Turmeric is a plant of the ginger family, and it’s used to create turmeric powder. The bright yellow spice is part of many applications including various cuisines and fabric dyes. Turmeric powder has become increasingly popular in the beauty industry in recent years because it is thought to be beneficial for skin and hair.
Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is often used in skin-care products to ease redness, brighten the skin, and even skin tone. However, we only use it to add color and texture to our recipes. As always, if you’re selling your products, you can’t claim they cure redness or any skin condition. Learn more in the Understanding FDA Cosmetic vs. Drug Claims post.
This Turmeric & Ginger Body Scrub contains turmeric powder and ginger essential oil. The new essential oil smells just like freshly cut ginger. Made with sugar, it has a medium amount of scrub that’s great for the body but would be harsh on the face. The addition of olive oil provides moisturizing properties, while the Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base makes sure the scrub washes away cleanly. Without the liquid soap, you may experience some staining from the turmeric.
Looking for another way to incorporate turmeric into your skin-care routine? The Turmeric Clay Face Mask contains kaolin clay, carrot seed essential oil, and carrot extract. It leaves skin feeling refreshed and moisturized.
What You’ll Need:
Four Short 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars
30 oz. Sugar
2 tsp. Turmeric Powder
2 oz. Olive Oil
2 oz. Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base
0.6 oz. Ginger Essential Oil
0.3 oz. Optiphen
Click here to add everything you need for this project to your Bramble Berry shopping cart!
ONE: In a small, essential oil-safe container, mix the olive oil, Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base, ginger essential oil, and Optiphen. Stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients and set the container aside.
NOTE ABOUT PRESERVATIVES: Although this scrub doesn’t contain water, it will likely get splashed in during use. The extra water may cause bacteria and mold to grow. We added a preservative to be extra careful, but it is optional. Read more in the Talk It Out Tuesday: Preservatives post.
TWO: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and turmeric powder. Stir them together to fully combine and get rid of any chunks.
THREE: Pour the oil mixture into the sugar. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix.
FOUR: Transfer the mixture into the jars. To use, apply to wet skin, scrub in circular motions, and rinse off. Enjoy!
NOTE: This scrub has a tendency to dry out if it’s not stored in an airtight container. For best results, use a container with a tight seal to prevent it from drying out.
DIY Turmeric & Ginger Body Scrub
Ingredients
- Four Short 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars
- 30 oz. Sugar
- 2 tsp. Turmeric Powder
- 2 oz. Olive Oil
- 2 oz. Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base
- 0.6 oz. Ginger Essential Oil
- 0.3 oz. Optiphen
Instructions
- In a small, essential oil-safe container, mix the olive oil, Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base, ginger essential oil, and Optiphen. Stir to thoroughly mix the ingredients and set the container aside. NOTE ABOUT PRESERVATIVES: Although this scrub doesn’t contain water, it will likely get splashed in during use. The extra water may cause bacteria and mold to grow. We added a preservative to be extra careful, but it is optional. Read more in the Talk It Out Tuesday: Preservatives post.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and turmeric powder. Stir them together to fully combine and get rid of any chunks.
- Pour the oil mixture into the sugar. Use your hands or a spatula to thoroughly mix.
- Transfer the mixture into the jars. To use, apply to wet skin, scrub in circular motions, and rinse off. Enjoy!
Hi there, a mate in my FB mastermind shared your website with all of us so I came to look it over.
I’m definitely loving the information, thanks.
How can I make this into a face scrub? Thank You!
This scrub may be a little harsh for the face. If you want to give it a try I would probably add in a little extra liquid oil to try and make it a bit more gentle.
If you’re looking for a face scrub recipe you could also try our Volcanic Sand & Charcoal Face Scrub:
https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/volcanic-sand-charcoal-face-scrub/
Thank You
Hi!
how can I use this fabolous scrub? In the shower like soap liquid? or how?
You can use it in the shower or bath if you would like! That would be my preferred way of using it.
Hi,
What is the purpose of the liquid castile soap in this recipe?Can it be left out or substituted? Also, is it possible to use ginger powder or ginger juice instead of the ginger essential oil?
The Liquid Castile Soap is added to this recipe to add cleansing properties to the scrub. You can substitute it with Potassium Cocoate or another type of liquid soap if you would like. I don’t know about the ginger powder or juice, the essential oil is just used to add scent.
