If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and satisfying DIY project for this holiday season, look no further! I’ve got just the thing for you – an exfoliating, nourishing cranberry body scrub you can make at home in just 6 simple steps, and with minimal equipment.
This buttery sugar scrub is packed with nourishing and antioxidant plant-based ingredients like cocoa butter, cranberry and pomegranate seed oils – which give it a comforting, soft and creamy texture – combined with gentle natural exfoliants like rice powder and sugar, which help buff away dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling soft, glowy, and silky smooth.
It also smells as festive as it looks. And all you need to make it is a small pot to melt the ingredients and something to stir with. So put on your favourite holiday tunes, clear a bit of counter space, and let’s make this cosy, cranberry body scrub together!
Why you’ll love this cranberry body scrub
If you’re craving a cosy, feel-good project for the holidays, this cranberry sugar crush body scrub is just the thing for you. It’s quick and easy to whip up, and it makes your whole kitchen smell festive. Plus, it feels lush on the skin.
I made mine listening to festive tunes, and it felt super cosy. But let me tell you more about this body scrub (and why you’ll love it).
What it looks like/feels like/smells like
This scrub looks as good as it feels. The texture is buttery and slightly gritty – a bit like damp sand – and scoops up easily before melting into your skin as you massage it in. The blend of sugar and rice powder gently exfoliates the skin, while rich cocoa butter and berry seed oils provide deep nourishment, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and radiant.
It also has a beautiful red tint, thanks to a touch of red radish pigment, which is a natural colourant that gives the scrub its uniquely festive glow. Don’t worry, it won’t stain your skin.
As for the scent, it’s a wholesome mix of sweet, fruity, and floral notes from a blend of sweet orange and fragonia essential oils. If you’re not familiar with fragonia, it’s derived from the flowering branches and leaves of a native Australian plant, and its essential oil has a unique floral aroma that’s both soothing and uplifting. It’s not something you often find in skincare or bodycare products, but once you smell it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
My favourite bit
What I like most about this scrub is how effective it is. It gives you that satisfying, gritty exfoliation you want – enough to feel like it’s really working – yet still feels gentle and comforting on the skin. Plus, it holds together well and doesn’t separate, even when left in a warm, sunny spot.
Another thing I love about this cranberry scrub is how easily it is to customise (more on that later). It also makes for a thoughtful, handmade gift, or a lovely little treat for yourself if you want to turn your skincare routine into a self-care ritual.
Personally, every time I use it, I feel like I’m using a luxurious spa product.
How to use this sugar crush body scrub
There are two ways you can use this scrub: either on dry skin before stepping into the shower, which gives you a more intense exfoliation, or on damp skin while you’re in the shower. I personally prefer the second option, as it keeps things tidier and feels more hydrating on the skin.
To use it, simply scoop a small amount into your hands, massage it into the skin using circular motions, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. You’ll be left with smooth, refreshed, and nourished skin.
What you’ll need to make this cranberry body scrub
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cranberry sugar crush body scrub. All the ingredients can either be found online or from speciality cosmetic ingredient suppliers. I’ve listed a few suggested suppliers at the end of this post to make things easier for you.
Ingredients:
Below are the 9 ingredients you’ll need to make this festive sugar scrub:
1. Sugar
INCI: Sucrose
First up, you’ll need sugar, which you probably already have in your kitchen cupboard. Otherwise, you can buy some in your local supermarket!
Sugar is the main exfoliant in this scrub, and it helps to gently buff away dead skin cells for smoother, more radiant skin.
2. Rice powder
INCI: Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder
Next, you’ll need rice powder, which is the second exfoliant in this recipe/formula. Rice powder is a gentle, fine-grain exfoliant that helps soften and polish the skin without irritating it.
3. Cocoa butter
INCI: Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Up next is cocoa butter. This tropical butter not only smells deliciously chocolatey, but also gives the scrub its rich, creamy base and structure.
It’s also deeply moisturising and helps to lock in hydration and improve skin suppleness.
