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.
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.
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.
🛒 Shop the Ingredients
Here are some recommended ingredients you can use to make your turmeric scrub at home. These are high-quality options available on Amazon (affiliate links included):
- Organic Turmeric Powder–Shop Now
- Raw Brown Sugar (for gentle exfoliation)-Shop Now
- Jojoba Oil (non-comedogenic and lightweight)-Shop Now
- Sweet Almond Oil (rich and nourishing)-Shop Now
- Coconut Oil (moisturizing, has antibacterial properties)- Shop Now
- Plain Greek Yogurt (for lactic acid and hydration)-Shop Now
- Aloe Vera Gel (soothing and cooling)-Shop Now
- Finely Ground Clove (for body scrub variation)-Shop Now
- Papaya Powder (for gentle enzyme exfoliation)-Shop Now
- Glass Jar or Container for Storage–Shop Now
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.
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.
💡 New to Amazon? Try Amazon Prime Free for fast shipping on your skincare ingredients (affiliate link).
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 |
⚠️ Turmeric Stain Tip (Personal Story)
Turmeric can stain fabrics, but sunlight can fix it. I once got curry on a white dress. After trying dish soap (which darkened the stain), I placed it in the sun and it faded completely. If your containers, towels or clothes stain, put them in direct sunlight and stain will disappear.
FAQ: Turmeric Scrub Use
Can I use a turmeric scrub for dark spots?
Yes. Turmeric is well known for helping fade dark spots, acne scars, and hyperpigmentation when used consistently.
Is turmeric scrub good for the face?
It can be. Use gentle exfoliants like brown sugar and moisturizing oils like jojoba or rosehip to avoid irritation.
What oils are best for turmeric scrub?
Jojoba oil is great for acne-prone or oily skin, while rosehip oil is rich in nutrients for fading marks and evening tone.
Can I use turmeric scrub every day?
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).
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.