15 DIY Coffee Scrubs to Make at Home

Look, I get it. You probably saw “coffee scrub” and thought, “Great, another trendy skincare thing that’ll end up gathering dust in my bathroom.” But hear me out—coffee scrubs are legit one of those rare beauty hacks that actually deliver. I’ve been mixing up batches in my kitchen for years now, and my skin has never been happier. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about rubbing the same stuff you drink to wake up all over your body.

The best part? You don’t need to drop serious cash on fancy store-bought versions. Most of these DIY recipes use ingredients you already have sitting in your pantry. We’re talking coffee grounds, coconut oil, brown sugar—basic stuff that transforms into something legitimately luxurious. So grab your favorite mixing bowl and let’s dive into 15 coffee scrubs that’ll have your skin glowing like you just stepped out of a spa.

Why Coffee Scrubs Are Actually Worth the Hype

Before we get into the recipes, let’s talk about why coffee isn’t just good for your morning jolt. When you apply coffee topically, you’re getting a serious dose of antioxidants and caffeine that work wonders on your skin. According to Medical News Today, the caffeic acid in coffee can boost collagen production and protect against premature aging.

But it’s not just about anti-aging. Coffee grounds are naturally abrasive, which makes them perfect for sloughing off dead skin cells without being too harsh. The caffeine also helps tighten blood vessels and reduce puffiness, which is why you’ll see it in so many eye creams. When you massage a coffee scrub onto your skin, you’re literally giving yourself a mini circulation boost.

Plus, the anti-inflammatory properties mean coffee scrubs can help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. I’ve noticed a huge difference in how smooth and even my skin tone looks since I started using these regularly. And yeah, you could buy a pre-made version, but where’s the fun in that? Making your own means you control exactly what goes on your skin—no weird preservatives or ingredients you can’t pronounce.

1. Classic Coffee and Coconut Oil Scrub

This is the OG coffee scrub that got me hooked in the first place. Mix half a cup of finely ground coffee with a quarter cup of melted coconut oil and two tablespoons of brown sugar. The coconut oil adds serious moisture while the coffee does its exfoliating magic. I keep this one in a mason jar by my shower and use it twice a week.

The brown sugar adds an extra layer of exfoliation, but it’s gentler than salt, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin. Plus, it dissolves as you scrub, which means you’re not left with scratchy granules. The whole thing smells incredible—like a coffee shop met a tropical vacation. Just make sure your drain has a good cover because nobody wants coffee grounds clogging their pipes.

For those mornings when you need an energy boost from the outside in, this scrub is your best friend. The coconut oil leaves your skin feeling silky without that greasy residue some oils leave behind. And FYI, this recipe works great as a lip scrub too if you make it with extra-fine grounds.

2. Mocha Brown Sugar Body Polish

Who says you can’t have dessert for your skincare routine? This one combines coffee grounds with cocoa powder, brown sugar, and sweet almond oil. Mix three tablespoons of ground coffee with two tablespoons of cocoa powder, half a cup of brown sugar, and enough almond oil to create a paste-like consistency.

The cocoa powder isn’t just there to make it smell amazing—it’s packed with flavonoids that help improve skin texture and hydration. Plus, the combo of coffee and chocolate is basically aromatherapy in a jar. I like using my trusty electric hand mixer to blend everything until it’s super smooth.

If you’re dealing with rough patches on your elbows or knees, this scrub is particularly clutch. The almond oil is lightweight but incredibly nourishing, and it absorbs way faster than coconut oil. Use it before shaving for the smoothest legs you’ve ever had. Want more ways to incorporate coffee into your routine? Check out these easy homemade coffee recipes that go beyond just drinking it.

3. Energizing Peppermint Coffee Scrub

This one’s a game-changer for morning showers. Combine half a cup of coffee grounds with three tablespoons of coconut oil and add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil. The peppermint creates this cooling, tingly sensation that’ll wake you up faster than your actual coffee.

I’m not gonna lie, the first time I tried this, I was a bit too generous with the peppermint oil and basically turned my shower into a scene from an Arctic documentary. Start with fewer drops and work your way up. The menthol in peppermint also helps soothe sore muscles, which makes this perfect for post-workout recovery.

The contrast between the warming coffee and cooling peppermint is honestly genius. Just avoid using it on sensitive areas or freshly shaved skin—trust me on this one. Store it in an airtight container to keep the essential oils from evaporating.

4. Vanilla Latte Body Scrub

If pumpkin spice had a more sophisticated cousin, this would be it. Mix coffee grounds with white sugar, vanilla extract, and fractionated coconut oil. The measurements are flexible, but I typically go with equal parts coffee and sugar, then add enough oil to bind everything together.