Hi,
Is it possible to use another soap base but not the liquid one?
We recommend using a liquid soap base in this recipe. A solid melt and pour base would be safe though it would harden so you would be making something more like scrub cubes.
DIY Violet Sugar Scrub Cubes: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/violet-solid-sugar-scrub-cubes/
Does this make around 32 oz? Also is this more of a “dry” body scrub, i.e.- not as soaked with oils as other types? And if im adding fragrance oil in lieu of essential, do i still need the same amount or just measure in drops?
This scrub makes about 35 ounces. It is more dry, you can see that it has a more crumbly texture. The liquid soap also adds cleansing properties so it doesn’t feel as oily.
For the fragrance, you can find out how much to add with our Fragrance Calculator. Just select “Salts” from the drop-down menu: http://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Hi,what the shelf life of this thing is?
Thanks
The shelf life is 3-6 months. Store it in a cool, dry place.
Can I use Optiphen for any body scrub that I make? Or are different preservatives used for different ingredients?
Optiphen and Phenonip both work well. They’ll work for pretty much all scrubs. You can use them at 1% of the total weight of the product.
Learn more about certain preservatives and what they’re used for here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
I have been instructed by an experienced soapmaker who has been in business for over 20 years that, if the ingredient that colors the product is not an FDA-approved colorant (like turmeric), you have to color the product with an FDA-approved colorant (like lake colors), so that the color technically is coming from the FDA-approved colorants and the other ingredient is not technically coloring the product. Is that actually correct? Or is it ok that this product gets colored by just the turmeric? And are scrubs classified as cosmetics since they are used to exfoliate and not just cleanse the skin? Thanks for your help, I’m new at this and it’s a little confusing!
Absolutely, we’re happy to help. Colorants do have to be on this FDA-approved list: https://www.fda.gov/Cosmetics/Labeling/IngredientNames/ucm109084.htm
That being said, you can still add turmeric to your recipe because it’s skin safe. When you’re marketing your bars, you’ll want to emphasize that the turmeric was added for its other benefits rather than as a natural colorant.
Also, scrubs are classified as cosmetics.
Hello
Would this scrub require microbiological testing, as they are non-aqueous?
Thanks
No, this scrub doesn’t require testing. The Optiphen will help protect against mold and bacteria in case water is splashed in during use.
Is the tumeric powder just the tumeric you find in the dried herbs and spices section of the supermarket? TY
Yes, just make sure it’s pure turmeric and there are no additives or other spices mixed in.
This scrub is recommended for which type of skin?
Sugar is fine, so it has a more gentle exfoliation suitable for all types of skin, including sensitive. The larger the grain of exfoliant, the more intense the scrub is. If you like a more intense scrub, you can add something like coffee grounds or shredded loofah. Learn more in this post on exfoliants: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-exfoliants/
If your skin is very sensitive, you may want to add less or no essential oil. That way it’s extra gentle.
This post has more on creating products for allergies and sensitivities: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/soaping-with-allergies-nuts-gluten-more/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can I use a liquid castile soap with this recipe? Is it different from a castile soap base?
This recipe uses Natural Castile Liquid Soap Base, which is a liquid soap that helps cleanse the skin and wash away any oil from the scrub. You can use another liquid soap if you like. Find liquid soap bases here: https://www.brambleberry.com/Liquid-Bases-C15.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I tested this with regular liquid castile soap and the turmeric did not wash away. I ended up having to wipe the orange oil off my hands with a cloth.
Hmm, I’m not sure why that’s happening. In our tests we found the scrub washed away. How much soap did you use in your recipe?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Would you be able to replace the sugar in this recipe with something else to turn it into a face scrub?
You can. For the face, fine-grained exfoliants like colloidal oatmeal and baking soda work well. Learn more about exfoliants here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-exfoliants/
You can add the same amount of the exfoliant as the sugar and test the scrub. If you want it more scrubby, you can add more exfoliant. For a softer scrub, you can add more soap or oil. Also, because this scrub is going right by your nose, you may want to reduce the amount of essential.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
hi
sorry im commenting on the wrong page but i want to ask about the emulsifying scrub. im unable to comment on that page
so my question is, do i need to use Liquid Soap Base as im unable to get it where i am. and the scrub requires me to add water.
can i do it without the water?
