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15+ Best Homemade Lip Scrub Recipes for Soft & Healthy Lips

Enhancing your lip-care routine is more essential than ever. Just like the rest of your skin, your lips need regular maintenance, nourishment, and protection to stay healthy and feel their best. One effective and easy way to achieve this is by incorporating homemade lip scrubs into your regimen.

These DIY exfoliants can be easily customized to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Lip scrubs work by gently removing dead skin cells from the surface of the lips, revealing a softer, more radiant appearance.

Exfoliating helps increase cell turnover in the lips, which keeps them looking youthful and healthy.

The gentle scrubbing motion also boosts circulation, bringing more blood flow, antioxidants, and oxygen to the lips, which further enhances their nourishment.

In addition to improving the texture of your lips, exfoliation can also help other lip-care products work more effectively. According to dermatologists “By eliminating the build-up of dead skin, lip scrubs can improve the absorption of lip balms and moisturizers, making them more beneficial.”

The increase in blood circulation during exfoliation can also give your lips a naturally rosy glow.

However, it’s important to use lip scrubs with care, as the skin on your lips is delicate. After scrubbing, moisturizing is crucial. It is recommended to follow up with a hydrating product like Aquaphor or Vaseline, as well as an SPF-infused lip balm for sun protection.

When used correctly, lip scrubs can transform dry, chapped lips into smooth, plump, and product-ready lips.

Below are 18 easy homemade lip scrub recipes that will leave your lips soft and healthy.

Should You Exfoliate Your Lips?

Yes, it is beneficial to exfoliate your lips. Lip exfoliation helps maintain soft, healthy lips without requiring complex products.

There are many easy ways to create a simple DIY lip scrub at home. Before diving into a recipe, let’s explore the key benefits of exfoliating your lips.

The Benefits of Lip Exfoliation

Exfoliating your lips does more than enhance their appearance. By incorporating lip exfoliation into your routine once or twice a week, you can achieve and maintain softer, smoother lips.

Here are some additional benefits of using a lip scrub:

Removes dry skin: This helps prevent chapped or dry lips.

Smooths lips: Regular exfoliation leaves lips soft and smooth.

Keeps lips hydrated: It reduces dryness and discomfort by helping lips retain moisture.

Evens lip tone: Exfoliation can help reduce discoloration and create a more even tone.

Improves lipstick application: Exfoliated lips allow lipstick to go on smoother and last longer.

Prevents dehydration: Regular exfoliation can help prevent issues like swelling, bleeding, or severe dryness by keeping your lips healthy and hydrated.

Exfoliating Your Lips: Key Tips for Healthy, Smooth Lips

Exfoliating your lips is an important part of maintaining soft and healthy lips. Here are some essential tips to follow:

1. Be Gentle

Avoid applying too much pressure when exfoliating your lips. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently exfoliate using small circular motions.

If your lips are sensitive, consider using a children’s toothbrush, which offers a softer touch without irritating.

2. Avoid Over-Exfoliation

It’s important not to over-exfoliate. Limiting lip exfoliation to once a week is sufficient for removing dry, flaky skin and helping your lips remain smooth and supple.

3. Protect Your Lips

Before heading outdoors, apply a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips from harmful UV rays.

This step is crucial in preventing sun damage and maintaining healthy lips.

4. Moisturize After Exfoliating

Always follow exfoliation with hydration. Choose a nourishing lip balm, like NIVEA Original Care Lip Balm with Shea Butter and natural oils, to lock in moisture and keep your lips hydrated for up to 24 hours.

5. Consider Homemade Lip Scrubs

Creating your lip scrubs allows you to know exactly what ingredients you’re using.

DIY lip scrubs can be an excellent way to control the quality of the exfoliants you use while ensuring your lips get the gentle care they need.

Explore some simple homemade recipes to get started.

1. Coconut and Honey Lip Scrub

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that nourish and hydrate the skin. Brown sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, removing dead skin cells, while honey has healing properties that help soothe and repair your lips.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon coconut oil

– 1 tablespoon organic honey

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1/2 tablespoon lukewarm water

Instructions:

1. Mix the coconut oil and honey until well combined.

2. Stir in the brown sugar and lukewarm water.

3. Gently apply the mixture to your lips, massaging in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.

4. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

2. Mint Lip Scrub

Sugar serves as a natural exfoliant, removing dry skin. Peppermint oil boosts circulation, giving lips a fuller appearance, while grapeseed oil is lightweight, moisturizing, and full of antioxidants that nourish and protect your lips.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons olive or coconut oil

– 2 tablespoons sugar

– 8-10 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil

– 1/2 teaspoon grapeseed oil

Instructions:

