If you were following along when I started shaving with a homemade shave scrub, you know how much I love coconut oil! It is the miracle beauty product for those who like to limit chemicals and get awesome results. Because of coconut oil, I no longer buy shaving cream, face wash, makeup remover, face masks, or face scrubs! And the best part is that it works WAY better than the products I was using previously anyway! Coconut oil benefits the skin in many ways, especially since it is antifungal and antibacterial. Many are noticing their scars are going away too! I could go on and on about the benefits of coconut oil (organic, virgin) in your diet as well, but we will save that for another post.
This one is about Coconut Oil Facial Scrub. Let’s move forward shall we?
Oh…and before we get too far…if you love this recipe, you will love our Coconut oil face mask, or our DIY Face mask to get rid of blackheads
At home with the kids? Instantly access any of these printable activity bundles to keep them learning!
First, I would get some refillable product containers for DIY beauty products. You can find them in all sizes and varieties online. I started out just putting them in a cup and of course my kids got it everywhere!
Second, get yourself some Organic Virgin Coconut Oil. I LOVE the Nutiva brand (I’m not being paid to say that, I just really love it). You can usually find it at Costco, or Amazon. The benefits of getting it on Amazon is being able to get a smaller jar if you aren’t quite ready to commit to the big tub (you will be ready soon though).
Coconut Oil Face Wash
I don’t use face scrub every night. I use plain coconut oil as a face wash, and then every few days use the scrub to make the skin soft and smooth. If you are just wanting to cleanse, scoop some coconut oil into your hands and rub it together a little bit. Coconut oil is usually firm in the jar (unless your house is hot), but it will soften up quickly in your hands. Cover your face with the coconut oil and then take a warm wash cloth and let it rest on your face for 30 seconds or so to open up your pores. Then wipe it all off! You will be amazed at how well coconut oil cleanses your makeup off! It even works with waterproof mascara! I have skin that can be oily sometimes, so I was hesitant to use an oil on my face in the beginning, but I learned that oil actually attracts oil, so it does a great job of cleaning all the oils and makeup off of your face. And it has never left my face feeling greasy. I usually give it at least 10 minutes to absorb before applying any makeup
Coconut Oil Face Scrub
For a facial scrub, you will mix 1 Tablespoon coconut oil with 1 Tablespoon baking soda. Some people use sugar, which I think is great for the body, but a little too rough for the skin. If you decide to use sugar, use brown sugar.
If you are making enough to store in a container, just keep doubling the recipe until you have the amount you want. You can add 2-3 drops of essential oil to your mixture too.
My favorite Essential Oils for the skin:
Lemon is a natural astringent and antibacterial, so it’s great for those with oil-prone skin. Lavender helps you relax and regenerates skin cells. Frankincense is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory, so it’s great for those prone to acne. Melaleuca is also great for acne-prone skin.
Let me know what you think!
And don’t forget to try shaving with this DIY Shave scrub. Your legs will never be softer!
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Anne says
This looks like a great way to pamper yourself. I had no idea sugar scrubs were so easy to make.
Laura O'Neill (@LauraOinAK) says
I use coconut oil in the house a lot. However, I haven’t tried using it to keep my face clean. I’ll have to gite it a try.
Stephanie Hillberry says
I’ve been making the transition to DIY beauty products over the past year and switched to homemade moisturizer with coconut oil about 8 months ago (I love it!). I’m excited to try more products, and am totally going to give your cleanser, scrub and shaving cream a try. Thanks for sharing!
Houria says
Id like too please
Houria says
I mean the scrub and crime shaving from Stephanie the home made thanks xx
Hanne says
I’ve got jars of sugar and coconut oil ont he counter as we speak, thanks for te inspiration! Heading into the shower asap to test it out!
Tina M says
Yay!
Rawnda Stringer says
JusT made the shave cream and about to make the face scrub. Thanks for the ideas. Love your blog.
Victoria says
I been using coconut oil as a face wash for about a year now. I just love the way it feels and looks. Wouldn’t use anything else!
Hana says
How long does the scrub last and do where do you store it ?
Liz says
Love this combo! My skin tone has evened out, sun spots have faded, fine lines have disappeared, it does all that those chemical-y name brands claim but don’t deliver! I’ve been trying to convince my friend who has acne-prone skin to try it. She’s addicted to those name-brands who promise eternal beauty but always seems to be caking on makeup to cover imperfections. I think its time to just make her a jar, encourage her to toss all that junk and ask her to give it two weeks!
Liz says
**also- this can be used as tooth paste, just add a few drops of peppermint essential oil – get ready for some healthy gums and white teeth!
JoAnn says
Have you had any problems with the coconut oil clogging your drain? When it gets below 70 degrees, it starts to solidify. I’m afraid that the drain pipes will plug.
Tina M says
JoAnn, I haven’t yet. But I take hot showers, so maybe it makes it’s way far enough along down the pipes to not be a problem.
pamavonandme says
I am gradually getting heavily involved with Coconut Oil, we met about six months ago, and I have never looked back!
