I have a confession to make. I don't use shaving cream when I shave my legs. Maybe I just wasn't using it right, because it's not like I didn't try. I did try. But every time I attempted at using it, my legs would get goose bumps, and then I would get razor burn. I tried using it while running my legs under warm water so as to avoid the goose bumps…but then it became this race to hurry and shave before the shaving gel washed right off. This resulted in shaving cream being wasted down the drain (duh), or more razor burn. I also tried running the can of shaving cream under hot water prior to showering so that it wasn't cold when I put it on my legs. This usually just resulted in more razor burn because I was far too impatient to wait for it to actually get warm.
As a result, I have gone my whole life just shaving with water and a razor. Until now. If you don't know me, there are two products in my kitchen that I have a huge crush on. They are coconut oil and raw honey. I use them ALL THE TIME in cooking and baking and toast-eating. I don't use vegetable oil, like ever. I've recently been using coconut oil for skin care as well (hello nipple cream, goodbye painful breastfeedings). I'm getting off track here. So anyway…I thought to myself, “self, what if I made an exfoliant shaving scrub with coconut oil?” There are all sorts of fancy recipes out there involving things like honey and shea butter and essential oils, and a bunch of other randoms, but I'm all about simplicity. So I started with just sugar and coconut oil. And that's where I stopped. Because it was perfect in every way! My legs had never been so smooth and shiny! And razor burn was far from the picture!
At home with the kids? Instantly access any of these printable activity bundles to keep them learning!
So here you go…you don't even have to write this one down, because I bet your bottom you can memorize this one!
DIY Shave Scrub
Step One: Find a jar, or container, or whatever you want to store this in. Heck, you can even label it if you want. Name it ” (your name)'s shave scrub. Then every time you look at it you can feel the warm fuzzy feeling that comes from successfully making your own skin care product.
Step Two: Mix coconut oil and sugar until it reaches the consistency that you like. I like to use organic virgin coconut oil because it's awesomest, and because I also cook with this stuff. If you have a Costco nearby, that's where I seem to find it the cheapest (although recently I've seen it just as cheap on Amazon).
Step Three: Apply your shave scrub prior to shaving. Then Shave. Then Smile, because your legs will be rockin'! And then, after you have clothes on again, go find someone and say “feel my legs.” Yes, you will be that proud.
Step Four: Never buy shaving cream again.
Sugar Face Scrub Recipe
I know you were just thinking that life cannot get any more awesome after the discovery of this recipe, but that is wrong. Life always has more awesome in store. This time it's in the form of a scrub for your face.After making my shave scrub, I thought to myself “self, you should make a scrub for your stinkin' face!” And so I did. Don't be deceived, it's not the same recipe. No, no. Your face is more delicate and therefor deserves a less abrasive scrub. Click on over and check my coconut oil face wash and facial scrub recipe or just pin it for later.
And please don't limit yourself! Coconut oil can be used for SO MANY THINGS! I currently use it for:
- baby lotion (and as a preventative for cradle cap). I like to give my newborn a massage with coconut oil after her bath.
- to get rid of a horrible rash that I got postpartum
- Cooking and baking
- Nipple cream
- Diaper rash ointment
- In smoothies
There are so many ways to use it. Visit here for 101 Uses For Coconut Oil, or here for the Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
Or…if you are tired of reading, grab some popcorn (put some coconut oil on it), and watch this video:
What is your favorite way to use coconut oil?
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Lauren says
How much oil and how much sugar do you use? I need measurements lol
Tina M says
Haha, no problem Lauren! Start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust from there. I do a half of cup of each and it works great…but sometimes I’ll add just a little more coconut oil since the consistency of coconut oil changes with the temperature of your house
hayley says
I love using coconut oil for my beauty uses. It makes the legs so soft and smooth http://www.squidoo.com/beauty-benefits-of-conconut-oil-hair-skin-lips-body-hair-growth
BrandiW says
Oh my gosh u are so funny. I hate shaving my legs BC of uncomfortable razor burn. Def gonna try this one.
erin says
Do u melt the coconut oil first?
