Why Use a Turmeric Scrub?
If you’re looking for a natural way to brighten your skin, improve texture, and gently exfoliate, a turmeric scrub may be the perfect fit. This golden spice has been used for centuries to calm irritation, fade dark spots, and improve skin tone, and now you can make your own version right at home.
If you’re growing your own, see my guide on how to grow turmeric in a pot for a fresh homegrown supply.
Whether you’re applying it to your face, legs, or bikini area, turmeric scrubs are easy to create, highly customizable, and surprisingly effective.
Benefits of a Turmeric Scrub
Turmeric is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it ideal for:
- Fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation
- Reducing acne-related inflammation
- Evening out skin tone
- Gently exfoliating without harsh chemicals
- Brightening dull or tired skin
- Improving body texture (knees, elbows, back, underarms)
- Soothing the skin post-wax or shave
According to Healthline, turmeric may help improve skin tone, reduce inflammation, and support healthy skin cell renewal, especially when used alongside ingredients like vitamin C and natural oils.
Tired of dull skin? This DIY turmeric scrub is packed with natural goodness to brighten and exfoliate your skin, and you only need a few ingredients.
🎥 Watch the full tutorial on YouTube:
Basic DIY Turmeric Scrub Recipe
You only need a few ingredients to make a simple turmeric scrub that works for both face and body:
- 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons sugar (use brown sugar for face, raw sugar for body)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons carrier oil (such as jojoba, sweet almond, or coconut)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon honey or aloe vera gel
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Apply to clean, damp skin in gentle circular motions.
- Leave on for 3–5 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Tip: For facial use, stick to brown sugar and jojoba oil. For body scrubs, raw sugar and coconut oil add extra grit and moisture.
Safety Note
While turmeric is traditionally used for skin brightening, please consult a dermatologist if you have sensitive skin or active skin conditions. Always perform a patch test on your inner arm before applying any new scrub to your face.
Body Scrub Variations
You can customize your turmeric scrub depending on your skin type and the area you’re treating. Here are a few body-friendly options:
1. Moisturizing Yogurt Scrub
Combine turmeric, yogurt, and brown sugar for a soothing, creamy mix. This is great for dry or dull skin on the arms or chest.
2. Brightening Oil Scrub
Mix turmeric with a rich carrier oil and coarse sugar for areas like knees, elbows, and feet. It leaves skin glowing and hydrated.
3. Clove and Turmeric Scrub (for Back or Butt)
Add a pinch of finely ground clove to the base scrub for antibacterial support. This works best on areas like the back or butt that are prone to body acne. Avoid using clove on your face and always patch test first.
4. Tropical Glow Turmeric Scrub (Inspired by Bestsellers)
Want a more luxurious version? Try this upgraded mix inspired by popular turmeric scrubs on Etsy:
- 1 tbsp organic turmeric powder
- 2 tbsp organic cane sugar
- 1 tsp papaya powder
- 1 tsp shea butter
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil
- 1 tsp rosehip oil
This blend exfoliates, softens, and supports brightening, perfect for areas like elbows, knees, underarms, and thighs.
Bonus: Try This Turmeric Soap for Daily Glow
Looking for an easy way to boost your glow between scrubs?
We love this Organic Turmeric & Clove Soap by iHeart Nature, rich, creamy lather with a warm, spicy scent that complements your skincare ritual.
Handmade | No synthetic fragrance | Long-lasting bar
Use on face and body for dark spots, acne, and dull skin
Tap to apply the $2 coupon while it lasts
Handmade | No synthetic fragrance | Long-lasting bar
Use on face and body for dark spots, acne, and dull skin
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Shop the Recipe: My Recommended Ingredients
To get that signature golden glow I showed in the video, I recommend using high-quality, organic ingredients. Using organic turmeric is especially important to ensure there are no added dyes that could irritate your skin.
Here are the exact types of ingredients I use and recommend:
1. The Essentials (Turmeric & Exfoliants)
- Finely Ground Clove: (Adds a warming sensation, best for body scrubs, not face) Shop on Amazon
- Organic Turmeric Powder: (Crucial for fading dark spots without synthetic dyes) Shop on Amazon
- Raw Brown Sugar: (My favorite for gentle physical exfoliation) Shop on Amazon
- Papaya Powder: (Great alternative for a gentle enzyme exfoliation) Shop on Amazon
2. Carrier Oils (Choose Based on Your Skin Type)
If you aren’t sure which oil to use, here is my rule of thumb: lighter oils for the face, richer oils for the body.
