How to Make Lip Scrub at Home: Try This Natural DIY Recipe

Wondering how to make lip scrub at home? This fun and easy DIY lip scrub recipe will leave your lips soft, polished and healthy. And the best part is, every ingredient is 100% natural and free from any harmful additives.

Like a body scrub, a lip scrub is a semi-liquid or other soft-solid base containing particles that slough off flaky pieces of dry skin to leave smooth skin behind.

Lip scrubs are a type of mechanical exfoliation, meaning it physically removes dead skin cells. This is in contrast to chemical exfoliation, which works by removing dead skin through the application of face acids such as salicylic acid.  

There are many recipes for safe and natural lip scrubs, and you can mix and match to suit your taste. The general rule is two parts sugar (brown sugar, white sugar, coconut sugar or raw sugar are all fine), one part oil (coconut oil, olive oil, and almond oil are popular choices), and one part honey.

Pro-tip: If not using honey in your sugar lip scrub, double the amount of oil. Then add any additional ingredients such as organic essential oils, flavours – and even spices!

Below is a basic sugar scrub recipe, but have fun with it and add your own creative flair.

A Simple and Easy DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• A few drops of warm water

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir together until the mixture is well combined with an even consistency.

Store in an airtight container or mason jar to prolong the lifespan of your DIY sugar lip scrub. Most sugar-honey-oil scrubs will last a couple of weeks, especially if you keep them refrigerated.

Pro-tip: Coconut oil and honey will harden in the fridge, so bring your lip scrub to room temperature before using it. 

Bonus Ingredients to Boost Your Homemade Lip Scrub

• Add some fresh berry pulp for a hint of natural colour.
• Mix in a dash of cinnamon to plump your pout and create fuller looking lips.
• Blend in a drop or two of vanilla extract for a tasty twist.
• Squeeze in a little fresh lemon juice for a citric acid brightening effect.
• Sprinkle in some coffee grounds to up the exfoliation power.
• Try adding a small drop of Manuka Face Oil Blend to help soothe any irritation and protect split or chapped lips against bacteria. It's best to do a skin test before applying as essential oils can be intense. While most of the other scrubs are entirely edible, avoid nibbling on this one.

How to Use a DIY Lip Scrub to Exfoliate Your Lips

1. Wet lips and gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush. This will remove any dead skin cells and leave a beautiful, fresh surface for the lip scrub to work its magic. The skin on lips is thinner than elsewhere and requires some special treatment. Use a new clean toothbrush (not your everyday one) or purchase a child's brush - the bristles are softer than most adult brushes.
   
   
2. Apply a small amount of the sugar scrub and gently massage in a circular motion for a minute or two. Rinse with warm water and pat dry. Scrubs are abrasive so limit use to once or twice a week to protect the skin.

1. Now that the surface is clean and prepped, lip balm will be more effective. Apply a hydrating lip balm just before going to sleep to let it soak in – your lips will wake up happy!

3 Homemade Lip Scrub Benefits

What are the benefits of lip scrubs made at home? Of course, you could simply buy a lip scrub instead of making one. While this can be more convenient, trying your hand at homemade lip scrub recipes has a few key advantages.

1. It's more sustainable and affordable.

2. It cuts the long list of ingredients down to just a few natural ones, so you can be sure nothing harmful or unpleasant is hiding in your scrub.

3. You can customise the ingredients to your needs and preferences.

Complete Your Lip Care Routine

Properly exfoliated lips better absorb moisturising agents and protectants such as lip masks and lip balms.

ManukaRx Lip Balm is gentle on delicate skin and low-fragrance. The combination of coconut oil, shea butter, mānuka oil and Vitamin E creates an ultra-hydrating and easy-to-use balm that helps soothe sore lips, smooth lip lines, and boost protection against irritants and ailments. Buy it online and from select health stores.