4. Cranberry seed oil
INCI: Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
You didn’t think you could make a cranberry scrub without using cranberry seed oil, did you? Cranberry oil is the star ingredient of this scrub. It’s a lightweight, antioxidant-rich oil that nourishes and protects the skin while supporting the barrier function. It also has a light, fruity aroma and is packed with skin-loving nutrients.
Cranberry oil is a bit of an underrated oil, but one I absolutely love. It also really fits the festive theme of this sugar scrub.
If you’re interested to learn more about the skin barrier, check out this article:
Skin Barrier 101: Essential guide for natural cosmetic formulator
5. Pomegranate seed oil
INCI: Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil
The other oil you’ll need to make this festive scrub is pomegranate seed oil. Similar to cranberry oil, pomegranate oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids and is known for its regenerative and soothing properties. It also helps calm and revitalise the skin and is a lovely addition to this festive gourmand scrub.
6. Cranberry CO2 extract
INCI: Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
Since this is a cranberry-themed scrub, I’ve also added cranberry extract. But this isn’t just any botanical extract: it’s a CO2 extract! Cranberry extract is especially beneficial because it’s rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help support healthy and happy skin.
If you’re not familiar with CO2 extracts, they’re basically highly concentrated plant extracts made using pressurised carbon dioxide, which is a gentle, eco-friendly process that captures the beneficial compounds of the plant (in this case, cranberry).
You can also learn more about CO2 extracts below:
7. Fragonia & sweet orange essential oils
INCI: Agonis Fragrans Branch/Leaf Oil | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil
For the fragrance, you’ll need fragonia and sweet orange essential oils – a duo that gives this scrub its soothing yet uplifting aroma.
Fragonia essential oil has a fresh, soft, slightly floral scent with gentle woody undertones that perfectly complement the natural sweetness of sweet orange. Together, they create a balanced blend that feels both cosy and fresh.
If you can’t find fragonia essential oil where you live, don’t worry! You can simply leave it out or swap it for another essential oil of your choice, using the same ratio. Here are some lovely alternatives or pairings for sweet orange essential oil:
- Other citrus oils (like lemon, grapefruit, or lime) for a fresh, energising scent
- Grounding, wintery oils (like cedarwood, cinnamon leaf, or clove bud) for warmth and depth
- Floral notes (like lavender or geranium) to add softness and balance
Important note: If you decide to replace the essential oils, just make sure to follow the recommended dermal limits (the maximum safe concentration for each essential oil in rinse-off or leave-on products). This is also something we cover in more detail in our award-winning formulation courses. And as always, patch test your formulation before using it – safety first.
8. Vitamin E
INCI: Tocopherol
Next, you’ll need vitamin E. Now, if you’re a skincare lover like me, you’ve probably heard of this vitamin before. It’s a powerful antioxidant that helps protect both your skin and your oils from oxidation (rancidity), keeping your scrub fresher for longer.
You can learn more about the amazing benefits of antioxidants below:
9. Red radish pigment
INCI: Distarch phosphate, Anthocyanins, Citric Acid
And finally, for the finishing touch, you’ll need red radish pigment! This natural, plant-based reddish/pink colourant gives the scrub its vibrant, festive, and cheerful reddish-pink hue. Don’t worry, it won’t stain your skin, since it’s used in such a tiny amount.
I sourced mine from Aroma Zone, but you can find similar pigments from other natural ingredient suppliers. If you can’t get hold of red radish pigment, no problem. You can leave it out or experiment with other colourants to make this scrub uniquely yours. Just maintain the original ratios.
For a touch of shimmer, you could try using mica powder, though there are important ethical considerations when it comes to mica sourcing. Find out about the subject in this podcast episode:
Alternatively, you could experiment with natural colourants like turmeric or sea buckthorn oil, if you wanted a soft orange glow. You can learn how to work with natural pigments/ colourants in the posts below:
Equipment
You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment to make this scrub – just a few basics, most of which you can find online or in a cookery store.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A heat source (a double-boiler works perfectly)
- A couple of glass beakers in different sizes beaker
- A glass stirring rod or a spoon
- A handheld mini whisk
- A spatula
- Small measuring spoons for scooping powders
- A digital scale (ideally accurate to 0.01 g)
- A few pipettes for measuring small quantities of liquids like essential oils and vitamin E
You can also find all these tools on Formula Botanica’s Amazon storefront.*
*Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through this link, at no extra cost to you.
