DIY Coffee Scrub Recipes for Every Skin Type

Lately, I’ve been loving experimenting with homemade scrubs, especially a good coffee exfoliating scrub. This DIY coffee scrub is a simple, natural exfoliant you can make at home using ingredients from your kitchen. Coffee grounds gently exfoliate while helping support circulation, leaving skin feeling smoother, softer, and naturally radiant with regular use.

What Is a DIY Coffee Scrub?

A DIY coffee scrub is a natural exfoliating treatment made from ground coffee and nourishing oils that helps remove dirt and dead skin cells, improving your skin texture. It’s most commonly used as an at-home body scrub but can also be adapted for areas like the feet or scalp. When used on the face, it should be made in a much gentler version specifically formulated for delicate facial skin.

A natural face and body scrub helps lift away skin buildup, allowing fresher, smoother skin to come through. Coffee grounds are especially effective because their slightly coarse texture provides physical exfoliation without requiring synthetic beads or harsh chemicals.

In addition to exfoliating, homemade coffee scrubs are often used to support circulation through gentle massage. When applied in circular motions, the scrub can help temporarily boost blood flow to the skin, which may improve overall skin texture and radiance. Coffee contains antioxidants and caffeine that help reduce inflammation.

For more body exfoliation ideas, explore our DIY body scrub recipes.

A coffee exfoliating scrub can be especially helpful during dry winter months, when cold air and indoor heating often leave skin feeling flaky, tight, or rough. If you’re struggling with dry winter skin, dullness, or uneven texture, adding a coffee scrub to your beauty routine can help soften the skin and restore a smoother, more hydrated appearance when followed with a moisturizer.

This type of scrub is ideal for people who prefer natural skincare, enjoy making beauty products at home, or want an affordable alternative to store-bought exfoliants. It’s well-suited for most skin types when used correctly, though those with very sensitive skin should exfoliate gently and less frequently.

Ingredients You Need for a Homemade Coffee Scrub

Making a DIY coffee scrub requires just a few simple ingredients, many of which you may already have at home. Each ingredient plays a specific role in the scrub, either exfoliating, moisturizing, or soothing.

Ground Coffee (Fresh or Used)

Ground coffee is the main exfoliant in a homemade coffee scrub. Its coarse texture removes dead skin cells and smooths rough spots. You can use either fresh or used coffee grounds.

Brow or White Sugar

Sugar adds an extra layer of gentle exfoliation and helps balance the texture of the DIY scrub. 

Coconut Oil 

Oil is the moisturizing base of the scrub and helps prevent dryness. Coconut oil is popular because it thickens a bit, giving the scrub a rich feel.

Substitution: Olive and avocado oil work just as well.

Raw or Manuka Honey

Honey helps your skin hold onto moisture. Raw or Manuka honey is traditionally used for its humectant properties, making it a go-to in many natural exfoliating treatments.

Cinnamon

Add a small amount of cinnamon. 

Substitution: Alternatively, you can use vanilla extract 

Optional: Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is often added for its antioxidant properties and skin-conditioning benefits. It can help support the skin barrier and extend the shelf life of homemade scrubs.

How to Make a DIY Coffee Scrub for Soft Skin

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, add the sugar and ground coffee. Stir until all ingredients are evenly blended. 

Step 2: Add the coconut oil and honey, then mix everything together. The scrub should stick together but still feel a little grainy for gentle exfoliation. This combination moisturizes the skin while allowing the coffee and sugar to do their work.

Step 3: If using, add the Vitamin E oil and a dash of cinnamon. Stir until fully incorporated. Vitamin E adds antioxidants and helps nourish the skin, supporting a healthy, glowing appearance.

Step 4: Transfer your scrub to an airtight jar or container. Store it in a cool, dry place and use within 2-3 weeks for maximum freshness. Always stir before each use if the oils separate.

Note: Check the texture of your scrub. If it feels too dry, add a teaspoon of coconut or olive oil at a time until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too wet, sprinkle in a little more sugar or coffee grounds to maintain the right exfoliating texture.

Tips for Using and Storing Your coffee exfoliating scrub

A coffee scrub is a simple and effective way to exfoliate, moisturize, and refresh your skin. To get the best results and avoid irritation, follow these tips for using, storing, and how often to use your scrub:

How to Use Your Homemade Coffee Scrub?

Apply to damp skin and massage in gently, in circular motions, focusing on rough areas such as elbows, knees, and feet. If you have sensitive skin, use lightly and consider a gentler variation with oats or fewer coffee grounds. Coffee scrubs work in both showers and baths. Rinse thoroughly in the shower or massage onto damp skin and rinse before soaking in the bath.

How Often Should You Exfoliate with a DIY Coffee Scrub?

For most skin types, 1-2 times a week is ideal; adjust based on how your skin reacts. Redness, irritation, or tightness are signs you should reduce frequency. Dry skin may benefit from once per week, oily skin twice a week, and sensitive skin once every 10 days.

How to Store Your DIY Coffee Scrub

To keep your homemade coffee scrub fresh, we recommend using it within 1-2 weeks. Store the scrub in a cool, dry spot, and refrigeration is optional, especially if your recipe includes honey. Use an airtight glass jar to keep it fresh. If the oils separate, simply stir the scrub before each use.

If you’re looking for body scrubs with a longer shelf life, check out our salt scrub recipes, including options that also use coffee.

