This compilation of Christmas sugar scrub recipes combines lovely festive scents, gorgeous seasonal colors, and simple skin-nourishing ingredients to bring joy to your holiday season.
Some of these are complete Christmas-themed recipes created specifically for the holidays, while others are easy transformations that let you turn existing scrubs into festive treats by simply tweaking the essential oil combinations.
✨ Get 12 Free Holiday Diffuser Blends — Printable PDF
Instantly make your home smell like Christmas with these festive, ready-to-use recipes.
Choose from classic candy cane, pine, and gingerbread scrub recipes. Or transform your favorite year-round recipes into holiday favorites with simple essential oil swaps.
Either way, you’ll have gorgeous, aromatic sugar scrubs perfect for pampering yourself or gifting to friends and family.
I’ve grouped these recipes into two categories. The first category includes Christmas sugar scrub recipes. The second category links to popular year-round body scrub recipes with transformation tweaks.
Before you get started, scroll down to read helpful tips on where to buy high-quality essential oils, how to package homemade Christmas sugar scrubs, and important safety precautions.
Table of Contents
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Classic Christmas Sugar Scrub Recipes 1-8
These festive sugar scrub recipes were created specifically for the holiday season, with traditional Christmas scents and colors that capture the magic of the holidays.
Each scrub features gorgeous seasonal colors and irresistible holiday aromas.
1. Candy Cane Sugar Scrub
This refreshing peppermint-vanilla scrub looks like crushed candy canes and smells exactly like the classic holiday treat.
The cooling peppermint essential oil is invigorating and perfect for a morning shower, while the vanilla adds a cozy warmth that softens the sharp minty kick.
The red and white layers create a festive visual treat that looks just like a jar of holiday candy, making it a beautiful, ready-to-gift scrub for friends, teachers, and neighbors.
This layered candy cane sugar scrub is one of my most-loved holiday recipes. It’s simple to make and absolutely delightful to use.
Love that fresh peppermint scent? Check out these candy cane blend variations for more minty holiday aromatherapy ideas!
2. Gingerbread Sugar Scrub
Capture the warm, spicy aroma of fresh-baked gingerbread cookies with this deliciously scented scrub.
The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and vanilla creates that nostalgic Christmas bakery smell that everyone loves.
Get step-by-step instructions to create the perfect warm brown color and a spice blend that gently warms and comforts winter skin.
Want to fill your whole home with that gingerbread aroma? My gingerbread diffuser blends collection has multiple variations to try!
3. Snowflake Sugar Scrub Bars
These unique sugar scrub bars are shaped like snowflakes and offer an interesting alternative to traditional jarred scrubs.
Learn how to mold these festive bars for a format that’s perfect for travel or for anyone who prefers a less messy application method.
Plus, they look absolutely stunning and make gorgeous Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers. Wrap them in cellophane with a ribbon, and you have an elegant homemade present.
Scent them with any of these holiday diffuser blends for peace, focus, and joy.
4. Christmas Cookie Sugar Scrub
This sweet, vanilla-scented scrub smells like fresh-baked Christmas cookies straight from the oven. It has a creamy texture and warm vanilla aroma that feels cozy and comforting without being overpowering.
This one is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for anyone who loves classic holiday sugar cookie scents. It also makes an easy, handmade gift. Spoon it into a cute jar, add a ribbon, and you have a simple Christmas present ready to go.
5. Christmas Tree Sugar Scrub
Bring the fresh, crisp scent of a winter forest right into your shower with this stunning scrub!
This sugar scrub recipe features a specially crafted Christmas tree essential oil blend that captures that authentic evergreen aroma, plus finely cut pine needles for beautiful visual texture and extra forest appeal.
The natural green color looks gorgeous in jars, and the woodsy scent is grounding and refreshing. It’s perfect for anyone who loves nature-inspired holiday scents.
This festive forest scrub is a reader favorite for capturing the magic of Christmas trees.
Want more fresh pine scents? Check out my Christmas tree essential oil blends to capture the magic of the forest!
6. Cranberry Sugar Scrub
The rich, deep burgundy color of this scrub makes it a gorgeous addition to your Christmas skincare routine. The tart cranberry scent is bright and festive, capturing the essence of holiday cranberry dishes and drinks.
A touch of cranberry powder adds natural color and a soft, berry-kissed feel that makes each use feel a little extra special. Spoon it into a clear jar with a simple ribbon, and you have a beautiful, spa-style gift that looks as premium as it feels.
7. Cinnamon Sugar Scrub
Cinnamon is arguably the most popular Christmas spice, and this scrub celebrates it in all its warm, spicy glory. The natural tan color is beautiful and cozy, and the cinnamon essential oil offers gentle warming that feels wonderful on cold winter skin.
This is a must-have for anyone who can’t get enough of that classic holiday spice scent.
Customized Christmas Sugar Scrub Recipes 8 – 14
Already have these scrubs in your collection? Transform them into festive Christmas treats with a simple essential oil swap! These transformations let you enjoy holiday scents without making entirely new recipes from scratch.
8. Frankincense Vanilla Luxury Scrub
Base Recipe: Sea Moss Sugar Scrub
This luxurious scrub has a gorgeous, rich cream color that’s elegant and sophisticated. The sea moss base creates an incredibly nourishing texture, and when you add the resinous warmth of frankincense paired with sweet vanilla, it transforms into a truly premium experience.
Frankincense is one of the most precious essential oils, and combined with comforting vanilla and a hint of citrus, this creates a spa-quality scent that’s both grounding and indulgent – perfect for treating yourself or gifting to someone special.
Essential Oil Transformation:
Swap the blend in the original recipe for 10 drops Frankincense + 6 drops Vanilla + 2 drops Sweet Orange for a luxurious, sacred aroma that feels special and festive.
Start with my sea moss sugar scrub recipe as your base, then make this simple essential oil swap for a luxury scrub that looks and smells festive.
Love the sacred, resinous aroma of precious oils? Check out this mystical myrrh blend collection for more ways to use these ancient oils during the holidays!
9. Spiced Orange Pomander Scrub
Base Recipe: Sweet Orange Sugar Scrub
Remember those traditional Christmas pomanders- oranges studded with cloves that fill your home with spicy-sweet fragrance? This scrub captures that nostalgic holiday scent perfectly.
The beautiful peachy-coral color is naturally festive, and when you add warming spices to the bright citrus base, you get an irresistible aroma that’s both energizing and cozy. It’s like bringing a classic Christmas tradition into your shower!
Essential Oil Transformation:
Add 5 drops Cinnamon Leaf + 3 drops Clove to your sweet orange sugar scrub base for an authentic spiced pomander scent that’s quintessentially Christmas.
My sweet orange sugar scrub provides the perfect citrus foundation for this festive transformation.
Want more traditional holiday scent combinations? Explore this collection of traditional Christmas diffuser Blends for classic holiday aromatherapy recipes!
10. Mulled Wine Sugar Scrub
Base Recipe: Hibiscus Sugar Scrub
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a pampering scrub that’s as visually stunning as it is indulgent!
The deep plum color of this hibiscus scrub is absolutely gorgeous and looks just like mulled wine! When you add warm spices and citrus, it truly captures that cozy mulled wine aroma that’s so popular during the holidays. This transformation is sophisticated and perfect for adult gift-giving.
The vibrant color is reminiscent of mulled wine or juicy holiday berries, while the warm, spiced aroma of orange, clove, and cinnamon essential oils evokes the cozy feeling of Christmas gatherings.
Essential Oil Transformation:
Swap for 8 drops Sweet Orange + 5 drops Cinnamon + 4 drops Clove + 1 drop Nutmeg for a rich, spiced wine aroma that’s warm and inviting. This hibiscus sugar scrub recipe creates that gorgeous, deep plum color naturally.
Looking for more traditional holiday scent combinations? Explore my Traditional Christmas Diffuser Blends collection for classic aromatherapy recipes!
11. Frankincense & Myrrh Sugar Scrub
Base Recipe: Tallow Sugar Scrub
This golden-colored scrub is absolutely luxurious, and when scented with frankincense and myrrh, it takes on a sacred, biblical quality that’s perfect for Christmas.
These are the precious oils brought by the Wise Men to baby Jesus, making this scrub meaningful as well as beautiful. The tallow base provides incredible skin-nourishing benefits, making this a truly premium body care product.
Essential Oil Transformation:
Use 10 drops Frankincense + 6 drops Myrrh + 4 drops Sweet Orange for a sacred, biblical holiday scent that’s both grounding and uplifting. The tallow base in this scrub provides incredible skin-nourishing benefits.
Love myrrh’s sacred, resinous aroma? Check out these mystical myrrh diffuser blends for more ways to use this precious oil during the holidays!
12. Pine Sugar Scrub
Bring the fresh scent of a Christmas tree forest into your shower with this gorgeous pale green scrub.
Made with pine-infused oil and pine essential oil, this scrub smells exactly like walking through a snowy evergreen forest. It’s earthy, fresh, and wonderfully grounding – perfect for anyone who loves natural, outdoorsy scents.
Instead of using an unscented carrier oil, this scrub features homemade pine needle-infused oil for extra pine power.
13. Peaceful Winter Morning Scrub
Base Recipe: Oatmeal Sugar Scrub
This gentle, creamy scrub features oatmeal for extra-soothing exfoliation, making it perfect for sensitive or dry winter skin.
The lavender and frankincense blend creates a calming, peaceful aroma that’s ideal for anyone who finds the holiday season stressful or overwhelming. It’s a moment of tranquility in a jar—perfect for slow, mindful mornings or relaxing evening baths.
Essential Oil Transformation:
Create a calming holiday retreat with 8 drops lavender + 6 drops frankincense + 4 drops sweet orange for a peaceful, grounding scent.
My oatmeal sugar scrub is especially gentle thanks to the colloidal oatmeal.
Need more calming holiday scents? My Holiday Diffuser Blends for Peace, Focus & Joy collection will help you find moments of tranquility during the busy season!
14. Winter Berry Citrus Scrub
Base Recipe: Pretty Pastels Sugar Scrub (Pink Version)
That beautiful pink color is absolutely perfect for Christmas when paired with the right scent! This transformation creates a bright, cheerful scrub that smells like winter berries and fresh citrus. It’s fruity without being overly sweet, and the pink color makes it a gorgeous gift option.
Essential Oil Transformation:
Use 8 drops sweet orange + 6 drops grapefruit + 4 drops vanilla for a bright, fruity holiday scent that’s refreshing and uplifting. You’ll find the base pretty pastels recipe here—just use the pink version for this transformation.
Craving more fruity holiday scents? My 15 Fun Fruity Christmas Diffuser Blends collection has 15 delicious options to try!
Where to Buy Essential Oils for Christmas Sugar Scrubs
Quality matters when using essential oils in homemade bath and body products. You are applying these essential oils directly to your skin, so you want to ensure they’re pure, properly tested, and free from contaminants or synthetic additives.
I recommend Plant Therapy for all your essential oil needs. They offer high-quality oils at reasonable prices, provide detailed GC/MS testing reports for every batch, and have an incredible selection of both single oils and ready-made holiday blends. Their customer service is exceptional, and if you’re new to essential oils, certified aromatherapists are available to answer all your questions.
Plant Therapy often releases special holiday sets during the Christmas season, which can be a cost-effective way to stock up on festive oils like peppermint, cinnamon, sweet orange, and fir needle. These sets make it easy to create multiple scrub variations without buying full-size bottles of every oil.
Quick Customization Ideas
Adjust essential oil amounts based on personal preference (but don’t exceed safe dilution rates)
Consider the recipient’s scent preferences—not everyone loves strong cinnamon or peppermint
For sensitive skin recipients, consider gentler oils like lavender and chamomile
Add a small amount of mica powder for extra shimmer if desired
Christmas Sugar Scrubs Storage & Shelf Life
- Store sugar scrubs in airtight glass or plastic jars to prevent moisture from getting in
- Keep them away from direct water sources (don’t store them in the shower where water can get in)
- Properly stored scrubs typically last 2-3 months, though scrubs with fresh ingredients may have a shorter shelf life
- Always use clean, dry hands or a small spoon to scoop out product to prevent contamination
Ideas For Packaging & Gifting Christmas Sugar Scrubs
Use clear glass jars: Clear jars showcase the beautiful colors and layers of your scrubs, so they look extra festive. Glass also helps protect the scent and quality of the scrub, so the essential oils stay smelling fresh.
Dress jars up with ribbon and labels: Add a strip of ribbon, baker’s twine, or jute around the lid or neck of the jar. Finish with a simple handwritten label or tag that includes the scrub name and scent, so it feels personal and gift-ready.
Add a small wooden scoop or spoon: Tie a mini wooden scoop or spoon to the side of the jar with twine or ribbon. It looks sweet and gives the recipient an easy way to scoop out the scrub in the shower.
Create mini gift sets with multiple scrubs: Package two or three small jars together in a box or basket. Mix and match scents, like peppermint, gingerbread, and cranberry, to create a sampler that feels extra special.
Include a simple instruction and scent card: Tuck in a small card that explains how to use the scrub and how often. You can also add a short scent description, so the recipient knows what to expect before opening each jar.
Pair scrubs with matching bath products: For a more complete spa-style gift, add a matching lotion, body butter, bath soak, or soap in a similar scent. Wrap everything together as a cozy self-care bundle for Christmas gifting.
Use small jars as stocking stuffers: Fill mini jars or small containers with scrub and label them with the scent name. These tiny scrubs tuck easily into stockings and make a fun surprise that feels thoughtful without a big price tag.
Christmas Sugar Scrub Gift Basket Ideas
Here are three simple gift basket ideas you can mention and link your scrubs to:
Cozy Winter Spa Night Basket
Include a Christmas sugar scrub, a matching or coordinating body butter or lotion, a soft washcloth or loofah, and a pair of fuzzy socks. Place everything in a small basket or box with tissue paper, then finish with a ribbon and gift tag.
Holiday Baking Inspired Basket
Choose dessert-style scrubs like Christmas Cookie, Gingerbread, and Peppermint. Add a cute spatula, a holiday cookie cutter, or a small bag of real cookies. This ties the “baked treat” scents together and feels fun for anyone who loves Christmas baking.
Peppermint & Cranberry Refresh Basket
Pair a peppermint candy cane scrub with a cranberry sugar scrub. Add a peppermint lip balm, a cranberry or peppermint tea, and maybe a red or white candle. Keep everything in a simple crate or box for a fresh, festive, red-themed gift.
Essential Oil Safety Tips for Sugar Scrubs
Before we get into the recipes, let’s highlight some important safety guidelines for using essential oils in your Christmas sugar scrubs:
- Dilute Correctly: The recipes in this collection already account for safe dilution rates. Don’t add extra essential oils beyond what’s recommended. More isn’t better and can cause skin irritation.
- Patch Test First: Always perform a patch test before using a new sugar scrub, especially if you have sensitive skin. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24 hours to check for any reaction.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep sugar scrubs away from your face, eyes, and other sensitive areas. These are body scrubs designed for arms, legs, and torso.
- Pregnancy and Nursing: Some essential oils aren’t recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you’re pregnant or nursing, consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using essential oil products.
- Citrus Photosensitivity: Many Christmas scrubs contain citrus essential oils such as sweet orange or grapefruit. These can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid sun exposure or tanning beds for 12-24 hours after using scrubs with citrus oils.
- Children and Pets: Use caution with essential oils around young children and pets. Many oils that are safe for adults need different dilution rates for children, and some oils can be toxic to pets.
