
DIY Coffee Scrub for Cellulite, Stretch Marks Without Coconut Oil
Can your skin use an instant refresh? Learn how to make a homemade coffee scrub recipe for cellulite, stretch marks and anti-aging skin care. As there are a number of coffee benefits for skin, this DIY body scrub is an incredibly easy beauty hack to help you achieve glowing skin, reduce puffiness caused by inflammation, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
As coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating which can lead to clog pores, I formulated my DIY coffee scrub without coconut oil. Instead, I used sweet almond oil in combination with Himalayan pink salt, brown sugar, ground coffee grinds, and essential oils. These natural materials work together to exfoliate, smooth and brighten dull, aging, or acne prone skin.
As a result, your will skin look and feel more youthful. It will also appear healthier and rejuvenated with every use. In addition, this natural skin care product can also help to reduce the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks as well as facial puffiness!
Easy Homemade Coffee Scrub Recipe
My easy coffee scrub recipe without coconut oil is inspired by the Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub. Their version contains coffee, sweet almond oil, water, salt, brown sugar, orange oil, vitamin E and fragrance.
Scented with a fresh fragrance blend of orange, coconut and cardamom, my DIY coffee scrub contains naturally emollient sweet almond oil, mineral rich pink Himalayan salt, anti-inflammatory blood orange essential oil, brown sugar, and ground coffee to promote glowing, youthful looking skin.
DIY Coffee Scrub Benefits
So what are the benefits of a DIY coffee scrub? These exfoliating body scrubs are often touted as being able to tackle cellulite and stretch marks. However, this easy option offers many other additional natural skin care benefits. This natural beauty products works especially well if you are aging or have maturing skin and want to minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Following some of the coffee scrub benefits you’ll experience through regular use.
Here are the potential benefits of this skin care product:
- Exfoliates skin to remove dead skin cells, leaving you with supple skin.
- Smooths skin so it looks & feels more youthful.
- Brightens dull skin to give it a healthy looking glow.
- Fights the visible signs of aging to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots..
- Caffeic acid (found in coffee) has antimicrobial properties that help protect the skin against germs and help to prevent acne.
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks.
- Targets and fights inflammation that can make skin look puffy.
- Increase blood flow which aids in the overall skin health.
- If applied regularly, you will notice that your skin absorbs moisture much more effectively.
That all sounds pretty great, right? It really is. I love the difference adding this product to my daily beauty regimen has made. Plus they are so easy to whip together.
However, unlike many of the coffee formulations you see on the internet, mine is different. I formulate my coffee scrub recipe without coconut oil — and for a very important reason.
Why Make Coffee Scrubs without Coconut Oil?
As coconut oil has a fairly high comedogenic rating of 4 — meaning it can clog pores and cause acne when used — I chose to create a DIY coffee scrub recipe without coconut oil. In lieu of coconut oil I used sweet almond oil. Sweet almond oil has a comedogenic rating of 2, which is moderately low, and contains essential fatty acids as well as vitamins A and E.
So not only will this coffee body scrub recipe not cause acne, but it’s also an effective emollient for moisturizing skin. Plus, sweet almond oil is quickly and easily absorbed by the skin.
Skin Benefits of Sweet Orange Oil in a DIY Coffee Scrub
In addition to swapping out the coconut oil in my DIY coffee scrub, I also chose to use blood orange essential oil. I chose this natural essential oil for several reasons. Not only does sweet orange essential oil offer uplifting aromatherapeutic benefits, it also has anti-inflammatory skin care properties. And it has been proven effective at preventing acne and other dermatitis related issues. It can also aid in clearing up existing acne breakouts and further promote healing. So skin looks healthy and feels amazing.
However, it is important keep in mind that any citrus essential oil, including blood orange essential oil, can increase photosensitivity. So when using this homemade body scrub, you will need to take proper precautions against sun exposure. And, as with any essential oil, you should consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Additional Coffee Body Scrub Ingredients
I have also included a few optional ingredients in my DIY coffee body scrub recipe. The fragrance oil is, of course, optional. It does smell wonderful and summery blended with the blood orange essential oil. However, you can choose to omit it entirely, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Or simply use an alternate fragrance oil that blends nicely with orange. I also added extra caffeine to my scrub for its purported anti-aging benefits (though research is mixed) along with its anti-inflammatory properties and naturally occurring antioxidants.