DIY Coffee Scrub Variations by Skin Type

Adjust your DIY coffee scrub to your skin type, and you’ll notice a real difference. The recipes below are designed to help address common skin concerns like dryness, sensitivity, and oiliness.

For Dry Skin

Ingredients: ¾ cup coffee grounds, ⅓ cup shea butter, 2 tablespoons honey

For those with dry skin, we recommend mixing coffee grounds with a natural butter like shea butter. Shea butter provides deep moisture, coffee gently exfoliates, and honey locks in hydration as a natural humectant. This combination is ideal for the winter months or anytime your skin feels tight and flaky.

For Sensitive Skin

Ingredients: 1 cup ground oats, 1 tablespoon coffee grounds, ⅓ cup sweet almond oil, 2 tablespoons honey 

For sensitive skin, it is recommended to use soothing ingredients. Oats are well-known for calming irritation, honey hydrates, and coffee offers gentle exfoliation without harsh friction. Apply the scrub lightly, avoid rubbing, and rinse with cool water. 

If you’re looking for gentler options, be sure to check out our DIY face scrub recipes.

For Oily Skin

Ingredients: ⅓ cup coffee grounds, ⅓ cup sugar, 1-2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (for nighttime use only)

Oily skin benefits from scrubs that remove excess oil without over-drying. Mix coffee grounds with sugar and lemon juice. Important: Use this scrub only at night, as lemon can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. The coffee and sugar exfoliate, while lemon helps brighten the skin.

For Cellulite-Prone Areas

Ingredients: ½ cup coffee grounds, ¼ cup coconut oil, 3-5 drops essential oil 

Combine coffee grounds with coconut oil and essential oil. Massage into thighs and hips in circular motions for several minutes before rinsing. 

Is Coffee Scrub Good for Cellulite?

While coffee scrubs won’t remove cellulite, they can help improve the overall texture of your skin. The caffeine in coffee can temporarily tighten the skin and boost circulation, making areas like the thighs, hips, and buttocks look smoother and feel firmer. I’ve tried coffee scrubs myself, and although they didn’t eliminate my cellulite, they left my skin feeling softer, more radiant, and well-exfoliated.

For the best results, massage the scrub into cellulite-prone areas in gentle, circular motions for a few minutes, about 2-3 times per week. Consistency matters, but it’s important to remember that scrubs alone won’t produce permanent changes. In my experience, the most noticeable improvements come from staying hydrated, eating a clean diet, and exercising regularly. It takes time and consistency, and results vary depending on your body and skin type.

Homemade coffee scrubs are excellent exfoliating treatments, but they work best as a supportive step in your skincare routine. They can help your skin look and feel smoother, but they cannot remove cellulite or reduce fat deposits. For lasting results, it’s best to focus on long-term lifestyle habits.

FAQs DIY Coffee Scrubs 

• Can I use used coffee grounds for a scrub?

  Yes! Used coffee grounds are safe for most DIY scrubs. They’re a bit softer and gentler than fresh grounds, which is good for sensitive skin. Just remember, “used” means from the same day, not old. If you make your scrub at night with morning coffee grounds, keep them in the fridge to stay fresh.

• Is a homemade coffee scrub safe to use as a DIY face scrub?

  It can be, but facial skin is more delicate than the rest of your body. For the gentlest results, use finely ground coffee grounds mixed with honey. Avoid scrubbing too hard or leaving the scrub on for too long, and pay attention to how your skin reacts. 

• How long does a DIY coffee scrub last?

  Use your DIY coffee scrub within 10 days. Scrubs made with just oil and sugar can last up to 3 months, but if the scrub is contaminated with water during use or contains other ingredients, its shelf life will be shorter. Check for changes in smell, texture, or color before using.

• Does coffee scrub stain skin?

  Coffee scrubs can leave a slight tint, especially on lighter skin tones, but they usually wash off easily with soap and water. Mixing the scrub well and rinsing promptly helps minimize staining while leaving your skin smooth and refreshed.

• What’s the best oil to mix in a coffee scrub?

  There are several great options. I personally love using avocado oil for its rich moisturizing properties, but coconut oil and high-quality olive oil are also excellent and widely accessible. Any natural oil that hydrates your skin will work well, so you can customize based on your preference or what you have in your kitchen.

These are my most-used homemade coffee scrub recipes. You can adjust the coffee grounds, oils, and other natural ingredients to perfectly suit your skin’s needs. Pairing a coffee scrub with hydration and a balanced diet can make a noticeable difference in your skin over time.

Be sure to explore other DIY beauty recipes, like body scrubs, face scrubs, and lip scrubs, all made with simple, natural ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Pin this guide to save your favorite DIY coffee scrub recipe for later, and if you’ve created your own blend or have a go-to mix you love, share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your tips and keep this self-care ritual going together!

These coffee exfoliating scrubs will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and naturally radiant. Experimenting with your own scrub is both fun and rewarding. You can adjust the coffee, oils, and other natural ingredients to suit your skin’s unique needs. Pairing a coffee scrub with a healthy skincare routine can make a noticeable difference over time.

Looking for more DIY beauty ideas? Check out our DIY sugar scrub and homemade scalp scrubs, made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Pin this guide to save for later. And if you’ve created your own blend or have a go-to mix you love, share it in the comments. I’d love to hear your tips!

Besitos,

Laura