DIY Lip Scrub with Coconut Oil: How to Make a Simple Lip Scrub at Home -

Soft, smooth lips are attractive and help your lipstick and gloss apply more evenly. One of the best ways to achieve smooth lips is by regularly exfoliating them with a gentle lip scrub. While plenty of lip scrubs are available in stores, making your own at home is easy, affordable, and customizable. One of the best ingredients to use in a DIY lip scrub is coconut oil, which provides natural hydration while helping to exfoliate away dead skin.

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Why Coconut Oil is Great for Lip Scrubs

Coconut oil is a fantastic ingredient for lip care because it’s packed with fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants that hydrate and protect the delicate skin on your lips. Here are some of the key benefits of using coconut oil in your DIY lip scrub:

Deeply Moisturizing: Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, which help lock in moisture, keeping your lips soft and supple.
Healing Properties: Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties help soothe chapped lips and promote the healing of cracks or dryness.
Natural and Gentle: Coconut oil is all-natural and gentle enough for sensitive skin, making it perfect for delicate areas like the lips.

Ingredients for a DIY Lip Scrub with Coconut Oil

This hydrating and exfoliating lip scrub only requires a few simple ingredients. Each ingredient works together to slough off dead skin cells while nourishing your lips.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon of coconut oil: This will serve as the hydrating base of your lip scrub.
1 tablespoon of sugar (white or brown): Sugar acts as a natural exfoliant that gently buffs away dead skin cells.
½ teaspoon of honey (optional): Honey has antibacterial properties and helps retain moisture in the skin.
A few drops of vanilla extract (optional): For a sweet scent and flavor, you can use any flavoring or essential oil you prefer.

Our Picks

Amazon Fresh, Organic Refined Coconut Oil

Manukora Raw Manuka Honey

How to Make DIY Lip Scrub with Coconut Oil

Making your own coconut oil lip scrub is quick and easy. Follow these simple steps to create a nourishing lip scrub that will make your lips smooth and soft.

Mix the Coconut Oil and Sugar

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of sugar. Stir until the sugar is fully combined with the coconut oil. The sugar provides the exfoliating texture, while the coconut oil binds everything together and hydrates your lips.

Add Honey (Optional)

For extra moisture and healing properties, add ½ teaspoons of honey to the mixture. Honey helps lock in moisture and adds a smooth, sticky texture that makes the scrub easier to apply.

Add Vanilla Extract or Essential Oil (Optional)

Add a few drops of vanilla extract or your favorite essential oil to give your lip scrub a pleasant scent and flavor. Peppermint essential oil is a great option if you prefer a minty feel. Stir everything together until the ingredients are well-combined.

Store the Scrub

Transfer your DIY lip scrub into a small airtight container, like a lip balm tin or a small jar. Store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture. This scrub should last for about two weeks.

Tip: If the coconut oil solidifies in colder temperatures, rub the scrub between your fingers to soften it before applying.

How to Use Your DIY Lip Scrub

Once your DIY coconut oil lip scrub is ready, here’s how to use it for the best results:

Apply the Scrub

Take a small amount of the scrub and gently rub it onto your lips in circular motions. The sugar will exfoliate dead skin, while the coconut oil and honey will deeply hydrate your lips. Massage for about 30 seconds to a minute, focusing on areas that feel dry or flaky.

Rinse or Wipe Off

After exfoliating, wipe off the scrub with a damp washcloth or rinse your lips with warm water. Pat your lips dry with a clean towel.

Moisturize

After using the lip scrub, apply a nourishing lip balm or more coconut oil to lock in moisture and keep your lips soft throughout the day.

Tip: Use this lip scrub 2-3 times weekly to maintain soft, smooth lips without over-exfoliating.

Benefits of Using a DIY Coconut Oil Lip Scrub

Using a DIY lip scrub regularly can improve the health and appearance of your lips. Here’s why incorporating a lip scrub into your routine is a game-changer:

Exfoliation: The sugar granules in the scrub help remove dead skin cells, preventing chapped lips and leaving them smooth and soft.
Hydration: Coconut oil deeply moisturizes and nourishes the skin, preventing dryness and cracking.
Improves Lipstick Application: Exfoliated lips provide a smooth surface, making it easier to apply lipstick or lip gloss evenly and beautifully.
All-Natural Ingredients: By making your own lip scrub, you know exactly what’s in it—no chemicals, preservatives, or artificial fragrances.

Variations of DIY Lip Scrubs

While the coconut oil and sugar scrub is simple and effective, you can customize your DIY lip scrub by adding different ingredients to target specific concerns or preferences.

Minty Coconut Oil Lip Scrub

Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your scrub for a refreshing, cooling effect. Peppermint oil also stimulates blood flow, giving your lips a naturally plump appearance.

Coconut Oil and Coffee Lip Scrub

For a morning pick-me-up, substitute sugar with ground coffee. Coffee grounds provide a slightly rougher exfoliation and have antioxidant properties that can brighten and rejuvenate the lips.

Coconut Oil and Cinnamon Lip Scrub

Mix a pinch of cinnamon into your lip scrub for a natural lip plumper. Cinnamon boosts circulation, giving your lips a fuller, more voluminous look.

Coconut Oil and Brown Sugar Scrub

If you prefer a gentler scrub, use brown sugar instead of white sugar. Brown sugar is softer and less abrasive, making it ideal for those with sensitive lips.