With summer quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to prep your skin for swimsuits and tank tops. Scrubs help get rid of dry winter skin. They also help moisturizer absorb, leaving your skin soft and smooth. Handmade scrubs are even better because you can customize the ingredients and create a fun design, like the green and white layers in this Apple Sage Salt Scrub.
The recipe features the new Apple Sage Fragrance Oil, which has notes of juicy apple, sage, pineapple and coconut water. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and herby. Evergreen Mica and Apple Moss Green Mica complement the fresh notes in the fragrance. The scrub also has Epsom salt, avocado oil and Stephenson Organic Liquid Castile Soap for a cleansing, gently exfoliating texture that also moisturizes the skin.
This scrub works great for the body. In our tests, we found the micas wash off and don’t stay on the skin. Epsom salt is finely grained, so the recipe may be gentle enough for the face. If you have sensitive skin, you may prefer to use it on the body only. Because the scrub will be applied near the nose, you may want to decrease the fragrance amount so it’s not as strong.
What You’ll Need:
3 Tall 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars
28 oz. Epsom Salt, Extra Fine
2 oz. Stephenson Organic Liquid Castile Soap
1 oz. Avocado Oil
.6 oz. Apple Sage Fragrance Oil
1/4 tsp. Apple Moss Green Mica
1/4 tsp. Evergreen Mica
.3 oz. Optiphen
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ONE: Measure out 9.3 oz. of Epsom salt into three separate containers. To one container, add 1/4 tsp. of Apple Moss Green Mica and mix thoroughly to combine. To another container, add 1/4 tsp of. Evergreen Mica and mix to combine. Leave the third container uncolored.
TWO: In another container, measure out 2 oz. of Stephenson Organic Liquid Castile Soap, 1 oz. avocado oil, 0.6 oz. of Apple Sage Fragrance Oil and 0.3 oz. of Optiphen. Thoroughly mix the liquids together. You will find that the mixture turns opaque white. This is normal.
NOTE ABOUT PRESERVATIVES: Although this scrub doesn’t contain water, it will likely get water splashed in it during use. The extra water may cause bacteria and mold to grow. We added a preservative to be extra careful, but it is optional. You can read more in the Talk It Out Tuesday: Preservatives post.
THREE: Split the liquid mixture equally between the three salt containers. You can use a scale to measure 1.3 oz. into each or just eyeball it. Stir each container until the liquid is fully incorporated.
FOUR: Spoon the Apple Moss Green salt mixture into the bottom of a bail jar. You can use a scale to measure 3.5 ounces of the mixture or just eyeball it. Use the spoon to pack the salt down and smooth it out to form an even layer.
FIVE: Spoon in the white salt and pack it down. Finally, spoon in the Evergreen salt and pack it down. Fill the other two jars. Enjoy!
Note: We found the scrub does discolor a slight yellow after a few months. It still feels great on the skin, but will affect the final color.
What is your favorite way to add a personal touch to your scrubs?
- 28 oz. Epsom Salt, Extra Fine
- 2 oz. Stephenson Organic Liquid Castile Soap
- 1 oz. Avocado Oil
- .6 oz. Apple Sage Fragrance Oil
- 3 Tall 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jars
- ¼ tsp. Apple Moss Green Mica
- ¼ tsp. Evergreen Mica
- .3 oz. Optiphen
- Measure out 9.3 oz. of Epsom salt into three separate containers. To one container, add ¼ tsp. of Apple Moss Green Mica and mix thoroughly to combine. To another container, add ¼ tsp of. Evergreen Mica and mix to combine. Leave the third container uncolored.
- In another container, measure out 2 oz. of Stephenson Organic Liquid Castile Soap, 1 oz. avocado oil, .6 oz. of Apple Sage Fragrance Oil and 0.3 oz. of Optiphen. Thoroughly mix the liquids together. NOTE ABOUT PRESERVATIVES: Although this scrub doesn’t contain water, it will likely get water splashed in it during use. The extra water may cause bacteria and mold to grow. We added a preservative to be extra careful but it is optional. You can read more in the Talk It Out Tuesday: Preservatives post.
- Split the liquid mixture equally between the three salt containers. You can use a scale to measure 1.3 oz. into each or just eyeball it. Stir each container until the liquid is fully incorporated.
- Spoon the Apple Moss Green salt mixture into the bottom of a bail jar. You can use a scale to measure 3.5 ounces of the mixture or just eyeball it. Use the spoon to pack the salt down and smooth it out to form an even layer.