The vanilla extract isn’t just for scent—it actually has antioxidant properties that complement the coffee beautifully. Plus, your bathroom will smell like a fancy coffee shop for hours after using this. I add a tiny pinch of cinnamon sometimes too, which kicks up the warmth factor.

This scrub is gentle enough for facial use if you grind the coffee extra fine. I use my coffee grinder to get it to almost a powder consistency. It’s perfect for buffing away dry, flaky skin without being too abrasive. Speaking of coffee drinks, these iced coffee drinks will keep you cool while your skin glows.

5. Honey Coffee Face Scrub

Your face deserves its own special coffee treatment. This gentle scrub uses finely ground coffee, raw honey, and a splash of olive oil. The honey is naturally antibacterial and super moisturizing, while the olive oil provides extra nourishment without clogging pores.

Mix two tablespoons of finely ground coffee with one tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of olive oil. The consistency should be thick but spreadable. I massage it in gentle circular motions for about 30 seconds, then let it sit for a minute before rinsing. The honey helps the scrub stick to your skin, so you’re not fighting gravity the whole time.

This one’s fantastic for reducing puffiness and giving your face a natural glow. The antibacterial properties of honey also make it great if you’re dealing with breakouts. Just make sure you’re using real honey—none of that fake stuff that’s basically corn syrup with delusions of grandeur.

6. Citrus Coffee Cellulite Fighter

Let’s be real about cellulite—no scrub is gonna magically erase it completely. But the caffeine in coffee can temporarily tighten and firm the skin, making it less noticeable. This scrub combines coffee grounds with grapefruit essential oil and coconut oil for a targeted treatment.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with a quarter cup of coconut oil and 15 drops of grapefruit essential oil. The citrus oil helps with circulation and has a lovely uplifting scent. I like to massage this onto problem areas in circular motions for a few minutes before rinsing.

The key is consistency—using this a few times a week will give you better results than occasional use. Plus, the act of massaging itself helps with lymphatic drainage. Store it in a dark glass container to protect the essential oils from light degradation.

7. Oatmeal Coffee Soothing Scrub

For those with sensitive or irritated skin, this gentle scrub is a lifesaver. Blend equal parts ground coffee and colloidal oatmeal with enough yogurt to create a paste. The oatmeal has anti-inflammatory properties that calm redness and irritation.

Colloidal oatmeal is just regular oatmeal ground into a super fine powder—you can make it yourself with a food processor or buy it pre-ground. The yogurt adds lactic acid, which gently exfoliates without being harsh. This combo is perfect if you have eczema or psoriasis.

I use this one when my skin’s feeling particularly cranky. It’s cooling, soothing, and doesn’t leave any weird residue. The only downside is it doesn’t keep as well as oil-based scrubs since yogurt is perishable, so make small batches and use them within a few days.

8. Sea Salt Coffee Detox Scrub

When your skin needs a serious reset, this is the scrub to reach for. Combine coffee grounds with fine sea salt and grapeseed oil. The salt draws out impurities and dead skin cells while the grapeseed oil prevents it from being too drying.

Mix half a cup each of coffee and sea salt with enough grapeseed oil to create a thick paste. Start with about a quarter cup of oil and add more if needed. This scrub is more aggressive than the others, so save it for your body rather than your face.

The detoxifying properties make it perfect for a pre-event beauty treatment. I always use this before any occasion where I’m wearing something sleeveless or a swimsuit. Your skin will feel ridiculously smooth and look more radiant. If you’re looking for more energizing recipes, try these coffee smoothies for an internal boost too.

9. Lavender Coffee Nighttime Scrub

This one’s designed for evening use since lavender can make you drowsy. Mix coffee grounds with jojoba oil and lavender essential oil for a calming pre-bedtime ritual. The jojoba oil is closest to your skin’s natural sebum, so it absorbs beautifully without feeling heavy.

Use half a cup of coffee grounds with three tablespoons of jojoba oil and 8-10 drops of lavender essential oil. The combination of the physical exfoliation and the aromatherapeutic properties of lavender is incredibly relaxing. I find my sleep quality actually improves on nights when I use this.

The trick is to use it about 30 minutes before bed, so your skin has time to absorb the oils and you’re not leaving streaks on your sheets. Follow up with your regular body lotion to lock in moisture. Some folks from our community swear this helps with their stress levels too.

10. Green Tea Coffee Antioxidant Boost

Why choose between coffee and green tea when you can have both? This scrub combines ground coffee with matcha powder, white sugar, and avocado oil. You’re basically giving your skin a superfood smoothie.

