DIY coffee scrubs are the cheapest, easiest beauty treats you can ever make for yourself.You probably already have coffee grains at home — there’s probably a batch sitting in your coffee maker right now! Here’s a fun list of coffee beauty treatments that you can whip up any time, plus tips and FAQ on how to get the most out of each batch!

Can I use wet, used coffee grinds in coffee scrubs?

Absolutely! I have a huge glass jar next to my sink where I dump all my coffee grains from my coffee filter. (An old ice cream tub works well too!)

Sometimes I just grab a handful to scrub my hands after I cut garlic or fish (it helps get rid of strong smells). Or, I mix other kitchen ingredients to make the DIY coffee scrubs below.

Lazy girl confession: when I only use half a lemon for a marinade, or my fresh herbs are about to die, I’ll add them to the day’s coffee grains with a dollop of olive oil. Then I’ll use the coffee mixture at night, feeling mighty proud because I didn’t waste anything AND scored a free beauty treatment.

However, wet coffee grinds need to be used ASAP, because they lose some of their antioxidants and can get moldy (gross). If you plan to store your scrubs or give them away, use fresh and unused coffee.

how to make DIY coffee scrubs

DIY Coffee Scrub FAQ

Can I used flavoured grinds in DIY coffee scrubs?

Yes, yes, and OMG yes. They smell heavenly. Just make sure theyré grinds, not instant coffee.

Why is coffee good for the skin?

The caffeine temporarily tightens the skin — and tighter skin looks younger and radiant! They’re also a gentle and natural exfoliant. I personally prefer coffee grains to scrubs with larger and more abrasive ingredients (like apricot husks, salt and brown sugar) especially if I’m making a DIY face scrub. It’s bit more effective than oatmeal. Don’t get me wrong, oatmeal masks are awesome — especially if you have sensitive skin! But if you have dry flakes or large pores, you want just a little more scrubbing power. Coffee grains give you just enough “grit” without tearing your skin surface.

How should I store my DIY coffee scrubs?

Place in a cool and dry place, like a cabinet. Personally I don’t like putting them in the shower, unless I plan to use it within 1 to 2 days. There’s just way too much moisture that dissolve the grains and make them less effective at exfoliating.

When I make a larger batch to give away as gifts, I sterilize and dry the jars completely and then add a tag telling them to use it within 1 to 2 weeks. I’ll also use pure carrier oils and essential oils, instead of the olive oil sitting in my kitchen.

But if it’s just me — and I know I’ll be using the products ASAP, I’ll just whip up a batch in a bowl and scrub away! As long as you don’t plan to store DIY beauty scrubs for a long time, you don’t have to fuss over sterilization.

diy coffee scrubs face

Mocha Frappuccino Face Mask

Mix 2 tablespoons each of ground coffee and cocoa powder. Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 3 tablespoons of yogurt or cream. (If you only have milk, that works too!)

Sine this is for the face, you’ll want finer coffee grounds (or, if you don’t have any, use less coffee and add more cocoa). These will gently exfoliate dead skin cells. We love using this on blackhead-prone areas like the forehead, nose and chin!

The honey moisturizes, and the lactic acids in yogurt/milk/cream helps brighten your skin tone. (Find brightening body scrubs that help lighten elbows and armpits.)

Leave the mask on for 15 minutes and wash off with lukewarm water.

French Vanilla Coffee Body Scrub

This body scrub smells amaaazing! Get a cup of coffee grounds, 2/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, and 1/4 cup coconut oil. Add 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract.

The honey and the vanilla extract don’t just add scent — they’re good for the skin! Both of them are rich in antioxidants. Honey also fights bacteria and vanilla reduces inflammation, so together can also soothe irritated skin. That’s why this is a great DIY body scrub for eczema and skin allergies.

Anti-Acne Coffee Scrub

This is a great coffee scrub for people with oily skin or acne! All you need is 1 tablespoon of coffee, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of honey, a and just enough water to make a paste. Scrub-a-dub and leave it on for about 10 minutes.

You can use this on your face or anywhere you get body acne. The baking soda will dry out those zits, and the honey can help reduce redness and inflammation.

Rose and Coffee Blemish Buster

This coffee face mask can help fade blemishes and acne marks! Just mix 2 tablespoons of ground coffee, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder, yoghurt or milk, 1 tablespoon honey, and 3 to 6 drops of rose essential oil. If you don’t have that, you can substitute a rose water toner but take out the milk so it’s not too watery. Rinse off with lukewarm water — or even better, water infused with rose tea leaves!

This is a really great face mask, but some people are sensitive to rose essential oils. To avoid irritation, make your first batch with 3 drops and just increase it when you know you’re not allergic to it.

diy coffee scrubs body

Relaxing Lavender and Coffee Body Scrub

We love using this DIY beauty treat whenever we’re stressed! Just mix 1 cup of coffee grounds, 1/3 cup coconut oil or olive oil, and 10 to 20 drops of lavender oil.

Massage the coffee scrub into your skin (that’ll also help with muscle tension and fatigue!). The lavender oil is very soothing and will help you fall asleep if you have insomnia. However, you can also substitute this with any other essential oil. We recommend: peppermint, bergamot, or rosemary.

Anti-Cellulite Coffee Body Scrub

Mix 1 cup of coffee grounds with 1/2 cup of sugar and 1 cup of coconut oil. Add 10 to 20 drops of rosemary essential oil. You can also replace rosemary oil with 10 drops of cinnamon oil, then add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder.

DIY Coffee Scalp Treatment

Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1 tablespoon of coffee. Break open a Vitamin E capsule and squeeze it into the mix. Then, add 5 drops of rosemary essential oil.

The coffee grains and rosemary oil boosts circulation in the scalp, which can help improve your hair growth and prevent thinning hair. Massage this into your scalp and then leave it for 20 minutes before rinsing.