15 DIY Coffee Scrubs to Make at Home

Look, I’m not saying your skincare routine needs another product. But if you’re going to add something, make it one that uses leftover coffee grounds instead of sitting in a landfill.

Coffee scrubs have blown up in the beauty world, and honestly? They deserve the hype. These grainy little miracles do everything from sloughing off dead skin to potentially smoothing out cellulite. Plus, you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

I’ve been making my own coffee scrubs for years now, and the difference between what I whip up at home versus what I used to buy is honestly staggering. No weird chemicals I can’t pronounce, no hefty price tags, and I get to control exactly what goes on my skin. Win-win-win.

So grab those used coffee grounds you were about to toss, and let’s make something that’ll have your skin feeling smoother than your morning latte.

Why Coffee Scrubs Actually Work

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s talk science for a second. Coffee isn’t just your morning wake-up call—it’s packed with stuff your skin actually wants.

The caffeine content helps tighten blood vessels and boost circulation, which is why you’ll see it in eye creams and cellulite treatments. According to Medical News Today, the antioxidants in coffee, particularly caffeic acid, can help boost collagen production and fight premature aging. That’s not marketing fluff—that’s legit skin benefits.

The physical exfoliation from the grounds themselves removes dead skin cells way more effectively than most chemical exfoliants. You’re literally scrubbing away the dull stuff to reveal fresh, glowing skin underneath. And honestly, it feels pretty satisfying too.

The Basic Formula You Need to Know

Most coffee scrubs follow a simple ratio: three parts coffee grounds to one part oil, plus whatever extras you want to throw in. This ratio gives you the perfect consistency—not too dry, not too oily, just right for scrubbing without falling apart in your hands.

The oil is crucial because coffee grounds alone will just make a mess. You need something to bind them together and add moisture. I’ve tested everything from coconut oil to olive oil, and they all work. It’s more about what your skin likes and what you have available.

Now, let’s get into the actual recipes. I’m starting with the classics and moving into some more creative combinations that I’ve honestly become obsessed with.

1. Classic Coffee and Coconut Oil Scrub

This is your gateway scrub. Dead simple, insanely effective, and it uses ingredients you probably already have. Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with a quarter cup of melted coconut oil and two tablespoons of brown sugar. That’s it.

The coconut oil melts at body temperature, so it’ll feel solid when you scoop it out but turn silky smooth when you massage it onto your skin. The brown sugar adds extra exfoliation without being too harsh. Use this 2-3 times a week for softer skin that actually glows.

Want more simple coffee recipes? Check out these quick coffee drinks with 3 ingredients or less.

2. Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub

Okay, this one smells absolutely incredible. Like walking into a fancy coffee shop kind of incredible. Take your basic coffee scrub and add half a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Not the imitation stuff—spring for real vanilla because the difference is massive.

The vanilla doesn’t just smell amazing; it actually has antioxidant properties too. Mix three-quarters cup coffee grounds, a quarter cup of sweet almond oil, three tablespoons of sugar, and that vanilla extract.

I use this one before going out because the scent lingers just enough to be noticeable without being overwhelming. Pro move: keep it in a sealed glass jar in your shower and use it twice a week.

3. Cinnamon Coffee Circulation Booster

This is where things get interesting. Adding cinnamon to your coffee scrub takes the circulation-boosting properties to another level. Cinnamon increases blood flow on its own, so combined with caffeine, you’re basically giving your skin a workout.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds, a quarter cup of coconut oil, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Fair warning: if you have super sensitive skin, do a patch test first. Cinnamon can be a bit intense for some people.

The warmth you’ll feel isn’t just in your head—cinnamon actually creates a slight warming sensation. It’s perfect for targeting areas where you want to improve skin texture or reduce the appearance of cellulite.

4. Honey Coffee Face Scrub

Most coffee scrubs are too harsh for facial skin, but this one’s different. The honey adds moisture and has antibacterial properties, making it perfect for acne-prone skin. Plus, honey helps the scrub stick together better, so it’s less messy.

Use finely ground coffee for this—not the chunky stuff from your French press. Mix two tablespoons of fine coffee grounds with one tablespoon of raw honey and a teaspoon of jojoba oil. The jojoba oil is clutch here because it’s the closest thing to your skin’s natural sebum.

Apply this gently to damp skin, focusing on areas prone to blackheads or congestion. Let it sit for two minutes before rinsing. Your face will feel softer than it has in months. If you’re into healthy coffee options, you might also love these healthy coffee recipes with nut milks and natural sweeteners.

