6 Homemade Hand Scrubs To Keep Your Hands Moisturized And Soft

Get those soft and wrinkle-free hands with homemade nourishing scrub formulas.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sameeksha Chand, MBBS, MD DVL
Written by Arshiya Syeda, BA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Edited by Ramona Sinha, MA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Fact-checked by Monomita Chakraborty, MA (Journalism & Mass Communication), Certified Skin Care Coach  • 

Skin care is not just about pampering your face with lotions and creams. Unfortunately, many people tend to neglect their hands, which are among the first to show signs of aging like wrinkles. That is why we are here to tell you about homemade scrubs for soft hands. After all, your hands do most of your work and deserve equal attention as your face when it comes to skin care. So, it is important to do every bit you can do to keep your hands nourished, wrinkle-free, and soft.

In this article, we have curated a list of homemade scrubs that can keep your hands moisturized and soft. These incredible beauty hacks help in skin exfoliation besides stimulating collagen production and slowing down the appearance of premature aging signs. Keep scrolling to check them out!

Homemade Scrubs For Soft And Moisturized Hands

1. Sugar Scrub

Sugar and olive oil for making hand scrub
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Image: Shutterstock

The grainy texture of sugar helps exfoliate your skin. Olive oil contains essential fatty acids and vitamin E that help moisturize and soothe the skin and delay the signs of aging (1).

You Will Need

  • ½ cup of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 10-15 drops of lavender essential oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a jar.
  2. Scoop out a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it into your hands for 1 minute.
  3. Rinse with warm water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this 2-3 times a week


protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also substitute lavender essential oil with peppermint essential oil as it is not only good for the hands but also helps reduce mental stress.

2. Epsom Salt Hand Scrub

Epsom salt for homemade hand scrub
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Image: Shutterstock

Epsom salt can not only relieve pain and inflammation but also exfoliate the skin on your hands and make it softer (2).

You Will Need

  • 1 cup of Epsom salt
  • 1 cup olive or grapeseed oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Add Epsom salt and the carrier oil in a bowl and mix well until you get a smooth paste.
  2. Rub it on your hands and massage gently for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Once you are done with the gentle scrubbing, rinse with warm water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

3. Almond and Honey Scrub

Almond and honey for homemade hand scrub
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Image: IStock

Powdered almond acts as an excellent exfoliator. Honey is a natural emollient that relieves dryness and improves skin texture (3). This can help in making your hands soft and smooth.

You Will Need

  • A handful of almonds
  • 1/2 teaspoon of honey
  • Milk as required

What You Have To Do

  1. Grind a handful of almonds to a fine powder.
  2. Add half a teaspoon of honey and enough milk to make a smooth paste.
  3. Massage this mixture onto your hands for 2 minutes.
  4. Rinse with warm water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this 3 times a week

Note: This scrub should be used immediately and not stored as the milk can turn stale within a few hours.

4. Sugar And Coconut Oil Scrub

Brown sugar and coconut oil homemade hand scrub
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Image: IStock

Coconut oil is traditionally used by many people to relieve various skin disorders and improve skin health. It contains a high amount of fatty acids that can help in soothing and moisturizing the skin (4).

You Will Need

  • 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1/4 cup of sugar ( brown or white)
  • 1/4 cup of sea salt
  • Lime juice

What You Have To Do

  1. Mix one tablespoon each of coconut oil and honey (preferably organic).
  2. Add the sea salt and fine sugar to this and mix well.
  3. Add the juice of a lime and blend for 30 seconds.
  4. Massage the mix gently onto your hands for 1 minute. Rinse with warm water.
  5. Store in an airtight container and use it within a week.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

protip_icon Quick Tip
You can also make a scrub using lemon juice, sugar, and yogurt. Lemon acts as a bleaching agent and yogurt contains lactic acid that removes tan – both make your hands smoother and brighter.

5. Brown Sugar And Vitamin E Oil Scrub

Woman holding vitamin e capsule
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Image: IStock

Vitamin E is an antioxidant that may help repair damaged skin cells. It can help protect your skin from UV rays and prevent photoaging (5).

You Will Need

  • 2 tablespoons of granulated brown sugar.
  • 5-6 drops of vitamin E oil

What You Have To Do

  1. Blend all the ingredients in a bowl until you get a fine paste.
  2. Apply it to your hands and massage gently for 2 minutes.
  3. Rinse with warm water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this 3 times a week.

6. Lemon Sugar Scrub

Lemon sugar scrub
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Image: Shutterstock

Sugar has a grainy texture, making it an excellent physical exfoliator. Lemon zest and juice have skin-brightening properties, while coconut oil helps moisturize the skin (4), (6). This natural blend revitalizes the skin, removes dead skin cells, and improves the skin texture, keeping your hands smooth and soft.

You Will Need

  • 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 cup of coconut oil (or olive oil)
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice

What You Will Have To Do

  1. Combine granulated sugar and lemon zest in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Add the coconut oil and lemon juice to the sugar mixture. Stir until you have a grainy paste-like consistency.
  3. Apply it to your hands and massage for 2-3 minutes. Then, leave it on for another 2 minutes
  4. Wash it off with lukewarm water.

How Often You Need To Do This

Do this once or twice a week.

Store these scrubs in airtight containers and use them as required. Here are some tips you can follow for soft hands.

protip_icon Quick Tip
Apply these scrubs by massaging them in small circular motions on your hands for 1-2 minutes. You can then rinse your hands with lukewarm water.