Tina M says
Erin, I don’t melt it first, but you probably could
Lindsay says
I wouldn’t melt it too much or your sugar will melt when added in!
Tina M says
Haha, good thinkin’!
Kathy Harris says
I have been using the coconut oil & baking soda scrub on my face for about 8 months now and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!! My blackheads are gone, I rarely get a zit anymore, my pores are much smaller and the dime sized, brown, dry, scaly spot that developed on my face several years back (and that I have tried lots of products to get rid of) is smooth, faded and barely noticeable anymore. I’ve gotten rid of all my other facial cleansers and scrubs. I also use the coconut oil as a moisturizer. It absorbs quickly, doesn’t look or feel greasy, and has solved the dry skin issue I’ve had for years. Coconut oil has become my favorite essential beauty product.
Tina M says
It’s amazing, isn’t it Kathy? I use it on my babies too!
Cindy says
How much baking soda with coconut oil ? That sounds great !
Kelly says
What kind of texture should it have? Also should my legs be moist ? Because I tried it applying it to dry legs and the sugar would just roll off. Thank you
Tina M says
Sorry Kelly! If the sugar just rolled off, you probably have the right texture…but your legs are supposed to be wet when you put it on! Again, Sorry, I should have said that!
darla says
Does this combination gunk up your razor??? I’ve tried shaving with grapesed oil and it ruined my razor after one try… impossible to clean out. I know coconut oil is usually a bit thinner in consistency, but just wondering how that and the sugar play together. I don’t wanna have to toss another razor so short lived!
Tina M says
Darla! I haven’t noticed that it does that! I just tap my razor under the water to rinse it out and that seems to work just fine
Kelly says
I actually was going to ask you the same thing as darla. It did clog up and it was almost impossible to remove it with just a small tap and water is there any other way ?
Tina M says
Ahhh. Kelly, I’m so sorry. I haven’t noticed it to be a problem for me and I’ve been using the same razor for months. Maybe my shower is high pressure 🙂 I was thinking you could use the spray nozzle on the kitchen sink to clean it off afterwards, but that seems like a pain…hmmm
Suzy says
I used it after shaving since it caused too much gunk in my razor. Worked just as well!
Shelby says
To clean the oil off your razor just rinse it off with some hot water and then swirl it around in a cup with some rubbing alcohol. It’ll dissolve the oil, plus sanitize your razor.
Tina M says
Shelby! You are fabulous!!! Thank you for that great tip. Totally trying it
Heather says
You are an angel sent from above..I have horribly sensitive and allergic skin. I have only one cream that I use and it still leaves irritation, but less than the others. I’m definitely trying going to try this out. You’ve convinced me haha..your very creative with your writing. Thanks!!! Hope these two products work out.
Tina M says
Haha, thanks Heather! If you have sensitive skin, you will LOVE coconut oil!
Brandy says
I use coconut oil, sugar, and a little vanilla as a lip scrub. Scrub on, leave one minute, rinse off or lick off 🙂 follow with a Chapstick or whatever you prefer
Tina M says
Thanks Brandy! I use it for lip scrub too, but I never thought to use vanilla
Yolanda says
I’ll have to try that too… 😉
Heather says
LOVE IT. I will admit I was skeptical at first, I almost chickened out. I have highly sensitive skin and have been limited to one yogurt product my whole life. You are my hero- my legs feel amazing. Exactly as you described – I cannot wait for my husband to get home so I can show someone how soft my legs are right now! Not a single bump of razor buen. Feels odd applying the oil/sugar but the end result is flawless! Thank you.
Tina M says
Yay Heather! I’m so glad! I was happy to discover coconut oil before my first baby. I’ve never used the crappy baby lotion stuff because coconut oil has always been amazing (skin, cradle cap, & diaper rashes)!
Madison says
I love this idea! Have you tried using it in the bikini area? I’m wondering if it can help avoid those pesky red bumps on the sensitive skin there.
