Introduction
Achieving soft, smooth lips is easier than you think, especially with the right DIY lip scrub. Exfoliating your lips removes dead skin, making them look healthier and feel smoother.
Plus, it helps lip balms and other treatments absorb better. Whether you’re dealing with dry, chapped lips or just want to keep your pout in top shape, these homemade lip scrubs are natural, simple to make, and incredibly effective.
In this guide, we’ll explore 15 DIY lip scrub recipes using ingredients you probably already have at home.
From gentle exfoliators to nourishing scrubs, these recipes will leave your lips feeling soft and kissable.
1. Brown Sugar and Honey Lip Scrub
A classic combination, this brown sugar and honey lip scrub is both exfoliating and hydrating. Brown sugar gently removes dead skin, while honey moisturizes and softens your lips.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 drop of vanilla extract (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine brown sugar and honey in a small bowl.
- Scrub Gently: Apply the mixture to your lips and massage in circular motions.
- Rinse Off: After a minute, rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Expert Opinion: Honey is a natural humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. Dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler suggests using honey in lip care to keep lips hydrated and prevent cracking (source).
2. Coconut Oil and Sugar Lip Scrub
This coconut oil and sugar lip scrub is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Coconut oil hydrates deeply, while sugar gently exfoliates without causing irritation.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp sugar (white or brown)
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Blend Together: Mix sugar and coconut oil until well combined.
- Exfoliate Your Lips: Massage the scrub onto your lips for about 30 seconds.
- Wipe Away: Gently wipe the scrub off with a damp cloth.
Expert Opinion: Coconut oil contains fatty acids that nourish the lips and prevent moisture loss, as noted by Healthline’s skincare experts (source).
3. Coffee and Honey Lip Scrub
This energizing coffee and honey lip scrub is perfect for exfoliating and plumping your lips. Coffee grounds help boost circulation, giving your lips a fuller appearance.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp finely ground coffee
- 1 tsp honey
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Ingredients: Stir together the coffee and honey until fully blended.
- Gently Scrub: Apply the mixture to your lips and scrub in small, circular motions.
- Rinse Off: Rinse with lukewarm water for soft, plumped lips.
Expert Opinion: Coffee contains antioxidants that help protect the lips from environmental damage, as noted by beauty expert Dr. Michelle Green (source).
4. Mint and Sugar Lip Scrub
For a refreshing exfoliation, try a mint and sugar lip scrub. The mint not only smells fantastic but also increases blood flow to the lips, giving them a natural flush.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 drop peppermint essential oil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix sugar, coconut oil, and peppermint oil together.
- Apply to Lips: Gently rub the scrub onto your lips.
- Rinse with Water: Wash off the scrub and enjoy your minty fresh lips.
Expert Opinion: Peppermint oil can stimulate circulation and give lips a fuller, healthier look, says Aromatherapy specialist Susan Griffin-Black (source).
5. Lemon and Sugar Lip Scrub
This lemon and sugar lip scrub is brightening and rejuvenating. The acidity of lemon helps lighten dark patches on the lips, while sugar exfoliates away dead skin cells.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3-4 drops of fresh lemon juice
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix Ingredients: Stir sugar, olive oil, and lemon juice until well combined.
- Exfoliate: Apply the scrub to your lips, massaging gently for a minute.
- Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse with warm water and apply a lip balm.
Expert Opinion: Lemon juice has natural bleaching properties, which can help brighten the lips, according to skincare expert Dr. Mona Gohara (source).
6. Cinnamon Lip Plumping Scrub
If you’re looking for fuller lips, this cinnamon lip plumping scrub can help. Cinnamon naturally stimulates blood flow to the lips, giving them a temporarily plumped appearance.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp coconut oil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Ingredients: Combine cinnamon, sugar, and coconut oil in a small bowl.
- Apply to Lips: Massage the scrub onto your lips for about 30 seconds.
- Wipe Off: Remove the scrub with a damp cloth and enjoy plumper lips.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist, explains that cinnamon increases blood flow to the lips, which creates a natural plumping effect (source).
7. Olive Oil and Brown Sugar Lip Scrub
For a simple and effective exfoliant, this olive oil and brown sugar lip scrub is a must-try. Olive oil deeply nourishes, while brown sugar buffs away dead skin.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp olive oil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Combine the Ingredients: Mix the sugar and olive oil together.
- Exfoliate Your Lips: Gently scrub the mixture onto your lips using circular motions.
- Rinse Clean: Rinse off the scrub with lukewarm water.
Expert Opinion: Olive oil is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, making it an excellent moisturizer for lips, says skincare expert Lisa Bronner (source).
8. Strawberry and Honey Lip Scrub.
This deliciously fruity strawberry and honey lip scrub combines the exfoliating power of sugar with the antioxidant-rich properties of strawberries.
Ingredients:
- 1 mashed strawberry
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp honey
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mash and Mix: Mash the strawberry and mix with sugar and honey.
- Apply the Scrub: Gently scrub the mixture onto your lips for about 30 seconds.
- Rinse Off: Rinse thoroughly with warm water and apply a lip balm.
Expert Opinion: Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which can help brighten and soften your lips, notes Dr. Taz Bhatia (source).
