
• Exfoliating also helps your moisturizers and lotions penetrate deeper into your skin for more benefits.
• The exfoliating action of homemade body scrubs helps to smooth and brighten skin, giving it an even skin tone and texture.
• Exfoliating with a sugar scrub for body care cleans out your pores. This makes them appear smaller, and it helps remove dirt and toxins for better looking skin. This in turn may also help to prevent ingrown hairs.
• If you’re prone to body acne, using this product can remove dirt and debris that can clog pores and lead to blemishes.
• The oil in this exfoliating scrub helps moisturize and nourish your skin.
• As this skincare product is scented, you’ll enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of pumpkin spice.

Supplies for Making a Pumpkin Pie Sugar Scrub

These are supplies you’ll need to recreate this easy recipe for a whipped sugar scrub scented with pumpkin pie spice:

• Medium mixing bowl: You will need a medium to large size mixing bowl to combine and whip the ingredients called for in this recipe for making an exfoliating pumpkin pie scrub.
• Measuring cups and spoons: A one cup measuring cup and 3/4 teaspoon measuring spoon are necessary to measure out the cup coconut oil and the pumpkin pie spices called for in this easy DIY.
• Hand mixer: An electric hand mixer makes it quick and easy to blend the ingredients together. It’s also used to whip the sugar scrub to give it it’s fluffy texture. Alternately, you can also use a stand mixer to make this whipped body scrub. While you can use to a whisk to mix the ingredient initially, you will need an electric beater to actually whip the scrub.
• Container: You’ll need an airtight container to store the completed body scrub. I like to use a 16 oz. low profile jar. However, you may use any container of your choice.
• Spoon or spatula: If desired, you can use a spoon or spatula to stir the spices into the sugar. A utensil is also helpful for filling the container with the pumpkin spice sugar scrub.

DIY Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Ingredients

Following are the ingredients necessary to make a pumpkin spice sugar scrub for DIY holiday gifts or a rejuvenating spa day at home:

• Coconut oil: I used regular coconut oil for this skin care formulation. This carrier oil is a semi-solid at room temperature. If your coconut oil does not stay solid at room temperature, then you will not be able to make this recipe without some modifications. In this instance, I recommend that you swap out the coconut oil with shea butter, or make an emulsified sugar scrub. This ingredient serves as the base for the scrub and provides skin moisturizing properties.
• Sugar: Regular, granulated white sugar works best for this recipe. You can also use fine, caster sugar in its place for sensitive skin or facial applications. However, as this product contains regular coconut oil and a fragrance oil, I do not recommend that this product be used as a face scrub. Alternately, brown sugar is also a suitable alternative if you’d like to make a brown sugar scrub scented like pumpkin pie. This ingredient is used to exfoliate skin.
• Pumpkin pie spice: Just for fun, I added some spices to the sugar before mixing the formulation. This lends to the warmth of the scrub and complements the aroma of the fragrance oil. The pumpkin pie spice also helps exfoliate skin. (If you don’t have this spice blend on hand, you can learn how to make pumpkin pie spice here with spices you may already have in your cupboard.)
• Pumpkin fragrance oil: There are a number of fragrance oils that you can use to make this pumpkin spice sugar scrub. Choose from great fragrances like pumpkin pecan waffles, pumpkin caramel latte, pumpkin apple, pumpkin spice or homemade pumpkin pie! I used a pumpkin pie fragrance to scent my recipe. However, you can also choose an aroma from this spice scent blend. Or try pumpkin spice essential oil at up to 2% of the formulation. (Learn how to make pumpkin spice essential oil here.)

Variations and Substitutions

This whipped pumpkin sugar scrub recipe was formulated to be as easy to make as possible. However, you can mix things up by swapping out ingredients or making small additions. Here are some variations and substitutions you can make this this DIY body scrub.

