Tox-free, zero waste DIY scrub recipes for naturally glowing skin.
Words and recipes Harriet Birrell. Photography Nikole Ramsay
Exfoliating coffee body bars
These bars are so delicious you will want to eat them! They are basically chocolate and fresh coffee. I love making a batch as a self-care gift for a friend. They are great in the shower to gently exfoliate and moisturise, less wasteful than buying packaged versions, and cleaner and tidier than a jar of body scrub.
I like to use these once every month or so to brighten my skin, exfoliate and deeply moisturise. I add lavender essential oil, as it is one of the gentlest and most soothing to the skin, but the oils you add are up to you. I use silicone cupcake trays that have twelve moulds in each, as I think the size is nice and handy, but larger ones work too.
Makes about 12 × 30 ml (1 fl oz) bars
Prep time: 20 minutes
Equipment: double boiler + 2 silicone cupcake trays
- 200 g (7 oz) organic cacao butter, grated or finely chopped
- 90 g (3 oz/¾ cup) coffee grounds, fresh or used and dried
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
In a double boiler, gently melt the cacao butter over a low heat until melted. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Add the coffee grounds and essential oil and stir well. Pour the mixture into the cupcake trays, then place them in the freezer for a minimum of 1 hour to set. If you live in a warm climate, store any extra bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to stop them melting.
To use: Gently massage the bar over damp skin, avoiding your face and neck. Be careful – the residual oil might make your shower a bit slippery. Rinse well and pat dry.
Foot and Hand Scrub
The light abrasion from the salt and bicarb soda, and the deep moisturisation of the olive oil is a match made in heaven.
To make I like the simple combination of peppermint and lavender to soothe and refresh, but you can play around with your favourite scents. Tea tree is another great one, as it’s both antifungal and antibacterial.
Makes 80ml (⅓ cup). Prep time: 2 minutes.
Equipment: glass jar or bowl and mixing spoon.
- 60ml (2 fl oz/¼ cup) organic cold-pressed olive oil
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Combine all ingredients in your glass jar or bowl and stir well to combine. Store in a cool, dry place.
To use
Fill a basin with warm water and grab a clean, dry towel. Sit on a chair and put your feet in the basin. Stir the scrub to mix it, then gently scrub 1 tablespoon or more onto your feet and hands, taking your time. Rinse well with warm water and towel dry thoroughly. Be careful about getting up and walking around immediately afterwards; the residual oil might make your feet a bit slippery.
Extracted with permission from Home by Natural Harry by Harriet Birrell, Hardie Grant Books, $35.