How to make a cranberry sugar crush body scrub
- Makes: 100g
- Level: Beginner-friendly
- Formulation type: Hot process (requires heating)
| Phase | Ingredients | INCI | Weight (g) |
| A | Sugar | Sucrose | 60.00 |
| A | Rice powder | Oryza Sativa Powder | 12.00 |
| A | Red radish plant pigment | Distarch phosphate, Anthocyanins, Citric Acid | 0.20 |
| B | Cocoa butter | Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter | 10.00 |
| C | Cranberry seed oil | Vaccinium Macrocarpon Seed Oil.
|
10.00 |
| C | Pomegranate seed oil | Punica Granatum Seed Oil | 5.00 |
| C | Cranberry CO2 extract | Oxycoccus Palustris Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract | 1.30 |
| C | Fragonia essential oil | Agonis Fragrans Branch/Leaf Oil | 0.50 |
| C | Sweet orange essential oil | Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil | 0.50 |
| C | Vitamin E | Tocopherol | 0.50 |
| Total: 100.00 |
Step-by-step method:
Here’s how to make your cranberry body scrub in just 6 easy steps!
Before you get started, make sure your work surface and tools are clean and sanitised – this helps prevent any unwanted microbial growth in your finished scrub. To clean, simply wash everything with hot, soapy water and a sponge. Then, sanitise with 70% isopropyl alcohol or ethanol, and let everything air dry completely. You can learn more about how to set up an artisan lab in the posts below:
- Step 1: Weigh your dry ingredients
Start by weighing out your dry ingredients: the sugar, rice powder, and the red radish plant pigment (if using).
Combine in a small bowl or beaker and stir until evenly mixed. Set it aside for later.
- Step 2: Weigh and heat your cocoa butter
In a clean and sanitised heat-safe glass beaker, weigh out the cocoa butter. Gently heat it until fully melted.
Cocoa butter has a melting point of around 38°C, so there’s no need to heat it over 40°C. Keeping the temperature low also helps protect the heat-sensitive ingredients you’ll add later. Otherwise, you might risk destroying their beneficial properties. You can control the temperature with a simple kitchen thermometer.
- Step 3: Add your plant-based oils
Once the cocoa butter is fully melted, remove the beaker from the heat and add the cranberry seed and pomegranate seed oils. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 4: Add your actives and essential oils
When the mixture has definitely cooled to below 40°C, add the cranberry CO2 extract, fragonia essential oil, sweet orange essential oil, and vitamin E. Stir thoroughly to ensure all components are fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Combine all the ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the oil mixture, stirring continuously.
Blend well until the texture is smooth and consistent, with the colour evenly distributed throughout the scrub.
- Step 6: Package & label
Transfer the finished scrub into a clean, dry container, ideally a screw-top jar suitable for body scrubs. Smooth the surface, label with the product name and date, and your cranberry body scrub is ready to use!
Formulation notes & customisation tips
I hope you enjoy making and using this cranberry body scrub as much as I did.
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way and like to keep in mind when making this scrub.
Tip #1: Blend the pigment evenly:
First, make sure the pigment is evenly blended for a consistent colour.
When I first made this scrub, I noticed that the oils tended to rise to the top of the sugar. If this happens to you, don’t worry.
You can simply pop your scrub into the fridge for a short time to let it set. Adding cocoa butter to the scrub also solved that – it gave it structure, kept the oils in place, and created a rich, buttery texture.
Tip #2: Add more cocoa butter or wax if you live in a warmer climate:
If you live in a warmer climate, you might notice that your cranberry scrub can feel a bit soft or look like it’s separating. If that’s the case, you can add a bit more cocoa butter or even a small amount of wax. This will give your scrub a firmer texture.
This is such a simple fix and one worth remembering for oil-based scrubs.
