Physical Exfoliant Scrub

General Recipe:

1. Exfoliating Agents (15-30%): This is the most vital part of your scrub. It provides the abrasiveness to remove dead skin cells. Natural ingredients like sugar, salt, ground coffee, crushed walnut shells, or jojoba beads are commonly used. Note that the percentage can be varied depending upon the desired level of exfoliation and the type of exfoliant used.

2. Emollients (30-50%): These are ingredients that moisturize and soften the skin. They can be oils (e.g., jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, coconut oil, olive oil), or butters (e.g., shea butter, cocoa butter).

3. Thickeners (5-10%): Ingredients like beeswax, cetyl alcohol, or stearic acid can be used to give the scrub more body and make it easier to apply.

4. Emulsifiers (5-10%): These are necessary if you are combining oil and water ingredients to prevent them from separating. Common emulsifiers include Polysorbate 20, lecithin, or cetearyl alcohol.

5. Humectants (2-5%): These draw moisture to the skin. Examples include glycerin, hyaluronic acid, or propylene glycol.

6. Preservatives (0.5-1.5%): These are necessary to prevent bacterial and fungal growth, especially if your scrub contains water or will be exposed to water during use. Examples include phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or potassium sorbate.

7. Fragrance/Essential Oils (0.5-2%): These provide a pleasant scent to your scrub. Make sure to choose skin-safe fragrances or essential oils and use them at an appropriate percentage to avoid skin irritation.

8. pH adjusters (as needed): These are used to adjust the pH of the scrub to match the skin's natural pH (around 5.5). Common pH adjusters include citric acid or sodium bicarbonate.

9. Other Actives (2-5%): These are ingredients that provide additional skin benefits. Examples include vitamins (e.g., vitamin E), botanical extracts, antioxidants, or other active ingredients tailored to specific skin concerns.

These are the most common physical exfoliants. They contain small particles or beads that provide a rough texture to help manually remove dead skin cells when massaged onto the skin. Ingredients can include sugar, salt, coffee grounds, jojoba beads, and more.