5. Peppermint Coffee Energizing Scrub

This one wakes you up faster than your actual morning coffee. The peppermint essential oil gives you that tingly, cooling sensation that feels absolutely amazing in the shower. It’s like a spa treatment and an espresso shot rolled into one.

Combine half a cup of coffee grounds, a quarter cup of coconut oil, two tablespoons of sugar, and 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil. Don’t go overboard with the oil—a little goes a long way, and too much can be irritating.

I keep this one specifically for morning showers when I need an extra boost. The scent combo of coffee and peppermint is weirdly addictive. Just avoid using it right before bed unless you want to be wide awake for hours.

6. Brown Sugar Coffee Polish

When you want serious exfoliation but don’t want to feel like you’re scraping your skin off, brown sugar is your answer. It’s gentler than regular granulated sugar but still gets the job done.

Mix equal parts coffee grounds and brown sugar—about half a cup each—then add enough olive oil to create a thick paste. The olive oil is loaded with vitamin E and antioxidants, so you’re basically feeding your skin while you exfoliate.

This scrub is particularly good for rough patches like elbows, knees, and feet. I use it weekly on my heels and the difference is honestly shocking. Sandal season doesn’t scare me anymore.

Looking for more coffee inspiration? These easy homemade coffee recipes are perfect for your morning routine.

7. Lavender Coffee Calming Scrub

I know what you’re thinking—lavender and coffee sounds weird. But hear me out. The combination creates this interesting balance where the coffee energizes while the lavender soothes. It’s perfect for evening showers when you want to exfoliate but also wind down.

Mix three-quarters cup coffee grounds, a third cup of fractionated coconut oil, and 15 drops of lavender essential oil. The fractionated coconut oil stays liquid at room temperature, which makes this scrub easier to scoop and spread.

The lavender also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is great if your skin tends toward redness or irritation. Plus, it just smells ridiculously good. Like a coffee shop in a botanical garden.

8. Sea Salt Coffee Detox Scrub

Sea salt is grittier than sugar, which means more aggressive exfoliation. This isn’t for daily use—think of it as your weekly deep clean. The minerals in sea salt also help draw out impurities, which is why this one’s called a detox scrub.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with a quarter cup of fine sea salt and enough grapeseed oil to bind it together. Grapeseed oil is lightweight and won’t clog pores, making it perfect for this heavy-duty scrub.

Use gentle pressure despite the coarse texture—you’re exfoliating, not trying to sand yourself down. Once a week is plenty. Your skin needs time to recover between these intense sessions.

9. Cocoa Coffee Anti-Aging Scrub

Combining coffee with cocoa powder is like making a skincare dessert. Both are loaded with antioxidants that fight free radicals and help prevent aging. Plus, it smells like a mocha, which honestly makes showering way more enjoyable.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds, two tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, a quarter cup of coconut oil, and two tablespoons of brown sugar. The cocoa powder adds extra slip, so this scrub glides on easier than most.

Focus on areas where you’re seeing signs of aging—neck, chest, hands. The combination of coffee and cocoa can help improve skin elasticity over time. At least, that’s what research on coffee scrub benefits suggests.

For more coffee treats, try these coffee desserts that pair perfectly with your brew.

10. Almond Coffee Gentle Exfoliant

If most scrubs feel too harsh for your skin, this almond version is your new best friend. Ground almonds provide gentle exfoliation while adding vitamin E and healthy fats that moisturize as you scrub.

Grind a quarter cup of raw almonds in a coffee grinder (ironic, right?) until they’re coarsely ground. Mix with half a cup of coffee grounds, a quarter cup of sweet almond oil, and a tablespoon of honey.

The texture is softer than most scrubs, which makes it suitable for sensitive skin or more frequent use. I use this one three times a week without any irritation. It’s basically impossible to mess up your skin with this formula.

11. Lemon Coffee Brightening Scrub

This one’s specifically for tackling dull, uneven skin tone. Lemon juice is a natural brightener thanks to its vitamin C content, and combined with the exfoliating power of coffee, it’s pretty much a one-two punch for dark spots.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds, two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, three tablespoons of olive oil, and two tablespoons of sugar. The fresh lemon is key—bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same potency.

Important heads up: lemon makes your skin photosensitive, so only use this scrub at night and wear sunscreen the next day. Also, if you have open cuts or scratches, skip this one. Lemon juice on broken skin is not a fun experience.

12. Oatmeal Coffee Soothing Scrub

Oatmeal is legendary for soothing irritated skin, which makes it the perfect partner for coffee’s more aggressive exfoliating action. This scrub is ideal for anyone dealing with eczema, psoriasis, or just generally cranky skin.

