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Coffee Body Scrub Recipe

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This homemade antioxidant coffee body scrub exfoliates the skin, helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, and moisturizes the skin with coconut oil. It’s the perfect body scrub for the coffee lover in your life!

Exfoliating coffee scrub made with organic coffee, sugar and coconut oil.
Table Of Contents
  1. How To Make DIY Coffee Scrub

Body scrubs are a great product to help your skin feeling moisturized and nourished. You can spend $12 to $25 for a high quality scrub or just a few dollars making it home with organic ingredients.

When making homemade scrubs, sugar, salt, oats, grains, and coffee are the key ingredients for a great exfoliant base. They all offer different properties for the skin, but I choose to use coffee for an ultimate exfoliation because it’s high in antioxidants, which help lesson or prevent the effects fo free radicals.

Several years ago, I worked for a Bath and Body company. I fell in love with their coffee and cocoa scrubs. The coffee body scrub was known to help reduce cellulite. I used it for several months and found that it helped to firm and smooth my skin. Caffeine in the scrub is what supposedly helps reduce cellulite. While I don’t claim that this scrub will minimize cellulite (though that would be a bonus), I will tell you that coffee and coconut oil are rich in antioxidants, which are very beneficial for the skin.

How To Make DIY Coffee Scrub

The base of this coffee sugar scrub uses fresh ground coffee, organic cane sugar, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Fresh coffee grinds contain antioxidants, but you can substitute fresh grounds for used grounds if you like.

Instructions: Use a coffee grinder to grind one cup of coffee beans. In a medium bowl, mix the coffee grounds and sugar. I use organic white sugar, but brown sugar and raw sugar are great options too. 

Next, mix in a 1/2 cup coconut oil (melted or soft), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Ground cinnamon is added for its warming effects on the skin (and it smells incredible). 

After you mix the ingredients up, scoop them into a glass mason jar or container of choice. Store the scrub in a cool dry place and use within six months. Note: Add a few drops of vitamin e oil to help extend the shelf life of this coffee sugar scrub. Alternatively, you can add a preservative. I haven’t personally used a preservative in this scrub but Geogard ECT would be my choice. This preservative should be .6-1% of the formula if you choose to use it.

How to use coffee scrub:

  1. Use 1-2 tablespoons of the coffee body scrub to exfoliate your skin.
  2. Rub gently in a circular motion to massage and rub into your skin.
  3. Rinse off thoroughly with warm or hot water in the shower. You may want to use a drain catcher to collect grounds from going down the drain.

FAQ

What is coffee scrub good for?

Coffee scrubs exfoliate the skin, remove dead skin cells, and may even help reduce cellulite. Caffeine appears to have some advantages for skin health. Some research suggests that caffeine may help reduce cellulite and dimples on the skin. Another benefit of using coffee on your skin is that coffee is high in antioxidants, which are amazing for your skin.

Is it good to scrub your face with coffee?

While there are many benefits to using coffee on your face, I personally wouldn’t use this recipe as a face scrub. Ground coffee is very abrasive on the face and may irritate the skin. If you’re looking for the benefits of coffee for your face, I recommend using my coffee body butter instead. Update: This coffee face scrub recipe is made with fine ground coffee and is safe to use on sensitive skin!

What can I use in place of coconut oil? 

Almond oil (or sweet almond oil) is a great alternative and can be substituted 1:1 in this recipe.

Can I add essential oils or fragrance oils to this scrub?

Absolutely! I don’t use synthetic fragrances, but essential oils are great in body scrubs. I suggest adding ten to fifteen drops of essential oils to the scrub to start off, then add more if needed. My favorite oils to add to this coffee scrub are cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla, copaiba, and cassia essential oils. I have also used Thieves oil and Stress Away, which are both essential oil blends from Young Living Essential Oils.

I’d like to buy a high quality coffee body scrub. Do you make them for sell?

Unfortunately I don’t have an online shop for selling my natural beauty products. If DIY isn’t your thing, I highly recommend Beauty By Earths Coffee and Sugar Scrub.