YOUR INGREDIENT
1.9 oz Sweet Almond Oil
0.6 oz Stearic Acid
1.2 oz Emulsifying Wax
0.7 oz Beeswax
1 oz. Mango Butter
3 oz Distilled Water
3 oz Natural Liquid Soap
0.1 oz Phenonip
0.1 oz Fragrance Oil (we used Morroccan Mint)
21-28 oz Fine Grain Sea Salt (or Sugar)
Will any of this work on the emulsifying scrub
glycerine soap base / melt & pour soap base
Thats all the seller has available
A tub of scrub i ordered, the maker used butter oils, beeswax, emulsifying wax and essential oil in her scrub with sugar
It had a hard consistency but lathered nicely on the body
It had a creamy feel to it, and rinsed off easily leaving the skin nice and oily/moisturized
How can I calculate the the measurements without the other stuff if i want to leave it basic..
Ive checked through your other scrubs, there isnt one with only ewax
Could you share me some links or advise please
Sorry, askiing alot *shy face*
The emulsified scrub does need the water and liquid soap, without it the scrub will have a thick and waxy texture. We don’t have a scrub recipe like the one you described, but we do have some other options. These cubes are made with melt and pour soap and oil, so they lather, scrub, and moisturize at the same time: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/soaks-and-scrubs/diy-sugar-scrub-cubes/
You may also like this recipe, which is made with creamy orange butter: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/orange-butter-body-scrub-diy/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Could you use potassium cocoate instead of the liquid soap? I purchase that to make your orange poppyseed scrub. If so would you use the same amount or something different?
Yes, potassium cocoate will work well in this scrub. It is similar to the liquid soap and will add cleansing properties to the recipe.
Potassium cocoate: https://www.brambleberry.com/Potassium-Cocoate-P5902.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Could you use a polysorbate or liquid Germal in place of the optiphen?
We haven’t used Germal, so you may want to make a small test batch to see if it works. Also, polysorbate 80 is an emulsifier but it doesn’t protect against mold and bacteria. You’ll want to use a preservative like Germal or Optiphen.
Learn more about preservatives here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
The color you got with this scrub is fabulous! It is so eye catching ????
Oh thanks so much, glad you’re enjoying it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
What other oils would you substitute for Olive oil?
I use Apricot Kernel Oil in my body scrubs & it works very well if you prefer not to use the Olive Oil. I got my Apricot Kernel Oil while it was on sale last month from Brambleberry.
Apricot kernel oil is a great option, thanks Maggie! Rice bran or canola oil would be good substitutes as well.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Apricot kernel oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Apricot-Kernel-Oil-P3206.aspx
Rice bran oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Rice-Bran-Oil-P4971.aspx
Canola oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Canola-Oil-High-Oleic-P5548.aspx
Just wondering if the water in the castile base will dissolve the sugar?
It doesn’t, the recipe stays nice and scrubby.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you Kelsey! I can’t wait to try this.
This is a wonderful scrub. Thanks for the recipe.
You’re welcome Maryl! Glad you like it.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Would it be ok to use the high sudsing liquid soap base instead of the castile? I was looking at buying the high sudsing and not necessarily wanting to buy 2 different liquid soap bases. Thanks!
That should work just fine, it will give the scrub a little bit of lather.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you use glyceri e instead of Castile soap?
Glycerin may not wash away the turmeric like the soap does. I would recommend trying a small test batch with glycerin to see if you notice any staining. If so, soap is the way to go.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Could you tell me what quantity 30 oz. of sugar is in cups or tbsps, please?
I’m a bit concerned about the turmeric staining – are you saying that, with the soap added, it won’t stain at all? I’m thinking of making this as a gift and not everyone would thank me for orange skin.
Net wt 8 oz sugar is roughly 1 cup.
The 30 oz. of sugar is about 3.75 cups. However, we do recommend weight measurements for this scrub as we find they’re more accurate. Learn more about weight vs. volume here: https://soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/a-guide-to-weight-vs-volume/
The soap in the recipe helps wash away that turmeric and prevent staining. Just make sure to mix the scrub really well so everything is well combined and there are no pockets of turmeric.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Tried the recipe. No orange skin!