DIY Double Espresso Body Scrub
An easy DIY coffee body scrub with espresso, sugar and essential oils to exfoliate and wake up your skin.
In this guide
This DIY espresso body scrub mixes ground coffee, brown sugar and coconut oil with a few drops of coffee essential oil. The grounds gently exfoliate, the oil softens, and the rich coffee scent wakes you up like your first cup of the day. It takes five minutes to make and leaves skin feeling smooth and polished.
Key takeaways
- You need just four things: coconut oil, ground coffee, brown sugar and coffee essential oil.
- Fresh or used coffee grounds both work, as long as used grounds are fully dry.
- Use it on damp skin in the shower a couple of times a week, rubbing in gentle circles.
- For a face scrub, swap the coconut oil for argan or grapeseed and use less sugar.
- Make small batches and use within two to three weeks.
Why use coffee for a body scrub?
Coffee is one of the world's best-loved drinks, and for many of us the day does not really start until that first cup. Beyond the mug, coffee has long been a favourite in homemade body care for its rich aroma and gently gritty texture.
The fine, firm grounds make a natural exfoliant. They help sweep away dead skin cells and leave skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Mixed with a nourishing carrier like coconut oil, the grounds glide over damp skin and rinse away cleanly.
What does coffee essential oil add?
"Wake up and smell the coffee" is a saying for a reason. Organic Coffee Essential Oil captures that deep, roasted aroma in concentrated form, which makes it a real treat in a body scrub.
The scent is warm, rich and unmistakably coffee. A few drops are all you need to fill a whole jar of scrub with that invigorating fragrance. Together, the ground coffee and the oil give you a "double espresso" scrub that smells wonderful and leaves skin soft and polished.
DIY double espresso body scrub recipe
1. Double Espresso Body Scrub
Best for: smooth, refreshed skin and a morning wake-up
- 1/2 cup Coconut oil, slightly softened
- 1/2 cup Ground coffee, fresh or used and dried
- 3 tbsp Brown sugar
- 10 drops Coffee essential oil
- 1 Jar or container with a lid
Mix, scoop into the jar, and use in the shower on damp skin. You can go up to 15 drops of coffee oil if you like a stronger scent.
How to make it
- Mix the ground coffee and brown sugar together. Fresh grounds or used grounds that have been left to dry both work.
- Add the coconut oil and mix well. Softened coconut oil works best, but it should not be completely runny.
- Add 10 to 15 drops of Organic Coffee Essential Oil and mix again.
- Add more or less sugar, depending on how much scrubbing power you want.
- Spoon the scrub into a jar or sealed container for storage.
How to use a coffee body scrub
In the shower, apply a handful of scrub to damp skin and rub in small, gentle circles. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees and heels. Rinse thoroughly, then pat your skin dry.
The coconut oil leaves a light, soft layer on the skin, so you may not need a moisturiser afterwards. Use the scrub as often as your skin likes, which is a couple of times a week for most people.
Pro tip
Oil-based scrubs make the shower floor slippery. Stand on a bath mat, and give the tray a quick rinse and wipe straight away so coffee does not leave brown marks.
Can you use a coffee and sugar scrub on your face?
Yes, with a few changes. Swap the coconut oil for argan or grapeseed oil, and reduce the sugar to one tablespoon. Make sure the coffee is finely ground, and rub very gently.
Facial skin is thinner than body skin, so use the face version less often and skip it if your skin is sensitive or broken out. For a leave-on treat after scrubbing, try our DIY facial serum recipes.
Safety tips
Safety first
Always patch test a new scrub on a small area of skin first. Avoid broken or irritated skin, and keep the scrub away from your eyes.
- Take care in the shower or bath, as oil-based scrubs can make surfaces slippery.
- Use within a few weeks, and keep the jar sealed and dry between uses.
- Scoop the scrub out with clean, dry hands or a spoon.
- Keep essential oils out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs
Can I use coffee grounds left over from my morning brew?
Yes. Used grounds work well and give them a second life. Spread them out and let them dry fully before mixing, as damp grounds can make the scrub clump and spoil faster.
Is coffee with coconut oil good for skin?
It is a lovely pairing. The coffee grounds gently exfoliate, while coconut oil leaves skin feeling soft and nourished. Together they make an easy, natural body scrub.
How long does the scrub keep?
Because it has no preservatives, make it in small batches and use it within two to three weeks. Keep the jar sealed and do not let water get inside.
How often should I use it?
A couple of times a week suits most people. Listen to your skin and scrub less often if it feels sensitive. Always rub gently rather than pressing hard.
Can I swap the coconut oil for something else?
Yes. Argan, grapeseed and sweet almond oils are all good alternatives, and grapeseed feels lighter. Keep the amount of oil about the same so the scrub holds together. Our guide on choosing a carrier oil can help.
Will it stain my bath or shower?
Coffee grounds can leave a temporary brown residue, so rinse the bath or shower well after use. A quick wipe straight away stops marks from settling.
The bottom line
This double espresso body scrub is quick and easy to make, and it smells just like your morning coffee. Mix it up, use it on damp skin a couple of times a week, and enjoy the smooth, polished feel. Find coffee oil and more in our essential oils collection, browse our natural skincare, or try our essential oil body wash ideas.
