A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SIMPLE, NOURISHING CHRISTMAS SKINCARE
Every December, my house turns into what my family jokingly calls a “holiday workshop,” and they’re not wrong.
As soon as the cold weather hits, I start pulling out jars, oils, spices, and bags of sugar. Making homemade skincare has become something I genuinely look forward to each year.
It started as something small I did for myself to keep my winter skin soft, but over time, these homemade scrubs became the gifts that my friends and family requested over and over again.
I’m someone who loves easy projects that actually feel meaningful, and these holiday body scrubs check every box.
They take less than ten minutes to put together, smell like the best parts of Christmas, and keep my skin healthy during the dry winter months.
The first time I gave them away, I didn’t expect people to ask for more, but now it has become something everyone waits for.
Even my friends who claim they aren’t really “DIY people” tell me these scrubs feel like something that came straight from a boutique.
What I also appreciate about these scrubs is how customizable they are. If you like something sweet, there’s a blend for that. If you want something cozy, there’s one for that too.
If you prefer a cleaner, wintery scent, you’ll find something here as well. Each recipe uses simple ingredients, and each one can be made in small or large batches, depending on how many gifts you need.
I’ve also found that making these scrubs brings a sense of calm into a season that can get overwhelming.
Between holiday plans, gatherings, shopping, and trying to keep up with daily life, having a project that is simple, hands-on, and relaxing makes a noticeable difference in my stress levels.
If you’ve never made your own body scrubs before, you’ll be surprised by how easy and enjoyable the process is.
So today, I’m sharing the five holiday scrubs I make every single year. They vary in scent, texture, and purpose, but all of them leave your skin smooth, hydrated, and refreshed.
They also make dependable, thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, coworkers, and anyone else you want to share something personal with.
Below is the full collection, the ingredients I recommend, and the steps I take to package these scrubs so they look polished and intentional.
Feel free to make one or make all five. Either way, you’ll have something that feels special for the holidays.
WHY THESE HOLIDAY SCRUBS ARE WORTH MAKING
They make reliable, low-cost holiday gifts
Every year I try to find ways to save money on gifts without making them feel cheap or rushed.
These scrubs allow me to give something handmade, useful, and thoughtful without spending more than a few dollars per jar. They look impressive, but they are incredibly simple.
They keep winter skin soft and healthy
The cold air always leaves my skin dry, especially on my arms and legs. Regular exfoliation removes dead skin and allows moisture to absorb better.
I can always tell a difference immediately after using these scrubs, especially during the driest part of winter.
They bring warmth and comfort into your daily routine
Every scrub has a specific holiday scent that feels familiar and comforting. Some smell like baked goods, others like fresh evergreen air or warm spices.
Even on busy days, taking a few minutes in the shower to use one makes the season feel calm instead of rushed.
KEY INGREDIENTS I KEEP IN MY CUPBOARD
Sugar
Granulated sugar provides gentle exfoliation. I also use brown sugar when I want something softer or more conditioning. It depends on the recipe.
A light moisturizing oil
I prefer jojoba oil because it’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, but you can also use sweet almond oil, grapeseed oil, or melted coconut oil. These oils help soften the skin and give each scrub its texture.
Natural holiday scents
Instead of artificial fragrance, I use essential oils and spices. Cinnamon, vanilla, citrus oils, clove, evergreen oils, gingerbread spices, nutmeg, and chai spices all transform basic sugar scrubs into rich holiday blends.
THE FIVE HOLIDAY SCRUBS I MAKE EVERY YEAR
Below are five completely different Christmas body scrubs. The scents, ingredients, and colors vary, but each one is simple, effective, and ready in minutes.
1. GINGERBREAD LATTE SCRUB
This scrub is always the first one I make because it smells exactly like fresh gingerbread cookies with a hint of warm coffee spices. My family always says the kitchen smells like a bakery when this one is cooling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 oz jojoba oil
- 1 teaspoon gingerbread spice
- 2 drops vanilla essential oil
- 1 drop cinnamon bark essential oil
2. WINTER MINT PEPPERMINT SCRUB
This scrub is crisp, refreshing, and perfect for anyone who likes the familiar holiday peppermint scent. It’s one of the easiest to make and a favorite for gifts.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 oz jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon red sprinkle crystals
- 8 to 10 drops peppermint essential oil
3. ORANGE CLOVE WARMING SCRUB
This blend smells like simmering cloves and fresh orange slices on the stove. It’s bright, warm, and comforting in a way that feels timeless.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 oz jojoba oil
- 8 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground clove
4. EVERGREEN BALSAM SCRUB
This scrub reminds me of walking through a Christmas tree farm. The scent is clean, woodsy, and ideal for anyone who prefers natural, outdoorsy fragrances.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 0.5 oz jojoba oil
- 1/2 teaspoon green mica powder (optional for color)
- 4 drops fir needle essential oil
- 4 drops spruce essential oil
5. CINNAMON BROWN SUGAR ROLL SCRUB
This one smells exactly like warm cinnamon rolls. It is rich, sweet, and incredibly soothing on cold winter nights. The brown sugar makes the texture soft and buttery.
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 0.5 oz jojoba oil
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 drops vanilla essential oil
HOW TO USE THESE SCRUBS
Here is the simple routine I use throughout the winter:
- Wet your skin in the shower.
- Take a spoonful of scrub and massage gently in circles.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Pat skin dry and apply body lotion or oil.
Using these scrubs two or three times per week keeps your skin noticeably smoother.
HOW I PACKAGE THEM FOR GIFTING
If I am giving these away, I use small glass jars with secure lids. Then I add handwritten labels, twine or ribbon, and sometimes a cinnamon stick or dried orange slice on top. It takes almost no time, but it makes the jars look professional and intentional.
These jars make excellent presents for neighbors, teachers, coworkers, and family members. I usually make large batches because people always ask for more.
STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE
These scrubs store well in a cool, dry place for up to two months. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly and that no water gets into the mixture. If the scrub seems dry after a few weeks, add a small amount of oil and stir.