Exfoliating coffee body scrub made with organic coffee, sugar and coconut oil.

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Coffee Body Scrub Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 71 reviews

This homemade antioxidant coffee body scrub exfoliates the skin, helps reduce the appearance of cellulite and moisturizes the skin with coconut oil.

  • Author: Tiffany – The Coconut Mama
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ground organic coffee
  • 1 cup organic sugar or salt
  • 1/2 cup organic coconut oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Melt coconut oil and allow it to cool but not solidify.
  2. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container or mason jar.
  3. Use 1-2 times a week (or every day if you like).

Notes

Tiffany Pelkey

I’m a mama, a cook, and a lover of all things coconut! I’m passionate about natural foods and a true believer in the health benefits of coconut oil. I use coconut products in all my baking and share my tutorials and recipes on my site with the hope of helping others to live healthier lives!

See author's posts

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Reader Interactions

278 Comments

  7. Abi

    I’ve seen a few receipts for a similar scrub but with half the amount of sugar. (other quantities of coffee/coco oil the same).
    What difference does 1 full cup and 1 half cup of sugar make to this scrub? Tank you!

    reply to comment

  8. Jacqueline Satov

    I’m about to make the scrub but wondering about the cinnamon and vanilla. Do we use essential oils or the stuff we bake with?

    The 1/2 cup of coconut oil, is that measured before or after it’s melted?

    reply to comment

  11. Eliza

    Hi Coconut Mama,
    I made this coffee scrub today and tested on the back of my hand. After I rinsed off, I see there is a layer of oil show up on the back of my hand. This is my first time DIY. Can you explain me how to get rid of the oily layer?

    I altered the recipe a bit since I run out of sugar. So I put 2 cup X ground coffee, 1 cup X coconut oil, 1 Tablespoon X cinnamon and 2 X Vannilla extract.

    Thanks

    reply to comment

  13. sheila faura

    I only use “used” coffee grounds. I spread them out on paper towels for a few days until they are completely dry. Used coffee grounds have so many uses, I don’t throw them away. Good coffee isn’t cheap. 😉 Slightly melt the coconut oil so it mixes well then refrigerate to harden. My scrub is amazing. I always keep it on hand & save some extra in the fridge. I don’t use cinnamon or vanilla either.

    reply to comment

    • Heather

      Hi there. My scrub (first attempt) went mouldy after a few days.
      Could you suggest what I can do to stop this?
      I put it in a mason jar and they were used coffee grains
      Also, You suggested using a preservative for commercial use. Could you recommend one?

      reply to comment

    • Christa

      I have relatively oily skin, and acne (super frustrating right?!) what I’ve discovered is this- don’t use the acne face wash- it makes it worse – but instead wash your face with water and coconut oil, and then just wash it off- don’t use soap. Then cleanse with Apple Cider Vinegar/ water to tone and also purifies the pores!!
      Also this scrub- which is fantastic does not make the skin oily. It’s a rehydrated and exfoliating scrub!!! Like the coconut oil on its own, it doesn’t make your skin oily. It helps hydrate and clean out the pores without being a jealous cleaner like a lot of cleaners for the face in the market!!!!

      reply to comment

    • TJ

      It’s best not to use coconut oil on your face as it is considered highly comedogenic. As the molecules are so large, the skin can not absorb it and therefore it can block pores.

      On the body it is not so bad as long as you wash it off 🙂

      reply to comment

    • Pres

      There are a TON of health benefits from Vanilla: it is anti-inflammatory, it contains B vitamins, it protects against free radicals, and SO MUCH MORE!

      reply to comment

  23. ksand1

    I just used this scrub for the first time and I am absolutely in love with it! this is an amazing recipe and the coffee aroma helps you feel refreshed and energized.

    reply to comment

  25. Amanda S

    I’m drying out my used coffee grinds to try this but wondered if I really need to add the sugar/salt or can I just use coffee and coconut oil? Also, once I mix, will the coconut oil not go solid again? Thanks!

    reply to comment

  29. MYDA N OWENS

    Should I use brewed coffee grounds or fresh unbrewed coffee grounds? Will this mold? How long is it good for? I know if I leave coffee grounds in k-cup pods to dry they will mold over time if there is too much moisture.

    reply to comment

  32. Christy Roppel

    Hi!
    I just wanted to clarify something: The coffee grounds are “raw” not “‘used” right? I would think if they were “used” this may cause mold….what do you think?

