Coconut caramel lemon body scrub

It’s funny how brand can seduce us so strongly. Because of ‘brand’ we choose products made with fragrances that don’t naturally exist, plastic microbeads that pollute our lakes and oceans, and preservatives that alter our body’s hormone production. Because of brand, we spend $50 on a ‘luxury’ scrub as a ‘treat’. Because of brand we believe we feel better, validated, comforted, giddy…

I too have bought many a time because of brand. I once worked in the luxury beauty industry pushing the most expensive lotions and potions available. When you have training in a cosmetics company, it’s extremely detailed. Detailed, that is, in the sense that you understand skin physiology at a deep level, and that you know every active ingredient that produces a result in every product across your brand. Training is full day, full week, exams and tests. There’s something missing in the training program though. Something important – about 2/3 of the ingredient list in fact. What are those ingredients? What do they do? Largely, they do things that don’t serve us, they serve the cream’s ability to stay ‘fresh’ and smell nice. Therein lie the toxins, the hormone disruptors, the harmful preservatives. Funny how these were never mentioned.

The funniest part is that the results of a home made scrub are better. The home made scrub is cheaper. The home made scrub doesn’t pollute oceans or our bodies. The home made scrub smells like you could eat it – because in fact, you COULD! My first scrub is already a couple of years old and has lots of delicious feedback, so feel free to check out my coffee body scrub if you fancy. It’s here.

 

What you’ll need

1/2 cup melted coconut oil (stir speed, 2 minutes, 100C for thermomix users in winter) – you could use sweet almond oil instead if you prefer.

3/4 cup coconut sugar or organic brown sugar

1/4 cup coarse sea salt (fine sea salt if you want to use on your face)

1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

2 teaspoons vanilla bean extract (optional)

10 drops rosemary essential oil (optional. Brilliant muscle relaxant)

 

What to do

Mix it all in a bowl by hand (or 3 secs speed 4 for TM)

Pop in a jar. Stick a ribbon on it. Gift it. No, keep it. Ok, just make double. Some for you, some for Mum!

 

Let me know how you enjoy it. I’m addicted. It is a great time of year to scrub and moisturise simultaneously when the cold hits. Silky smooth and protected skin from the chilly weather.

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Alexx x

 

Comments 5

  1. Hi Alex, love this recipe and am thinking of making it for a homemade hamper I’m putting together for a raffle for charity. Thought I’d put some instructions for use on the jar. Any recommendations for some simple instructions? Many thanks, and LOVE your work.

    Tracey

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Tracey – I’d just pop the instructions I’ve got on the post – combine all ingredients in a bowl, stirring well. Pop in a jar. Use whenever you fancy silky soft, moisturised skin.

  2. This looks fabulous. Just wondering how long it would keep for? Does it need to be kept in the fridge? Thanks.

    1. Post
      Author

      Hi Sam ,I’ve had it by my shower for a couple of weeks now, no sign at all of spoiling. I’d say being based on fat and sugar, it will last a good couple of months. Enjoy! 🙂

  3. Hi Alexx,
    Great recipe! Was wondering what brand of essential oils you use? Do you have a preference?
    Thanks!

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