1. Combine the sugar with olive or coconut oil.

2. Add 8-10 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil and mix.

3. Stir in the grapeseed oil until the mixture is smooth.

4. Apply to your lips and massage in circular motions for a few minutes.

5. Rinse with lukewarm water.

3. Brown Sugar and Honey Exfoliation Scrub

This scrub is excellent for exfoliating and nourishing lips. Raw honey helps with skin health and may reduce pigmentation, while lavender oil soothes and nourishes, offering protection from sunburn on sensitive lips.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon raw honey

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

– 5-6 drops lavender essential oil

Instructions:

1. Mix raw honey and brown sugar.

2. Add 5-6 drops of lavender essential oil and blend.

3. Apply the scrub to your lips, massaging in circular motions for 2-3 minutes.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with lip balm.

4. Chocolate Lip Scrub Mask

This chocolate lip scrub mask not only indulges your chocolate cravings but also offers skincare benefits.

Cocoa powder deeply moisturizes the lips and helps reduce tanning.

Vanilla extract is rich in antioxidants and anti-aging properties, helping to counteract skin damage caused by free radicals.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon cocoa powder

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 3/4 teaspoon honey

– 2 teaspoons olive oil

Directions:

1. In a glass bowl, combine all the ingredients.

2. Gently massage a small amount of the mixture onto your lips in circular motions.

3. Let the mask sit on your lips for a few minutes.

4. Wipe off with a soft, wet cloth or rinse with lukewarm water.

5. Cinnamon Lip Scrub

Cinnamon is a natural plumper, making it a great choice for achieving fuller lips without injections.

It also acts as an exfoliator, leaving your lips smooth and soft.

Ingredients:

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder

– 1/2 tablespoon raw honey

– 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.

2. Apply the scrub to your lips using your fingertips, gently exfoliating the dead skin cells.

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water and follow up with your favorite lip balm.

6. Orange Peel Lip Scrub

Orange peel helps to address dark and discolored lips, while almond oil nourishes and moisturizes dry lips.

Sugar acts as a natural exfoliator, promoting healthy and smooth lips.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons dried orange peel powder

– 2 tablespoons brown sugar

– 10 to 12 drops of almond oil

Directions:

1. Grind dried orange peel into a fine powder.

2. Mix the orange peel powder with brown sugar and almond oil in a bowl.

3. Gently massage the mixture onto your lips for about 30 seconds.

4. Clean your lips with a wet wipe or wash with warm water.

5. Repeat this process twice a week.

Pro Tip:

For a different variation, you can use diluted orange essential oil instead of dried orange peel.

7. Bubblegum Lip Scrub

This lip scrub is a sweet treat that exfoliates and hydrates. Sugar sloughs off dead skin cells, revealing fresh skin beneath, while extra virgin olive oil moisturizes and seals in hydration.

The food coloring is optional, adding a fun, aesthetic touch.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

– 1-2 drops strawberry extract

– Rose-pink food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the sugar and olive oil in a mixing bowl.

2. Add the strawberry extract and mix thoroughly.

3. Incorporate a few drops of food coloring if desired, and stir well.

4. Apply the scrub with a clean finger, gently massaging to exfoliate dead skin.

5. Rinse off and follow with a lip balm.

8. Kiwi Strawberry Lip Scrub

This scrub combines fresh fruit with sugar to gently exfoliate and moisturize.

Kiwi helps soothe and soften dry lips, while strawberries provide essential vitamins and minerals to brighten and treat lip discoloration.

Ingredients:

– 1 pureed strawberry

– 1/2 pureed kiwi

– 6 tablespoons sugar

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 2 drops vitamin E (optional)

Directions:

1. Puree the strawberry and kiwi in a blender and set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and olive oil until well combined.

3. Add the pureed fruits and stir until incorporated.

4. Optionally, add vitamin E for additional nourishment.

5. Apply the scrub in a circular motion for 30-40 seconds, then rinse with warm water.

9. Coffee and Honey Scrub

Coffee grounds and honey provide a powerful exfoliating and moisturizing combination.

Coffee helps to invigorate the lips, while honey hydrates and soothes, leaving your lips soft and refreshed.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon coffee grounds

– 1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1. Mix the coffee grounds and honey in a bowl until well combined.

2. Apply the scrub to your lips and massage in a circular motion for about one minute.

3. Leave on as a mask for an additional minute.

4. Rinse with warm water.

10. Almond Lip Scrub

Almond oil rejuvenates and prevents chapping, while brown sugar exfoliates and honey adds moisture. This scrub helps maintain healthy, smooth lips with regular use.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon almond oil

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients until blended.