Mix two tablespoons of coffee grounds with one tablespoon of matcha powder, three tablespoons of white sugar, and enough avocado oil to bind everything. The matcha adds extra antioxidants and gives the scrub a gorgeous green tint. Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D, and E, which are all amazing for skin health.

This scrub is particularly good for sun-damaged or aging skin. The double dose of antioxidants helps fight free radical damage. Plus, the matcha gives it this earthy, spa-like scent that makes you feel fancy even though you’re standing in your bathroom. For more ways to upgrade your coffee game, check out these latte recipes you can make without any special equipment.

11. Cinnamon Spice Coffee Scrub

This warming scrub is perfect for fall and winter months. Combine coffee grounds with cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and sweet almond oil. Cinnamon has antibacterial properties and helps stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with one tablespoon of cinnamon, half a cup of brown sugar, and enough almond oil to create a spreadable consistency. Be careful not to add too much cinnamon—it can irritate sensitive skin if you go overboard. I learned this the hard way after turning myself into a temporary tomato.

The spicy scent is incredibly energizing, and the cinnamon helps give your skin a natural flush. It’s basically like a workout for your face without the actual workout. Just do a patch test first, especially if you have sensitive skin. Store it in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

12. Lemon Coffee Brightening Scrub

If you’re dealing with dark spots or uneven skin tone, this brightening scrub is worth trying. Mix coffee grounds with fresh lemon juice, honey, and a splash of olive oil. The lemon provides natural vitamin C and alpha hydroxy acids that help brighten skin.

Combine three tablespoons of coffee grounds with the juice of half a lemon, one tablespoon of honey, and a teaspoon of olive oil. The acidity of the lemon makes this more of a treatment than an everyday scrub—use it once or twice a week max.

Since lemon can make your skin photosensitive, use this in the evening and always wear sunscreen the next day. The results are worth it though—your skin will look noticeably brighter and more even-toned after consistent use. IMO, this is one of the most effective DIY brightening treatments out there.

13. Aloe Vera Coffee Cooling Scrub

Perfect for summer or after too much sun exposure, this cooling scrub combines coffee grounds with aloe vera gel and a touch of vitamin E oil. Aloe is incredibly soothing and helps repair sun-damaged skin.

Mix half a cup of coffee grounds with a quarter cup of pure aloe vera gel and the contents of two vitamin E capsules. Keep this one in the fridge for an extra cooling effect. It’s amazing for calming irritated or sunburned skin.

The gel consistency makes it less messy than oil-based scrubs, which is a nice change. Just make sure you’re using real aloe vera gel, not the bright green stuff packed with artificial colors and fragrances. Your skin can tell the difference, trust me. Looking for more refreshing options? These cold brew variations are perfect for hot days.

14. Shea Butter Coffee Luxury Scrub

When you want to feel like you’re at a five-star spa, this is the scrub to make. Whip together melted shea butter with coffee grounds and a hint of vanilla. The shea butter provides intense moisture and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Melt a quarter cup of shea butter in a double boiler until it’s liquid, then let it cool slightly. Mix in half a cup of coffee grounds and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. You can even whip the shea butter with a hand mixer before adding the coffee for a fluffier texture.

This scrub is incredibly rich and perfect for super dry skin or harsh winter months. A little goes a long way, so you don’t need to glob it on. The shea butter solidifies at room temperature, so this scrub has more of a balm-like consistency. It’s basically fancy body butter that exfoliates.

15. Apple Cider Vinegar Coffee Clarifying Scrub

This one’s for when your skin needs a serious detox. Mix coffee grounds with apple cider vinegar, honey, and a carrier oil of your choice. ACV helps balance your skin’s pH and has antibacterial properties that fight acne-causing bacteria.

Combine three tablespoons of coffee grounds with one tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar, one tablespoon of honey, and two tablespoons of your preferred carrier oil. The smell is… intense. But the results are worth it. Your skin will feel incredibly clean without that stripped, tight feeling.

Use this as a weekly treatment rather than a daily scrub. The ACV can be drying if you overdo it. Make sure you’re using the raw, unfiltered kind with “the mother” for maximum benefits. This scrub is particularly good for oily or acne-prone skin types. For more health-conscious coffee ideas, check out these healthy coffee recipes that skip the sugar crash.

After about three months of rotating through these scrubs, Sarah from our community told me her skin texture completely transformed. She’d been dealing with rough patches and dullness for years, and these DIY treatments finally gave her the glow she’d been chasing with expensive products. Sometimes the simplest solutions really are the best ones.