You have come to the right place if you are looking for the best DIY foot scrub recipes to soften and smoothen your feet. This article has prepared a list of quick and easy DIY foot scrubs. You can make one of these easy foot scrubs right in your kitchen.
Winter is a period when we should be extra gentle with our feet in terms of foot health. For example, our winter boots could often produce foot odor, and colder weather can aggravate various painful foot issues. So, be creative and prepare your DIY foot remedies from the comfort of your home to take extra care of your feet.
But, before we go any further, let’s try to figure out how a pleasant foot scrub or foot massage might aid you. Keep scrolling.
In This Article
Benefits Or Uses Of A Foot Scrub
- Massaging your feet with a scrub boosts blood circulation, which helps relieve aches (1).
- Massaging your feet relaxes your mind and body, thus relieving stress (1).
- It makes your feet look amazing because the foot scrub gently exfoliates and removes all the dirt and dead skin cells.
- It soothes the foot pain and discomfort caused by walking or standing for long hours (1).
Your feet take a beating every day. So, why not shower them with some love? Here are some DIY recipes for amazing foot scrubs.
20 Homemade DIY Foot Scrubs You Can Try
Before you jump to the recipes, here are a few tips that you need to keep in mind:
- Do a patch test with the foot scrub to check for allergic reactions, especially if you are using essential oils.
- Soak your feet in warm water for 10 minutes before using a scrub. This will enhance the massage experience.
Now, let’s check out the recipes.
1. Peppermint Foot Scrub With Epsom Salt
You Will Need
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon olive or coconut oil
- 3-4 drops peppermint oil
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and transfer to a glass jar.
- Scrub your feet for 10 minutes with this mixture. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
Peppermint oil relieves aches and pain (2). Coconut and olive oils soften the feet and moisturize them (3). This scrub is great for tired feet and is suited for all skin types.
Caution
Do a patch test before using peppermint oil.
2. Coconut Oil And Salt Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup salt (use Epsom or any bath salt)
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 3-4 drops of any essential oil
- ¼ cup vitamin E oil (optional)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and store it in a jar. Keep it aside for a few days.
- Use the mixture to scrub your feet gently for at least 20 minutes.
How It Works
This is the best DIY foot scrub for cracked heels. It is safe for all skin types and rejuvenates your feet. Coconut oil is excellent for healing many skin conditions by keeping the skin moisturized. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and protects the skin barrier (4).
3. Brown Sugar And Olive Oil Exfoliating Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 drops of essential oil (chamomile or peppermint)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Method
- Combine the sugar, olive oil, and baking soda in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil and scrub your feet with the mixture.
- Leave it on for at least 20 minutes and then wash it off.
- Follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
This is the simplest of all DIY foot scrubs, but it does an amazing job of keeping your feet happy and moisturized. The sugar granules gently scrub the skin, and the essential oils comfort your feet.
4. DIY Coffee Ground Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 2 tablespoons coffee grounds
- 2 tablespoons sugar (coarse)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
- Mix all the ingredients and prepare a thick paste.
- Apply it all over your feet and massage for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off.
How It Works
This DIY homemade foot scrub enhances the texture of the skin on your feet. The coffee grounds are excellent for scrubbing your feet and removing dead skin cells. This softens the feet.
5. Oatmeal Foot Scrub
You will Need
- 2 tablespoons bath salt
- 2 teaspoons oatmeal
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2-3 tablespoons water
Method
- Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and make a paste.
- Apply the paste to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
Oatmeal has a coarse texture, which makes it a great exfoliator. It also softens the skin on your feet and soothes minor rashes and itches (5). Combining it with bath salt and baking soda enhances its exfoliating effect.
6. Lemon And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ¼ cup of coconut oil
- 2 cups sugar (granulated)
- 9-10 drops lemon essential oil
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Method
- Mix the sugar, coconut oil, and lemon essential oil in a bowl.
- You may add lemon zest if you want (for additional scent and color).
- Apply the scrub to your feet and exfoliate.