- Jojoba Oil: (My Top Pick for Face: It mimics your skin’s natural oils and won’t clog pores) Shop on Amazon
- Rosehip Oil: (Excellent for improving skin tone and texture) Shop on Amazon
- Sweet Almond Oil: (Rich and nourishing, perfect for dry legs and elbows) Shop on Amazon
- Coconut Oil: (Deeply moisturizing with antibacterial properties, great for body) Shop on Amazon
3. The “Secret” Glow Booster: Moringa
As you saw in the video, I love adding a few drops of Moringa Seed Oil to my scrub. It adds a massive antioxidant boost that helps the “glow” last all day.
- My Top Recommendation: I use the pure Moringa Oil from All Moringa. It is cold-pressed and incredibly potent, which makes a huge difference in how your skin feels. Shop Pure Moringa Oil at All Moringa
You can mix and match these ingredients to create the scrub that’s right for your skin.
How to Use the Scrub
Start with clean, damp skin. Scoop a small amount of the scrub and apply it to your face using gentle circular motions. This helps exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation.
Once the scrub is evenly applied, let it sit for three to five minutes.
During this time, the yogurt’s lactic acid and turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can work on the skin.
Rinse off with warm water and pat dry. Follow with a light moisturizer.
My Secret Weapon for Turmeric Stains (Sunlight!)
“I once made the mistake of getting turmeric on a favorite white dress. My first instinct was dish soap, but it actually made the stain darker!
The Fix: I placed the dress in direct sunlight, and within a few hours, the stain faded away completely. If your containers, towels, or clothes get stained while making this scrub, don’t panic, just let the sun do the work for you!”.
Specialty Scrubs to Try (If You Don’t Want to DIY)
If you’d rather use a ready-made scrub, these top-rated options are excellent choices:
Gentle microdermabrasion-style face scrub with turmeric, coconut oil, and strawberry extract. Fights dark spots and acne. Great for all skin types.
Gentle microdermabrasion-style face scrub with turmeric, coconut oil, and strawberry extract. Fights dark spots and acne. Great for all skin types.
Perfect for bikini line, underarms, and sensitive zones. Reduces ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and uneven tone with turmeric, tea tree, and glycolic acid.
Perfect for bikini line, underarms, and sensitive zones. Reduces ingrown hairs, razor bumps, and uneven tone with turmeric, tea tree, and glycolic acid.
Rich sugar scrub with kojic acid, turmeric, and manuka honey. Helps fade scars, brighten skin, and moisturize dry areas like elbows and thighs.
Rich sugar scrub with kojic acid, turmeric, and manuka honey. Helps fade scars, brighten skin, and moisturize dry areas like elbows and thighs.
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredients | Texture | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Scrub | Customization, sensitive skin | Turmeric, sugar, oil, yogurt | Custom blend | Low | You make it |
| POP MODERN.C | Face, brightening, acne | Turmeric, vitamin C, aloe | Cream with fine grit | ~$9 | View |
| VOERUY Bikini Scrub | Ingrown hairs, body tone | AHA+BHA, turmeric, tea tree | Cream scrub | ~$10 | View |
| Olahoni Scrub | Dark spots, hydration | Kojic acid, turmeric, honey | Sugar scrub | ~$25 | View |
FAQ: Turmeric Scrub Use
Yes. Turmeric is well known for helping fade dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
It can be. Use gentle exfoliants like brown sugar and moisturizing oils like jojoba or rosehip to avoid irritation.
Jojoba oil is great for acne-prone or oily skin, while rosehip oil is rich in nutrients for fading marks and evening tone.
No. 2 to 3 times per week is usually enough for most skin types.
Bonus: Free Shipping on Ingredients
Need your ingredients fast? Try Amazon Prime Free for quick delivery on turmeric, oils, and jars (affiliate link).
“Want a Quick Visual Guide?”
Watch the turmeric scrub steps in our Web Story below:
Final Thoughts
Making your own turmeric scrub is a simple way to treat your skin with ingredients you can trust. Whether you use it on your face, arms, back, or legs, it offers exfoliation, brightness, and a natural glow. With a few tweaks, it’s easy to adjust the formula for your skin’s needs. Always patch test first and enjoy the process, your skin will thank you.