Tina M says
Yep 🙂
Kelsey says
I feed a tablespoon of coconut oil to each of my dogs everyday and it helps their itchiness/dry skin and helps keep their coats soft and silky
Tina M says
I didn’t even think to use it on pets. Brilliant!
Paige says
Do you have to use coconut oil or could you use olive oil?
Bri L says
I’ve been using coconut oil for oil pulling and your not supposed to spit it down the drain cause it will clog your pipes. Will this do the same?
sStella says
If you use alot of oil down any drain, it can congeal and build up over time. This can be helped by pouring hot water down the drain to melt it. There would probably be less of a risk with olive oil because it is liquid, as coconut oil is solid.
Tina M says
Good question Bri! I haven’t had a problem yet (probably because i take super hot showers). Has anyone else experienced any issues?
Barbara says
How do you avoid a slippery tub/shower from the coconut oil?
alicia says
Has anyone tried adding essential oil to this? I was thinking maybe lemon? Thanks for the recipe!
Megan says
I have made this for a year! I put lemon essential oil in for the fragrance. Just a few drops (about 5) or it is too strong and makes my eyes water in the shower.
Stephanie says
I have been using Epsom salt, baby oil and essential oils as a combo, but I love the idea of replacing the yucky baby oil with coconut oil!
qotsa1 says
I’ve been using this for a week. It’s amazing. I had a rash on my leg and was not looking forward to wearing shorts this summer. It almost gone now and my legs are silky smooth. I’m going to try using it as a face scrub next. Thank you!
Sara says
I use coconut oil for so many things! Sadly, it leaves my legs kind of itchy after I shave, so I have started mixing in equal parts of Shea butter. My legs feel great after shaving, but I think adding sugar would make them feel even better!
Kayleigh says
does it work better with the coconut oil as a solid or as a liquid?
Hannah says
Oh gosh. I’m glad that this worked for y’all, but it has been a week since I used this, and I’m still waiting for the first layer of skin to grow back on my legs!! Yikes! lol
Tina M says
Hannah! What happened??
Yolanda says
Ha Ha Ha! You are deffinetly super funny. I have been searching for “months” and I found this very interesting.
Coconut Oil! YeSssss Indeed. I have tried with Olive oil and found that it smells weird and ltr YA sart smelling like BACON!! Hahahahaha!!! NOT! 😉
However, I must say I have been using Coconut oil and my husband said I look ten years younger. Younger!!!
@[email protected] wait what, wut, wut?!! Hey I kind a noticed too. I love it!!! Although I have experiment different ways and doesn’t matter, the more coconut oil I use the better… My skin LOVES it. !!! Feels smooth and looks silky.. oh my! I could go on.
I feel better mentally as well as physically!
This stuff is AWESOME!!! 😉
P.S. The leg stuff… Yes, I look in the mirror and myself said, Gurl touch those silky lookin legs!
You go gurl!!!
I made a body scrub works wonders!!
carissajoy says
This is a great natural alternative to a gift a friend gave me that was sugar and creamy, soft-hands dish soap. Plus, she told me that sugar is a natural hair growth suppressant… who doesn’t love that?! 🙂
rachel says
I have a question. Does it clog your razor when you do this?
Maria Kristensen says
How in the world do you mix anything in the coconut oil? It’s crazy-hard and solid! Maybe I have to put it in the micro for a while first?
Tina M says
Maria, my coconut oil is usually soft, but if you have it in a cool room, it will be harder. Just let it sit in the kitchen while your baking and it should loosen up
Sarah says
Love it! I’m gonna have to try my hands at this once my EOS shave lotion is gone. I’ve never used coconut oil and baking soda as an exfoliant before; but I used to use the sugar and olive oil. The sugar causes me to break out though, so I’ll definitely give the baking soda one a try!
Carol says
I use baking soda and coconut oil to exfoliate my face once a week or every other week. Since I have a problem with acne from oils of any kind I use hydrogen peroxide on a cotton ball and wipe over the “T” zone area to keep from causing more problems. I love the way my face looks and feels after using this
Bobbi Kay says
One of my favorite ways to use coconut oil is when I wash off my makeup. I take plain old coconut oil and rub it all over (including my eyes…makes an AWESOME waterproof makeup remover). Once the makeup is removed, I wash my face with my face wash and then apply a thin layer of coconut oil to my face and go to bed. When I wake up, the oil has absorbed into my skin and my face feels soft and smooth.
Tina M says
Im totally trying this! Thanks Bobbi!
mary says
i use CO on sunburns i find that works better then the alow stuff u get in stores ! and less peeling ! and i find the tan stays around longer !
Angela says
how much baking soda would you use in proportion to the coconut oil and sugar? also, would baking soda do any harm if you were to use a coconut oil-sugar-baking soda combo scrub?
2beekeepers says
I put my HARD coconut oil in the micro to soften it. Just check it every FEW seconds If it does melt a bit, it doesn’t matter it will set up again. I add a few drops of vitamin E oil, and lavender essential oil. (the amount is irrelevant) I whip it with the wisk attachment on my stick blender, then add the sugar or baking soda. All three of the oils promote healing and the vitamin E and the whipping help keep the mixture from getting hard again. This makes a great gift in a cute jelly jar. I’ve been using this for a few months and love it! However, I scrub my legs with a SMALL amount of it, rinse it off and THEN shave. No problems with the razor gunking up.
I mixed up the same ingredients minus the BS or sugar and gave it to my granddaughter to use on the babies for general use and especially for diaper rash or ANY skin irritation. Great for any boo-boos!!
Amanda says
Could I use any sugar? Like light brown sugar for a fun colour and a nice smell?
Garrett Garcia says
i just made it – took me 3 minutes!
added vitamin E oil and peppermint oil.
I will use this to shave my face and as a scrub. We will see how it goes but it feels amazing in my fingers!!
Tracy Roberts says
Where were you 26 years ago when my kids were babies???? I’m excited about this scrub. I’ve been using coconut oil & coffee grounds. Amazing pick me up in my morning shower before my first cup! I’m interested in the baking soda/coconut oil facial scrub… Ima try it tonight before bed.
Mandi says
So going to try this!! I love experimenting with coconut oil, I use it in my daughter’s baby wipes and in my fem wipes, and I use a thin layer of it on my lips whenever I get a warning tingle of a cold sore approach (stops it straightaway!). Looking forward to trying it as a face scrub, but wondering if using half sugar/half coconut sugar and just a smidge of bi-carb would reduce irritation? Though the sugar in Australia is different to the US, we use cane so it might be completely different. And I’d have to add a drop of tea tree, no more black heads!
Nicki Wirtjes says
Hi Tina! How long do you think this stores? I was thinking of making some for my bridesmaids but I would want them to be able to use it longer than week (if it expires fast) Thanks!
Tina M says
I’ve kept mine in my shower for over a month
Brooke says
What sort of sugars can you use?
Sudikaha says
Hi, I was wondering do we still need to use razor or we can wipe with any other thing…like with a scaptular?
Monisha says
Hi Tina,
I am from India, here coconut oil is in liquid state, does it work too?
And one more thing is which form of sugar to be used, crystal or powder?
Waiting for ur reply……
Tina M says
Hi, yes. Liquid will work. Use crystal
DeLana says
Why don’t you just put it in your mixer and whip it up into a fluffy cream? Would make it easier to apply for shaving.
Rayne Steinborn says
I agree, I use cocnut oil for everything as well. I love it,
Danielle says
Where should we keep it? Because I feel like that the shower will make it melt before I use it. :-/
Jill says
This works great, but it also turned my bathtub into a slippery death trap that I had to clean three times to get the oily finish off…. Loved the smooth legs, but I also don’t want my boyfriend to slip and crack his head open again. By the sound of the comments no one else seems to have had this problem, but please be careful when you try this and check the tub after you get out of the shower, I would really hate for this to happen to anyone else 🙁
Reah says
I have a question. Do you have to use this for as shave scrub? Can you just use it as an exfoliation scrub? I don’t really like shaving but i do have razor bumps on my legs. Can i just use it without shaving?
