The Best Homemade Face Scrub for Each Skin Type & How to Make It

In a world full of beauty products with ingredient lists you can’t pronounce, making your own skincare at home gives you control. You know exactly what’s going on your face—no mystery additives, no synthetic fragrances. 

However, there is no one-size-fits-all recipe for the best homemade face scrub—it depends on what your skin actually needs. That’s why your skin type will always be the deciding factor.

 

Know Your Skin Before You Scrub

 

To make a face scrub that works, you need to understand what your skin needs. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Oily skin needs help managing sebum and keeping pores clear, while dry skin craves hydration and gentle exfoliation. 

Sensitive skin wants calm, non-abrasive ingredients, and combination skin needs balance—nothing too drying, nothing too heavy. 

Lastly, acne-prone skin benefits from anti-inflammatory, antibacterial elements.

Let’s walk through the best blends for each one—and how to whip them up with natural ingredients you probably already have.

 

For Oily Skin: Clay & Citrus Detox

 

Oily skin thrives on ingredients that soak up excess oil while keeping the skin fresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp bentonite or kaolin clay

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp fine sugar

• 1 tsp raw honey

How to Use It:

Mix everything into a smooth paste. Massage gently onto your face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Let it sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water. Use it once a week for best results.

The clay clears your pores, lemon brightens, and honey keeps your skin balanced—not stripped.

 

For Dry Skin: Oatmeal & Honey Nourishment

 

If your skin flakes or feels tight, this one’s for you. You need a scrub that doubles as a moisturizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp ground oats

• 1 tbsp raw honey

• 1 tbsp yogurt or milk

• 1 tsp almond oil

How to Use It:

Combine everything into a thick paste. Massage gently onto damp skin and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse off with warm water. 

The oats gently exfoliate while honey and almond oil restore lost moisture.

 

For Sensitive Skin: Rice Flour & Aloe Calm

 

If you react to just about everything, this scrub is your best friend.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp rice flour

• 2 tbsp aloe vera gel

• 1 tbsp cooled chamomile tea

How to Use It:

Mix into a lightweight paste and apply gently—no pressure, no scrubbing. Leave it on for 10 minutes, then rinse with cool water. 

The chamomile calms inflammation, and rice flour exfoliates without irritation.

 

For Acne-Prone Skin: Tea Tree & Baking Soda Cleanser

 

When breakouts happen often, exfoliating too much can make things worse. This combo keeps things in check.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp baking soda

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp cooled green tea

• 2–3 drops tea tree essential oil

How to Use It:

Mix into a smooth paste and apply to clean, damp skin. Massage lightly, focusing on breakout-prone zones. Let sit for 5–7 minutes and rinse well.

The tea tree oil and green tea are both known for fighting acne-causing bacteria, while baking soda exfoliates gently.

 

For Combination Skin: Coffee & Yogurt Balance

 

This scrub walks the line between cleansing and hydrating—ideal for skin with an oily T-zone and dry cheeks.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp finely ground coffee

• 1 tbsp plain yogurt

• ½ tsp turmeric

How to Use It:

Combine the ingredients and apply with clean fingers. Massage for 30 seconds, let it sit for 10 minutes, then rinse with lukewarm water.

Coffee invigorates and tightens, yogurt soothes, and turmeric evens your skin tone.

 

Boost Your Blend: Extra Add-Ins

 

Want to personalize your face scrub even further? Add-ins can enhance your base recipe without complicating the process:

• Vitamin E oil for extra nourishment and repair.

• Rosewater to tone and refresh.

• Activated charcoal to deeply cleanse and detox.

• Essential oils (lavender, chamomile, rose) to calm the senses and skin alike.

Start with a simple base, then play around with small tweaks. Your skin will let you know what works.

 

Be Gentle and Consistent

 

Homemade face scrubs can be incredibly effective, but they’re still exfoliants—so don’t overdo it. 

Scrub once a week for dry, acne-prone, or sensitive skin. If your skin is oily or combination, you might get away with twice a week. Always moisturize afterward to lock in hydration and protect your skin barrier.

And here’s the deal: what is the best homemade face scrub for you might change over time. Skin isn’t static—it reacts to weather, diet, stress, and hormones. Check in with your skin regularly and adapt your DIY routine as needed.

Lastly, do not force it. Some people’s skin just doesn’t respond well to physical exfoliation, and that’s okay. Skin conditions like rosacea and eczema require extra gentle care, so refrain from using scrubs if you have either.

 

Conclusion: Keep It Clean, Keep It Simple

 

When you take the time to create skincare that works for your exact skin type, you’re not just doing your face a favor—you’re simplifying your life. Less guesswork, more glow.

From coffee grounds to chamomile tea, the ingredients you need might already be in your pantry. Now you can make the best homemade face scrub using a custom recipe that suits your skin perfectly.

 

Ready to Ditch Harsh Chemicals? We’ve Got You

 

If you love clean beauty, you’ll feel right at home at Purple Plumeria. From natural soap sheets and body scrubs to toxin-free candles, we make self-care simple, sustainable, and a little bit luxurious. 

Want skin that looks as good as it feels? Start with our eco-friendly essentials and build your routine the healthy way.

Explore our collection and treat yourself to skin-loving body products that work as hard as you do.