- Spoon in the white salt and pack it down. Finally, spoon in the Evergreen salt and pack it down. Fill the other two jars. Enjoy! Note: We found the scrub does discolor a slight yellow after a few months. It still feels great on the skin, but will affect the final color.
Could I substitute glycerine for the liquid soap?
You can, but it will change the consistency of this recipe. It won’t have the same cleansing properties as the soap and it will also make the scrub fairly sticky. You may want to make a small test batch to see what you think.
Glycerin: https://www.brambleberry.com/Glycerin-Liquid-P5965.aspx
May I use phenonip vs Optiphen? Thanks
Yes, Phenonip will work in this recipe. You can use the same amount as the Optiphen (.3 oz.)
Phenonip: https://www.brambleberry.com/Phenonip-P4038.aspx
I made the scrub, love the smell. I have a problem with the scrub clumping up in the water after I used it. Like the liquids wanted to become solids if that makes sense. I followed the recipe exactly. Any suggestions?
I’m thinking it’s the salt. Salt absorbs moisture from the air and can clump, especially in a humid shower environment. It helps to store the scrub in a cool, dry place in between uses. You can also put a silica packet in the scrub jar to help absorb some of that moisture. Learn more about storing handmade products here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
This is my first time making a salt scrub and I liked the idea of using Jojoba Beads for color ( I saw that you recommended it when I was reading through the comments.) If I were to use the Jojoba Beads for color would I just add some in or do I sub them for the salt? Thank You.
You can do all jojoba beads, or a combination of salt and jojoba beads! We usually do a combination of salt and jojoba beads. Either one would look and feel great. If you want to mix it with salt, I would recommend starting with a 1:1 ratio. Then, you can add more salt or jojoba beads until you get the look you’re going for. 🙂
Jojoba beads: https://www.brambleberry.com/Jojoba-Beads-C125.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Am I dividing the 9.3 oz of epsom salt between the three cups or is it in each? A little confusing and I feel dumb for asking.
No worries at all Patti! There is a total of 28 ounces of salt, so you’ll want 9.3 ounces in each container. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you Kelsey!
You’re welcome! 🙂
This is a really easy and fun recipe! I absolutely love this fragrance, I received a sample of it and of course had to order some more🙂
I will be sharing this recipe with friends which I know will love it as much as I do, thanks Bramble Berry….. You guys are awesome!!!!
Thank you Leeann, so glad you’re loving the sample and recipe! Also, thank you so much for your order. It means a lot to us. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Apple Sage Sample of the Month: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sample-Idea-Sheet-for-May-2016.aspx
I recently made this scrub and it is wonderful. Thanks!!
You’re welcome Sara, glad you’re enjoying the scrub! Thanks for the sweet comment. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Just a follow-up comment. The scrub did discolor over time. I originally wrote a comment in June and it is September now. I did do the 3 color layers but with slightly different colors. I did a purple , white and pink. The purple, once lavender in color changed to sort of a funky reddish purple, the white is not bright anymore and the pink doesn’t look much different. I’m not sure if it is the fragrance oil itself or the colors (I used mica’s). Also noting that that grain of salt used is really really fine so that makes this more acceptable as a facial scrub rather than a body scrub. I would use a heavier grain salt for the body. I would still highly recommend this scrub..and the smell is great.
We did notice some discoloration in our scrub as well after a couple months! The fragrance itself doesn’t discolor soap, so I’m not sure why that’s happening. It may be reacting with one of the ingredients in the scrub. I’m going to update this post with a note saying there may be some discoloration. Thanks for letting us know Sara! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello!
I’m new to this scrub making and I was fascinated by your recipe
so I prepared the ingredients as best as I could(with some of them as substitute)
and tried, but the result was not satisfactory – actually a failure – and I would like you to kindly
advise me on what am i doing wrong. The main problems are as below;
Due to the tricky custom clearance for these ingredients I bought all the items from my own country web store.(Korea) I have managed to get Epsom Salt, Avocado Oil, Apple Fragrance Oil and Mica of similar colors on your recipe.
But I could not get the Castile Soap from Stephenson, so what I actually bought was “Dr.Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap”.
I Also couldn’t get the optiphen, though I don’t believe that the absence of optiphen was crucial in my failure.
Anyway, I followed your instruction one by one, using measuring cups and stuffs. In the end I have managed to get 3 jars of quite good-looking scrubs and (though their beauty was not like yours) but It still looked quite good, but the actual problem was when I tried it on my skin. It was too viscid and sticky and though the salt was gone easily by water,
the colored remains(was trying the evergreen colored part) – I guess it is the mixture of oils and mica powder – would not wash off from my hands
so I had to use some of my castile soap to remove them from my hands.
