Nothing says fall like the warm, cozy scent of pumpkin spice filling the air. This DIY pumpkin spice body scrub is the perfect way to bring that distinctive aroma into your skincare routine.
Made with real pumpkin powder, sugar, nourishing oils, and a comforting blend of essential oils like clove, nutmeg, and vanilla, this homemade sugar scrub gently exfoliates while leaving your skin soft, smooth, and lightly scented.
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This homemade pumpkin spice body scrub comes together in minutes and makes a thoughtful autumn gift or a little treat just for you. Each time you scoop out a bit of scrub, you get to experience autumn magic in your routine while pampering yourself with ingredients you trust.
Whether you’re making it for yourself or creating a batch for fall care packages, this cozy scrub is a must-have in your seasonal skincare lineup.
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DIY Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub Ingredients
- ½ cup Sugar – gentle exfoliant
- 2 tablespoons Pumpkin Powder – for color and skin-loving enzymes
- 2 tablespoons Carrier Oil (e.g., jojoba, sweet almond, fractionated coconut oil)
- 14 drops Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend
Optional: Add vitamin E or a few drops of cinnamon for extra fall scent (use sparingly due to skin sensitivity)
Why Pumpkin Powder Makes a Great Scrub Ingredient
Pumpkin powder is a fantastic seasonal add-in for DIY skincare. It blends easily into scrubs, adds a soft orange tint, and brings a gentle, earthy texture that pairs perfectly with sugar.
It also contains natural enzymes and plant compounds that can lightly exfoliate and brighten the feel of your skin. Best of all, it gives your scrub a beautiful color and a touch of fall charm without synthetic additives.
Tip: Store your pumpkin powder in a cool, dry place so it stays fresh for your next batch!
How to Make Pumpkin Spice Body Scrub: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Combine Sugar and Pumpkin Powder
Add the sugar and pumpkin powder to a medium bowl. Stir them together lightly to distribute the pumpkin evenly throughout the scrub, so you don’t get clumps later.
Tip: Use a fork or small whisk to break up any lumps in the pumpkin powder for a smoother texture.
Step 2: Add the Carrier Oil
Next, pour in your carrier oil and mix well. Gently stir with a fork until the sugar is fully coated and the mixture has a soft, moist texture.
Why it matters: The oil helps hold the scrub together and moisturizes your skin as you exfoliate. Jojoba, sweet almond, and fractionated coconut are the best carrier oils for this pumpkin spice sugar scrub recipe.
Don’t stir too vigorously. The mixture should be even and fluffy, not dense.
Step 3: Add Pumpkin Spice Essential Oil Blend
Once your base is mixed, it’s time to add the pumpkin spice essential oil blend. You can either create this distinctive fall diffuser blend using this recipe or buy a pre-mixed blend from Plant Therapy.
Add 14 or fewer drops of essential oil and stir thoroughly so the scent is evenly distributed. Remember, essential oils are strong, so it’s better to use less rather than more.
Tip: Stick to skin-safe amounts. This blend of clove, nutmeg, ginger, and vanilla creates that classic pumpkin spice aroma. Adjust to your preference, but avoid overdoing it, especially with strong oils like clove.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
At this stage, you can tweak the pumpkin spice body scrub recipe to get your desired texture.
Want it grittier? Add more sugar.
Need it silkier? A little more carrier oil does the trick.
Prefer to have it thicker but less grainy? Add a little more pumpkin powder (not too much more).
Note: The scrub should be moist but not oily, with just enough texture to scoop and spread easily.
Step 5: Transfer to a Clean Jar
Spoon your finished scrub into a clean, dry glass or plastic jar with a tight lid.
Tip: Store in a cool place, and use a clean spoon or dry fingers to scoop it out to help it last longer.
How to Use Homemade Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub
This scrub is best used as a body exfoliator to smooth dry or rough areas. It is especially helpful during colder months when skin tends to feel dull or flaky.
Here’s how to get the most out of your fall-inspired scrub:
Use on damp skin – After showering or soaking, apply the scrub to clean, damp skin. This helps soften the outer layer, making exfoliation more effective and comfortable.
Gently massage in circular motions – Scoop out a small amount and rub it onto your skin using light, circular motions. Focus on dry spots like elbows, knees, feet, and hands.
Rinse thoroughly – Use warm water to rinse off the scrub. The sugar melts away, while the oil leaves your skin feeling soft and lightly moisturized.
Pat dry (don’t rub) – After rinsing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel to lock in the moisture from the oil.
A quick note on safety: While this scrub is made with gentle ingredients, it’s best used on the body only – not the face – due to the spice oils. Always do a patch test first if you have sensitive skin.
Bonus tip: Use a non-slip mat in the shower, as the carrier oil can make the surface a little slippery.
Storage & Shelf Life Tips
A little care after mixing can help keep your body scrub in top shape. The right container and conditions will help your mixture hold onto its scent and texture.
Use airtight containers. Mason jars, glass jars with a seal, or sturdy plastic jars all work well. Keeping the air out helps prevent the scrub from drying or losing its aroma.
Choose smaller jars for personal use and larger ones for sharing or gifting. Smaller jars reduce the risk of introducing water since you open them less often.
Store your scrub in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving it next to the shower or in direct sunlight. Sun and heat, can break down oils over time, and moisture can cause premature spoilage.
Always use clean, dry hands or a spoon to scoop out the scrub. Water and moisture can shorten its shelf life or cause sugar to clump.
This DIY pumpkin spice body scrub will stay fresh and fragrant for about 2 to 3 months, as long as you keep water out and the lids tight.
If the scent starts to fade, add a pinch more spice blend or a drop of vanilla essential oil to revive it. If you notice any change in smell, texture, or color, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Easy & Beautiful Ways to Package Your Homemade Pumpkin Body Scrub
How you present your pumpkin spice scrub matters. Adding simple decorations and a homemade tag can take your gift from nice to unforgettable. Here are a few easy ways to make your jars pop:
Jar Decoration Ideas
Ribbon & Twine: Wrap a fall-colored ribbon or a piece of rustic twine around the lid. Choose orange, gold, deep red, or brown for that autumn vibe. Tie a small bow for a polished look.
Fabric Lids: Cut a small square of plaid, burlap, or leaf-print fabric. Place over the jar lid before you screw on the ring, then trim the edges. This tip works especially well with mason jars.
Mini Pinecones or Faux Leaves: Hot-glue a mini scented pinecone or a silk leaf to the top or neck of the jar. These little touches add instant fall charm.
Stickers & Washi Tape: Add pumpkin stickers, leaf-shaped decals, or lines of gold washi tape around the lid or glass. They add personality and a pop of color.
Tag Ideas for Gifting
Handwritten Labels: Create simple labels, such as “Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub” or “Cozy Fall-Scented Body Scrub” on a kraft paper or cardstock tag. Keep it casual and genuine with your own handwriting.
Ingredient List Tags: For a thoughtful touch, include a mini ingredient list on the back. It shows you care and helps anyone with allergies or preferences.
Personal Messages: Write a message like “Made with love” or “For your cozy autumn” to make each jar feel personal.
Printable Templates: Use printable autumn tags from free online resources. Pick ones with pumpkin, cinnamon stick, or leaf graphics to match the theme.
Seasonal Shapes: Cut tags in the shape of pumpkins, acorns, or leaves with craft scissors for an extra-special effect.
Extra Touches for Special Gifts
Pair with a Wooden Spoon: Tie a small wooden scoop or spoon to the jar with twine, so it’s ready to use.
Bundle in a Gift Basket: Add the scrub to a basket along with homemade soap, fall-scented lotion, and a pair of cozy socks. It turns a small gift into a full fall care package.
Add a Recipe Card: Include a card with the scrub instructions so your recipient can make their own batch later.
Add an instruction card: Adding a cute label with instructions like “Massage onto damp skin, rinse well, and enjoy!” will make your gift even more special.
Taking even a few moments with ribbons, tags, and seasonal touches transforms your pumpkin spice scrub into a memorable fall gift. Each jar becomes a warm hug, ready to share the cozy feeling of autumn.
Related Fall DIYs You’ll Love
If you’re diving into fall crafting or building a cozy skincare collection, here are more seasonal projects to explore:
Pumpkin Spice Melt and Pour Soap: This pumpkin spice melt and pour soap is the perfect companion to your scrub! Made with real pumpkin powder and warm essential oils, this fall-scented soap is festive, fragrant, and perfect for the season.
Pumpkin Spice Body Butter: Seal in that post-scrub glow with a fluffy, whipped body butter using the same scent profile. It’s rich with shea butter, lightly tinted with optional mica, and scented with cozy spices like cinnamon leaf and clove. Smooth a pea-sized amount onto damp skin for long-lasting moisture and a warm, fall aroma.
Jack-O’-Lantern Soap Bars: Fun and festive for Halloween! These cute homemade soap bars add charm to your sink or make great trick-or-treat swaps.
Autumn Simmer Pot Recipe: Naturally scent your home with citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. This autumn simmer pot recipe is like bottling up the smell of fall in a pot!
Fall-Scented Soy Candles With Essential Oils: Capture the essence of autumn with homemade soy candles infused with fall essential oils. Get ideas to customize the candles with different colors and scents.
Clove & Ginger Sugar Scrub: This warming scrub is ideal for colder months, featuring spices that leave skin feeling refreshed and cozy.
DIY Fall Foaming Hand Soap: Make hand washing a treat with this simple fall foaming hand soap recipe. Mix gentle castile soap with water and your favorite fall-inspired essential oils, like apple or clove. The rich foam keeps hands clean while filling your home with sweet, seasonal aromas.
DIY Fall Room Sprays: Spritz the scent of autumn throughout your space with homemade room freshener sprays filled with blends like cinnamon-vanilla and orange-clove
Fall-Scented Gift Ideas: Get inspired with handmade gift sets, spa bundles, and DIY presentation ideas that celebrate the season.
Seasonal Vibes in Your Skincare Routine
When you add pumpkin spice to your body scrub, you’re bottling up the best parts of fall. The scent lingers on your skin, turning a simple shower or bath into a mini escape. It’s like wrapping yourself in your favorite sweater—cozy, comforting, and just right for the season.
There’s something special about matching your self-care routine to the world outside. As the trees change colors, bringing autumn into your bathroom helps:
- Create a seasonal ritual, turning ordinary moments into small fall celebrations.
- Boost relaxation with warm scents make you slow down and enjoy the moment.
- Celebrate the present with seasonal scents that help you feel more connected to the time of year.
- Snuggle into the season with a fall-inspired spa day.
Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes—it’s the perfect way to make your fall skincare feel extra inviting, all with something as simple as a body scrub.
Whether you’re making a batch for yourself or gifting it to someone special, this easy homemade sugar scrub delivers all the autumn vibes without any complicated steps. Don’t forget to explore the rest of our fall DIYs to keep the creativity (and the cozy) going all season long!
FAQ: Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub
How long does this scrub last?
When stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight jar, it should stay fresh for about 2–3 months. Use a clean, dry spoon when scooping to help prevent contamination.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar is a bit softer and works great if you prefer a gentler exfoliation. You can also blend both for added texture.
Is it safe to use this homemade pumpkin sugar scrub on my face?
This scrub is best suited for body use only because face skin is more delicate. To make a scrub that’s gentle enough for your face, use fine-grain sugar and don’t add essential oils.
Can I make this ahead of time for gifts?
Yes, you can make it a few weeks ahead of time, then package it in small jars. Add labels, twine, or gift tags to dress it up.