Josie Ella says
Seriously… thank you. This answered all the questions I’ve had forever. I don’t have to go buy tons of fancy essential oils from lords knows where to make an effective leg exfoliating shave scrub. Simple is better! I cannot tell you how appreciative I am to have come across your blog. Now to go buy some more organic coconut oil and check out your face scrub post. ❤
Tina M says
Thanks so much Josie! Simplicity is great, isn’t it?
Sam says
This may sound like a stupid question, but do you somewhat wash the coconut oil off before shaving as I’ve used coconut oil before and it seemed to clog my razor so I was going through a fair share of razors
Tina M says
I’ve done it both ways! Both will work
Tove says
Hi!
This works amazing! I added some organic vanilla seeds too 🙂 smells great!
thuytrang says
Do you scrub first, wash it off, then shave with no shaving cream? Or do you shave with the scrub on?
Tina M says
I shave with the scrub on
Tina M says
Even if it washes off the scrub makes your legs super soft so you don’t need shaving cream
Tanisha says
Hi,
I wanted to ask if I need to wash off the scrub before shaving my legs?
Jen says
for the shaving scrub does the coconut oil need to be solid? mine is all melted cause its 100 degrees here
Jen says
i guess it doesnt matter right since the coconut oil melts when u mix it with the sugar right
Divya says
Soooo happy to c all the comments in here about coconut oil.me beinv a native of kerala..land of coconuts…feels gr8 to c u all using coconut oil…its a wonder oil…luv the aroma..the benefits…whn my kids were babies..i used to giv thm quarter tsp of virgin coconut oil everyday.it keeps tht white thick coating on their tongue away n a healthy tummy….happy baby. Happy mommy 🙂
Essie says
Uhm maybe it’s not for everybody, my legs are Killing me. They skin feels like burning, as though I had dry-shaved them…
Andrea says
Is it safe to add food coloring?? I just made some and REALLY wanna make mine purple ♡♡ ????
Tina M says
Totally up to you!
Dajoin Moore says
I just tried this last night. I think I might have to toss out my Skinmate shaving cream lol. This shaving scrub really did leave my legs moisturized and silky smooth afterwards. I really liked that i didn’t have to bother with putting on lotion afterwards since I applied the scrub once more after I shaved. Also, I added a few drops of organic olive oil just because and some lemon zest for scent since I don’t have any essential oils. I ended up using this scrub as my body wash last night too and my skin still feel hydrated without feeling oily. This stuff is legit!
Julie says
what kind of sugar?
Anne says
I had high hopes for this sugar scrub shaving lotion, but they were disappointed. First, my results were not as wonderful as described; but had I read the comments about having wet legs that might’ve been prevented. Second, some of my sugar/oil mixture fell on the bathroom floor; I didn’t clean it up immediately; and the ants were swarming before I knew it. Not fun! I suppose using this in the shower would prevent that because the sugar would go down the drain; but I feared what would happen if water got in the mixture (will water cause it to spoil?). Third, I had to clean my razor several times in the middle of shaving, which made the whole process a pain. The only advantage I found to using this stuff is no razor burn, but I think I’m going to try using my coconut oil/baking soda facial scrub next time.
Hannah says
Why do you use sugar?? Wouldn’t that be bad for your skin???
Brooke says
Do you use melted coconut oil? And how much of each should I use? How large of a container do you usually fill?
Erni says
What type of sugar do u use. Normal white sugar?
Summer says
Can you sure liquid coconut oil or does it have to be in its solid form? I bought the liquid one not knowing the difference and its pretty expensive in my opinion so just wondering. Thanks.
Crystal says
This is amazing! This is the first time I’ve used a sugar scrub, except at the salon. It leaves your legs smooth and feeling amazing! Thank you for this.