Make Your Own Coffee Scrub with Nut & Seed Oils

Don’t toss those used coffee grinds! They're packed with antioxidants, natural exfoliants, and a beautiful earthy aroma — perfect for reviving dull skin. When combined with nourishing oils and select essential oils, coffee becomes an invigorating scrub that smooths, softens, and awakens the skin, from head to toe.

Here’s how to make your own natural exfoliating scrub at home.

DIY Coffee Scrub for Face & Body (Makes ~200 ml)

This recipe is ideal for gently buffing away dead skin cells, stimulating circulation, and leaving your skin deeply moisturised and glowing.

Ingredients
½ cup used coffee grounds (air-dried if possible)
2 tablespoons soft brown sugar or coconut sugar
3 tablespoons macadamia oil (for softening & quick absorption)
2 tablespoons apricot kernel oil or sweet almond oil (gentle on sensitive skin)
Optional: 1 tablespoon castor oil (for detoxifying and firming)
10 drops grapefruit essential oil (brightening + circulation support)
6 drops lavender essential oil (soothing)
5 drops rosemary or peppermint essential oil (stimulating + refreshing)

How to Make It

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl until you get a smooth, thick paste. Store in an airtight jar in a cool spot. Use within 1–2 weeks if using fresh grinds, or store in the fridge to keep longer.

How to Use the Scrub

For body:
Use in the shower on damp skin. Take a small handful and massage in circular motions, focusing on thighs, arms, elbows, feet, and anywhere feeling dull or rough. Rinse well. It’ll leave a silky, nourishing finish on your skin—no moisturiser needed.

For face:
Use a gentler touch. Apply a small amount to damp skin, avoiding the eyes, and massage lightly. Let sit for 1–2 minutes if you like a soft mask effect. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Frequency

Face: 1–2 times a week (avoid if your skin is irritated or sunburnt)
Body: 2–3 times a week, or as needed

Why It Works

Coffee exfoliates and delivers antioxidant benefits while helping stimulate circulation.

Macadamia oil is rich in palmitoleic acid and mimics skin’s natural oils—ideal for mature, dry or sensitive skin.

Apricot kernel oil is lightweight and high in vitamins A and E, promoting a soft, radiant glow.

Grapefruit oil energises both skin and mood while supporting lymphatic flow.

Lavender and rosemary oils soothe and tone, while helping prevent breakouts or irritation.

A Quick Note on Coffee Grind Safety

If you’re planning to store your scrub for later use, it’s important to let your used coffee grinds dry out fully before mixing. This helps prevent mould or bacterial growth in the jar—especially since we’re not using preservatives. You can spread the grinds on a tray and leave them out for a few hours or overnight to air dry.

However, if you’re making the scrub fresh and using it immediately, there’s no need to dry them—just mix and enjoy. Any leftovers should be kept in the fridge and used within a few days.

This little extra step makes all the difference in keeping your natural skincare fresh and safe.

Final Notes

This scrub is a beautiful way to reuse a daily kitchen leftover and turn it into a luxurious ritual for glowing skin. You'll feel the difference after just one use. Best of all—it’s fully customisable. Swap oils, change essential oils, and tailor it to your skin’s needs.