The caffeine also further aids in reducing inflammation which in turn can help with puffy skin. In addition, I also added a bit of steam distilled coffee oil to give my coffee scrub recipe more of an underlying coffee scent.
Following is my orange coconut coffee scrub recipe without coconut oil. In addition to the directions on how to make this product, you’ll also find free printable labels to apply to your product containers for easy gifting. I hope you enjoy the coffee scrub benefits as much as I do!
Homemade Coffee Scrub Ingredients
We need the following materials to create an exfoliating body scrub with coffee:
- 4.5 oz. coffee beans, finely ground
- 2.25 oz. pink Himalayan salt, finely ground (you can substitute pink salt with sea salt, if desired)
- 2 oz. brown sugar
- 3 oz. sweet almond oil (jojoba oil or another carrier oil can be used as a substitute)
- .25 oz. blood orange essential oil
- 2 mL vitamin E oil
Optional Ingredients:
You can turn this sugar scrub recipe into a lavish body treatment by adding the following to your homemade body scrub:
- .3 oz. Coconut Orange Cardamom Fragrance Oil
- .5 oz. water soluble caffeine extract
- 20 drops steam distilled coffee oil or coffee absolute
How to Make Homemade Coffee Scrub
Making a coffee body scrub at home is easy when you follow these instructions. Let me walk you through the simple steps:
1. Using a digital scale, weigh out the coffee grinds, pink Himalayan salt and brown sugar. Combine in a glass bowl or large glass Pyrex measuring cup.
2. Mix the dry ingredients together with a fork to ensure even distribution.
3. Now weigh out the sweet almond oil, blood orange essential oil, fragrance oil and water soluble caffeine extract into a separate container. Measure out and add the vitamin E oil using a plastic transfer pipette. Finally, add the coffee oil using a dropper or plastic transfer pipette, then mix together all of the wet /liquid materials to combine.
4. Spoon the dry parts of the recipe into the wet parts and mix well. Use a fork to whisk the them together until they are combined thoroughly.
5. Now spoon your orange coconut scented scrub into two clear plastic 8 oz. low profile jars. (Each jar will hold approximately 6.25 oz. of body scrub by weight.)
TIP: Alternately, you can also use two 8 oz. High Barrier Kraft Paper Stand up Zipper Pouch Bags. (These bags are comparable to the ones used for the Frank Body products.) You can also use traditional pantry jars, which are classic wide-mouth, clear glass jars with a rubber gasket seal and easy-to-use clamp down lid.
6. Allow the DIY coffee scrub to cool to room temperature before screwing the lids onto the jar or closing the containers.
Package the coffee scrub recipe + free printable label
Now download the free printable labels here. Print the PDF file onto a full size white label sheet. Cut out the labels, remove the backing and adhere to the front of your containers.
If you love my scrub recipe for your anti-aging skin care routine, then be sure to pin it for later!
How to Use Homemade Coffee Body Scrub
You can use this scrub in the shower or tub. Follow these simple steps exfoliate your body:
- First, run the water for a few minutes to soften your skin.
- Next, gently apply the DIY coffee body scrub over your body.
- Rub it on your skin in circular motions, moving from the feet upwards to slough off dead skin.
- Then rinse it off in the shower with plenty of water.
Exfoliate with this coffee sugar scrub once to twice per week. Don’t use the scrub on irritated skin or wounds.
How to Store DIY Coffee Scrub
Store your homemade coffee sugar scrub recipe in an airtight jar or container in a cool, dark place.
Use a spoon or cosmetic spatula to take coffee body scrub out from the jar and be careful that no water enters the product.
How Long Does DIY Coffee Scrub Last?
If stored correctly, the coffee scrub can be kept for up to 6 months.
Homemade Coffee Scrub FAQ
Can you use old coffee grounds for body scrub?
