Maple brown sugar scrub is my fourth recipe for spa week and it smells like a sweet treat. For this scrub, instead of using sugar and soap, I used sugar and oil. It can be used as a body scrub but I’ve heard that it can make the shower slippery so be careful! I put it into little containers for the guests at my spa party but it could be given as a Christmas gift as well.
I started out following Martha Stewart’s Body Scrub recipe that calls for 2 parts sugar to 1 part oil but it didn’t feel like the right consistency so I added more sugar. I used 1 1/2 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon maple extract. The amounts don’t really matter so start out with less and add more of whichever ingredient you want. The small containers are from the dollar store. I spray painted the lids silver to match the party.
There have been a lot of questions about the exact containers I used so I purchased another package for this photo. I should’ve taken a picture before I painted the original ones but I didn’t even think it of. I found these containers at the Family Dollar in one of the food aisles as a hanging extra. You know the little things that are hanging between the items on the shelves? Each container holds 2.4 oz and they cost $1.00 for the 8 pack.
Put the sugar, oil and extract into a bowl.
Combine all of the ingredients and add more if desired.
About 2 tablespoons fit into each of these containers. The entire mixture could be put into one large container but I’m not sure what the shelf life is. To help it last longer, store the scrub in the refrigerator.
I printed out labels and glued them to the containers. You can download the free printable maple brown sugar scrub labels HERE.
This little scrub smells amazing! The sugar exfoliates and the oil moisturizes so you end up with soft smooth skin!
Luzy says
Hi. Thanks for the great idea. I made these as favors for my daughters baby shower and they turned out great! I spray painted the lids a mint green and others in cream. I wrapped them and a little wooden spoon (like ice cream cup ones) in tulle circles I bought at Walmart and tied them with a bow to match the lid color. I printed the labels (thank you) in mint colored card stock. They were a hit!!
yazmeen says
Hi Tonia,
I was wondering is there any way to just make a brown sugar scrub
Shelby says
Just take some brown sugar and coffee beans and mix them with melted coconut oil! It works great 🙂
Alice says
Hi,can I use white sugar instead of brown?thanks
Tonia says
Yes! That will work, but the smell won’t be quite as warm. Best of luck! ~Tonia
Star says
Hi! What did you use for painting the lids? I love these. I found the little containers exactly where you said at Dollar Tree, now I just need to make them pretty 🙂
Tonia says
I used spray paint that is specifically for plastic. Have fun! ~Tonia
jenna says
hey! great recipe but i have a question. do you need the maple extract?
Tonia says
Nope, only if you want the maple scent!
Christina G says
Hey Tonia! I recently found your website when I was googling ideas for easter favors and I am absolutely in love with your tutorials! I can’t wait to try them out for the holiday! I was planning on making some of you’re scrubs, but I was just curious; is there a certain day that they would go bad by? Do they ever really expire? I wanted to make them a good amount before, will they last for a week?
Tonia says
Hi Christina,
Thank you so very much! I’m delighted that you made your way here. As far as the scrubs go, we’ve had some for 2 months and it was still good. The coconut oil scrubs will solidify but will soften again when warmed up. This recipe uses olive oil and I would suggest that you use it within a month. I think that the shelf life depends on bacteria from your hands or water that is introduced when using the scrub. Best of luck!
~Tonia
Alisha says
What size container did you use so it would fit in a quart size mason jar? Also where would you suggest finding such containers?
Tonia says
Hi Alisha,
The containers I used were small, plastic food storage containers that I bought at the Family Dollar. They had brightly colored lids so I spray painted the covers silver. Each container held 2 tablespoons which is 1 ounce so I would suggested doing a Google search for 1 ounce plastic containers with lids. Another place to look for small storage containers is the bead department at a craft store. I’ve used these plastic screw-top jars from Joann’s: http://www.joann.com/bead-organizer-6-3-x4-8-/zprd_09035874a/ They are on sale right now for $3.99 for 12. Best of luck!
~Tonia
Sid says
Is there any possible replacement for the maple extract?
Tonia says
Hi Sid! You could leave the extract out all together if you want or you can try adding a different extract like vanilla. Best of luck! I hope it turns out!
Anne @ Domesblissity says
This sounds good enough to eat!xx
Holly Lefevre (504 Main) says
So…I LOVE this. I need to check out the rest of the spa posts. We are having a favorite things party (and since hubby has no job right now) I have to keep my favorite things homemade – this just might be the ticket!
The Creative U says
I am no expert on the subject, but I just read somewhere that sugar really nevers spoils and I know that olive oil can stay out unrefridgerated–and of course the extract is okay.. so? I’d say it would be okay! I’ll bet it smells delish!
Katrina says
The oil will go rancid but the shelf life on this would be around 6 to 9 months I wouldn’t personally store them in the fridge – just store them away from direct sunlight! 6-9 months is a good chunk of time if they don’t use it by then they probably aren’t going to. All oil goes rancid; as a massage therapist I deal with this regularly and you will smell if the oil turns rancid because it has a distinct odor like old cooking oil. I love olive oil for spa products because it is a heavy carrier oil and helps restore the pH balance in the skin like baking soda does.
Bliss says
I swear I could smell this post!Bliss
Ginger says
I love your little containers & labels. These would make a great gift. 🙂
a2b2007a-a7b4-11e1-98d9-000bcdca4d7a says
Great timing. Dollar Tree now accepts manufacturer coupons, there are domino suagr coupons out and DT carries thier brown sugar. Great Christams presents for friends and family. thanks for sharing Maureen
PopcornandPearls Bloggers says
This looks and sounds wonderful! Every Christmas I love giving my 3 daughters and daughter-in-law a basket filled with lovely things that I have found or made. This will be a perfect addition, and I love how inexpensive it is. Thanks for this great idea!!