5 DIY Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes for Glowing Skin

Fancy making a simple, fragrant body scrub at home? These five DIY Epsom salt scrub recipes combine easy-to-find ingredients with scents such as lavender, lemon and peppermint. They're a lovely way to add a little hands-on ritual to your shower routine.

From a calming lavender and coconut blend to an invigorating coffee scrub, you'll find the ingredients and how-to steps below. Choose fine Epsom salt, scrub gently, and avoid irritated or broken skin.

What is Epsom Salt?

Despite its name, Epsom salt isn't the same as table salt. It's magnesium sulphate, a mineral compound often sold for bath and body care. In these recipes, its grains provide the exfoliating texture; there's no need to rely on unproven claims about absorbing magnesium through the skin.

You’ll usually find it in the health aisle or with bath products. It’s inexpensive, natural, and wonderfully versatile.

Why Use Epsom Salt in a Homemade Scrub?

• Fine grains help buff away loose, dry surface skin when used gently.

• You can customise the fragrance using appropriately diluted, skin-safe ingredients.

• The ingredients are simple and inexpensive.

• A handmade scrub adds a little ritual to an everyday shower.

5 Beautiful Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes

Here are five easy, fragrant DIY Epsom salt scrub recipes you can make at home with natural ingredients you may already have in the kitchen. From soothing lavender to uplifting lemon, these scrubs are a lovely way to treat yourself – or share as a thoughtful gift.

Let’s dive in…

1. Lavender & Coconut Epsom Salt Scrub – For Relaxation

Perfect for: Evening wind-downs and calming the senses.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• ½ cup coconut oil (melted)

• 10 drops of lavender essential oil

• Optional: dried lavender buds

How to Use: Massage onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse off.

2. Lemon & Honey Epsom Salt Scrub – For Brightening

Perfect for: Dull or dry skin in need of a refresh.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 1 tbsp honey

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 5–7 drops lemon essential oil

How to Use: Use 1–2 times weekly for radiant skin.

3. Peppermint Foot Scrub – For Tired Feet

Perfect for: Reviving sore, achy feet after a long day.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• ½ cup grapeseed or almond oil

• 8 drops peppermint essential oil

• Optional: a few dried mint leaves

How to Use: Soak feet first, then scrub in circular motions.

4. Rose & Vanilla Epsom Salt Scrub – For Self-Care Days

Perfect for: Pampering and making skin feel silky smooth.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• ½ cup sweet almond oil

• 10 drops vanilla extract or oil

• A handful of dried rose petals

How to Use: Gently scrub the body before rinsing in warm water.

5. Coffee & Epsom Salt Scrub – For Energising & Firming

Perfect for: Morning showers and improving circulation.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup Epsom salt

• ½ cup ground coffee

• ½ cup coconut oil

• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

How to Use: Use on thighs, arms and tummy to exfoliate and tone.

Tips & Tricks for Making Epsom Salt Scrubs

DO:

• Use fine Epsom salt for a gentler scrub – it’s kinder on sensitive or mature skin.

• Make small batches and keep water out of the jar. Without a preservative, homemade scrubs, especially those with fresh ingredients, are best made for immediate use rather than stored for weeks.

• Patch test essential oils before use, especially if you have sensitive skin.

• Use a spoon or spatula to scoop your scrub – it keeps the jar free from bacteria and helps it last longer.

• Apply scrubs to damp skin, using gentle circular motions to exfoliate without overdoing it.

DON’T:

• Don’t use scrubs on broken, irritated or freshly shaved skin – give your body time to heal first.

• Don’t use too much oil – if your scrub feels greasy or slippery, try reducing it slightly.

• Don’t get water in your jar – it can cause the mixture to spoil more quickly.

More Ways to Use Epsom Salt Around the Home

Epsom salt isn't just for body scrubs. You can also use it in decorative scent jars and other simple home fragrance projects. If you've got some left over, explore my 7 ways to use Epsom salt for natural home fragrance.

5 DIY Epsom Salt Scrub Recipes: A Final Note

Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive – sometimes the most comforting rituals are made with what you already have at home.

These Epsom salt scrubs are a gentle reminder to pause, breathe, and give your body a little love, whether after a long day, a tough week, or just because you need a moment to yourself.

If you try one of these blends, let me know how you get on – and if you’ve got a favourite scent combo, I’d love to hear it! 💛