Yes, old coffee grinds make an excellent body exfoliant, and you may reuse them in my scrub recipe.
Is coffee scrub good for skin?
Yes, this product is good for your skin! Coffee can do much more than just lift you up in the morning. It’s an incredible skincare ingredient that you can use to improve your skin.
Using exfoliating body scrubs is said to improve blood circulation, which aids in overall skin health. Healthy blood circulation will give your skin a more even tone. When you apply a coffee scrub on the body in circular motions, your skin also absorbs caffeine’s antioxidant qualities, which eventually prevents premature aging.

Does coffee scrub reduce cellulite?
Cellulite is mostly formed due to genetics, but once it is there, it stays. On its own, coffee is full of antioxidants and works as an exfoliating agent to help in removing dead skin cells. But the caffeine in this DIY scrub isn’t enough to help reduce cellulite’s appearance on the skin.
To make the scrub truly effective against cellulite, be sure to add the water-soluble caffeine I suggest in the ingredient list above. When caffeine is applied on a cellulite-affected area, it may help decrease cellulite by breaking down the uneven fat and increasing the blood flow.
Can I use coffee scrub every day?
No, it is not advisable to use coffee scrub every single day. Any scrub at all can have adverse effects on the skin if used daily. Excessive scrubbing and exfoliating can easily damage your skin unless you’re using an extremely gentle homemade scrub.
The topmost layer of your skin acts as a protective barrier layer. Over-exfoliating can damage this layer, leaving your skin more exposed to the UV rays, easy tanning, sunburns, and rashes.
How often should one use coffee scrubs?
You can use this homemade coffee scrub once or twice per week. Anything more than that isn’t safe for the skin.
It’s impossible to tell when you’ve gotten rid of the dead skin cells and when you’re damaging the fresh new skin cells. Which is why limiting the usage of this product to 1-2 times a week is the best option.
Can I use coffee scrub on my scalp?
Coffee scrubs aren’t just limited to your body, you can use it for all kinds of beauty applications. If you’re looking for a way to use this powerhouse in your hair, a scalp treatment is an excellent idea.
Coffee grounds can be used as a hair scrub, hair rinse, and scalp exfoliator. The exfoliating agents in this scrub help discard dead skin cells, product build-up (can clog hair follicles in your scalp), dandruff, oil, and may even stimulate hair growth.
How to use coffee on your hair?
The best way to use a coffee scrub on your head is to massage the mixture into your scalp using circular motions. Leave it in for around 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse it out with lukewarm water.
Another idea is to mix a little scrub with your conditioner and then apply it on your hair. Leave it for 5 to 8 minutes before rinsing it off.
Can coffee scrub clog the drain?
Yes, unfortunately, coffee can clog the drain and damage pipes. In fact, “Coffee scrubs are one of the worst things you can put down your drain,” says Jim Steine, the president of Atomic Plumbing in Virginia.
Worst actually means worst in this case. It doesn’t matter even if you use this product only once a week. It will clog your drain by mixing with residue and oils from soap and other personal care products in your pipe.
Once the pipe is clogged, household cleaners will not help in breaking the coffee down. The only option would be to call a plumber, which would cost you some bucks.
So, if you’re using a coffee scrub, be sure you use a drain filter to avoid getting your drain clogged. You can find these drain filters on Amazon or in home improvement stores.
Is a Coffee Scrub Good for Your Face?
There is some debate about whether or not you can use coffee to exfoliate fine facial skin. However, if finely ground and used occasionally, you can use a coffee face scrub. A face scrub made using coffee grounds can improve the look and feel of your skin. Coffee grinds are gentler than salt and sugar as well. Therefore, they are great option for your face when used sparingly.
Here are the benefits of a coffee grounds face scrub:
- They naturally exfoliate the skin to remove dead skin cells for brighter looking skin.
- Coffee grounds don’t dissolve in water, so they last longer than salt or sugar while you’re using them.
- Caffeic acid is an antioxidant found in coffee, and it may boost collagen production to reduce the signs of aging.
- Caffeic acid is also naturally antimicrobial.
- The caffeine in coffee boosts blood circulation to make your skin glow. This may also reduce puffiness. This is why people make this product for cellulite.
