My homemade pumpkin spice sugar scrub takes just three ingredients: white granulated sugar, your favorite carrier oil, and pumpkin pie spice. Stir it together in one bowl, spoon it into a jar, and you have an easy fall body scrub that also makes a great homemade gift for the holidays!

A glass jar filled with pumpkin spice sugar scrub, garnished with two cinnamon sticks and two star anise, next to a small pumpkin.

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I'm a huge fan of sugar scrubs! Once you start making them and using them regularly, you really notice a difference in your skin. Nothing makes my skin feel more silky smooth than a homemade sugar scrub, which is why I keep coming back to them.

This one is my fall version. It smells delightful, and the pumpkin spice scent lingers on your skin after you rinse. I also found the consistency just right. I don't like my sugar scrubs too oily or too dry, and this ratio lands right in between.

If you're on a pumpkin spice kick like I am, this pairs well with my pumpkin spice bath tea and pumpkin spice shimmer wax melts.

A glass jar of pumpkin spice sugar scrub topped with a wooden spoon, a cinnamon stick, and two star anise, set beside a small pumpkin.

Why White Sugar?

I went with white granulated sugar because I like how exfoliating it is. Brown sugar is softer, so it gives you a gentler scrub. White sugar also gives this scrub a pretty creamy golden color with visible flecks of pumpkin spice.

That said, you can absolutely use any granulated sugar you want. If you're not sure which one to pick, I break down the differences in my post on sugar scrubs and how to pick the right sugar.

A glass jar filled with pumpkin spice sugar scrub, topped with cinnamon sticks and star anise, sitting next to a small pumpkin.

What You'll Need

White granulated sugar: This is the exfoliating base of the scrub.
Carrier oil: Use your favorite. I actually love to use olive oil for this one. I list some good options below.
Pumpkin pie spice: Homemade or store-bought both work.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

A bowl of pumpkin spice sugar scrub with a wooden spoon, next to a small pumpkin on a dark wooden surface. — **In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and pumpkin pie spice, stirring until evenly mixed.**

A bowl of pumpkin spice sugar scrub next to a small pumpkin on a wooden surface. — **Add the carrier oil and mix well until the scrub has a soft, moist, sandy consistency.**

A glass jar filled with pumpkin spice sugar scrub, topped with cinnamon sticks and star anise, next to a small pumpkin. — **Transfer the scrub to a clean, dry glass jar and seal tightly.**

Glass jar filled with pumpkin spice sugar scrub, topped with a star anise, alongside a cinnamon stick and a pumpkin.

How to Use It

Scoop out a small amount with clean, dry hands or a spoon. Gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions, then rinse with warm water.

Be careful using it in the bath or shower, since the oil can make surfaces slippery. This scrub is meant for the body rather than the face.

Which Carrier Oil Is Best for a Sugar Scrub?

Jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, and olive oil are all great options. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand!

If using regular coconut oil, melt it before measuring and mixing. The scrub may firm up as it cools. Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid, keeping the scrub soft.

A jar of pumpkin spice sugar scrub topped with cinnamon sticks and star anise, next to a small pumpkin.

Can You Use Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice?

Yes. Homemade and store-bought pumpkin pie spice both work. Just keep in mind that blends vary. If yours is particularly cinnamon-heavy, or if you have sensitive skin, reduce the spice to 1 teaspoon.

How Long Does Homemade Sugar Scrub Last?

This scrub lasts about 3 months as long as no water gets into the jar. Water is the main thing that shortens its life, so always scoop it out with dry hands or a dry spoon and keep the lid sealed between uses.

If water does get in, plan to use it within a few weeks. Store the jar in a cool, dry place.

A jar of pumpkin spice sugar scrub topped with two star anise and a cinnamon stick, with a wooden spoon and a small pumpkin nearby.

A Great Homemade Holiday Gift

This makes a great gift around the holidays. One batch makes a little more than fits in a 500 ml Weck tulip jar, so you can fill one larger jar or divide it between a few smaller ones. Add a nice label, top with some whole spices, or tie on some twine for gifting!

My Tips for the Best Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

Make sure your jar is completely dry before you fill it.
Start with the recipe's amount of oil and only add more if you want a softer scrub.
Patch test before using it more broadly, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Use just on your body, not your face!

Glass jar filled with pumpkin spice sugar scrub, topped with a wooden spoon, two star anise, and a cinnamon stick, beside a small pumpkin.

More Sugar Scrub Recipes to Try

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DIY Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

My simple pumpkin spice sugar scrub combines white sugar, your favorite carrier oil, and pumpkin pie spice for an easy fall body scrub that makes a great holiday gift.

Active Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Yield: cups

Author: Kristen Wood

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Materials

2 cups white granulated sugar
½ cup carrier oil of choice see notes below
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Add the sugar and pumpkin pie spice to a mixing bowl. Stir until the spice is evenly mixed throughout.
Pour in the carrier oil and stir until thoroughly combined. The scrub should have a soft, moist, sandy consistency.
If you prefer a softer scrub, add more carrier oil, 1 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Spoon the scrub into a clean, completely dry glass jar and seal tightly.
Store in a cool, dry place, taking care not to introduce water into the jar. Enjoy!

Notes

To Use
Scoop out a small amount with clean, dry hands or a spoon. Gently massage onto damp skin using circular motions, then rinse with warm water. Take care when using it in the bath or shower, as the oil can make surfaces slippery.

Carrier Oil Options
Jojoba, coconut, sweet almond, grapeseed, sunflower, and olive oil all work well.

If using regular coconut oil, melt it before measuring and mixing. It may make the scrub firmer as it cools. Fractionated coconut oil will remain liquid.

Notes

White granulated sugar gives this scrub a pretty creamy golden color with visible flecks of pumpkin spice.
You can use any granulated sugar you like. Brown sugar makes a softer, gentler scrub.
Homemade or store-bought pumpkin pie spice both work.
Because pumpkin pie spice blends vary, you can reduce it to 1 teaspoon for sensitive skin or if your blend is particularly cinnamon-heavy.
This recipe is intended for the body rather than the face.
Patch test before using more broadly, especially on sensitive skin.
Lasts about 3 months as long as no water gets into the jar. If water gets in, use within a few weeks.