Tina has the floor here with DIYs mixtures, I’m answering JoAnn’s questions about the drains. I also worried about drains clogging so I DYI’d it with Baking Soda and Vinegar! I do everything in and or over the tub, one drain, one problem.
Lately, I have been stepping out of the tub and letting the hot water run full out for a while. I compensate by not using HOT water when body cleansing and/or shampooing (Cleansing Moisturizer), it’s such a rush when that cold water hits me and it burns fat! And, if anybody touches my shower head, I’ll freak! I take it down and bend double over, circulates the scalp to wash and rinse both body and hair!
Oh, Good grief, Tina, I’m so sorry! yack yack yack!
Pam F
Dawn says
Yes, I’ve been wondering about clogging drains also. Maybe just put face cloths in laundry rather than rinsing them in the sink.
Michelle Elliott says
I just started using the face scrub. I see you also suggest essential oils.. Do you Just select one or mix all four essential oils together?
Tina M says
Hi Michelle,
I usually use one or two 🙂
Melissa says
Thank you!!! I am mixing as we speak so eager to try this.I absolutely love coconut oil ,I have been using this for my hair and notuced a dramaticic change in texture n length. Lately i have been having breakouts on my face n shoulders,so I’m super excited to give this a shot.
Gail says
Hi Tina….I have rosacea and my dermatologist advised me to not put any thing that has oil on it. Do you or anyone else know anyone that did try coconut oil on their face and not have any problems with flareups? I’d love to try coconut oil on my face to wash my makeup off but don’t want to exasperate my rosacea. Please advise. Thank you.
Annette says
I have rosacea as well. I have been using coconut oil as a moisturizer for about 6 months now. It seems to help my rosacea. Not half as bad as it use to be.
vickie says
if using brown sugar in the scrub do you still use the baking soda?
Stacey says
I make sugar scrubs all of the time, but I use the coconut oil that remains a liquid (i.e. fractionated coconut oil) so it doesn’t tend to harden as fast as the regular coconut oil. I like using the already liquid version because I can get the mix of that and sugar just the way I like it.
Michaele says
I have sensitive skin. Will this clog my pores?
W. Greg Miller says
This works. I have been making coconut oil and Florida Organic Cane Sugar for about 3 months. The cane sugar has glycolic acid in it which is an AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) which causes the production of collagen. Also Primrose oil and coffee extract in a 4:1 ratio solution it helps eliminate fine lines.
I had not tried the plain coconut oil and the warm wash cloth on the days you do not want to use the scrub. This I will try.
Colleen says
Where do you get your sugar, coffee extract, & primrose oil?
Pamela says
I have been making my own for awhile now. l don’t use measurements just go by texture, but I like white sugar for an invigorating scrub and use the coconut oil and tea tree oil mix when I am in the shower. LOVE IT! ❤
Laura says
How long do you leave the facial on before you rinse it off?
'TINA says
this sounds great will giv it a trial
miki says
I tried to using it last night ( my coconut oil always remain liquid) but my face remain oily afterwards so i wash again using my store bought scrub. Um is it always like that? Or is it because of my coconut oil?
Laci says
I usually rinse my washcloth and go over my face again gently wiping off the oil. My skin is still soft and clean but not oily. Hope this helps you!
Kelly says
RINSE your face off only and pat dry. It feels oily because of the coconut oil, but the oil and the essential oils get absorbed into your skin for the true magic – AND I don’t have to use moisturizer anymore after using a combination of baking soda, coconut oil and PURE essential oils for my OILY skin. Super perfect. You just have to rinse and pat dry your face – Do NOT wash off the oil or it doesn’t get absorbed into your skin to do it’s true magic.
Katie says
The coconut oil face scrub is also great as underarm deodorant. It works!
Stephanie says
I also mix used coffe grinds into the fAce scrub. It gives ahealthy glow and prevents wrinkles.
Kate says
love the coffee/coconut combo also… I use it in cellulite prone areas! try it on the upper legs and glutes especially now before summer
Gina says
What does it do? Help with cellulite?
Ashley says
Coconut oil is awesome, but it is also very comodogenic, unfortunately. Someone who has oily or combination skin is usually better off with a different oil. Argon oil is a better one.
chellelenea says
It actually works well on people with oily skin. I have been using it and it has completely gotten rid of my pimples because the oil pulls out the oil that is in your skin.
Jessi Bruget says
How do you take off the oil/baking soda mixture? Just wipe it off? Rinse?
Jamie says
Would you add any or all the essential oils to the coconut oil when washing the face?
cmac says
Just wondering if anyone has a solution to keep the baking soda from settling when mixed with the coconut oil?
Paola says
I want to thank Tina for this awesome website and also share my experience with the miracle coconut oil,
I cook with this oil for about 3 years, I recently started using it on my face, facial masks, coffee scrubs, foot soak and even on my hear…it just AWESOME!
I highly recommend coconut oil, remember if you can eat it you can use on your face.