- Chlorogenic acids in coffee naturally reduce inflammation.
- Coffee may reduce acne due to being anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and by clearing pores.
Are Coffee ScrubsToo Harsh for Your Face?
Coffee body scrubs are generally well tolerated by most skin types, including those with oily skin, dry skin and even sensitive skin. However, when making a coffee face scrub recipe, be sure to only use other materials that are safe for your delicate facial skin.
However, I do not recommend that you incorporate used coffee grounds from a coffee pod for a coffee grounds face scrub. This is because this type of ground coffee tends to be more coarse and can irritate your facial skin.
Generally, it is safe to use a coffee grounds facial scrub about once a week. But you do need to ensure they are very finely ground so as not to tear skin. Therefore, I recommend running your grounds through a coffee grinder to make the grounds as fine as possible for this application. You will also want to reduce the amount of coffee grounds in a recipe for this type of application so as not to over exfoliate and irritate delicate facial skin.
Can a Coffee Scrub Remove Blackheads?
A DIY coffee scrub for acne can help unclog pores, which can reduce blackheads. While it won’t clear up your blackheads right away, it can help reduce blackheads and prevent future ones by keeping your pores clear.
Do I Have to Weigh the Coffee Scrub Ingredients?
There are a number of ways to make DIY coffee scrubs that have you measure the ingredients in cups, tablespoons and teaspoons. However, this homemade body scrub with coffee was formulated so that it could be scaled in size. This is especially important if you are making coffee body scrubs to sell.
By using weights for this formulation, you can scale the recipe to any percentage. You’re not just confined to endlessly doubling the recipe. In addition, knowing the total weight of the recipe allows you to determine the correct percentage of fragrance oil a preservative necessary when making this product for sale.
DIY Coffee Scrub Recipe

Learn how to make this DIY coffee scrub recipe for cellulite, stretch marks and anti-aging skin care. Formulated without coconut oil, this exfoliating coffee scrub offers all the coffee scrub benefits for glowing skin.
Materials
- 4.5 oz. coffee beans, fine ground
- 2.25 oz. pink Himalayan salt, fine ground
- 2 oz. brown sugar
- 3 oz. sweet almond oil
- .25 oz. blood orange essential oil
- 2 mL vitamin E oil
- .3 oz. Coconut Orange Cardamom Fragrance Oil, optional
- .5 oz. water soluble caffeine extract, optional
- 20 drops steam distilled coffee oil or coffee absolute, optional
Tools
- digital kitchen scale
- large glass mixing bowl or measuring cup
- fork or other utensil
- 2 8 oz. plastic low profile jars
- plastic transfer pipette
Instructions
- Use a digital scale to weigh out the ground coffee, pink Himalayan salt and brown sugar. Combine the dry ingredients in a glass bowl or large glass Pyrex measuring cup.
- Mix the dry ingredients together with a fork to ensure even distribution.
- Weigh out the sweet almond oil, blood orange essential oil, fragrance oil and water soluble caffeine extract into a separate container.
- Then measure out the vitamin E oil using a plastic transfer pipette and add it the container with the wet ingredients. Follow the the coffee oil using a dropper or plastic transfer pipette.
- Now combine the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix well. Use a fork to whisk the ingredients until they are mixed thoroughly.
- Finally spoon the DIY coffee scrub into two plastic 8 oz. low profile jars.
The Best Coffee Scrubs to Buy
Don’t have time to make your own homemade body scrubs? Consider shopping for homemade coffee scrubs from a number of wonderful artisans at Etsy. I love the following product available for purchase:
- Whipped Coffee Body Scrub: This whipped coffee brown sugar soap scrub recipe combines and exfoliating bath whip with a homemade body scrub for a luxurious two-in-one product. This paraben free and cruelty free product has been designed to bring you to a stress free state by combining the therapeutic benefits of a sugar scrub with the luxurious feel of a cleansing, foaming bath whip. Enjoy this skin care product on your hands and body to feel instantly refreshed or to indulge in a spa day at home.
