I recently attended Taste of The Caribbean Festival at Fairchild Gardens, and while ther,e I sat in on a Kitchen Beauty demo. Terry of Couture Mobile Spa hosted the demo and guided us on how to make all-natural body scrubs and body balms with everyday kitchen essentials.
One of the main ingredients that served as the base of our body scrubs and balms was coconut oil. Across many islands in the Caribbean, coconut oil has been used as a staple in skincare for ages as it has the following benefits:
- Naturally moisturizing: Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids (especially lauric acid) that deeply nourish dry skin, which is especially beneficial in hot tropical climates where sun and saltwater exposure is frequent.
- Healing properties: Locals often use coconut oil after sun exposure to soothe sunburns, calm inflammation, and prevent peeling โ making it a go-to beachside essential
- Eco-friendly and accessible: Because coconuts are abundant in the region, coconut oil is affordable, sustainable, and chemical-free, making it a practical and environmentally conscious beauty solution.
How To Make A Lime Coconut Body Scrub at Home
Scrubs are relatively simple and inexpensive to make at home. Here’s how to make a lime coconut sugar scrub at home:
Ingredients:
- Coconut oil
Coconut oil deeply hydrates and softens dry skin. It’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, helping to repair and protect the skin barrier. I love picking up some at the grocery store, just make sure it’s unrefined. I love Dignity Coconut oil for cooking and skincare. - Castile soap
This soap gently cleanses without stripping the skin’s natural oil. Jojoba also balances oily or sensitive skin. Castile soap is biodegradable and eco-friendly - White Sugar
Sugar is a natural exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin. It’s less abrasive than salt. Regular white sugar of any kind works, even the less expensive stuff at the grocery store. You can also use brown sugar, and it will be a little more abrasive. - Coconut powder
Coconut powder softens and moisturizes skin and contains antioxidants like vitamin C. - Honey
Honey is a natural humectant that draws moisture to the skin. It also has antibacterial properties that will keep your scrub from quickly spoiling. - Freeze-dried lime or orange slices
Freeze-dried citrus slices are great for aromatherapy vibes as they add an invigorating, uplifting scent that feels like a spa day in the tropics.
Directions:
Combine 1 tsp of all ingredients until they form a paste. Then pour it into an air-tight container, preferably glass, and store in a cool, dry place for up to 2 weeks. The lime or orange slices will naturally release their oils the longer they are in the scrub.
To use:
Gently apply to your body in circular motions in the shower. Be careful, as the coconut oil can make the bottom of your shower/bathtub slippery!
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*Disclosure: I only recommend products I try myself or similar product options, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thanks for supporting the Eat Well. Adventure Often. blog!