Violet is one of my favorite “purple” smelling fragrances. Isn’t that funny how a scent can convey a color? These Violet Sugar Scrub Cubes are made with Violet Fragrance Oil, which is a delicate and feminine floral scent. Sugar scrub cubes are essentially the same thing as a sugar scrub but in solid form! They are made with a combination of oils, melt and pour soap base and sugar. When applied to the skin, they lightly exfoliate and leave skin feeling soft and clean.
To see a similar recipe in action, check out the Solid Sugar Soap Scrub video on Soap Queen TV. It’s an oldie but a goodie. I added a small amount of glycerin to this recipe to help the scrubs break apart in your hands a little easier. The extra glycerin does cause a small amount of glycerin dew to form on top. If you’d like, you can just omit it from the recipe completely.
These scrubs get their color from Liquid Violet, which is a pigment dispersed in glycerin. It takes a bit of mixing to get the colorant to disperse in the soap, oil and glycerin mixture. I found a metal whisk worked great. You can also use LabColors, micas or a Color Block for this recipe. Because this recipe contains melt and pour, glycerin (which is water soluble) and oil, there are a lot of options. =)
Once the scrubs harden in the mold, I removed them from the package and cut them into individual cubes. Then, I stored them in an 8 oz. Plastic Bail Jar. You can also keep them in the Small Cubes Mold & Package, and break off a piece when you’re ready to use. I love using the Small Cubes Mold & Package for this project – the size of the cubes is perfect!
What You’ll Need:
10 Small Cubes Mold & Package
16 oz. Granulated Sugar
11 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
6 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
3 oz. Glycerin
0.4 oz. Violet Fragrance Oil
Liquid Violet
Optional: Dropper
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ONE: Chop and melt 11 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 15-20 second bursts until melted. Once completely melted, add the glycerin and sweet almond oil. Stir the ingredients together. The mixture will become cloudy, and some oils will sit on top. This is normal.
TWO: Begin adding drops of the Liquid Violet. I found that in order to incorporate the colorant into the mixture, I needed to “break apart” the drops with a whisk. In the photo below, you can see how the colorant is not mixing in. If this happens to you, grab a whisk (preferably metal) and start whisking! The colorant will start to disperse throughout the mixture.
THREE: Continue to add drops of the Liquid Violet until you achieve a rich purple color. I used about 12-15 drops. Keep in mind when the sugar is added, the color will lighten. Add drops until you’re happy with the shade. Use the whisk to completely mix in.
FOUR: Add the Violet Fragrance Oil and use the whisk to mix in thoroughly. At this point, the mixture will have cooled and thickened. Once the sugar is added, the mixture will cool very quickly. To keep the mixture fluid and pourable after the sugar is mixed in, check the temperature of the mixture. Heat in the microwave using 10 second bursts, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is about 135 ° F. Be careful to not burn the mixture.
FIVE: Open all the molds and have them ready on the counter. Add the granulated sugar, and use a spatula to quickly stir in.
SIX: Pour the mixture into each Small Cubes Mold and Package. Allow them to cool and harden for several hours, up to overnight with the lid open.
SEVEN: Once the cubes have fully cooled and hardened, use a knife to cut the cubes at the seam. Or, you can break off a cube once you’re ready to use.
To use, wet hands and break apart the cube. Apply to the skin and scrub. The cube also creates a mild lather from the soap, leaving skin feeling clean yet moisturized. Store the cubes in a dry, cool place. Prevent them from coming in contact with water prior to use. Enjoy!
- 10 Small Cubes Mold & Package
- 16 oz. Granulated Sugar
- 11 oz. Clear Melt and Pour Soap Base
- 6 oz. Sweet Almond Oil
- 3 oz. Glycerin
- 0.4 oz. Violet Fragrance Oil
- Liquid Violet
- Optional: Dropper
- Chop and melt 11 ounces of Clear Melt and Pour Soap in the microwave using 15-20 second bursts until completely melted. Once completely melted, add the glycerin and sweet almond oil. Stir the ingredients together. The mixture will become cloudy, and oils will sit on top. This is normal.
- Begin adding drops of the Liquid Violet. I found that in order to incorporate the colorant into the mixture, I needed to “break apart” the drops with a whisk. In the photo below, you can see how the colorant is not quite mixing in. If this happens to you, grab a whisk (preferably metal) and start whisking! The colorant will start to disperse throughout the mixture.