2. Gently rub a small amount on your lips.

3. Rinse lightly, leaving a bit of almond oil for hydration.

11. Rose Petals and Milk Scrub

Rose petals can lighten lip discoloration and protect with their antibacterial properties, while milk helps brighten the lips and provides a soothing effect.

Ingredients:

– Rose petals (from one rose)

– Milk

Directions:

1. Mash the rose petals in milk until a paste forms.

2. Apply the paste to your lips, gently rubbing as you would with a regular scrub.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a lip balm.

12. Lemonade Lip Scrub

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleaching agent, which helps brighten lips.

The sugar exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing fresh, new skin underneath.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

– 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the sugar and petroleum jelly.

2. Add the lemon juice to the mixture and blend well.

3. Apply a small amount of the scrub to your lips and gently massage in a circular motion for one minute.

4. Remove the scrub with a wet wipe or rinse with lukewarm water to reveal bright, supple lips.

13. Vanilla Coconut Lip Scrub

Coconut oil soothes and deeply moisturizes chapped lips, while sugar exfoliates dry, dead skin. Vanilla extract helps heal sunburned lips and adds a pleasant fragrance.

Ingredients:

– 1 teaspoon unrefined coconut oil

– 2 teaspoons sugar

– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Mix the sugar, coconut oil, and vanilla extract in a bowl until well combined.

2. Apply a small amount to your lips and massage gently for one minute.

3. Rinse off with warm water.

14. Vitamin E Lip Scrub

Vitamin E serves as a natural conditioner and antioxidant, helping to treat chapped and irritated lips.

Honey and brown sugar provide additional moisturizing and exfoliating benefits.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 teaspoon olive oil or coconut oil

– 1 teaspoon vitamin E

– 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl until thoroughly mixed.

2. Using a clean finger, apply the scrub to your lips and rub in a circular motion.

3. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with a lip balm to lock in moisture.

Pro Tip: For a rosy tint, add a few drops of beet juice to the scrub.

15. Mint Choco Coffee Lip Scrub

Cocoa and coffee are natural exfoliants that help remove dead skin, while sugar aids in the exfoliation process.

Grapeseed oil nourishes the lips, and peppermint essential oil provides a refreshing sensation.

Ingredients:

– 2 tablespoons sugar

– 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder

– 1/2 teaspoon coffee grounds

– 1 tablespoon grapeseed or avocado oil

– 3 drops peppermint essential oil

Directions:

1. Combine the sugar, cocoa powder, and coffee grounds in a bowl.

2. Add the grapeseed or avocado oil and peppermint essential oil. Mix until well blended.

3. Apply a small amount to your lips and scrub gently for one minute.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

16. Aspirin Lip Scrub

Aspirin contains acetylsalicylic acid, which helps exfoliate dead skin cells. Combined with sugar, it provides a thorough scrub.

Honey and olive oil offer moisturizing benefits, making this scrub effective for treating dry lips.

Ingredients:

– 4 aspirin tablets (uncoated)

– 2 teaspoons brown sugar

– 2 teaspoons honey

– 1 teaspoon olive oil

– 1 vitamin E capsule

Directions:

1. Crush the aspirin tablets in a clean bowl and add a few drops of water to break them down.

2. Mix in the brown sugar, honey, olive oil, and the contents of the vitamin E capsule.

3. Stir until well combined. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more olive oil.

4. Apply the scrub to your lips using your finger or a toothbrush.

5. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

17. Sea Salt and Sugar Lip Scrub

Sea salt acts as a natural exfoliant, while coconut oil moisturizes the lips. This scrub helps remove dead skin and leaves your lips feeling soft and smooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 teaspoon sea salt

– 2 teaspoons coconut oil

– 1-2 drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine the sea salt and coconut oil in a bowl. Mix well.

2. Add lavender essential oil if desired.

3. Apply the mixture to your lips, scrubbing gently in circular motions for about one minute.

4. Rinse with lukewarm water.

18. Shea Butter Sugar Scrub

Shea butter contains vitamins A and E, which help soothe and hydrate chapped lips. Sugar provides a gentle exfoliation, making this scrub an effective solution for dry, flaky lips.

Ingredients:

– 1 tablespoon sugar

– 1 tablespoon shea butter

Directions:

1. Mix the shea butter and sugar until you achieve a smooth consistency.

2. Apply the scrub to your lips and gently massage for one minute.

3. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

4. Follow up with a lip balm for added moisture.

Storing Your DIY Lip Scrub

For best results, make your lip scrubs in small batches to ensure freshness. Store the scrub in a clean, dry container, such as an old lip balm or eyeshadow case.

Sterilize the container by placing it in hot water before use. Keep the scrub in the refrigerator and use it within a week to maintain its effectiveness.