• Make this a brown sugar scrub recipe by substituting the white granulated sugar with brown sugar.
• While coconut oil has a long shelf life, you can add a few drops of vitamin E oil to the recipe to extend the shelf life of the product. You’ll also enjoy the benefits of vitamin E oil which is known to promote healing, moisturize skin and fight the appearance of aging.
• Like my cardamom & spice solid coffee scrub recipe, you can also add coffee grounds to this exfoliating scrub. You can either sub a small portion of the sugar with ground coffee, or add one to two teaspoons to the sugar before mixing with the coconut oil.
• If you live in a warm climate where coconut oil melts easily, then I recommend that you make an emulsified scrub. This whipped sugar scrub recipe makes a wonderful alternative. Simply swap out the natural fragrance with a pumpkin fragrance oil of your choice. You can still add the pumpkin pie spice called for in this DIY as an additional ingredient. However, this is a great option if you want to move beyond a basic, beginner’s recipe.
• Some folks find regular coconut oil difficult to wash off. If you prefer a body scrub that rinses away more cleanly, you can substitute the coconut oil with refined shea butter. In this instance the shea butter may need to be heated slightly so that it can whipped. Otherwise, you can add a small amount of fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil to the mixture to lower the melting point.
• If you don’t want to use a synthetic fragrance, you can use a natural, pumpkin spice essential oil blend. This post explores ways to use pumpkin spice essential oil and includes information on storage, safety and where to source eo’s.
• Like my pumpkin salt scrub, you can also add real pumpkin flakes as a natural ingredient to this recipe. This addition is rich in zinc, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals present that make it powerful ally in the fight against acne. While the alpha hydroxy acids found in pumpkin naturally exfoliate for glowing skin. And of course, let’s not forget about the antioxidants and vitamins A and C which fight free radicals and help prevent the visible signs of aging.

How to Make Whipped Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

Follow these easy instructions to learn how to mix up an easy, whipped pumpkin spice sugar scrub with oil, sugar and a spicy, aromatic fragrance. This simple recipe is perfect for beginners, dabblers and hobbyists.

1. Use a measuring cup to measure out a cup of white sugar. Add to a medium to large bowl.

2. Then use a measuring spoon to add the correct amount of pumpkin pie spice to the sugar. Mix briefly to combine, if desired, using a spoon or spatula.

3. Measure out one cup of coconut oil. Then add it to the bowl with the sugar and spices.

4. Using an electric hand mixer, beat the ingredients on high for about one minute.

TIP: You want the mixture to form a paste-like consistency.

5. Now add the pumpkin pie fragrance oil to the whipped sugar scrub ingredients.

6. Beat the fragrance oil and scrub together to scent. Whip 3-5 minutes until the formulation is nice and fluffy.

TIP: If the mixture gets too hot from mixing, it may start to melt. If this happens, simply pop it into the fridge or freezer for a few minutes, then try again.

7. Spoon the pumpkin spice sugar scrub into a jar and label with the contents.

TIP: I recommend also writing the date the scrub was formulated on the label. This way you can easily keep track of the shelf life.

TIP: Again, if you’d like to move beyond a beginner body scrub recipe, then I recommend that you try this recipe for making whipped sugar scrubs. Simply add the pumpkin pie spice to the sugar when mixing. Then swap out the fragrance oil with either pumpkin spice or an essential oil blend. Just make sure you don’t exceed the recommended usage guidelines for the scent or pumpkin spice essential oil blend you choose to use. Alternately, you can also learn more about emulsified sugar scrubs here.

How to Use Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub Recipe

To use this deletable pumpkin sugar scrub, remove the desired amount from the container. Then apply a generous amount to wet skin. Massage the product in circular motion onto damp skin. Then rinse clean. Pat dry and follow with your favorite body moisturizer for dry skin.

Whipped Sugar Scrub FAQ

If you still have questions about how to make a pumpkin spice sugar scrub, I’ve rounded up some answers to your most common questions.