- Continue to add drops of the Liquid Violet until you achieve a rich purple color. I used about 15 drops. Keep in mind when the sugar is added, the color will lighten. Add drops until you’re happy with the shade, and use the whisk to completely mix in.
- Add the Violet Fragrance Oil, and use the whisk to completely mix in. At this point, the mixture will have cooled. Once the sugar is added, the mixture will cool very quickly. To keep the mixture fluid and pourable after the sugar is mixed in, check the temperature of the mixture.
- Heat in the microwave using 10 second bursts, stirring between each burst, until the mixture is about 135 ° F. Be careful to not burn the mixture.
- Open all the molds, and have them ready on the counter. Add the granulated sugar, and use a spatula to quickly stir in.
- Pour the mixture into each Small Cubes Mold and Package. Allow them to cool and harden for several hours, up to overnight with the lid open.
- Once the cubes have fully cooled and hardened, use a knife to cut the cubes at the seam. Or, you can break off a cube once you’re ready to use.
- To use, wet hands and break apart the cube. Apply to the skin and scrub. The cube also creates a mild lather from the soap, leaving skin feeling clean yet moisturized. Store the cubes in a dry, cool place. Avoid them from coming in contact with water prior to use. Enjoy!
hi!
i really loved your post, i just want to know how much is it going to last?
i have to add some conservant or something?
i definitely going to try this.
i’m from Chile so i’m sorry if there is some misspelling.
thank you<3
These scrubs will last 6 months to one year. You don’t need to add a preservative because these cubes don’t have any water in them.
I have a question. Followed a different recipe yesterday n while they held together nicely (honestly haven’t tried them yet so don’t want to comment but)….they are SO oily to the touch. Before I invest the products, are yours the same way? Bescause if the glycerin n the oil….do they practically slide right out if your dry hand?
They are oily during the first couple days, but harden up after that.
is it going to work with any other oil? or do i HAVE to use the same avocado oil?
You can use any oil you like. Our new Farmers Market oils are lightweight and feel amazing on the skin: http://bbshare.co/43
The print option throws up an empty page
I just checked on my end and I’m able to see the recipe. Is it still blank for you?
You may also try clicking this link: https://www.soapqueen.com/easyrecipe-print/59951-0/
Do you think adding aloe liquid to this recipe will work? I want to use the aloe m&p base and I always add a teaspoon of aloe liquid to a lb when making soap. I don’t mind if the aloe makes them a little softer as it sounds like they are pretty hard to begin with.
Thanks so much!
We haven’t given that a try but I think it would be OK. Try a small test batch first to see if the aloe liquid makes them too soft. If so, you can add less aloe liquid or glycerin for your larger batch.
Aloe liquid: https://www.brambleberry.com/aloe-vera-liquid-p3704.aspx
It works Fantastic..!Love it..😘
Glad to hear you’re enjoying the recipe. 🙂
I made this recipe exactly as it said to do it. Am I suppose to feel something when rubbing it on my skin? It just feels like a bar. I don’t feel the sugar at all. Did I do something wrong?
The cubes will feel pretty hard when you’re first using them. However, the more you use them the more sugar will be exposed and you’ll feel the scrubbiness. You can also break the cubes and scrub that way.
Can I make them cube shape , without the soap base?
No, without the soap the ingredients will be liquid like a traditional scrub. If you want to form the cube shapes, you’ll need solid melt and pour soap.
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I don’t have any M&P. What can I use in place for it??
Melt and pour works best for this recipe, so we don’t recommend a substitute. You can make a non-solid scrub without melt and pour though. Find some great recipes here: https://www.soapqueen.com/category/bath-and-body-tutorials/soaks-and-scrubs/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi do these get glycerin dew in the clamshell packaging?
If you live in a really humid climate they may form some glycerin dew. You can either wrap the individual pieces with plastic wrap and place them back in the container, or keep the containers in a cool, dry place with a fan or dehumidifer.
Get more tips for preventing glycerin dew here: http://www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/augh-whats-that-all-over-my-soap-2/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you leave out the sweet almond oil? I accidentally ordered 16oz of glycerin and have no clue what to do with it and this is the only recipe I can find that uses it. I only make m&p so I don’t have any oils on hand.
We haven’t tried this recipe with all glycerin and no olive oil, so I’m not entirely sure! It may make the bars feel pretty sticky. I would recommend making a small test batch to see what you think. 🙂
Also, you can use glycerin in a variety of projects! Find ideas here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/sunday-night-spotlight-glycerin/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I bought the sugar scrub cube kit https://www.brambleberry.com/Sugar-Scrub-Cube-Kit-P6669.aspx, and made these and they were terrible. the cubes were hard and didn’t disolve well enough to even use as a scrub. I think the glycerin soap was the problem. the kit was a big disappointment. so this recipe will likely be the same since it’s the same.
