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)
- Blank Circle Labels
- Snowflake Circle Labels
- Pomegranate Sugar Scrub Labels
- Peach Almond Sugar Scrub Labels
- Cucumber Melon Sugar Scrub Labels
- Lavender Sugar Scrub Labels
- Tropical Shea Butter Sugar Scrub Labels
- 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 ¾ 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
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 ¾ 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.
- Bicycle Themed Labels
- Christmas Themed Labels
- Cucumber Melon Labels
- Gardeners Sugar Scrub Labels
- Man Hand Scrub Labels
- Peach Almond Labels
- Pomegranate Labels
- Tropical Shea Butter Labels
Subscribe for Access to Download
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...
Bre @ Average But Inspired says
No way! NEVER in a million years would I have thought to use dish soap in a sugar scrub! Amazing. I agree that scrubs are an awesome gift - thanks for sharing!
Pamela Bennett says
If you're a fan of the cleaning power of Dawn, you'll love this scrub. It's actually touted around the web as "gardeners hand scrub." I'm a big fan of scrubs, but this is my favorite!
Erica @ Dwell Beautiful says
I just LOVE sugar hand scrub. It feels so good to have silky smooth skin 🙂 I've never tried a pomegranate one so that's definitely next on my list to make!
Pamela Bennett says
Thanks for visiting, Erica! I'm sure you will love the pomegranate!
Meg @ Green With Decor says
What a great idea! And it looks so cute and festive in the jars 🙂
Pamela Bennett says
Meg, Thanks!!
Sara @ Shabby Grace Blog says
WOW! Didn't see Dawn dishwasher soap coming! Interesting! Love those labels and thanks for sharing!
Pamela Bennett says
Thanks, Sara! The Dawn with Olay is the key. Amazing stuff!!
Jenny @ Refresh Living says
My hands are softer just reading your post - great idea for a gift!
Pamela Bennett says
That's cute! Thanks, Jenny!
Rebekah || Charming Imperfections says
I agree with Jenny! My hands feel softer just reading this too! What a great gift idea!
Pamela Bennett says
You ladies are just too "charming"! Thanks, Rebekah and Jenny!!
Carrie @ Kenarry: Ideas for the Home says
I love this, Pam! It sounds so luxurious and the scent is perfect for Christmas. It sure makes a wonderful DIY Christmas gift, I bet.
Pamela Bennett says
Thanks, Carrie! The scents are amazing!
Lisa says
I may have missed it, but what and how much did you add to create the different scents/flavors. The Dawn has some of its own scent, but not pomegranate.
Pamela Baker says
Where I live, they actually have a pomegranate scented Dawn with Olay.
Amy | Canary Street Crafts says
I love using sugar scrub. This looks really easy to make and so pretty with the labels and twine.
Pamela Bennett says
Thanks, Amy! It was really easy to make.
Pam says
Do you have a way for us to be able to print the labels? They area so pretty.
Pamela Baker says
Yes! You can visit my subsequent blog post where I made the labels available here: https://www.thebirchcottage.com/2015/12/sugar-hand-scrub-printables/
Please let me know if you have any problems. I'd also be glad to email them to you. Just let me know! Thanks so much!
Donna Sherman says
Do you think these would be safe to use on feet on the shower?? I would be worried about slipping because of the soap. Otherwise I love this idea. I plan to make a TON of these for everyone in my office for Christmas. Thanks for sharing.
Pamela Baker says
I use this scrub in the shower, but you're right about it makes the shower slippery. Just use caution.
christine says
Can you buy Dawn in Australia ?
Pamela Baker says
Christine, I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question. What I was able to find online is that it might be available at Costco. If I were you, I'd do a quick search online or call your local retailer and ask them. Sorry I didn't have a better answer for you! Good luck!
Alana says
Love this!!! I think I will be making some up for myself and for the ladies from church.
What size jars did you use though?
Pamela Baker says
You can use any size jars. In fact, if you're making several jars, you might find it easier to mix the sugar and Dawn in a large bowl and pour or spoon into your jars. I have done exactly that with great results. I also had a reader who made a large batch to include in the goody bags for a women's retreat at her church. Good luck!
Deb Kragenbrink says
Hi, this sounds amazing, do you know how long it will keep? Wondering how early I can make it. Thank you.
Pamela Baker says
Deb, it has a shelf life of at least one year.
Karen says
What a wonderful idea!! I look forward to making a bunch of these for family and friends for Christmas gifts!!
Pamela Baker says
Karen, your family and friends will love it!
Christa says
I am getting ready for Xmas and love your ideas about the sugar scrub and vanilla extract. Do you have any other little project i can do and fill in jars or bottles? Thank you for any help.
Pamela Baker says
Christa, I don't yet have other ideas posted but I have a couple of projects I'll be sharing soon and they're quick and easy!
Vivian Perry says
Will try.
Pamela Baker says
Thanks, Vivian! This is an easy project and I'm guessing you're gonna love it!
Gloria says
How long does this last? Does it go "bad" at some point?
Pamela Baker says
You can read all my FAQs here:
http://Www.thebirchcottage.com/2016/06/DIY-hand-Renewal-sugar-hand-scrub/
It has a shelf life of about one year.
Teresa says
Wow...I am so going to try this.....Thank you so very much for sharing...At my age I need all the help I can get....May your day be Blessed...
Pamela Baker says
Teresa, you are so very welcome. I truly only share projects and recipes that my family loves. If it's a dud, it's not worth my time sharing. I do believe you're gonna love this sugar scrub. When I first tried it, I was amazed that it could really be that easy and work that well. Good luck!
Barbara says
I just saw this on Saturday (10/22) and I already know I'm making this for my daughter's teacher gifts this Christmas! Perfect: easy, inexpensive, and will be used! There's even a version for her male teachers! LOVE IT! Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Pamela Baker says
Barbara, you are so welcome!
Janine Langemo says
Hi Pam....I'm in love with your great idea! Is there a way for me to print those cute labels for the scrubs? I'm on a super tight budget this year and these will make awesome and affordable gifts! Thank you! 🙂
Pamela Baker says
Thanks, Janine. Here's the link to the printable labels: https://www.thebirchcottage.com/2015/12/sugar-hand-scrub-printables/
Ann says
Hi I was wondering if u could break it down in detail for me just how much sugar to use and how much dawn to use. I have had a head injury and have problems with this. Thanks so much
Pamela Baker says
Hi, Ann the recipe really depends on if you're trying to make one jar or a large batch. If you're making a jar, then simply fill the jar at least 3/4 full and add the Dawn, leaving enough room to stir. It's supposed to be a 3:1 ratio. So, 1 cup of Dawn for every 3 cups of sugar. However, it's been my experience that it takes more sugar. When you stir the mixture, stir gently - more like you're folding the soap into the sugar. If you're making an 8 oz jar, I would try 3/4 cup sugar to 1/4 cup Dawn. Hope this helps!
Ginn Winner says
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?
Pamela Baker says
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.
Ginn Winner says
Thank you, I'll try that.
karen says
can you use any other soap like a unscented one please let me no thanks
Pamela Baker says
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!
Trish says
These are such nice elegant little gifts. A nice way to pamper friends. Doesn't the sugar dissolve after a while?
Pamela Baker says
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.
Bea says
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.
Pamela Baker says
I have never tried that how did it turn out? What property does the wheat germ add?
Cheryl says
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 says
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.