9. Vanilla and Brown Sugar Lip Scrub.
This vanilla and brown sugar lip scrub is both luxurious and simple. Vanilla adds a delicious scent while brown sugar gently exfoliates.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 drop vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Ingredients: Blend the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract.
- Massage Gently: Apply the scrub to your lips and massage for a minute.
- Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse off and apply your favorite lip balm.
Expert Opinion: Coconut oil is perfect for keeping lips hydrated, and adding vanilla provides a calming effect, according to beauty expert Jenni Raincloud (source).
10. Almond Oil and Brown Sugar Lip Scrub.
For a nourishing scrub that leaves your lips silky smooth, try this almond oil and brown sugar lip scrub. Almond oil is deeply moisturizing, and brown sugar provides gentle exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp almond oil
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix Together: Combine the brown sugar and almond oil.
- Exfoliate: Massage the scrub onto your lips in circular motions.
- Rinse Off: Rinse with warm water and pat your lips dry.
Expert Opinion: Almond oil is packed with vitamins that help nourish and repair dry, chapped lips, as recommended by Healthline experts (source).
11. Shea Butter and Sugar Lip Scrub.
This rich shea butter and sugar lip scrub not only exfoliates but also leaves your lips feeling super soft and hydrated. Shea butter is a fantastic ingredient for locking in moisture.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp shea butter
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix Ingredients: Blend the sugar and shea butter in a small bowl.
- Scrub Gently: Apply the mixture to your lips and scrub gently.
- Rinse Off: Rinse with warm water and apply additional shea butter for extra hydration.
Expert Opinion: Shea butter is full of fatty acids and vitamins that protect and hydrate lips, notes skincare expert Dr. Jeanine Downie (source).
12. Honey and Oat Lip Scrub.
This honey and oat lip scrub is perfect for soothing irritated lips. Oats are a gentle exfoliant, and honey helps lock in moisture.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp ground oats
- 1 tsp honey
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Combine Oats and Honey: Mix the ground oats and honey together.
- Apply to Lips: Massage the scrub onto your lips in small circles.
- Rinse with Water: After a minute, rinse the scrub off with warm water.
Expert Opinion: Oats have soothing properties that can calm irritation, making them ideal for sensitive skin, according to Dr. Rachel Nazarian (source).
13. Baking Soda Lip Scrub.
For a quick, effective exfoliant, try a baking soda lip scrub. Baking soda removes dead skin and helps smooth out rough patches.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp honey
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix the Ingredients: Stir together the baking soda and honey until a paste forms.
- Apply to Lips: Gently scrub your lips with the mixture for 30 seconds.
- Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse off with warm water and apply a lip balm.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Joshua Zeichner recommends using baking soda for mild exfoliation but advises not to use it too often as it can be drying (source).
14. Avocado and Honey Lip Scrub.
This avocado and honey lip scrub is incredibly moisturizing and full of healthy fats, making it perfect for dry, chapped lips.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp mashed avocado
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sugar
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the mashed avocado, honey, and sugar.
- Scrub Gently: Apply the scrub to your lips and massage gently.
- Rinse Off: Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Expert Opinion: Avocado is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids that deeply nourish the lips, says beauty expert Renee Rouleau (source).
15. DIY Manuka Honey and Sugar Lip Scrub.
Manuka honey is known for its healing properties, making this DIY manuka honey lip scrub an excellent choice for repairing cracked, dry lips.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Manuka honey
- 1 tsp sugar
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Blend the Ingredients: Mix Manuka honey and sugar until they form a thick paste.
- Massage Gently: Apply the scrub to your lips and massage in circular motions.
- Rinse and Moisturize: Rinse with water and apply a lip balm to lock in moisture.
Expert Opinion: Manuka honey has powerful antibacterial and healing properties, making it ideal for repairing damaged skin, says Dr. Ax (source).
Conclusion.
These 15 DIY lip scrub recipes are a great way to exfoliate and hydrate your lips using natural ingredients. By making your own lip scrubs, you can avoid harsh chemicals and ensure that your lips stay soft and smooth all year round. Whether you’re using coconut oil, sugar, or Manuka honey, each scrub is easy to create and perfect for your skincare routine.
For more homemade beauty treatments, try pairing your lip scrub with DIY face masks moisturizing or a DIY Manuka honey mask for a full spa day at home. You can even create natural DIY hair highlights to complete your beauty transformation!
FAQs
1. How often should I use a DIY lip scrub?
It’s best to use a DIY lip scrub 1-2 times per week to avoid over-exfoliation. Regular use will keep your lips smooth without causing irritation.
2. Can I store my DIY lip scrub?
Yes, most DIY lip scrubs can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. For scrubs containing fresh ingredients like fruit, it’s best to use them within a few days.
3. What should I apply after using a lip scrub?
After using a lip scrub, apply a hydrating lip balm or natural oils like coconut or almond oil to lock in moisture and protect your freshly exfoliated lips.
4. Are DIY lip scrubs safe for sensitive lips?
Yes, many DIY lip scrubs are gentle enough for sensitive lips, especially those using ingredients like coconut oil, honey, and sugar. Avoid harsh exfoliants like salt or rougher materials if you have sensitive skin.
5. Can I use a DIY lip scrub if my lips are cracked?
It’s best to wait until your lips have healed before using a lip scrub on severely cracked lips. Instead, focus on hydrating with balms and oils until your lips are in better condition.