How It Works
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent. Thus, it may help clear any blemishes from the skin. Sugar scrubs the dead skin cells off your feet. Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and makes them soft (3).
7. Honey And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup bath salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar (coarse)
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 7-8 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 cup olive or coconut oil
Method
- Mix the sugar and bath salt in a bowl and add the olive/coconut oil to it.
- Add honey and mix well.
- Add the essential oil at the end so that it is evenly distributed.
- Apply the scrub to your feet and massage for 15 minutes.
- Leave it on for some time (a few minutes) and then wash it off.
How It Works
The smell of lemon is very rejuvenating, and the scrub feels great on the feet. Honey has antimicrobial properties, and it works wonders in making your feet skin soft (6).
8. Sugar And Milk Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups lukewarm water (enough to soak your feet)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Method
- Pour the milk and water in a pedicure basin and soak your feet in it for 15 minutes.
- Mix the granulated sugar with oil.
- Remove your feet and scrub them thoroughly with the oil and sugar paste. Wash it off.
- Massage with coconut oil and put on your socks.
How It Works
The lactic acid in the milk breaks down the dead skin cells, and the scrub gently exfoliates your feet (7). Coconut oil moisturizes your feet and keeps them soft (3).
9. Baking Soda Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water
Method
- Make a thick paste by mixing the baking soda and water.
- Apply it to your feet and massage for 10 minutes.
- Wash it off.
How It Works
This is another easy-to-prepare foot scrub for tired feet. Baking soda is said to have exfoliating properties and is commonly used for soothing minor rashes and itching.
Note: You can soak your feet in baking soda mixed with warm water and follow up with this foot scrub. Warm water helps relax tired muscles.
10. Tea Tree Oil And Mint Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup bath salt
- 2-3 drops tea tree essential oil
- 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Method
- Combine the sea salt and the oils in a bowl until you get a paste.
- Apply the paste on your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Wash and follow up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
The essential oils soothe your feet and kill any bacteria and germs present on them (8). The salt acts as a scrub that removes dirt and dead skin cells from your feet.
Note: If you have cracked heels, the essential oils might sting a bit. But there is nothing to worry.
11. Lavender And Salt Foot Scrub Recipe
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon lavender essential oil
- 1 cup bath salt (sea salt/kosher salt/Epsom salt)
- 2 tablespoons lavender buds (optional)
- ½ cup grapeseed oil
Method
- Add the salt to a bowl and mix well with the buds.
- Add the lavender and grapeseed oils to this and blend.
- Damp your feet and gently massage the scrub on them.
- Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works
According to a study conducted on rats, lavender essential oil promotes collagen synthesis and wound healing (9). It also smells great and has a calming effect that induces relaxation.
12. Rosemary And Peppermint Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon rosemary (or use 2-3 drops rosemary essential oil)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup bath salt (sea salt, Epsom or kosher salts)
- 2-3 drops peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Method
- Add the salt to a large bowl and mix well with coconut and olive oils.
- Add the peppermint oil and rosemary. Mix well.
- If it’s too dry, add more coconut and olive oils.
- Store in a glass jar.
How It Works
If you have dry skin, try this homemade scrub. Peppermint oil helps in relieving aches and pain while the coconut oil moisturizes your feet (2), (3). Rosemary adds a woody aroma to the scrub which is equally relaxing. This foot scrub is ideal for pampering your tired feet after a long day.
13.Strawberry And Sugar Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup granulated sugar (don’t use fine sugar)
- 2 strawberries
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Method
- Mash the strawberries and mix the sugar in it.
- Add the olive oil and mix well.
- Apply the scrub to your feet and wait for 20 minutes before washing.
How It Works
This foot scrub looks delicious and has a sweet aroma that is invigorating. It is suitable for all skin types and is best for those who have sensitive skin. Sugar gently exfoliates the skin. Olive oil keeps your feet moisturized (3).
