What if it was ridiculously easy to make a DIY lip scrub at home and not worry about artificial chemicals?
Cracked lips are an all too common problem, it’s no wonder that lip scrubs fly off the shelves in the fall and winter. However, because the skin on the lips is permeable, it’s better to avoid the harsh/artificial chemicals in conventional scrubs.
While there are many other causes that can cause dry lips, like dehydration, vitamin deficiency, medication, and disease, the weather is usually to blame. Wind, cold, and sun are the main culprits (1).
Some habits, like excessively licking your lips can trigger or worsen the condition (2). Making your own DIY all-natural scrub is the best way to keep your lips soft and hydrated. Scroll down for some great lip scrub recipes!
DIY Lip Scrub
The following DIY sugar lip scrub serves as a foundation for all other recipes.
Every great scrub uses two key components: an exfoliating ingredient and an oil or liquid. These ingredients usually appear in a 1-1 ratio with a few drops of an extract or essential oil to give it a lovely odor and taste.
Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare some containers ahead of time, using well-cleaned small jars or tins. Your lip scrubs will melt a little in warmer climates, so pick airtight containers.
- Place the exfoliating ingredient, like sugar or baking soda, in a small glass bowl.
- Add the oil and mix with a fork or whip until well combined.
- Pack it into the containers and keep at room temperature for 2-3 months.
How to Use a Lip Scrub
Now that you know how to make your own lip scrubs, you need to know how to use them.
Homemade lip scrubs can be used every day, but it’s best to use them no more than twice a week to give your lips a chance to heal.
Rinse your lips with cold water and apply the scrub using your finger while rubbing it in small circles for up to two minutes. Rinse away or wipe with a damp washcloth. Pat dry and apply coconut oil.
26 Easy Homemade DIY Lip Scrubs
Here are some simple DIY lip scrub recipes! Feel free to customize them to your taste.
1. Sugar and Almond Oil Lip Scrub
This basic recipe is bare-bones, but boy does it work! You can dress it up with different extracts or spices to your taste. Experiment and see what works for you!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
2. Brown Sugar and Honey Lip Scrub
Honey is an antiseptic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and highly moisturizing. Use it one severely chapped lips, even if they’re cracked and bleeding, for lasting relief.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 3 drops of peppermint extract
3. Vanilla and Coconut Lip Scrub
This lip scrub is so tasty, you have to fight the urge to lick it clean off!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 2 drops of vanilla extract
4. Aloe Vera and Sugar Lip Scrub
Aloe Vera isn’t the tastiest, but it’s great for soothing dry lips. Get it straight off the plant for best results. Since it’s made from fresh ingredients, refrigerate for up to a month.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of Aloe vera
- 1 tablespoon of cane sugar
5. Cinnamon Lip Scrub
This mixture will plump your lips naturally for a soft and sexy pout.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
- 1/2 a teaspoon cinnamon powder
6. Baking Soda Lip Scrub
Baking soda is more gentle than coarse salt or sugar and it’s great for balancing out problem skin around your lips. Just make sure to rub it on very gently.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
7. Lemon Lip Scrub
This lip scrub has the perfect touch of tanginess that will also help heal cold sores and other mild wounds. Be warned: it will sting a little, but it’ll help your lips heal in no time! Keep refrigerated for up to a week.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 teaspoons Himalayan salt
8. Shea Butter Lip Scrub
Shea butter is thick and luscious, making it great for long hours in the cold or dry air. Use it in the morning for day-long wear or before bed to hydrate your lips as you sleep.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of softened shea butter
9. Coffee Lip Scrub
Coffee is a great alternative to sugar as the exfoliant base of your lip scrub. It has that nice coffee fragrance perfect for your morning routine. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coffee grounds
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of hazelnut oil
- A few drops of vanilla extract
10. Peppermint Lip Scrub
This scrub will wake up your lips right up on a groggy Monday morning! You can also use it as an invigorating facial scrub, as long as you keep it far away from your eyes.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar or more
- 3 drops of peppermint essential oil
11. Creamy Lip Scrub for Sensitive Lips
This concoction is perfect for delicate, sensitive skin. While the ingredients might make you think of breakfast, it’s best to use as at the end of the day. Store in the fridge for about 5 days.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tablespoon of sweet almond oil
- 1/2 tablespoon of greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of instant oats
- 1 tablespoon of honey
12. Chocolate Lip Scrub
For those of you who love the aroma of chocolate, this DIY Lip Scrub is a perfect treat. Store refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
13. Pumpkin Spice Lip Scrub
This autumnal scrub is perfect to warm you up on a rainy day. When you’re done rubbing it in, you might even want to lick it right off!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice mix
14. French Toast Lip Scrub
This is one of our favorites. You have to try it to find out why! To make it even tastier, add a 1/2 teaspoon of mashed banana too!
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon cane sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 drops pure vanilla extract
15. Epsom Salt Lip Scrub
This scrub is a great way to get a boost of magnesium by simply following your beauty routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of fine grain Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon of almond oil
- 1 drop of lavender essential oil
16. Sea Salt Lip Scrub
This blend is salty and satisfying. The peppermint will make your lips tingle and wake them right up.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon spoon of almond oil
- 4 drops of peppermint extract
17. Butter Lip Scrub
This is both a nourishing and cleansing scrub that will leave your lips moist and very soft. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of soft butter
- 4 drops of vanilla extract
18. Yogurt Lip Scrub
The yogurt in this recipe will nourish and soften your lips while the salt gently scrubs away dead skin. Keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lime
19. Tropical Lip Scrub
Get a taste of the beach with this simple recipe. If you’re not keen on pineapple, swap it out for fresh mango or orange juice.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon of pineapple juice
20. Coconut Shea Butter Lip scrub
This recipe almost looks like frosting, and it sure tastes like it! Whip it up by hand for better consistency and keep in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of soft shea butter
- 2 tablespoons of raw sugar
- 1 tablespoon of chilled coconut cream
- 1 teaspoon of maple syrup
21. Strawberry Lip Scrub
This all natural formula is like a nourishing jam for your lips! The strawberry seeds make it even more exfoliating, so give it a try. Keep for 5-7 days in the refrigerator.
Ingredients:
- 2 large strawberries, pulsed
- 1 tbsp of coconut sugar
22. Chocolate Coffee Mint Lip Scrub
Like a flavourful dessert, this scrub will be candy to your lips. It combines fine grain coffee grounds and coarse sugar to get a deeper scrub. Store at room temperature for up to a month.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/2 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp coffee grounds
- 3 drops of peppermint extract
23. Lemon Lip Scrub
This tangy scrub will wake you up, lips first! Store in a glass container in the fridge for 10 days.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
- 1/2 tbsp of raw sugar
- 1/2 tbsp of coffee grounds
24. Gingerbread Lip Scrub
A great treat and even better gift to hand out during the cold season!
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon molasses
- 1 teaspoon ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
25. Lush Red Lip Scrub
This scrub will naturally color and brighten your lips all day long. What’s not to like about that?
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- 1 tbsp raw sugar
- a few drops of beet or grape juice
26. Kiwi Surprise Lip Scrub
Kiwi fruit is a great natural exfoliant thanks to its little black seeds. It looks great in little glass containers too!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp coconut sugar
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp mashed kiwi
The shelf-stable recipes on this list can be carried around in your makeup bag or car for on-the-go lip treatment. You can even use them as a lip balm by tapping them on your lips instead of scrubbing.