- Coffee Scrub Soap:This two-in-one soap and exfoliating body scrub is an ideal solution for exfoliating skin to remove tough dirt and grime as well as for neutralizing kitchen odors. Formulated with a double strong pot of organic coffee and coffee grounds, this soap has a light, natural coffee fragrance.
- Shea Butter Coffee Scrub: This best selling body scrub is hand crafted with a combination of ground coffee and moisturizing shea body butter. In addition it’s also infused with green coffee oil for its skin benefits along with coffee essential oil for a natural scent. This artisan body scrub is ideal not just self care, but also to give as homemade gifts.
You can also explore more homemade coffee sugar scrubs available for purchase here.
Coffee Scrub Recipes
If you love my homemade coffee scrub without coconut oil as much as I do, then you may also like my other natural body care formulations with coffee.
- Solid Coffee Scrub: This solid body scrub is a seasonal favorite that’s scented with cardamom and pumpkin spice. Made using coffee, sugar and salt to exfoliate skin, this solid body scrub works just as well as a traditional sugar coffee scrub, but without the mess. Learn how to make these skin pampering solid sugar scrub bars to exfoliate and moisturize for glowing skin. Or create these scrubs as homemade holiday gifts for friends and family.
- DIY Coffee Scrub with Coconut Oil: Made with a blend of aromatherapeutic essential oils, this exfoliating scrub with coconut oil resembles potted succulents and is the perfect treat for your natural summer skin care routine. Learn how to make this DIY beauty recipe today to naturally pamper your skin and reduce the visible appearance of cellulite. Or make this natural body scrub to create unique homemade gifts for friends and family.
- DIY Coffee Body Scrub: Need a quick and easy homemade body scrub? Make this simple 5-ingredient coffee sugar scrub in just 5-minutes. This easy, natural skin care recipe is created with mandarin essential oil to help you achieve the look of naturally glowing skin. It exfoliates away dead skin cells, hydrates skin and helps to tone for firmer looking skin.
- Solid Coffee Sugar Scrub: As the saying goes, sugar and spice and everything nice! This warming cardamom and spice solid coffee sugar scrub recipe is formulated with warm holiday spices for you cinnamon lovers, and a cardamom fragrance oil. Like jar scrubs, it also exfoliates skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite for soft, supple skin. While the addition of mango and cocoa butters moisturize dry skin for lasting hydration.
- Coffee Scrub Soap Recipe: Looking for a mess free way to exfoliate with coffee? Try soap! This easy caffeinated soap recipe has a fun, scrubby coffee center. Made using a melt and pour soap base, this skin care project is a suitable soap making project for beginners.
If you enjoyed learning how to make homemade coffee scrubs for glowing skin, then be sure to try my other homemade body scrubs. Discover more ways to make salt scrubs here. Or explore these exfoliating my sugar scrubs. Or, find additional bath and body projects with free printable product labels here.
For more of my homemade skin care recipes, be sure to follow my DIY Bath and Body board on Pinterest. You can also find and follow Soap Deli News on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
8 Comments
Lisa
August 12, 2016 at 4:20 am
Do you need a preservative for long shelf life?
Rebecca D. Dillon
August 12, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Yes, I would. If you omit the water soluble caffeine you can store this for a bit, but once opened I’d use it everyday until it’s gone if you prefer to omit a preservative. Otherwise, as well as if you are selling your product, a preservative is highly recommended.
KG
April 18, 2017 at 11:14 am
which preservative do you recommend?
Rebecca D. Dillon
April 19, 2017 at 2:54 pm
I would probably use Phenonip or Optiphen Plus.
Barbara
May 10, 2017 at 6:50 am
How much of the preservative?
Rebecca D. Dillon
May 10, 2017 at 1:00 pm
It depends on the preservative you choose to use for this. Based on which one you use, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the % used.
Nicky
July 18, 2017 at 5:25 am
Does vitamin E not act as a preservative?
Rebecca D. Dillon
July 18, 2017 at 9:50 am
Vitamin E is not a preservative. It is an antioxidant – meaning it can extend the shelf life of the oils it’s used in conjunction with.
Comments are closed.