Tip #3: Add a co-emulsifier if you’re feeling confident:
Finally, if you already have some formulation experience and would like an easier rinse-off, you can include a natural co-emulsifier like Durosoft. This step is completely optional, but it can make the experience feel a bit more luxurious.
Customising your sugar scrub
One of the best things about this cranberry sugar crush body scrub is how customisable it is. You can swap out the essential oils if you’d prefer a different scent profile – something more herbal, citrusy, or floral.
You could also experiment with different plant-based oils if you don’t have cranberry or pomegranate oils on hand. And if you enjoy playing with colour, mica powders, turmeric, or sea buckthorn can give you beautiful natural shades.
Whatever you do, just remember to maintain the original ratios and always test your swaps to ensure your final product remains stable!
Preservation & storage
Because this is an oil-based scrub with no water in the formula, it doesn’t require a preservative under typical storage conditions – especially if you’re applying it to dry skin and keeping the container away from moisture.
However, in real-world use, many of us enjoy using scrubs like this in the shower, where water can easily get into the container. Whether it’s from damp fingers or accidental splashes, once water is introduced, the product becomes more vulnerable to microbial growth.
That’s why I recommend including an oil-soluble preservative if you plan to store your scrub in the shower or use it with wet hands. While I haven’t included one in this version (mainly to keep it beginner-friendly), there are good options available out there that can offer added peace of mind.
If you don’t have a preservative on hand, one option is to make smaller batches more frequently and store them in a dry space. However, if you’re making a larger batch for regular in-shower use, including an oil-soluble preservative is a must. You can learn more about natural preservation below:
Everything you wanted to know about natural preservatives
16-point checklist: Choosing a natural preservative for skincare
We also teach this in our award-winning courses.
Suggested suppliers
Below is a list of trusted suppliers you can use to source the ingredients to make this festive cranberry sugar scrub:
INKY Ingredients (UK)
Aroma-Zone (EU)
Aromantic (UK)
Alexmo Cosmetics (EU)
Manske (EU)
The Soap Kitchen (UK)
Ellemental (EU)
Lotioncrafter (USA)
Essential Labs (USA)
Go Native NZ (New Zealand)
Naturally Balmy (UK)
O&3 – The Oil Family (UK/EU)
Soap & More (Canada)
Handymade (EU)
Formulator Sample Shop (USA)
Final thoughts
I hope you enjoyed making and using this cranberry sugar crush body scrub! If you did, let me know what formulation you’d like to see next on the blog in the comment section below, or share your scrub photos on social media using the #FormulaBotanica, as the Formula Botanica team and I love hearing from you.
If you’ve enjoyed this festive formulation, why stop here? Discover just how fun, easy, and empowering formulation can be with our free organic skincare formulation training!
In this short online training, you’ll learn how to create your own professional-grade skincare from scratch and become a confident formulator instead of a recipe-follower. Start your formulation journey today! I hope to see you there.
FAQ
- What does this cranberry body scrub look, feel, and smell like?
This scrub has a soft, creamy, and gritty texture that feels rich and buttery to the touch – a bit like damp sand. When you scoop it out, it spreads easily across the skin, polishing away dryness without feeling gritty or harsh. The red radish pigment gives it a naturally reddish-pink colour that looks beautiful in the jar but won’t stain your skin.
The scent is subtly sweet and refreshing – a comforting mix of citrus from sweet orange essential oil and delicate florals from fragonia that makes every use feel like a mini spa ritual.
- Can I substitute some of the ingredients?
Absolutely. That’s the beauty of formulation. This recipe/formula is designed to be flexible, so you can easily adapt it to what you have on hand. You could try using different carrier oils, exfoliants, butters, and essential oils. Just remember to keep the original ratios and to patch test your scrub before using.
- Where can I learn to make professional-grade skincare and bodycare products?
If this scrub has sparked your curiosity, you’ll love learning how to formulate like a professional with Formula Botanica’s free organic skincare formulation training. It’s the perfect next step to start creating safe, effective products and becoming a formulator instead of a recipe-follower.
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Brooke Medhurst is a Tutor at Formula Botanica. Find out more about the Formula Botanica Team.
