Strawberry And Cream Sugar Scrub Recipe

In this gentle tutorial, you’ll learn how to make a strawberry cream sugar scrub that softens the skin with sweet berry notes and a touch of homemade charm.

This strawberry and cream sugar scrub makes a lovely little summer project—fragrant, fruity, and simple to whip up with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re making a few jars for gifting or adding something special to your own self-care routine, this guide walks you through each step. You can keep it all-natural or add a touch of fragrance oil for extra sweetness.

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A cozy scene featuring a jar of strawberry and cream sugar scrub on a folded pink knit cloth. A soft candle glows in the background next to a pitcher tied with a pink ribbon and filled with white flowers, evoking calm and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Project

Simple to make – With just a few ingredients and a mixing bowl, this project comes together in minutes and feels like a little homemade luxury.
Perfect for thoughtful gifting – Place into small jars with a label and ribbon, it’s a lovely handmade treat for birthdays, bridal showers, or summer thank-you baskets.
A cozy self-care ritual – This scrub turns an everyday shower into a moment of calm and indulgence, especially when paired with slow music and soft lighting.

For another easy summer DIY, a favorite here at the cottage is this Natural Deodorant Recipe with Lavender and Lemongrass—fresh, simple, and perfect for warm days. And it’s never too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts—these Christmas Sugar Scrub Recipes Perfect for Gift Giving are always a cozy favorite.

A hand holding a small glass jar of strawberry and cream sugar scrub, with a spoonful of the scrub in the foreground. In the background, additional labeled jars sit on a pink cloth, suggesting a homemade gift or self-care project.

Supplies

Granulated Sugar – A gentle exfoliant that leaves skin feeling soft and smooth
Coconut Oil – Natural moisture with a creamy, nourishing feel
Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder – Adds a sweet scent and a lovely pink hue
Tapioca Starch – Keeps the scrub light, smooth, and easy to scoop
Strawberry Shortcake Fragrance Oil – Optional, for a sweet, strawberry scent
Mixing Bowl – For stirring your soft, slow-made scrub together by hand
Wooden Spoon or Spatula – Simple and gentle for blending ingredients
4 oz Glass Jars – Just right for storing or sharing in small, seasonal batches

Tip: If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can dry your own in a dehydrator(125°F–140°F (≈52–60 °C) for about 8 hrs. or low oven (around 170°F or lower) for about 4-6 hours. Once crisp, blend into powder using a coffee grinder or blender—it’s a lovely, practical swap.

A flat lay of several jars of strawberry and cream sugar scrub arranged on a pink linen with baby’s breath, crocheted strawberries, and a vintage-style spoon holding a scoop of the scrub. A charming display of cottage-style homemade skincare.

Project Tips

Start with clean, dry jars – Having your containers ready makes the whole process feel calm and unrushed. It also keeps your scrub fresh and gift-ready.

Clear a cozy workspace – A quiet corner, a small bowl, and a wooden spoon are all you need. Take your time and enjoy the rhythm of mixing.

Check the texture as you go – The scrub should feel soft and scoopable, like damp sand. If it’s too wet, add a bit more sugar or starch to balance.

Customize the scent or color – Skip the fragrance oil or swap it for something you love. The natural pink from strawberries may vary, which only adds to its charm.

Label and store with care – Keep jars in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks. A simple label or ribbon makes each one feel like a heartfelt little gift.

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A glass bowl filled with vibrant strawberry and cream sugar scrub, placed on a soft pink cloth with a wooden spoon resting inside. Crocheted strawberries and delicate white baby’s breath flowers add a whimsical cottage touch.

How To Make Step by Step

Stir the dry ingredients: Combine sugar, strawberry powder, and tapioca starch in a mixing bowl.
Melt the coconut oil: Gently warm until liquid and smooth.
Mix it all together: Pour oil into the dry mix and stir until soft and scoopable.
Add fragrance if using: Start with a few drops and adjust to your liking.
Spoon into jars: Fill clean, dry jars and smooth the tops.
Label and finish: Add a ribbon or printable label for a giftable touch.
Store with care: Keep in a cool spot and use within a few weeks.

Note: It’s okay if you don’t have every ingredient just right—this recipe is flexible and forgiving. Store your scrub in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks for the freshest results. Handmade isn’t about perfect—it’s about intention and care.

A small glass jar of homemade strawberry and cream sugar scrub sits on a soft pink cloth, with a spoon scooping out the bright red scrub. A glowing candle and a vase with pink ribbon are softly blurred in the background, creating a cozy, cottage-style atmosphere. Bold pink and white text at the top reads: “Easy DIY Strawberry & Cream Sugar Scrub.”

FAQ’s

Fresh berries have too much moisture and can cause spoilage. Stick with freeze-dried or homemade dehydrated powder for longer shelf life.

Granulated white sugar or organic cane sugar both work well. Choose a finer texture for gentler exfoliation.

No refrigeration is needed—just store in a cool, dry place and use within a few weeks.

When stored properly in a sealed jar, it’s best used within 2–4 weeks. Avoid getting water in the jar to keep it fresh.

