I love making this Orange Creamsicle Sugar Scrub because it’s such a simple, feel-good DIY beauty treat. Just a handful of ingredients come together to create a dreamy, creamy exfoliator that smells like summer in a jar.
If you grew up loving those classic creamsicle pops with that sweet vanilla wrapped in bright citrus, this natural sugar scrub recipe is going to feel like pure nostalgia for your skin.
It’s gentle enough for hands and body, rich in moisturizing coconut oil, and packed with that uplifting orange glow we all need during busy weeks.
Plus, with its sunny scent and soft pastel color, it doubles beautifully as a thoughtful handmade gift. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a little self-care or filling pretty jars for friends, this dreamy orange creamsicle scrub is one of those easy wins.
Zest Options (Keep + Zest-Free Alternative)
Orange zest gives this scrub a gorgeous pop of natural fragrance and color, but you can absolutely make it without zest if you prefer a smoother texture or longer shelf life.
Choose your style:
- With Zest. Adds bright color, natural scent, and a little extra vitamin-rich goodness.
- Zest-Free Option. Increase the sweet orange essential oil by 2–3 additional drops and add a tiny pinch of turmeric or mica powder for color if desired.
How to Make Orange Creamsicle Scrub
This recipe comes together in just a few minutes and uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
Orange Creamsicle Sugar Scrub for Glowing Skin
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment
Materials
- 1 Cup White Sugar
- ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
- 5–10 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil just until softened. You want it scoopable. Not hot or fully liquid.½ Cup Coconut Oil
- Combine sugar and coconut oil in a bowl. Stir until it forms a fluffy, wet-sand texture.1 Cup White Sugar
- Add vanilla extract for that classic “creamsicle” sweetness.1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- Mix in orange zest and stir again.1 Tablespoon Orange Zest
- Add sweet orange essential oil. A few drops at a time until the scent is warm, bright, and creamy.5–10 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
- Adjust texture by adding more sugar if you prefer a thicker scrub or more coconut oil for a softer, smoother scrub.
- Spoon into jars and seal tightly.
Notes
How Much Sugar Scrub Does This Recipe Make?
About 1½ cups of scrub (Enough to fill one half-pint jar plus a small sample jar, or one standard 8-oz jar packed full.)Optional Add-Ins & Scent Variations
Customize your scrub to match your skin’s needs or your scent preferences. Optional Add-Ins- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil. For added skin nourishment.
- 1 tablespoon finely ground oats. Extra soothing for sensitive skin.
- ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil. Improves shelf life and moisturizes.
- 1–2 teaspoons whipped shea butter. It adds a luxurious, creamy texture.
Scent Variations
- Orange Cream Pie. Add 2–3 extra drops of vanilla and a tiny dash of cinnamon.
- Citrus Burst. Add 2 drops lemon essential oil + 2 drops lime for a fresh twist.
- Dreamsicle Lavender. Add 3–4 drops lavender for a calming, spa-like blend.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep at room temperature for 2–3 months if made without zest.
- With zest, use within 2–3 weeks or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- If moisture gets inside, the scrub may spoil faster—use a spoon instead of wet hands.
How to Use This Sugar Scrub
Use your scrub 2–3 times per week for soft, glowing skin.
- Scoop out a small amount with clean, dry hands or a spoon.
- Massage onto damp skin in gentle, circular motions.
- Rinse with warm water and enjoy the silky, moisturized finish.
- Don’t use on your face unless sugar is finely ground and your skin tolerates essential oils well.
Benefits of Sugar Scrubs
A homemade sugar scrub is one of the simplest natural beauty treatments, and it offers so many skin-loving benefits:
1. Natural Exfoliation
Sugar gently removes dead skin cells, helping your skin feel smooth and look brighter without irritation.
2. Moisturizing Coconut Oil
Coconut oil deeply hydrates the skin, locks in moisture, and leaves a soft, dewy glow.
3. Boost of Antioxidants
Orange zest and sweet orange essential oil provide antioxidants that support healthy-looking skin.
4. Improved Circulation
Massaging a sugar scrub onto the skin encourages circulation for a naturally radiant appearance.
5. Clean, Simple Ingredients
With just a few pantry staples, you get a luxurious, spa-style treatment free from artificial additives.
DIY Gift
This sugar scrub makes a gorgeous handmade gift. Perfect for summer gatherings, birthdays, Mother’s Day, teacher appreciation, bridal showers, or self-care gift baskets. A gift anyone would be thrilled to receive.
Gifting Tips:
- Package in small mason jars or amber glass jars.
- Add a ribbon, a handwritten label, or a tiny wooden scoop.
- Pair with a washcloth, bath salts, or a homemade lotion bar for a full spa kit.
- Create a “Creamsicle Self-Care Set” with a candle or lip balm in a coordinating scent.
It’s thoughtful, budget-friendly, and looks beautifully homemade. Something everyone appreciates.
This Orange Creamsicle Scrub makes the sweetest handmade gift. It smells like a summer dessert and looks gorgeous packaged in a small glass jar with a simple ribbon.
Simple Ingredients, Natural Beauty
This recipe is a wonderful example of clean, simple ingredients coming together to make something beautiful. Sugar exfoliates, coconut oil nourishes, vanilla softens the scent, and sweet orange essential oil brightens everything with a fresh citrus glow.
It’s a natural sugar scrub recipe that feels luxurious but is incredibly easy to make at home.
a delicious smelling sugar scrub