For super soft hands all winter long, make this DIY sugar hand scrub with Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap and sugar.

I originally shared my homemade DIY Sugar Hand Scrub tutorial 5 years ago and it’s been extremely popular. I get asked lots of questions about it all over social media and here on The Birch Cottage blog. In fact, I get asked so many questions, that I’ve created a second post that lists some of my most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) about my DIY Sugar Hand Scrub. You can read my FAQ’s here.

DIY Sugar Hand Scrub

You’ve probably seen many different hand scrubs on Pinterest, around the web and on social media, but I’m telling you this is one hand scrub you’ve just got to try!

In fact, I make this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub every year as a Christmas gift to my family and friends. Even the men in my family love to wash their hands with Dawn Dish Soap – no matter how greasy or grimy their hands, Dawn always does the job!

The winter weather here in Ohio can be pretty harsh on hands. The little bit of moisturizer that the Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid provides, is just perfect. NOTE: The manufacturer has discontinued the Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid. A good alternative is the new Dawn Gentle Clean or your favorite moisturizing dish soap.

Of course this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub is perfect for all the ladies as well. It is amazing! And will truly leave your hands smooth, silky and soft. Just be sure to rinse your hands well to avoid any sticky residue.

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on a link and purchase an item, I may make a small commission, all with NO additional cost to you! Thank you for supporting The Birch Cottage!

Supplies:

Dawn Gentle Clean or a Moisturizing Dish Liquid of Your Choice (The Dawn Hand Renewal has been discontinued.)
Sugar
Canning Jars or Decorative Jars
Spoon (or something to stir with)
Labels (optional)
Twine or decorative ribbon (optional)

Tips for Making Sugar Hand Scrub

Tip #1: Make Small Batches

You can make the sugar scrub one jar at a time or in batches. Large batches tend to be problematic because of all the stirring. When you have to stir a lot, it creates air bubbles.

So, save yourself some headaches and just make this sugar scrub in the individual jars or make small batches and spoon/pour into your gift jars.

Tip #2: Some Settling is to Be Expected

Because of humidity, weather, sugar/soap ratio, how much mixing, etc., your results can be different. You may also notice some separation. If this happens, simply stir to combine.

It may also be necessary to add more sugar to your scrub to obtain the correct consistency.

Tip #3: Read the FAQs

I get asked a LOT of questions since sharing this sugar hand scrub tutorial some five years ago. I put together a list of my frequently asked questions. You can read all of them here.

Tip #4: Add More Sugar

You may need to add more sugar or Dawn to fill your jar. I prefer the hand scrub to be a little on the thick side, so I tend to add maybe 3 tablespoons more sugar and blend that well into the mixture.

Steps:

Fill your jar 3/4 full with sugar.
Add Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid to the bottom ring of the jar.
Stir the sugar and dishwashing liquid until blended well.

Sugar Hand Scrub

Yield: 1 8oz Jar

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Active Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

For super soft hands all winter long, make this DIY sugar hand scrub with Dawn Hand Renewal Dish Soap and sugar.

Materials

3 tablespoons Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid
1 cup sugar
1 jars
labels
twine or ribbon

Tools

measuring cup
spoon

Instructions

Fill your jar 3/4 full with sugar.
Add Dawn Hand Renewal Dishwashing Liquid a tablespoon at a time; stirring well after each addition until well blended.
Wipe off the rim of the jar and affix lid.
You can now apply a decorative label and some twine or ribbon to finish off your jar of sugar hand scrub.

Notes

Some separation is normal. Simply stir to combine.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Sugar Hand Scrub Printable Labels

You can simply write on the lids of your jars or print out a set of free printable labels and affix to the lids.

I’ve created a number of labels through the years that are specifically designed for use with the Sugar Hand Scrub. These labels are available exclusively to subscribers of The Birch Cottage blog. You can subscribe below:

Once you subscribe, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Once you click on the link to confirm, you’ll have access to the Subscribers Resource Library – which is FULL of printable labels, gift tags, cut files and more.

How to Download

Because there are so many different labels, they will not be emailed directly to your Inbox. Instead, you’ll receive a link to the Subscribers Resource Library. The Library is really a Google Drive shared folder.

From the Library, simply search for “sugar scrub” or browse to: Labels > Jar Labels – Sugar Scrub. Then you can download and print your labels.

I then tied some twine around the jar ring to finish off my DIY Sugar Hand Scrub. There you have it! A useful, inexpensive DIY Christmas gift. Actually, it’d make a great gift for just about any occasion. I hope you’ve enjoyed this little tutorial and I look forward to seeing you again here on The Birch Cottage.

More Craft Ideas

If you enjoy making handmade gifts like this DIY Sugar Hand Scrub, you might also like these ideas from The Birch Cottage:

Til next time…

Cheryl

Sunday 4th of December 2016

I had my grandkids make these this year for their teachers and Moms. The disposal separated from the sugar in the jar :( We mixed well in the bowl then scooped into the jars.

Pamela Baker

Cheryl, I'm sorry you didn't have a good experience. Honestly, I've had some batches separate more than others. The separation is normal. One thing I have found that helps minimize the amount of separation is if I let the scrub sit overnight and then stir in a little more sugar the next day. The scrub still works great. Once the recipient starts using it, they shouldn't have anymore separation. At least that has been my experience.

Bea

Great tutorial! I made a batch as favors for the gals at work, and added a few drops of Argan / Wheat Germ oil to the mix.

I have never tried that how did it turn out? What property does the wheat germ add?

Trish

Friday 2nd of December 2016

These are such nice elegant little gifts. A nice way to pamper friends. Doesn't the sugar dissolve after a while?

Thanks, Trish! Actually, I have found that the consistency stays pretty much the same. If anything, the scrub may thicken a little after a lot of use, exposure to air, etc.

karen

can you use any other soap like a unscented one please let me no thanks

I would imagine you could use any dish soap you wanted to use. Let me know if you do and how this works for you!

Ginn Winner

Saturday 26th of November 2016

I made this but the sugar and dawn separated, so that you can see where the sugar ends and the dawn starts. What am I doing wrong?

Thank you, I'll try that.

Ginn, some separation is normal. Sounds like you probably need to add a little more sugar. You might want to just add a tablespoon or two, stir and see how that does.

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