Not at all—it’s completely optional. The strawberry powder gives a soft, natural scent on its own.

Yes! Sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil are gentle alternatives if coconut oil isn’t your favorite.

Project Variations

Add a creamy vanilla twist – Stir in a splash of vanilla extract or a scraped vanilla bean pod for a warm, floral scent that pairs beautifully with strawberries and adds a softly nostalgic feel.
Try a citrus summer version – A bit of orange or lemon zest gives the scrub a fresh, sunlit aroma—perfect for early mornings and breezy, bare-shoulder days.
Create a Valentine’s blend – Mix in rose essential oil and a touch more pink strawberry powder for a sweet, romantic variation that feels like a love letter to your skin.
Make it holiday-ready – Swap in peppermint or cinnamon fragrance oil omit the freeze dried strawberries add crushed peppermint powder and dress the jars with twine and kraft paper for a homespun gift with winter charm.
Add floral petals – A sprinkle of dried calendula or rose petals gives the scrub a dreamy, garden-kissed look—ideal for spring baskets or a storybook bathroom shelf.

More DIY’s and Tutorials from the Cottage:

Equipment

Coffee grinder or high-speed blender to grind freeze-dried strawberries into powder
Measuring Cups and Spoons for accurate ingredient portions
Mixing Bowl to combine all ingredients
Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Small funnel or spoon for filling jars easily

Ingredients

2 cups Granulated sugar – for gentle exfoliation
1 cup Coconut oil – to create a creamy moisturizing base
¾ cup Freeze-dried strawberry powder – adds color and a light fruit scent
4 tbs. Tapioca starch – keeps the texture smooth and non-greasy
10-20 drops fragrance oil – for an extra-sweet *Optional giftable scent
6-8 4 oz glass jars – for storing or gifting the finished scrub
Printable labels – to decorate jars with a handmade touch

Instructions

Grind the strawberries: Place freeze-dried strawberries in a coffee grinder or blender and blend until a fine, fluffy powder forms. Set aside.
Combine dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, stir together the sugar, strawberry powder, and tapioca starch until evenly blended.
Melt the coconut oil: Warm the coconut oil gently until fully melted—just soft and pourable, not hot.
Mix the scrub: Slowly pour the melted coconut oil into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the scrub comes together in a soft, scoopable texture.
Add fragrance oil (optional): If using, add 10–20 drops of fragrance oil and stir well to evenly distribute the scent.
Adjust the texture: If the mixture feels too oily or loose, add a spoonful of sugar or starch at a time until it holds its shape like damp sand.
Fill your jars: Spoon the scrub into clean, dry 4 oz glass jars, smoothing the tops with the back of a spoon for a tidy finish.
Label and finish: Add a printable label and a bit of ribbon or twine for a sweet, gift-ready touch.
Store with care: Keep jars sealed in a cool, dry place. Use within 2–4 weeks, and always scoop with clean, dry hands.

Notes

Storage Tips: Store your scrub in a cool, dry place with the lid sealed tightly. Always scoop with clean, dry hands to help extend shelf life.
Shelf Life: Best used within 2–4 weeks. In warmer months or humid climates, consider gifting or storing in smaller jars.
Ingredient Substitutions: Don’t have tapioca starch? You can swap it for cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Coconut oil can also be replaced with sweet almond, grapeseed, or sunflower oil.
Scent Options: Fragrance oil is optional. Try vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste for a soft, natural scent—or skip it entirely for a fragrance-free version.
Grinding Strawberries: Use a coffee grinder, high-speed blender, or even a smoothie-style blender to make fine strawberry powder. Be sure berries are completely dry—no clumps!
Use What You Have: No fancy tools required—just use the kitchen blender or grinder you already have (as long as it’s food-safe).
Gift-Giving Tip: Print your free Strawberry & Cream Scrub Labels from our Cottage Library (sign-up form above!). Cut with scissors or a die cutter like a Cricut or Silhouette, and finish with a ribbon for a thoughtful handmade gift.
Labeling Supplies: We’ll link our favorite waterproof label paper in the “Shop This Tool” section—perfect for scrubs and bath products. We stock up when it’s on sale to keep handmade gifts on hand throughout the year.
Looking Ahead: We’ll be sharing more of our handmade bath and body creations in the coming months—be sure to sign up for updates and printable access.

Did you try this project?

If you gave this DIY a go, I’d be so grateful if you came back to share how it went! Don’t forget to TAG me @themoderndaycottage — I love seeing your hands at work and sharing the beautiful things you’re making.

@THEMODERNDAYCOTTAGE

Close-up of a woman in a peach blouse smiling and leaning against a kitchen counter, with fresh flour and wheat berries visible beside her.

Emily

I’m a lifelong DIYer drawn to the quiet joy of seasonal, handmade projects. At The Modern Day Cottage, I share cozy tutorials to help you slow down and weave beauty into your everyday moments.

More About Me

Easy DIY Strawberry & Cream Sugar Scrub – A Cottage-Style Self-Care Ritual

Why You’ll Love This Project

Supplies

Project Tips