Chas, a DIY blogger, makes her hand scrub using salt, lemon juice, and avocado oil. She adds, “I love that this recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have at home (i).” She even likes to use it as a body scrub and suggests you can swap the salt with sugar, as salt scrubs can sting if your skin has cuts or scratches.

Tips To Keep Your Skin Soft

  1. Avoid harsh chemical-filled self-care products.
  2. Always moisturize your hands.
  3. Use sunscreen to avoid UV damage.
  4. Use hand creams as part of your daily skin care routine to improve skin hydration.
  5. Choose soft and non-abrasive fabrics.
  6. Limit your bath time.

Infographic: 4 DIY Scrubs For Nourished Hands

Exposure to water, pollutants, and weather can result in dry and dull hands. While most skin care products address our facial issues, very few cater to our hands. If you are looking for easy ways to keep your hands moisturized, you have come to the right place. Check out thes infographic below for 4 DIY scrubs that can give you soft and healthy hands.

4 diy scrubs for nourished hands(infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

The early signs of aging are often noticed on our hands first. However, we tend to ignore them and provide no extra attention. But it is important to take care of them as much as you pamper your face. To keep your hands wrinkle-free and soft, you can try out the homemade scrubs discussed here. These home remedies help achieve soft and supple skin. The simple homemade scrubs for soft hands include sugar scrub, Epsom salt scrub, almond and honey scrub, sugar and coconut oil scrub, essential oils, and many more. Using these scrubs at least thrice a week will help you keep your hands soft and healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salt scrub better than sugar scrub?

When deciding between salt and sugar scrubs, it all comes down to your specific skin needs. Sugar is the way to go if you are looking for a gentler way to exfoliate your skin. Salt is always a good choice if you want to detoxify your skin.

What is lemon sugar scrub used for?

You can use a lemon and sugar scrub to keep your skin silky smooth. Lemon tightens the pores and evens out skin texture, while sugar acts as a manual exfoliant and cleanses the pores by removing dead skin cells.

What is the disadvantage of sugar scrub?

The sugar scrubs can be too harsh on skin if you have delicate or sensitive skin. It can cause micro tears on the skin surface which can lead to irritation and redness. If not formulated correctly, they can also leave a sticky or greasy residue on the skin.

What oil is best for hand scrub?

Grapeseed oil, vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and other essential oils are some popular choices of oil for hand scrub. They all are moisturizing and nourishing for hands but the best oil depends on skin type and personal preference.

Can a homemade hand scrub replace professional hand treatments or visits to a spa?

A homemade scrub can be a cost efficient and convenient way to maintain the health and appearance of hands but it cannot fully replace professional or spa treatment as they also use other elements like massage, special creams that may have added benefits.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using a homemade hand scrub?

Some common mistakes include:
Over-exfoliation: Exfoliating too frequently can strip the skin of its natural oil and can cause dryness.
Too much pressure: Scrubbing too aggressively with pressure can cause micro tears on skin which can lead to redness and irritation.
Wrong Ingredients: Avoid using ingredients that do not suit your skin type as it can lead to sensitivity and allergies.
Not rinsing scrub off: Leaving scrub for too long on hands or not rinsing it properly can lead to buildup and clogged pores.

Are there any potential risks or side effects associated with using a homemade hand scrub?

Potential risks associated with homemade hand scrub includes:
• Scrubbing too hard can cause micro tears on the skin’s surface leading to irritation.
• Using ingredients like lemon and baking soda, which can be too acidic or abrasive for some skin types and can lead to sensitivity or dryness.
• If there are any cuts or wounds, using scrubs can further irritate and damage the skin.

Can homemade hand scrubs be customized for different skin types or concerns?

Yes, homemade hand scrubs can be effectively customized for different skin types and concerns. For example, if you have dry skin, add moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil or honey to scrub. If you have oily skin then add ingredients like tea tree oil that can help in oil control and you can also adjust the level of exfoliation accordingly.

Key Takeaways

  • Honey is a natural moisturizer that hydrates the skin, making it supple, smooth, and healthy.
  • Ingredients like olive, coconut, and almond oil may hydrate and safeguard the skin.
  • Using a scrub on your hands should be done in slow circular motions, followed by rinsing.
  • For optimal results and to preserve soft, smooth skin, use hand scrubs frequently.
homemade hand scrub

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to make a DIY lemon and sugar hand scrub with this easy tutorial. Get soft and smooth hands in no time by checking out the video given below.

Personal Experience: Source

References

Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Read our editorial policy to learn more.

  1. Badiu, Diana, Rafael Luque, and Rajkumar Rajendram. “Effect of olive oil on the skin.” Olives and olive oil in health and disease prevention. Academic Press, 2010. 1125-1132.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780123744203001236
  2. Elbossaty, Walaa Fikry. “Pharmaceutical Influences of Epsom Salts.” Am J Pharmacol Pharmacother. Vol 5.1: 2.
    https://www.imedpub.com/articles/pharmaceutical-influences-of-epsom-salts.php?aid=23254
  3. Burlando, Bruno, and Laura Cornara. “Honey in dermatology and skin care: a review.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology vol. 12,4 (2013): 306-13.
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24305429
  4. Varma, Sandeep R et al. “In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil.” Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine vol. 9,1 5-14. 17 Jan. 2018.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6335493/
  5. Keen, Mohammad Abid, and Iffat Hassan. “Vitamin E in dermatology.”Indian Dermatology Online Journal vol. 7,4 (2016): 311-5.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4976416/
  6. Qian, Wenhui et al. “Natural skin-whitening compounds for the treatment of melanogenesis (Review).” Experimental and therapeutic medicine vol. 20,1 (2020): 173-185.
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7271691/
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