Homemade Sugar Scrub Cubes To Exfoliate Skin

Water used in skincare products makes them much more prone to microbial growth. Not only that, it can be a little frustrating trying to keep water from getting into the container when you’re using it in the shower (especially when dipping wet fingers into the scrub).

By using a sugar scrub cube, only what is needed for one use is brought in the shower, and the rest stay dry and ready for the next use.

Ingredients:

5.5 ounces melt-and-pour soap, or about 1 cup + 1 TBSP
½ cup + 2 TBSP carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed, or coconut will all work)
½ tsp rose clay or activated charcoal powder
1 cup sugar
30 drops grapefruit, sweet orange, or lavender essential oil OR 20 drops peppermint essential oil
Medium-size heat-safe glass bowl
Accurate digital kitchen scale
Pot
Square mold of choice

Instructions:

* Cut the melt-and-pour soap into small, even pieces to ensure even melting. If using a scale, place the glass bowl on the scale and hit the tare button. Add chunks of soap until the weight reads 5.5 ounces. Since soap cube size will vary, this recipe works much better if using a scale, as opposed to a measuring cup.

* Fill the pot halfway with water and place over medium heat. Perch the glass bowl on top to create a double boiler effect.

* Stir the soap occasionally until completely melted. The soap should be smooth and thin.

* In the meantime, vigorously whisk the rose clay or charcoal into the carrier oil, if using.

* Once the soap is thoroughly melted, whisk in the carrier oil. If the mixture clumps and seizes up, just keep the bowl over the heat until everything melts again.

* Stir in the essential oil, then remove the liquid from the heat and set the glass bowl on a tabletop. Stir in the sugar and immediately pour into the mold. The mixture will harden quickly.

* Place the mold in the fridge until the mixture is firm, about 1 hour. Pop the sugar scrub cubes out of the mold and store away from light and heat.