    Thank you!
    Christy

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  40. Deanna Walley

    Thanks for sharing. I love this recipe . It makes my skin feel so soft & energized. I’m a sucker for coconut oil!!! Do you happen to have a recipe for spray on body lotion using coconut oil?
    Sincerely, Deanna W.

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  41. Zach

    Thanks for the great recipe! I just whipped up a batch and will encourage my family to use it. Coconut is so amazing! 🙂

    Thanks again!

    -Zach

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  52. Sam DeMars

    This sounds terrific, but I can’t do it.
    Here’s my problem, if I use something on my skin, I don’t want to put that same ingredient in my mouth.
    I love coffee and I like coconut oil, but if my skin smells like coconut oil, I don’t want to eat something that also smells like my skin.
    So I’ve decided to just eat coconut oil and not use it topically.
    Maybe it’s just my issue.

    ★★★★

    reply to comment

  56. deborah

    I made this about a month or so ago with dried spent grounds (i don’t really mind about the lesser antioxidants). The coffee aroma is still nice and bold. I havent had any issues with mold. I make sure i only scoop 1 time with very clean hands as not to introduce bacteria. Usually i use jars but this is in plastic and still no problems. Thanks for posting!

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  58. Jo

    Please can you advise what the shelf life of the coffee bean body scrub is likely to be. I have made a batch up and am storing it in an airtight jar. Thank you in advance

    reply to comment

  60. dawn

    what kind of organic coffee do you get for this and how many oz does this recipe make,how long does it keep , i want to add a scrub like this to my skincare line,i want to add to it as well ,is that ok?is it ground coffee? thank you dawn

    reply to comment

  64. Kogilam

    Hi there Coconut Mama

    I love your site and info on cocnut. Please can you tell my how long the home made body products will last – i.e. their shelf life?
    Love the recipes.

    Many thanks

    Kogilam
    Cape Town, SA

    reply to comment

  66. vera

    HI

    soo wana try this recipe 🙂 is it safe to you on areas where small spider vieans are, what you think?
    wouldn’t it be better to use raw green coffee instead of roasted coffee? (its just i live in hawaii and i can go pick green coffee and use in recipe.)

    Please reply asap.

    Thanks

    reply to comment

  69. Laura

    I would strongly advise against using this every day. Even twice a week might be a bit too much for some people. It will damage your skin if you overdo it, especially if you chose to make it with salt, which is more abrasive and also will suck the moisture right out of you.

    reply to comment

  70. Gill

    Absolutely gorgeous. Really amazing scrub. I suffer with horrendous eczema and extremely dry skin. I made this and although not a cure it was fabulous and my skin has been slightly improving ever since. Thank you very much xx

    reply to comment

  71. Mousumi

    Hi Tiffany,

    I loved your recipe. I wanted to know the role of the sugar or salt in this recipe. Also, I was wondering whether we use sugar crystals or powdered sugar? I sometimes use coconut oil to oil my hair. Will that do?

    reply to comment

    • H

      Salt or sugar ae both physical exfoliants. They put most of the scrubbing action in yours scrub.

      Also powdered sugar will dissolve in the solution. Using raw sugar will give you the most course scrub where salt will result in a finer scrub.

      reply to comment

  75. Monique

    What is the best way to rinse coffee ground scrub as not to get it down the drain and clog it? I would prefer to scrub in the shower a I live in an apartment and can’t go outside to scrub or anything. Also don’t want to make a mess all over the bathroom floor but I just read in many places that coffee grounds are very bad for your pipes and can clog them quite quickly so I was wondering if you had any advice on that.

