As the mother of five boys, I fully claim my right to indulge in girly spa time whenever I want. Living in a remote area means I have to get creative: a deep, hot bathtub, the bathroom door locked, a glass of wine, a space heater on full blast, some comforting music, and a few pieces of chocolate. It’s my version of a little at-home retreat.

Personally, I avoid heavily perfumed bubble baths and typical commercial lotions because strong chemical scents bother me. I prefer fragrances that come from real, recognizable ingredients—essential oils or aromas that smell like something familiar and pleasant. Winter dries my skin badly (we heat our home with wood), so careful moisturizing is essential.

Here’s another confession: I don’t like most body lotions. Many are overly scented, or they sit on the skin without absorbing, or they disappear too quickly and don’t seem to do anything. For years I’ve used extra virgin coconut oil right after showering, and it’s been the only moisturizer I consistently reach for. It absorbs quickly, seals in moisture, and soothes itchy, dry skin.

Dead skin buildup is another main cause of winter itch. Gentle exfoliation is necessary to remove the flaky layer without irritating the skin. Sugar body scrubs are an ideal solution: sugar provides a natural, gentle abrasion to slough off dead skin, while coconut oil soothes and locks in moisture. The result is soft, comfortable skin without harsh chemicals.

I make my own scrubs so I can control the ingredients—no harsh, drying, or off-putting chemicals—just simple, natural components that leave you smelling like gingerbread or candy canes. These scrubs also make lovely holiday gifts: who wouldn’t enjoy a pretty, fragrant, pampering treat?

What do I use to store the Sugar Body Scrubs?

You can be creative with containers, but keep a few practical points in mind:

• Containers will get slippery, so plastic jars are a safer option if they fall.
• Choose containers with tight-fitting lids to keep the scrub fresh.
• Select jars with openings wide enough to fit your hand comfortably for easy scooping.

If you want gift tags, printable tags are available for convenience. Whether you’re gifting or keeping a scrub for yourself, they’re festive and useful.

Wishing you smooth skin and a happy holiday season!

Candy Cane Body Scrub Printable Tag

Gingerbread Brown Sugar Body Scrub Printable Tag

Ingredients:

For the Gingerbread Brown Sugar Scrub:
2 cups light or dark brown sugar
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground clove
10 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional, for a stronger, longer-lasting scent)
Optional: 1 tablespoon salt (*See Notes)

For the Candy Cane Scrub:
2 cups granulated white sugar
1 cup extra virgin coconut oil
20 drops peppermint essential oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
6 drops red food coloring (optional, for striped appearance)
Optional: 1 tablespoon salt (*See Notes)

Instructions:

To Make the Gingerbread Scrub:
Combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, nutmeg, clove, and salt (if using) in a medium bowl. Warm the coconut oil briefly in a microwave or on the stove just until it softens and begins to melt—this only takes a few seconds. Pour the oil over the sugar mixture and mix with a fork until evenly combined. Pack into jars with tight-fitting lids. Store at room temperature for up to six months. Use as needed.

To Make the Candy Cane Scrub:
Combine the white sugar, peppermint essential oil, vanilla extract, and salt (if using) in a medium bowl. Warm the coconut oil briefly until softened, then pour it over the sugar mixture and mix until evenly combined. For a striped scrub, divide the mixture in half and stir red food coloring into one portion until evenly colored. Layer the white and colored mixtures in a jar for a striped effect, or keep it uniform—either way, seal with a tight lid. Store at room temperature for up to six months. Use as needed.

Notes:

*Adding a tablespoon of salt increases the exfoliating power. Omit the salt for a gentler scrub suitable for sensitive skin.