This Coffee & Cinnamon Wake-Up Sugar Scrub is infused gently exfoliates, boosts circulation, and leaves your skin feeling soft, smooth, and energized. It’s like a latte for your skin. Rich, aromatic, and just the pick-me-up you need to start the day.
Everyday Ingredients
I love finding ways to use simple, everyday ingredients in a new way, and this scrub is one of those happy discoveries. Coffee grounds, cinnamon, sugar, and a little oil. Things I already had in the kitchen. They turned into a thoughtful homemade gift that feels indulgent but is so easy to whip up.
Benefits of Coffee in Skincare
Coffee isn’t just for sipping, it’s also a skincare powerhouse:
- Morning energizer. The natural coffee aroma is stimulating and refreshing.Boosts circulation when massaged into the skin.
- Exfoliating power. Sugar + coffee grounds work together to slough off dry skin. Exfoliates naturally with fine grounds.
- Skin perks. Coffee may help improve circulation and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Tightens and tones temporarily for a smoother appearance.
- Spice boost. Cinnamon adds warmth, a little tingle, and an uplifting fragrance.
- Antioxidant-rich properties may help fight free radicals.
Sugar Scrub is Great for Both Men and Women
Sugar scrubs are completely unisex. They work for anyone’s skin. The benefits of exfoliation and moisturization apply to both men and women. A few things to note:
- Skin thickness. Men’s skin is often a bit thicker and oilier than women’s, especially on the face. A scrub with slightly coarser grains (like brown sugar or coffee grounds) can be great for areas like the hands, elbows, or even rough patches on the body.
- Scent preference. The scrub’s fragrance can be tailored. Coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, or maple can appeal to anyone. For a more traditionally “masculine” scent, you could experiment with sandalwood, cedarwood, or peppermint essential oils.
How Much Does This Recipe Make?
That amount is enough to fill:
- 1 half-pint (8 oz) mason jar with a little left over, or
- two 4 oz jars if you want to split it into smaller giftable portions.
✨ That makes it perfect for personal use or packaging into smaller jars if you’d like to give it as a little pick-me-up gift.
Coffee & Cinnamon Wake-Up Sugar Scrub
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Equipment
Materials
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar or white sugar for a finer scrub
- ½ Cup Coffee finely ground, can be used or fresh grounds
- ½ Cup Coconut Oil or almond oil
- ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract optional, for a latte vibe
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the sugar, coffee grounds, and cinnamon.1 Cup Brown Sugar, ½ Cup Coffee, ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Add the coconut oil and vanilla, stirring until everything is well combined.1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract, ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- Spoon into a clean 8 oz glass jar and seal with a lid.
Notes
Fresh Coffee Grounds
- Stronger exfoliation. Fresh grounds are coarser and hold their shape, so they give a more vigorous scrub. Great if you’re looking for a deeper exfoliation, especially on rough spots like elbows, knees, or feet.
- More caffeine content. Caffeine is believed to help temporarily tighten and firm skin, so fresh grounds may deliver a bit more of that benefit.
- Stronger coffee aroma. The scrub will have a bold, invigorating scent, which pairs beautifully with cinnamon for that wake-up effect.
Used Coffee Grounds
- Gentler exfoliation. Grounds soften once brewed, so they’re less abrasive. Better for sensitive skin or everyday use.
- Sustainability factor. A great way to repurpose what would otherwise be kitchen waste.
- Milder aroma. The coffee scent won’t be as strong, but it still carries a subtle warmth.
How to Use
- Apply to damp skin in the shower or bath.
- Massage in circular motions, focusing on rough areas like elbows, knees, and thighs.
- Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
- Use 1–2 times a week for best results.
💡 Tip: Because this scrub contains coffee grounds, it can be a little messier than others.
How Long to Rub in a Coffee Scrub
Massage the scrub into damp skin for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes per area using gentle, circular motions. Focus on rough spots like knees, elbows, and thighs, but don’t overdo it. Too much scrubbing can irritate your skin. The coffee grounds and sugar will do the work without heavy pressure.
💡 Tip: Think of it as a mini-massage. Just enough time to boost circulation and let the scrub’s texture smooth your skin, but not so long that it feels harsh.
Do You Use Sugar Scrub Before or After Shaving?
Before Shaving
- Exfoliating before shaving removes dead skin cells and helps lift hairs.
- This can result in a closer, smoother shave and reduce the risk of ingrown hairs.
- Use gentle pressure so your skin isn’t irritated before shaving.
After Shaving
- Be cautious: freshly shaved skin is more sensitive, so a scrub can sometimes cause stinging or irritation.
- If you want to exfoliate post-shave, wait at least a few hours or until the skin has calmed, and use a very gentle scrub with fine sugar and minimal friction.
- Always moisturize afterward to soothe the skin.
💡 Tip: Many people prefer to exfoliate 1–2 times a week on legs, arms, or other shaved areas, alternating with shaving days to avoid irritation.
Storage
- Store in a sealed jar at room temperature.
- Keeps for 2–3 months if using fresh coffee grounds.
- If you used already-brewed coffee grounds, store in the fridge and use within 2–3 weeks to keep it fresh.
Variations
- Mocha Scrub. Add 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for a chocolate-coffee treat.
- Extra Spice. Increase cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg.
- Creamy Latte Scrub. Mix in 1 tablespoon shea butter for added richness.
A Morning Ritual You’ll Look Forward To
This Coffee & Cinnamon Wake-Up Scrub is more than just skincare. It’s a small, energizing ritual that turns your morning shower into a spa-like experience. The scent alone is enough to lift your mood, while the scrub leaves your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Whether you make it for yourself or as a gift for a fellow coffee lover, it’s a little jar of morning magic.
An easy recipe for skin care and this makes a great budget friendly gift too.