Thanks again Tina, many Blessings.
Natasha says
I have had problem skin almost my whole life. In high school and college I tried everything- proactive, prescription creams, just put my skin through the ringer. Nothing worked, everything makes me break out. A few years ago I switched to just using coconut oil and baking soda and it completely changed my life. It was almost by accident, actually. I was traveling abroad and couldn’t find anything to wash my face bc everything on the shelves looked like a breakout waiting to happen…so I just figured, okay baking soda is mild and coconut oil is good for skin so give it a try. Best decision ever! Ive used lemon for brightening and tea tree for acne, I’ll take your suggestions on lavender and frankincense! Great post!
Teraisa says
Thanks for the tips! ~Teraisa
Jenna says
This sounds amazing! I’m so gonna try it tonight but just wondering how long I should keep the scrub on my face:)
Lisa Whiten says
I’ve been using this same recipe for washing my face fir years now and I LOVE it! I don’t blog but I’m glad to see someone finally put “my” recipe out there for everyone else ! And yes I have (or had) a large scar on the left side of my face that is now unnoticeable! Nothing beats coconut oil! !
Colleen says
It sounds great, I love to use coconut oil on my hair occasionally. But, are there no worries about all of that oil going down the drain and clogging pipes? Just a concern, not a complaint. Thanks for sharing
Kelly says
great recipe!, I have sensitive aging skin, will this be okay to use? and can you use himalayan salt instead of baking soda?
Elizabeth says
Do you use moisturizer after you cleanse with coconut oil?
Lindsey Martin says
I love your sense of humor!! Thanks for the great recipe:)
Molly says
Wow all these comments are really making me want to try this.. I’ve been brushing my teeth with olive oil and baking soda, but they haven’t whitened.. Kind of upset about that, but also concerned about the drains and pipes. Will try this soon.. I have oily to combo skin..
IRENE RAMASAMY says
I’m Irene from Malaysia and here our coconut oil comes in oil form and we can’t scoop it.We can only pour it in our hand or to mix the coconut oil to other facial products. Can these coconut oil be used as you said on our face. I would like to get your advise as my teenage girl has a lot of breakouts before and after her menstrual. How can you advise. I have seen skin doctors and they all only give lots of pills to be taken and I don’t think that’s a good way. Now she has stop taken all the doctors pills and only put baking soda, honey, yoga and lemon to help out. Kindly advise is she doing the right thing. She has dry skin.
Natahsa says
I did my first cocunut/baking soda wash today, my skin has so many ups & downs. I’ve currently been using Proactive for 3 months and I’m still breaking out, but they have been the big ugly red bumps. So I’m going back to finding all natural ways to clear my skin. I’m sick of the acne, so I’m hoping all this cocunut research will help. Any pointers on what else to do?
Tina M says
Get a microfiber face cloth!
Tina M says
Also look into this: https://mothersniche.com/the-secret-all-natural-product-that-helped-cure-my-acne/
dianemar says
Getting married this weekend, looking for an easy scrub, this worked great! My skin, and now hands are so smooth and soft, will be doing my legs and feet tomorrow.
Deb says
I tried this on my sensitive skin and it was much too intense, but I really loved your shaving ‘cream’ recipe, and look forward to trying others. Thanks so much!
Jessica says
Hi,
How long does this scrubs last? I’m planning on giving it as a souvenir for a friend bachelorette’s party. I’m doing everything in advance, wouldn’t want it to be ruined.
Tina M says
It lasts for a long time, you will be fine!
Annemarie says
Im totally in love with coconutoil;I use itfrom my head to my toes.my skin looks and feels amazing.I just recently started using the coconut and bakingsoda face scrub and Wow Wow”my face feel so soft and smooth I could not believe it.#luv coconut ????it really is amazing.
Anne says
This stuff is amazing! I keep my homemade beauty products in mason jars–there is a tiny jelly jar size that holds this facial cleanser beautifully (I believe it’s a quarter pint).
Cheryl Cronce says
I tried your recepie for the facial scrub I Love it! Now im going to try the moisterizer! can’t wait! Thank you
Taylor says
Can we put more than one essential oil in the scrub??
Nicole Guerra says
AMAZING!!! I have used apricot scrub on my face for over 20 years. I recently started making my own products to use and came across this scrub. My face after just one use has NEVER felt so smooth. I AM A COCONUT FACE SCRUB USER FOR LIFE!!
Emily says
Do you find issues with your water drains and pipes clogging up? I’ve been having a problem with slow water drain since I’ve started using coconut oil for my face. Can I replace with fractionated coconut oil instead?
Thanks!
Sara Lynn says
It’s generally better to make smaller batches more frequently than to make singular large batches. You can keep your coconut oil in the fridge to lengthen it’s shelf life if you have room. Especially if you live in a hot and humid place, be careful about what kinds of bacteria you introduce to your DIY products via “double dipping.” Reintroducing dirty hands and spoons to the whole jar of coconut oil can cause it to spoil and mold over time.