DIY Coffee Scrub (Without Coconut Oil)

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Exfoliation plays a crucial role in skincare. There are hundreds of scrubs on the market, yet, making your DIY coffee scrub is often the best option – it is an easy, effective & cheap way to keep your skin smooth.

In this article, you will find how to make a DIY coffee scrub (without coconut oil), the benefits of using it, and answers to any additional questions you might have! 

Let’s jump right in. 

DIY coffee scrub benefits

Various internal and external things can impact your skin and cause dryness, bumps, spots, sebum build-up, etc. DIY coffee scrub is beneficial because:

• Regular exfoliation is essential to unclog and clear your pores. 
• It helps to rid dead skin cells, and it reduces the appearance of acne and wrinkles. 
• Your skin tone will get more even, and the skin texture will improve. 
• By using natural abrasive ingredients, like coffee, you can remove dry, flaky skin cells and promote smooth & healthy skin. 
• It can also reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
• It is cheap & easy to make. 
• It is low waste – By purchasing the ingredients plastic-free/in bulk, you will reduce general waste. Plus, you can use used coffee grounds for the recipe! 

Why make a DIY coffee scrub without coconut oil?

I chose to create a DIY coffee scrub recipe without coconut oil because it has a relatively high comedogenic rating of 4, so it can clog pores and cause acne. 

Some people love putting coconut oil on their faces, and if it works for you – that’s great! However, from my personal experience, and research, I know that it doesn’t work well for everyone. 

That’s why I will create two DIY coffee scrubs without coconut oil. Instead, I will use jojoba oil. Both have a comedogenic rating of 2, which is lower, and other skin benefits that we will look into below.

Ingredients for the DIY coffee scrub

Coffee grounds:  

Coffee grounds promote healthy skin; they can help reduce hyperpigmentation, and it is known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. (1)

The antioxidants and chlorogenic acids in coffee make it an effective acne-fighting facial scrub. 

Furthermore, coffee may help reduce the appearance of cellulite on the skin too. The scrubbing motion helps stimulate circulation, and the caffeine tightens the skin. (1)

Alternative ingredient: You can use used coffee grounds, too. Make a smaller batch since the scrub won’t last more than a week if you use used coffee.

Sugar:

Adding sugar to your coffee scrub is a great option to increase exfoliation. It helps to remove the top layer of dead skin, and it is a natural humectant, meaning that it helps to retain moisture for your skin rather than drying it. 

It softens the skin and gives it a radiant look while keeping it from becoming too dry or oily. In addition, the sugar granules don’t cause microscopic cuts in the skin like salt does. 

Alternative ingredient: Use brown sugar for a face scrub and white sugar for a body scrub. If your skin is sensitive, and you will use the coffee scrub for both your face and body, I recommend brown sugar. Another alternative you could use is xylitol, which eats at bacteria found on your skin. 

Jojoba oil:

It is high in eicosenoic acid, which means that it doesn’t block the skin’s pores, it is absorbed by the skin quickly, and it balances the oil in the skin, making it less oily. (1)(2)

It is moisturizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and works as an antioxidant. (1)(2) It is non-comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone skin and acne scarring. (1)(2)

Alternative ingredient: You can try using olive oil instead of jojoba. It has a comedogenic rating of 2, and it is very hydrating, and ideal for drier skin. 

Tea tree essential oil:  

Tea tree is a great essential oil that helps to treat acne. That’s mainly because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (1)(2). It reduces redness, swelling, and inflammation, leaving you with smooth, clear skin. Find tea tree oil here.

Alternative ingredient: Lavender or sandalwood for dry/sensitive skin. Clary sage or rosemary for oily skin. Lemongrass or cinnamon for acne-prone skin. Carrot seed or pomegranate essential oil for pigmentation. 

Vitamin E: 

Vitamin E is rich in antioxidants, and it can extend the shelf life of the oils it’s used in conjunction with. In addition, it can be applied topically to your face to reduce inflammation and make your skin look younger. You can buy a large bottle for less than $20 on Amazon. 

How to make the DIY coffee scrub: A step-by-step guide

How to use the DIY coffee scrub?

Shower with warm water for a couple of minutes, to soften your skin.

Then, apply the DIY coffee body scrub over your body. Rub it gently, in circular motions. Leave the coffee scrub on for a minute or two if you wish.

Rinse off with warm water and gentle circular motions. Repeat up to two times per week.

Potential side effects of the DIY coffee scrub

• Sugar: Due to the texture of sugar crystals, you should avoid using sugar scrubs on any areas of irritation, wounds, and rashes. Avoid it if you have ultra-sensitive skin. 
• Jojoba oil: It can cause an allergic reaction in very rare cases, including symptoms like hives and itching. 

IMPORTANT!

Before using any cosmetic product, you should always perform a patch test to ensure your skin won’t react negatively to an ingredient. To do a patch test:

• Apply a little bit of the product/ingredient you want to use on your inner forearm.
• Wait for 24 hours. You can also cover the area with a bandage.
• After 24 hours, check the skin. If there’s no sign of hives, redness, or irritation, you are good to go.

FAQ

How long does the DIY coffee scrub last?

The DIY coffee scrub will last a month or two in an airtight container. To keep it bacteria-free, use a dry and clean spoon to scoop it out of its container. 

Can I make it with used coffee grounds?

Yes! You can make the scrub with used coffee grounds. Just keep in mind that it won’t last more than a week, and it is best to make a smaller batch.

I usually reuse used coffee grounds to make the scrub. However, once I forgot that I had it, it developed a blue-green fungus that looked like mold after over a week. 😀 I had to throw it in the compost pile after that. 

If you want to make it last longer, dry the used coffee grounds to avoid bacterial growth.

Alternatively, try to completely dry the used coffee grounds, then it should be better & last longer.

How to dry used coffee grounds?

If you decide to go with used coffee grounds, you can consider drying them out. To do that –  

Spread them evenly on a thin layer, on a baking sheet. Put your tray into the preheated oven for 10 minutes. 

Check the tray and flip your grounds every 10 minutes to distribute the heat evenly. Continue until completely dry. It should take 20-30 minutes. 

After that, store in a completely dry & clean airtight container. You can put a strip of newspaper on top before sealing the lid, which will absorb any potential moisture that’s left. 

Store them in a cool, dry place for a couple of months. 

Is DIY coffee scrub good for your face?

Yes – it can help clear away dead skin cells, unclog the pores, and reduce inflammation. So it can be very beneficial for your face. 

Does coffee scrub damage skin?

Coffee grounds can be pretty harsh on delicate and sensitive skin. You should never scrub too aggressively since the coffee scrub can irritate and cause micro-tears across your skin. Always do it gently. 

Can I use a coffee scrub every day?

No – excessive scrubbing and exfoliating can damage the skin, so you shouldn’t do it daily. Too much scrubbing will disrupt the top layer of your skin, making it more sensitive. 

How often should you use a coffee scrub? 

To get the optimal benefits of this DIY coffee scrub, use it twice a week on the face, and up to three times on the body. 

Do you use a body scrub before or after shaving?

It is more of a personal preference, but I can recommend doing it after. In that way, your skin gets a deeper exfoliation, and the oils from the scrub won’t clog your razor. However, if you struggle with ingrown hairs, you can use the body scrub before shaving to soften the skin.  

Does coffee scrub reduce cellulite or stretch marks?

Regular use might reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks. (1) This is due to caffeine, and its ability to unclog pores increases blood flow and circulation, helps stimulate skin cell regeneration, and increases collagen production. 

How to use a coffee scrub without clogging the drain? 

Coffee grounds can clog the drain badly. To avoid that, always use a drain filter.

Summary

So, there you have it – a simple DIY coffee scrub without coconut oil. To make a sum up:

• Coffee scrub is very easy to make, with many benefits for your skin.
• To make it, you need 4 ingredients – coffee ground, sugar, jojoba oil, and essential oil.
• You should use it gently, with circular motions. 
• The risk for side effects is very small, but it is always a good idea to do a patch test. 
• The DIY coffee scrub will last a month or two in an airtight container.
• It is best to use it twice a week on your face, and up to three times on your body. 
• You can make it with used coffee grounds, too!

Will you try out this DIY coffee scrub without coconut oil?

Let me know in the comments below!