I am a big fan of DIY beauty treatments and this DIY Salt Scrub with essential oils is exfoliating and moisturising. It is simple to make and really effective yet gentle on the skin and free from any nasties. Plus you can personalise it with your favourite essential oil. I made this version with Sweet Orange Oil, which smells divine and is perfectly unisex and added some non-water based colouring to make it orange.

A jar of homemade salt scrub with two bottles of essential oil in the background and orange segments

I have never been a big fan of visiting a spa, but I do adore the treatments and this salt scrub is like having a spa at home. This natural DIY salt scrub recipe is exfoliating, detoxifying and nourishing at the same time reviving dry and dull skin.

To make salt scrub you combine a choice of salt with a choice of oil or butter from a vegetable source – cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter can all be used, but will need an emulsifying wax added to make them more pliable. I am a fan of using moisturising rice bran oil in our salt scrub as it is known for its ability to cleanse, soften, moisturise, soothe, nourish, and smooth the skin. Not only is this easy body exfoliator made with natural ingredients, but this recipe for homemade salt scrub is ready in 10 minutes.

A jar of homemade salt scrub with a bottle of essential oil in the background and orange segments

The Benefits of a Salt Scrub

The benefit of a salt scrub is that it not only helps to exfoliate the skin (leading to smoother, softer and healthier skin), but it also encourages detoxification. By stimulating the lymphatic system, a salt scrub can help our bodies natural detoxification efforts helping us to eliminate stagnant toxins in our bodies.

The addition of nourishing oils helps retain moisture, which is important to maintain the appearance of smooth, hydrated skin.

A jar of homemade salt scrub and orange segments

Types of Salt to Use

There are so many types of sea salt out there that you can use in this salt scrub recipe.I prefer finly ground salt as it is gentler on the skin.

Dead Sea Salt

This is one of the most mineral rich sea salts you can find! Coming from the dead sea region in Israel, this sea salt is actually quite different from traditional oceanic salt with a higher concentration of trace minerals such as magnesium and potassium.

Epsom Salt

Technically, Epsom salts aren’t salt at all! Epsom salt is made up of magnesium sulphate which is famous for its muscle-soothing benefits. Epsom salt is particularly good for people with skin conditions.

Himalayan Sea Salt

Himalayan sea salt is believed to be some of the oldest salt found on the planet, dating back to the original remnants of the primal sea. It has a pinkish hue due to trace amounts of iron found in it and like dead sea salt is also incredibly beneficial for body detoxification.

Essential OIl Combinations

Just like our Bath Oil and Bath Melts I love using simple essential oil combinations.

Sleep – Lavender, Roman Camomile and Cedarwood
Destress – peppermint, yarrow, pine, fennel and eucalyptus
Relaxing – lavender, Roman Camomile and Sandalwood
Balancing – lavender, geranium and jasmine.
Soothing – Sweet Marjoram, Black Pepper and Rosemary

DIY Salt Scrub

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup Sea Salt see above for options
1/4 cup Oil/Butter We prefer Rice Bran Oil or Coconut Oil
10/20 drops preferred essential oils
optional: 1 tbsp add-ins i.e. coffee grinds, dried flowers, herbs etc..
1 % optional: Preservative Eco palm free, suitable for natural and organic products to extend shelf life
optional: non-water based colouring

Instructions

Mix together sea salt and carrier oil until well combined.
Add in essential oils until the desired scent reached (10-20 drops) and any optional add-ins.
Store in a sealed jar in a cool location until ready for use.

Recipe Notes

Store in a sealed jar in a cool location until ready for use.

When using: scoop out the desired amount and scrub onto clean, damp skin. Wash off completely. Not suitable for use on the face.

To make them even more fun and luxurious, add dried botanicals
Use 2-3 times a week for best results

Salt Scrub can cause surfaces to become slippery, so use caution when getting out of the bathtub or shower.

Make sure you also check out our other fab cosmetic DIY’s:

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I will make a small commission (hopefully enough to keep me in tea all year) – at no extra cost to you! This allows me to keep creating and sharing free tutorials and content for you. Thank you!