    reply to comment

  76. Sam

    5 stars
    Just made this yesterday morning. Poured it into pint aized mason jars. Smelled amazing! Followed the recipe just like it said. I have one slight issue though. Went to use the scrun later that night and after opening the lid, the top of the scrub was super dried out. Anyone else experience this after making and how can I remedy this? Wanted to give as gifts but not if its a dry blob

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

    • Zesa

      You could, but you wouldn’t get the same moisture for the skin. You could try with extra virgin olive oil or Shea butter or a combination of the two – but the best effect would be the coconut oil.

      reply to comment

  81. Heather Brauer

    I agree with another comment that said this will have a shelf life of about one week, unless you use a spoon to get it out of the jar. Especially if your using it in the shower. whenever you introduce water to a product like this bacteria, mold and yeast begin to grow.

    reply to comment

  84. Eloise

    5 stars
    Hi ! I’ve made this scrub almost a month ago now, I really like it. Although it has more of a ‘burnt’ smell than a coffee smell, too much cinnamon maybe. I find that this is a recipe for a very large amount, I cut down on the quantities and still found myself with two jam jars of it ! But it keeps surprisingly well compared to the comments I’ve read. I kept one jar in the shower where the mixture got wet several times and it is still in perfect condition ! I find it great as I don’t need to moisturize after a shower as with other scrubs or even just a regular shower.
    All in all, really good recipe , thank you !

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

    • jessica

      Thaonguyen,
      coffee scrubs like this will last about a week. Ive been making one for over a year now and only once did I get lazy and about a week after I made it I opened the jar and it was molding.
      Sadly, one of the downfalls to homemade goodness- but definately worth it to not be putting chemicals and preservatives into your bloodstream. I considered selling it at farmers markets but decided not to when I witnessed how quickly it can expire.

      reply to comment

      • AlexR

        Did u use fresh grounds or used grounds? She’s mentioned not to use grounds that have been used/filtered with water as that causes molding. Just grounds straight from the package. The other warning was to try and avoid allowing any water to get into the scrub.

        reply to comment

  88. Toni Sicola

    I am planning to make this over the weekend, but I’m wondering two things — do you use this in the bath on your whole body? And if yes, how do you avoid clogging the drain with the oil and grinds? I have heard some nightmarish stories about people spitting their oil-pulling coconut oil down the drain and having a heck of a time unclogging it. What do you think?

    reply to comment

    • Brook

      I imagine that the unfortunate oil-pulling incidents are because people may be running cold water down the sink at the same time which would cause the coconut oil to solidify and yes, clog the drain eventually. I’ve never had an issue with coconut oil scrubs plugging my shower drain, but my showers are often quite long and quite hot so the oil would stay liquified and be flushed right out of the system. You would think though that for the oil-pullers, they would just have to run some hot water down the sink to liquify the coconut oil. But I guess if there were other gross things stuck in there, that might not work. YUCK!

      reply to comment

  89. Dar

    Tiffany, I was wondering if I could reference your post in my own blog? (
    http://AlaskanHomeGrownFoodie.com ) I’m doing a post about the benefits
    of Coconut. I think it would be a great addition. I don’t have tons of
    readers yet like you (I’m pretty new at this) but I think they’d
    benefit. When you have time to get back to me. 🙂

    reply to comment

  90. Cate

    5 stars
    I made this a couple weeks ago to try on myself… now I am making small jars-full for all my friends for holiday gifts. I love the exfoliating action of the grounds and the coconut leaves my skin so soft I don’t need lotion!

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  95. Newintown

    5 stars
    I have been doing exactly this for about 3 years now, and the good news is, the caffeine really does firm the thighs 🙂 Besides the fact that it smells absolutely divine. You need to rinse your body very thoroughly though, since the ground coffee will stick to your body like the devil, but since the coffee will be flushed out of the tub/shower with PLENTY of water (for above mentioned reason), I haven’t been able to see any adverse effects on the plumbing yet.

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment

  99. Denise Sith

    5 stars
    Just made this scrub &.it smells beyond divine! used some of the extra on the spoon used to mix on my hands….amazing! And bonus, it left me with a little color! I only use French Press so coffee it is a finer ground…maybe that’s why I got the color?!

    ★★★★★

    reply to comment