14. Honey And Camphor Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 drops camphor essential oil
- 1 cup bath salt
Method
- Mix the bath salt and honey in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil to this and blend well.
- Apply the paste to your feet and gently massage for 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for some time.
- Soak your feet in warm water with bath salt.
- Pat dry and apply moisturizer.
How It Works
This DIY foot scrub is excellent for rough skin and suits all skin types. A study conducted on rats found that camphor oil has wound-healing and antiwrinkle properties (10). Honey makes your feet soft (6).
15. Homemade Magnesium Salt Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup magnesium salt (you may use Epsom salt, a form of Magnesium)
- 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
- ¼ cup coconut or almond oil
- 9-10 drops essential oil (you may use any)
Method
- Mix all the ingredients, except the essential oil, in a bowl.
- Add the essential oil and mix well.
- Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10 minutes and then wash with water.
How It Works
This foot scrub is best for those who are suffering from skin issues on the feet. Magnesium is believed to be absorbed by the skin when applied topically, there is no conclusive research that proves this. It helps soothe inflammatory skin issues and protects the skin barrier (11). This scrub may be helpful in soothing skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
16. Pineapple And Yogurt Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup crushed pineapple
- ½ cup sugar (coarse)
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
Method
- Mix the sugar and yogurt in a bowl and then add the pineapple to it.
- Massage the scrub on your feet for 10 minutes. Leave it on for another 10 minutes.
- Wash with lukewarm water.
How It Works
Pineapple is an excellent source of vitamin C and may help exfoliate dead skin cells, though this has not been scientifically proven. Yogurt can brighten the skin and improve its texture (12).
17. Sugar And Vanilla Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 vanilla bean pod (extract the seeds)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined)
Method
- Whisk the coconut oil until it’s a bit fluffy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla seeds to it and mix.
- Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Leave it on for another 10 minutes and then wash it off.
How It Works
This is a very basic scrub that can thoroughly cleanse the foot skin by removing dirt and dead skin cells. The vanilla gives it a nice fragrance, and coconut oil moisturizes and softens the skin (3).
18. Apple, Orange, And Sugar Scrub
You Will Need
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup coconut oil (unrefined)
- 2-3 drops orange essential oil
- 2-3 drops apple essential oil
Method
- Combine the sugar and coconut oil in a bowl.
- Add the essential oils and mix well.
- Massage the scrub all over your feet for 5 minutes and leave it on for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash your feet and apply cream or moisturizer.
How It Works
Any citrus smell is known to rejuvenate your senses. This foot scrub not only makes your feet smell great but also rejuvenates them.
19. Peach And Sugar Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2-3 drops peach essential oil
Method
- Combine the sugar and olive oil in a bowl.
- Add the peach essential oil drops and mix well.
- Apply the mixture to your feet and scrub for 10 minutes.
- Let it sit for another 15-20 minutes and then wash it off.
- Follow it up with a moisturizer.
How It Works
This scrub looks (and smells) delicious and is easy to prepare. Peach oil smells great. Olive oil moisturizes the skin of your feet (3). Granulated sugar is an excellent exfoliant that helps keep your skin clean and soft.
20. Sugar And Pumpkin Pie Spice Foot Scrub
You Will Need
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil (add more if needed)
Method
- Mix the sugars in a bowl. Blend well and add coconut oil.
- Add all the spices and mix well.
- Scrub your feet with the mixture for 10-15 minutes and then wash.
How It Works
Pumpkin spice smells extremely refreshing and makes your feet smell great! Coconut oil softens and smoothens your feet (3). The two types of sugar exfoliate and clean your feet thoroughly.
Cold and harsh winters can bring out bad foot odor and exacerbate foot aches. A relaxing and gentle foot massage is the perfect way to stimulate blood circulation in your feet and exfoliate dead skin and dirt. With simple ingredients from your pantry such as coffee, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, or lemon, you can make your own foot scrub at home. Whenever you need a foot massage, you can simply make any one of these DIY foot scrubs at home and skip that trip to your salon.