Can You Put Vanilla Extract in a Sugar Scrubs?

As vanilla extract is in essence a tincture made from bourbon and vanilla bean, it can be added to your formulation for a more nuanced pumpkin pie fragrance. As the coconut oil used in this recipe has such a low melting point, I recommend that you add no more than 1 teaspoon of this ingredient. In doing so, you should also reduce the coconut oil by 1/2 teaspoon.

What Kind of Coconut Oil is Best for a Whipped Sugar Scrub?

There are two basic types of coconut oil — regular coconut oil and fractionated coconut oil. Fractionated coconut oil has been refined and is in a constant liquid state. Whereas regular coconut oil is a semi-solid that is similar to shea butter, but with a somewhat lower melting point of around 78°F. Therefore it melts easily when it comes into contact with body heat. It may be refined, without any scent, or unrefined. Unrefined coconut oil has a higher cost and a natural coconut fragrance.

As you aren’t able to whip a body scrub that contains only sugar and a liquid carrier oil, you will need to use regular coconut oil to make this DIY whipped pumpkin spice sugar scrub. If you want a true pumpkin pie spice fragrance to shine through in your formulation, then you should use the unrefined version of this product.

Are Sugar Scrubs Bad for Your Skin?

When used correctly, a homemade pumpkin body scrub for glowing skin is not harmful for your skin. However, there are people with sensitive skin who might experience irritation. You should use this easy recipe once or twice a week. Using it more often can cause irritation. As this is a sugar scrub recipe for your body, it can irritate your delicate facial skin.

Which Sugar is Best for Body Scrubs?

There are a few different types of sugar that you can use for a homemade pumpkin sugar scrub for body care. The best one to use depends on your skin’s needs. If you have dry or flaky skin, then use a coarse sugar. This can be turbinado sugar or a large particle cane sugar.

Use a finer grain of sugar like a small particle cane sugar or white sugar for radiant skin. The smaller grain is more for polishing to achieve glowing skin.

Brown sugar is the gentlest type of sugar for an easy sugar scrub recipe. If you have sensitive skin, use all brown sugar or half white sugar and half brown sugar.

Do Sugar Scrubs Get Rid of Acne?

Using a homemade body scrub can reduce acne and blemishes. Scrubs clear dirt and debris from your pores before they can lead to acne. In time, this can reduce new acne blemishes from forming.

Do Exfoliating Scrubs Clog Pores?

Sugar scrubs can potentially clog pores when used for body care. If you use a carrier oil with a high comedogenic rating, such as coconut oil, there is definitely the potential that your body scrub may clog pores and lead to acne. Therefore, I recommend using only carrier oils with a low comedogenic rating when formulating your homemade body scrub recipes.

Do You Use Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub on Wet or Dry Skin?

You should wet your skin before using this formulation. The water softens your skin and preps it for exfoliating. For best results, use a scrub after you’ve been in the water for at least five minutes. Warm water also helps open your pores so the scrub can really clean out your pores.

How Do Body Scrubs Last?

There are a lot of factors that determine how long a sugar scrub will last. These include the shelf life of the ingredients used, how it is stored, and whether or not you used a preservative. Sugar scrubs can and do go bad. Typically this is because the oils used to make the body scrub go rancid over time. Alternately, if a sugar scrub is exposed to water, then bacteria and mold can grow inside the product.

This pumpkin spice body scrub will last about 6 months. However, you should be careful not to introduce any water into the finished products as the water can cause bacteria and other microbes to grow. Therefore, if you intend to make and sell your products, you will need to include a preservative and test your final formulation.

Unopened and unused, your body scrubs will have a longer shelf life. The best way to determine shelf life is by the shelf life of the ingredients you chose for the recipe. Typically, your products will last as long as the ingredient with the shortest shelf life. Fresher ingredients, and those with a long shelf life, mean a longer lasting scrub. The manufacturer or supplier of your ingredients should be able to provide you with the shelf life for their products.

