Make Your Own Lip Exfoliator

As the temperatures start to drop, one of the first places I feel it is on my lips. The dry, cold air, combined with indoor heating, seems to suck all the moisture right out of them. My lips are left chapped, cracked, and uncomfortable. If you‘ve had similar experiences, come and make your own lip exfoliator with me.

Over the years, I’ve tried a variety of store-bought solutions from all different countries. While adding layers of lip balm is somewhat manageable, I found it to just cake my dry skin to my lips. The result were flakey lips that were not very pretty to look at. Not what you want from a beauty product, right? 

This winter has been crazy dry over here, making it yet another few months of chapped lips. As always, I attempted the lip balm caking. But this year, I got fed up with it. Surely there was a better, more effective way to deal with my dry lips. 

Trying to solve this frustrating problem of mine, I turned back to natural ingredients. My pantry was full of natural exfoliators and moisturisers. So off I went, mixing up some potions. And let me tell you, nothing has worked quite as well as my own homemade lip scrub. This easy, natural, and nourishing scrub not only gets off dead skin but also locks in moisture, leaving my lips soft and smooth. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to whip up with ingredients I already have at home!

Not only is this DIY recipe easy and affordable, but it’s also free from harmful chemicals and additives often found in store-bought products. By making a vegan lip scrub at home, you can ensure that you’re using the highest quality, natural ingredients. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

I love anything that‘s quick, natural and efficient and this recipe is hands down the best homemade lip exfoliator I‘ve tried. Not only perfect for eliminating those flakey pieces of skin, but also hydrating your lips by doubling as a homemade lip mask. Give it a try now and share your experiences in the comments. 

Ingredients for the Best Homemade Lip Scrub

Honey. As nature’s own moisturiser, honey helps draw moisture into the skin, keeping your lips hydrated. It’s also naturally antibacterial, which makes it perfect for healing cracked or damaged lips. Bonus points from me for tasting so delicious. You‘ll end up licking your lips a lot while this vegan lip scrub is working its magic.

Coconut sugar as exfoliant. The key ingredient in this scrub for lips at home, coconut sugar is gentle on your lips while effectively loosening those dead skin cells. Unlike coarser sugars, its fine texture makes it ideal for the delicate skin on your lips. A lot of recipes will call for brown sugar instead, but I found coconut sugar to be the better choice for my lips.

Coconut Oil as nature’s beauty all-rounder. Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil is a powerful moisturiser that helps to soften and heal dry, chapped lips. It creates a barrier that locks in moisture, making it perfect for this vegan lip scrub recipe.

Optional: A drop of essential oil, dash of coffee grounds or a fragrant spice like cinnamon for added scent.

Tips and Tricks for Making a Homemade Lip Scrub

Choose fine sugar. When making a homemade lip scrub, you want to use fine sugar, like coconut sugar. Especially for already cracked skin, we need to select a fine granule to avoid causing more damage. Larger granules can be too harsh and could cause micro-tears on your lips.

Use organic ingredients. For the best results, opt for organic honey and coconut oil. These ingredients are free of chemicals and preservatives, which ensures you’re using the purest, most natural products on your skin.

Adjust consistency. If your scrub feels too thick, you can add a little more coconut oil to make it smoother. If it’s too runny, add a bit more brown sugar to thicken it up. You will likely need to adapt the quantities based on your coconut oil‘s state. Being liquid in summer, you‘ll find yourself needing much less than when it has solidified during the colder months. 

Store it safely or make small batches. Keep your homemade lip exfoliator in a small, airtight container. Since it contains no preservatives, it’s best to use it within a week or so for maximum freshness. I personally prefer to make a fresh, small batch whenever my lips are in need of exfoliation. 

How to Make Homemade Lip Scrub

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, and coconut oil. Stir well until it forms a paste without clumps of either ingredients. 

Apply a small amount of the scrub to your lips. Gently massage in circular motions for about 1 minute. This will exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate blood circulation.

After scrubbing, let the mixture sit on your lips for 2-3 minutes as a homemade lip mask. This allows the honey and coconut oil to nourish your lips.

Rinse off with warm water, pat your lips dry, and apply your favorite lip balm to lock in moisture.

Use this lip scrub 1-2 times a week to keep your lips smooth and hydrated, especially during the colder months.

Other DIY ideas to try

If you enjoyed making your own lip exfoliator, read one of these DIY posts next:

• Make your own food scrap simmer pot
• Ways to re-purpose coffee grounds around the home
• DIY paper stars for Christmas and throughout the seasons

Frequently asked questions

What is a good home remedy for exfoliating lips?

A great home remedy for exfoliating lips is a homemade lip scrub made with simple ingredients like coconut sugar and honey. Coconut sugar acts as a gentle exfoliant, while honey adds moisture. You can also use coconut oil to create the best homemade lip exfoliator, like I have done in this recipe. This combination helps remove dead skin and leaves lips soft and hydrated.

Is salt or sugar scrub better for lips?

For exfoliating lips, a sugar scrub is generally better than salt because sugar has smoother granules, which are gentler on your lip’s delicate skin. A homemade lip scrub recipe with sugar and coconut oil makes for an effective, gentle exfoliator. Salt can be too harsh and drying for the lips and cause irritation on pre-existing cracks.

Can I use toothpaste to exfoliate my lips?

While some people suggest using toothpaste to exfoliate lips, I wouldn‘t recommend it. Toothpaste can be too harsh, potentially irritating the sensitive skin on your lips. Instead, make your own lip exfoliator with natural ingredients like coconut sugar for a safer, more effective result.

Can I use only sugar to exfoliate my lips?

Yes, you can use just sugar to exfoliate your lips! Sugar’s coarse texture makes it an excellent natural exfoliant. However, using only sugar is a little tricky to work with, given it won’t naturally stick to your skin. For added benefits, it’s better to mix it with a sticky, moisturising agent like honey or coconut oil to create a complete homemade lip scrub recipe. Not only helps it exfoliate, it also moisturises your lips.

What actually hydrates lips?

Natural oils like coconut oil, shea butter, and honey are excellent for hydrating lips. You can include these ingredients in your scrub for lips at home. After exfoliating, always apply a hydrating balm or oil to lock in moisture.

Is homemade lip scrub good for your lips?

Yes, a homemade lip scrub can be very beneficial. It helps remove dead skin cells, leaving lips soft and smooth. Plus, since you control the ingredients, a vegan lip scrub can be made using plant-based oils and sugar, making it both effective and natural.

Do you leave lip scrub on or wipe it off?

Incorporating a homemade lip exfoliator into your routine can lead to healthier, softer lips, especially when made with nourishing, natural ingredients. After massaging a lip scrub onto your lips for a few minutes, it’s best to wipe it off with a damp cloth. This ensures you remove all the exfoliated dead skin. You can then follow up with a hydrating balm to maintain moisture.