- Slippery Tub Warning: Sugar scrubs contain oils that can make your bathtub or shower floor very slippery. Always rinse the tub thoroughly after use to prevent falls!
This collection of Christmas sugar scrubs is perfect for adding a touch of luxury to your holiday self-care routine or for creating thoughtful, handmade gifts that your friends and family will truly appreciate.
The beauty of these recipes is their flexibility. You can follow the full Christmas recipes for traditional holiday scents, or you can experiment with the transformation ideas to create unique variations that suit your personal style. Either way, you’ll have gorgeous, aromatic scrubs that make the holiday season feel even more special.
Bookmark this post for easy reference during your holiday crafting sessions, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family – homemade body care products make some of the most meaningful gifts.
May your holiday season be filled with festive scents and soft, glowing skin!
Christmas Sugar Scrubs FAQs
Can I substitute different essential oils in these recipes?
Yes! The transformation recipes in this post are all about swapping essential oils to create different scents. When substituting oils, keep the total number of drops the same to maintain proper dilution.
Make sure to consider the properties of oils you’re swapping. For example, if a recipe calls for a citrus oil, you can swap one citrus for another (like sweet orange for grapefruit).
Be mindful that some oils are stronger than others, so you may need to adjust amounts. Also, consider any safety concerns with your substitutions, particularly if you have sensitive skin or specific health conditions.
Can I make these scrubs without essential oils?
Absolutely! You can make unscented sugar scrubs by simply omitting the essential oils. The scrubs will still provide excellent exfoliation and moisturization from the carrier oils and sugar. This is a great option for people with fragrance sensitivities, children, pregnant women, or anyone who prefers unscented products.
You can also use fragrance oils designed for body products if you want scent without essential oils, though make sure they’re skin-safe and properly diluted.
How long do homemade sugar scrubs last?
Properly stored homemade sugar scrubs typically last 2-3 months. The key to longevity is keeping them in airtight containers away from moisture and always using clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop out product.
If you notice any changes in color, scent, or texture, or if you see any mold, discard the scrub immediately. Adding vitamin E oil to your recipes can help extend shelf life slightly.
Are sugar scrubs safe for sensitive skin?
Sugar scrubs can be used on sensitive skin, but you’ll want to take a few precautions.
Use a fine-grain sugar rather than coarse sugar for the gentlest exfoliation. Always perform a patch test before full use, and apply the scrub using very gentle pressure.
Be cautious with essential oils. Some oils, such as cinnamon and clove, can be irritating to sensitive skin.
The Peaceful Winter Morning Scrub with lavender and frankincense would be an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
If you have very sensitive or compromised skin, consult with a dermatologist before using exfoliating products.
How do I prevent my homemade Christmas sugar scrubs from hardening?
Sugar scrubs can sometimes harden or separate, but there are several ways to prevent this.
First, make sure you’re using enough carrier oil – the ratio should keep the sugar moist and scoopable.
Store your scrub in an airtight container to prevent moisture loss.
If your scrub does harden, you can often revive it by adding a small amount of carrier oil and mixing thoroughly.
Avoid storing scrubs in very cold locations, as some oils (like coconut oil) can solidify at cooler temperatures. Using liquid oils like sweet almond or jojoba instead of or in addition to coconut oil can help maintain a softer consistency year-round.
What’s the difference between sugar scrubs and salt scrubs for Christmas gifts?
Both sugar and salt scrubs make wonderful Christmas gifts, but they have some key differences.
Sugar scrubs are gentler and dissolve more easily in water, making them ideal for sensitive skin, facial use (though the scrubs in this collection are body scrubs), and anyone new to exfoliation.
Salt scrubs provide more intense exfoliation and are excellent for very rough skin, feet, and anyone who prefers a more vigorous scrub.
For Christmas gifts, sugar scrubs are often the safer choice because they work for a wider range of skin types, and many people find the gentler exfoliation more comfortable.
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