Grind a quarter cup of old-fashioned oats into a powder using a coffee grinder. Mix with half a cup of coffee grounds, a quarter cup of coconut oil, and a tablespoon of honey. The oatmeal creates this silky, almost creamy texture that feels incredibly gentle.

You can use this one more frequently than most—every other day is fine if your skin likes it. The oatmeal also helps calm any redness or inflammation from the exfoliation process itself.

If you’re experimenting with coffee drinks too, these iced coffee drinks that are better than Starbucks are worth trying.

13. Green Tea Coffee Antioxidant Boost

Doubling down on antioxidants by combining coffee with green tea is honestly genius. Green tea has its own set of polyphenols and anti-inflammatory compounds that complement what coffee brings to the table.

Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool completely. Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with two tablespoons of used green tea leaves (squeeze them dry first), three tablespoons of the brewed tea, and enough coconut oil to form a paste.

This scrub has a slightly different texture because of the tea leaves, but it works beautifully. The green tea also adds a fresh, clean scent that cuts through the coffee’s richness. Use it when your skin looks tired or stressed—the antioxidant overload really shows.

14. Turmeric Coffee Anti-Inflammatory Scrub

Fair warning: turmeric will temporarily stain your skin yellow. But if you’re willing to deal with that for 15 minutes, this scrub is incredible for reducing inflammation and evening out skin tone.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a quarter cup of coconut oil, and two tablespoons of yogurt. The yogurt adds lactic acid for extra exfoliation and helps cut the staining from the turmeric.

Use this one once a week max. The turmeric is powerful stuff, and a little goes a long way. Apply it, scrub gently, then let it sit for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. The yellow tint washes away, leaving brighter, calmer skin.

15. Ginger Coffee Warming Scrub

This is my winter go-to. Ginger creates this warming sensation that feels amazing when it’s cold out, and it also helps boost circulation even more than coffee alone.

Grate a teaspoon of fresh ginger and mix it with half a cup of coffee grounds, a quarter cup of coconut oil, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and a few drops of ginger essential oil if you want extra intensity.

The fresh ginger provides the best results, but ground ginger works in a pinch. This scrub tingles slightly—that’s normal. If it starts to burn, rinse it off immediately. Everyone’s sensitivity is different.

For more warming coffee options, check out these coffee drinks to warm your winter mornings.

How to Actually Use These Scrubs

Making the scrub is only half the battle. Using it correctly makes all the difference between “meh” results and genuinely transformed skin.

First, always use these scrubs on damp skin in the shower or bath. Dry skin exfoliation is too harsh and doesn’t distribute the product evenly. Wet your body, turn off the water, then apply the scrub in circular motions.

Work from your feet upward, using gentle pressure. You’re not trying to scrub paint off a deck—light to medium pressure is plenty. The coffee grounds do the work; you’re just guiding them around.

Let the scrub sit for a few minutes if it contains oils or other beneficial ingredients. This gives everything time to penetrate. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Follow up with your regular moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp.

Storage and Shelf Life

Most of these scrubs will last 2-3 weeks when stored properly. The key is keeping them in an airtight container away from moisture. I use glass mason jars because they don’t absorb odors and they’re easy to clean.

Scrubs with fresh ingredients like lemon juice or grated ginger have shorter shelf lives—about a week, maybe two if you’re lucky. Make smaller batches of those and use them quickly.

If your scrub starts smelling off or you see any mold, toss it immediately. The same rules that apply to food apply here. When in doubt, make a fresh batch. The ingredients are cheap enough that it’s not worth risking your skin.

Keep your scrubs in the shower for convenience, but not directly in the water stream. The constant moisture will break them down faster and potentially introduce bacteria.

Customizing for Your Skin Type

These recipes are starting points, not hard rules. FYI, your skin is unique, and what works for me might need tweaking for you.

If you have oily skin, you can reduce the oil in any recipe or swap coconut oil for lighter options like grapeseed or jojoba. Dry skin benefits from extra oil—add an additional tablespoon or two of whatever oil you’re using.

Sensitive skin needs gentler exfoliants. Use finely ground coffee instead of coarse grounds, and consider adding soothing ingredients like oatmeal, honey, or aloe vera gel. Skip anything spicy or acidic until you know how your skin reacts.

For mature skin, focus on the antioxidant-rich recipes like the cocoa coffee or green tea versions. These ingredients help fight free radical damage and can improve skin elasticity over time.

Want to explore more coffee varieties? These cold brew coffee variations for summer might inspire your next creation.