From this all I could guess with my beginners lack of knowledge was that the reason for this
stickiness was because I didn’t use enough liquid castile soap. Well I used 2oz of the castile soap as noted on the recipe, so I am confused whether this problem is due to the difference of the castile soaps or merely just my mistakes in some steps. I will try again this evening and I really wish to make it properly for once, and I would be very grateful if you can provide me some wise advise on this.
Thank you and wish you a pleasant day!
Jason
Hi Jason!
It sounds like you did everything just right! The Epsom salt in this scrub is finely grained, so it exfoliates gently and the salt will wash away quickly. The oil in this scrub provides moisture and does remain on the hands after you’re finished scrubbing. If the scrub has a bit too much color, it can remain on the hands.
If you prefer a more cleansing scrub, I would recommend leaving out the avocado oil! That will provide a less heavy feeling from the oil. You can also use a salt with a bit larger grains. Larger grains offer a bit more exfoliation! Learn more about exfoliant options: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-exfoliants/
It can also help to add less color to the scrub. That way there will be less transfer onto the hands. A great option is jojoba beads, because they provide color and exfoliation with no transfer. 🙂
We used jojoba beads to color the Blueberry Jam Sugar Scrub: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/blueberry-jam-sugar-scrub/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Oh I see what you mean.! So at least my result was not some kind of hazardous thing.. I should follow your advice and leave out the avocado oil next time.
I guess I should have read some of your other posts beforehand in order to get some basic backgrounds. Thank you so much for your fast & kind feedback!
Have a great day!
Jason
You’re welcome Jason! Let us know how the next batch turns out. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Good afternoon, I pretty new to soap and scrub making and I absolutely love making them now. Your websiyes have been amazing. I have a question though. I have noticed that you don’t use potassium cocoate in the salt scrubs and I was wondering if I could substitute that as a liquid soap base. I saw somewhere that the potassium will react with the sodium and precipitate out sodium cocoate. Is this true? Will this matter when mixed with all the other oils?
Hi Adena!
Thank you, glad you’re enjoying the site! You can definitely use potassium cocoate in this recipe. It is very similar to the liquid soap! We use it frequently in sugar and salt scrubs with great results. You can use the same amount as the castile soap (2 ounces) in this recipe. 🙂
I haven’t personally noticed extra precipitation with the potassium cocoate and salt. However, you can store the scrub in a cool, dry place to help keep it dry. You can also pop a silica packet in the scrub to absorb moisture! Get more storage tips here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Oh okay, thank you so much.
I had decided to try it for myself to see what would happen (because I was really curious and also impatient even though you responded the next day). I didn’t have any precipitates, but when tried it, it left this really weird feeling on my hands like bleach on bare skin. It was probably just the oils in the scrub but it was weird that I felt a little to no scrubbing sensation from the salt. It kind of freaked me out so I threw out the sample I made. I’m not sure what I did but I’m pretty sure I made something not even close to what the recipe or picture showed. I’ll try again and see if I succeed and not make anymore slime monsters.
Thanks again and have a great weekend!!!
Adena
Oh I’m sorry about that! Epsom salt is very fine, so it will offer very gentle exfoliation. If you like something a bit more scrubby, you can add larger grained salt or something like coffee grounds. Read more about exfoliant options here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/all-about-exfoliants/
For the bleach feeling, did it sort of feel like a film on your hands? Let me know and I can help you out! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
The salt scrub isn’t really for me, but I want to comment about this fragrance. I normally don’t scent my soap, but do on occasion. Brambleberry sent me a free sample of the apple sage (thank you!!) and I used it in my first Taiwan swirl, but it was only enough for one of the 4 colors. My trace was too thin and the soap failed so I crumbled it up all together, added a little water and put it on the stove and used a combination of the hot process hero and rebatch methods and saved the soap. It actually looks not half bad. My point is after partial saponification, mixing it in with a full batch of soap and heating it to high temps on the stove to melt it all together and finish saponification, that .5 oz sample still has a faint scent in the soap. Also, it did not speed up trace or discolor the white. This may be the perfect scent!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the scent Eric! The first time I smelled it I knew I was going to love it. By the way, thank you for your order. We really appreciate it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love my sample of Apple Sage! I’ve been looking for a fragrance that is clean but slightly feminine for my deodorant, and I think this one might fit the bill.
Yay, so glad you’re loving that sample JD! I think this fragrance would smell really nice in a deodorant. Enjoy. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry