DIY Lip Scrubs: 3 Recipes For Soft Lips

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Every winter, my lips get super dry and flaky from the cold weather, and it feels quite uncomfortable.

My DIY lip balms help a lot, but I figured it works much better if I first scrub the dead skin and get smoother lips before applying anything after.

When I started looking for some more natural lip scrubs, I was kinda shocked by their prices. 10 or more euros for a tiny jar of mostly sugar, some oils, and some odd ingredients I can’t really recognize.

So then, I decided to make my own DIY lip scrubs with basic ingredients that ended up SO GOOD.

Below, you can find 3 simple lip scrub recipes, tips, FAQs, and a cost breakdown. Let’s begin. 

Why make a lip scrub + how it works

A homemade lip scrub is gentle, natural, and easy to customize. You avoid artificial flavours, plastic microbeads, and unnecessary fillers, and the recipes below are made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Each scrub needs two things:

• A gentle exfoliant – sugar softens as you massage and removes dead skin without scratching.
• A moisturizing base – oils and syrups help the scrub glide, protect the skin, and leave the lips smooth.

Ingredient benefits

• Sugar (white, brown, coconut): Exfoliates gently and is safe for sensitive skin
• Oils (olive, coconut, almond, jojoba): Moisturize and soften, and add a smooth texture
• Syrups (agave or maple syrup): Helps bind the scrub and adds slip and moisture
• Essential oils: Add natural scent; peppermint and cinnamon give mild plumping, citrus brightens, and vanilla warms
• Optional extras: Add scent, color, or texture

What I like about these scrubs

• They exfoliate gently without scratching, thanks to sugar dissolving as you massage.
• The formulas are simple and soothing, especially for people prone to irritation around the mouth.
• You control the scent, strength, texture, and ingredients. Nothing artificial, and nothing drying.
• Lip balm applies much more smoothly afterward, and dry patches clear up faster when exfoliation is consistent.
• They’re extremely quick to make, easy to customize, and reduce plastic waste.

3 easy DIY lip scrub recipes

1. Cinnamon lip scrub (warm + cozy)

Caramelly, festive scent, gentle exfoliating, and a deeply softening feel thanks to the coconut oil. Cinnamon boosts circulation and gives a mild plumping effect.

Makes: two small 10 ml jars
Shelf life: 2-3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 and a half tbsp coconut sugar (18g)
• 1 tbsp softened coconut oil (13g)
• 1 tsp maple syrup (7ml)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 2 drops of clove EO

Instructions: Mix the coconut sugar and cinnamon first. Add the coconut oil and maple syrup. Stir until it turns into a thick, even paste. Spoon into one or two small jars.

2. Minty lip scrub (fresh + cooling)

Light and refreshing with a cooling feel. The jojoba oil keeps the texture smooth and clean.

Makes: two small 10 ml jars
Shelf life: 2-3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 and a half tbsp caster sugar (18g)
• 1 tsp olive oil or jojoba oil (4ml)
• 1 tsp agave syrup (7ml)
• 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions: Combine the sugar, oil, and syrup. Add the peppermint and mix well. Transfer to two small jars.

3. Chocolate vanilla lip scrub (soft + sweet)

A gentle scrub with a warm, subtle, comforting vanilla scent. 

Makes: two small 10 ml jars
Shelf life: 2-3 months

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp coconut sugar (12g)
• ½ tbsp caster sugar (6g)
• 1 tsp almond oil (4ml)
• 1 tsp maple syrup (7ml)
• ½ tsp of cocoa powder 
• 2-3 drops vanilla fragrance oil or a pinch of vanilla bean powder

Instructions: Mix the sugars, oil, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a bowl. Stir in the vanilla fragrance oil. Scoop into two small jars and close tightly.

How to use a lip scrub

1. Use clean, dry fingers or a small spatula to scoop the scrub.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount to clean lips.
3. Massage gently in circular motions for 10-20 seconds.
4. Rinse with warm water.
5. Always follow with a nourishing lip balm or shea butter.

How often to use: 1-2 times per week is enough. Using a scrub too often can irritate. 

Things to keep in mind

• Coconut oil scrubs can firm up in cooler temperatures. If the texture becomes too solid, you can soften it with a small amount of almond or jojoba oil.
• Because these scrubs are made from natural ingredients, the texture may change slightly with changes in room temperature. A quick stir usually brings them back to normal.
• Lip scrubs are meant for short contact with the skin. They exfoliate quickly and rinse off. You still need to follow with a balm to lock in moisture.
• Don’t scrub cracked or bleeding lips. Heal them first, then exfoliate.
• If the scrub feels too oily, add a little more sugar. If it feels too dry, add a few drops of oil.
• Store the jars in a cool, dry place, and keep them away from moisture. Moisture makes the product spoil quickly.

Cost

These scrubs are very affordable to make, especially since most of the ingredients are basic pantry staples. A small 10 g jar usually costs between €0.15 and €0.40 (without essential oils), depending on the oils and extras you choose. For comparison, here are some store-bought options I found: 

• Lush (25 g): ~€10
• Natural or indie brands (15–30 g): €8-€12
• Drugstore options: typically €3-€8

Homemade lip scrub is so much cheaper and gives the same, if not better, results. It’s made with simple, natural ingredients and none of the extra costs that come with packaging or branding. One batch usually lasts several weeks to a few months when used once or twice a week, so it’s both practical and cost-effective.

FAQs

Can I use these if my lips are sensitive?

Yes, use the basic version of any recipe: just sugar + oil + agave. Peppermint, cinnamon, citrus, and even vanilla can irritate sensitive lips, so it’s better to leave them out.

Is salt okay to use instead of sugar?

Better avoid. Salt is too harsh for lips, and it can sting and cause micro-cuts.

Do I need vitamin E to make them last longer?

Not really. These scrubs already last 2-3 months because they contain no water. You can add 2–3 drops of vitamin E if you want to slow the oxidation of the oils, but it’s optional.

Why does my scrub separate?

Warm temperatures can melt lighter oils. Mix it again and keep the container somewhere cooler.

Can the cinnamon coconut sugar lip scrub get too hard?

Yes. Coconut oil solidifies in cooler temperatures, so the scrub can become firm. If this happens, let the jar sit at room temperature for a few minutes or warm it between your hands.

Final thoughts

Making your own lip scrub is an easy way to care for your lips without buying extra products or creating more waste. 

The ingredients are simple, the texture is easy to adjust, and the recipes can be customized to match whatever scent or feel you like. 

Whether you choose something warm and cozy, fresh and minty, or bright and citrusy, each scrub leaves your lips smooth and soft in just a few seconds. 

Which one are you going to try first?