How Do I Extend the Shelf Life of this Product?

The best way to extend the shelf life of your sugar scrubs is to avoid contamination. Removing the desired amount of scrub for use before use, using clean hands or a utensil, will keep water from being introduced into your scrub. This will allow you to avoid using a preservative for your homemade body scrubs, as there’s little chance of water being introduced into the product allowing bacteria or mold to grow.

If you prefer to extend the shelf life of the oils used to make your pumpkin body scrub, you can add an antioxidant such as vitamin E oil or rosemary antioxidant. These ingredients are not preservatives. However, they will help to extend the shelf life of the ingredients and help to prevent rancidity.

Does this Exfoliating Pumpkin Spice Scrub Need a Preservative?

This exfoliating pumpkin scrub does not technically need a preservative as there are no water based ingredients. However, since you use the scrub on wet skin in the shower or bath, there is a risk that you can introduce water and bacteria or other germs from your hands. Therefore, I recommend using a preservative in your homemade sugar scrub recipes if you are storing it for later use or cannot guarantee the integrity of the product.

What Preservatives are Best for Homemade Sugar Scrubs?

The following preservatives are recommended for primarily oil based sugar scrub recipes:

• Optiphen is an excellent preservative for oil based recipes like this DIY sugar scrub. Use 1 percent of the total weight of the sugar scrub recipe.
• Phenonip is a liquid preservative for oil based products like this homemade sugar scrub for glowing skin. Use it at 0.5 to 1 percent of the total weight of the scrub.

Some people use grapefruit seed extract or vitamin E for a preservative. However, these are not broad spectrum preservatives. These products are actually antioxidants that can lengthen the shelf life of the oils included in your recipes. However, they will not prevent the growth of mold or bacteria.

Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipes

Looking for holiday gift DIY’s? If you enjoyed this easy recipe for making whipped pumpkin pie spice sugar scrub, then be sure to explore these other sugar scrub recipes. Not only do these make a wonderful addition to your skin care routine, but they also make quick and easy last minute gifts for the holidays!

• Orange Sugar Scrub: Formulated with fragrant orange zest and moisturizing coconut oil, this DIY orange sugar scrub exfoliates gently and leaves your skin glowing and refreshed. The homemade body scrub is rich in antioxidants that can nourish and protect your skin while boosting radiance and smoothness!
• DIY Whipped Sugar Scrub: Made with natural skin care ingredients, this DIY whipped sugar scrub naturally exfoliates and hydrates skin. So you get soft, beautiful glowing skin with a more youthful appearance. Say goodbye to tight, dry, itchy or even flaky skin today by adding this easy, homemade beauty recipe to your natural skin care routine!
• DIY Moisturizing Body Scrub: This moisturizing sugar scrub recipe is formulated for exceptionally dry skin. Made using luxurious and richly hydrating moringa oil and skin soothing oat butter, this moisturizing sugar scrub can help to calm and soothe dry, itchy skin and inflammation.
• Homemade Body Scrubs: Learn how to make homemade scrubs for yourself or to sell with this helpful guide on formulating custom body scrubs! Within this post you’ll discover useful information on making your own DIY body scrubs, along with two easy recipes to create homemade salt and sugar scrubs.
• Foaming Peppermint Sugar Scrub: This rich & thick foaming peppermint sugar scrub recipe lathers like a soap when massage onto skin. So there’s no need to wash with soap beforehand. Just slather it on to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturize skin all in one easy step.
• Chocolate Orange Exfoliating Scrub: Scented in a holiday classic fragrance of chocolate and orange, this DIY is perfect for homemade Christmas gifts. Pair it with a matching recipe for a body butter of the same scent, for the perfect pairing.

I thoroughly hope you enjoyed learning how to make my whipped pumpkin spice latte sugar scrub. For more great skin care recipes and pumpkin spice crafts like this one, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Or subscribe to Soap Deli News via email.