Homemade gingerbread scrub makes the perfect gift for teachers and besties. Here’s how to make it.

By Alexis Rochester

As a chemist specializing in skincare, I spend a lot of time testing products that balance science and good results.

One of my favorite seasonal creations is our DIY gingerbread sugar scrub.

And it makes a really great gift for teachers and friends!

HOW IT WORKS

I start with a blend of organic brown sugar and organic white granulated sugar. When combined, they offer the perfect level of exfoliation.

The cozy mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger isn’t just added for its holiday aroma; each of these spices contains natural antioxidants.

They warm the skin, brighten its appearance and add the perfect scent to this scrub.

For moisture, we use organic, non-GMO avocado oil, which is rich in fatty acids that help replenish and support the skin barrier. I pair it with castor oil, a longtime favorite of mine for its humectant properties and the smooth glide it brings to the final product.

A few drops of cinnamon essential oil can be added for those who want a stronger festive scent.

After blending everything together, I pack the scrub into 8-ounce glass jars.

You can add some ribbon or Christmas themed tags if you want to give them as gifts.

We have some printable tags for you to use here.

You can also get a printable recipe in our blog post to make it easy.

For now, here is the ingredient list:

● 1 cup brown sugar, organic

● 2 cups white granulated sugar, organic

● 3 tsp organic cinnamon

● 3 tsp organic nutmeg

● 1/2 tsp cloves

● 1/2 tsp ginger

● 1/4 cup avocado oil

● 1/8 cup castor oil

● Cinnamon oil drops (optional)

● 8 oz glass jars with lids

HOW TO MAKE IT

Mix sugars together until well-combined. Brown sugar can clump, so make sure to break apart if needed.

Add spices and stir.

Add avocado oil; mix until sugar mix is coated, then add castor oil and mix again.

At this point, the mixture should be soft and wet, but not mushy.

You can add in some drops of cinnamon oil for added scent and benefits, but this is optional.

Alexis Rochester is an investigative chemist, blogger and founder of Chemistry Cachet. She shares science-based skin care, cleaning, gardening and health tips. She was diagnosed with RA at age 10, so she has a passion for pain management tips and research, along with sharing her journey through this disease. When she’s not writing for Chemistry Cachet, she is taking Pilates or Barre classes, and also received her Barre teaching certification this year! She grew up in Stephenville and recently moved back with her daughter, husband and bulldog. You can find her posting pictures and fun stories daily on Instagram. Also look for Chemistry Cachet on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and LinkedIn.