I’m sorry about that Minerva. Because they’re made with hard melt and pour, the cubes themselves will be pretty firm. It helps to press on them to break them up while you’re using it as shown in the picture above. That will make them a bit easier to scrub with. If you’re not a fan of the cubes, you may also like a traditional scrub. It’s easy to grab out of the jar and apply to the skin.
Find fun scrub recipes here: https://www.soapqueen.com/category/bath-and-body-tutorials/soaks-and-scrubs/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I bought some orange and lemon butters that I would like to use to make a sugar scrub. They are the same consistency of coffee butter. This is what is in them. Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (and) Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Wax (and) hydrogenated non-gmo soybean oil. I am trying to make a scrub that smells like my best selling fragrance combo of litsea and red Brazilian mandarin but also leaves my skin soft like I have applied oils. There is a commercial product that has that property but doesn’t have the fragrance I want. Have you ever worked with these? Can you suggest a scrub recipe? They really smell awesome,
We haven’t given those a try, so I’m not entirely sure how they work. However, they sound a lot like our coffee butter! We have a scrub made with coffee butter you may like. It can give you ideas on how to use them. 🙂
Pumpkin Spice Latte Sugar Scrub: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/pumpkin-spice-sugar-scrub-on-soap-queen-tv/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi Kelsey, in addition to my salt question, what if I wanted to add your Bamboo exfoliant to add a little more scrub. Would that work? If so how would you suggest I add it to this recipe?
We haven’t tried bamboo either so I’m not 100% sure. I would recommend about 1 teaspoon per pound of soap to start. The small test batch would be helpful to check that too! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Bamboo powder: https://www.brambleberry.com/Bamboo-Extract-Powder-Light-Exfoliant-P3714.aspx
can you make this a sugar and salt scrub? if so what type of salt and how much should I swap the sugar with?
We haven’t tried salt in this recipe, but I think it would be OK! I would recommend using a fine grained salt and using the same amount as the sugar. A small test batch would be helpful. That way you can see how the salt acts and feels in the soap. 🙂
Epsom salt is nice and fine and is a good option: https://www.brambleberry.com/Epsom-Salt-Extra-Fine-P5120.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I made these and they are quite hard and when using them you can’t really feel the sugar exfoliating. They are also sweating pretty bad. HELP! I really want to add these to my product line because I love them. Thanks
These bars will be quite firm once they’re dry! The melt and pour and sugar create a firm texture. They will soften and exfoliate the more you use them on your hands though. Also, because they do contain melt and pour, they can sweat in humid climates. Once they’re dry, you’ll want to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a cool, dry place. That will prevent the sweating. 🙂
Read more about sweating here: http://www.soapqueen.com/personal-ramblings/augh-whats-that-all-over-my-soap-2/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi, Kelsey — I’d like to make this recipe with Lavender EO instead of the fragrance oil. Can you recommend how much EO I should add? Thanks much!
Jannalee
That would smell really lovely! You can use our Fragrance Calculator for a light, medium and strong recommendation for that essential oil: http://www.brambleberry.com/Pages/Fragrance-Calculator.aspx
Just select “melt and pour” from the drop down menu. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello, I’m very much looking forward to trying this recipe for Christmas gifts this year, was wondering goat’s milk melt and pour base would work okay, or if glycerin or shea mp base is preferred?
You can definitely use Goat Milk Melt and Pour if you like! The white base will mean the color is a bit more pastel, but they will still feel great. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Goat Milk Melt and Pour: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-Goat-Milk-Melt-And-Pour-P3184.aspx
Oh my goodness, I need help! ! I made a batch of these this past weekend and was so disappointed in the end result. I followed your recipe /instructions to the exact T, and when I tried to use one of the cubes yesterday (I figured I’d give them time to really cure ) I was shocked. For starters your pictures look as if the cubes are crumbling in your hand along with a nice lather /bubbles . When I used mine there were almost NO bubbles/lather and the other big issue is that the cube didn’t crumble, the cube actually had a rubbery almost like chewing gum consistency, I actually took 2 ends and pulled them apart and it stretched out just like chewing gum. I don’t understand what went wrong, I followed the directions exactly the only thing I used different was the fragrance as I didn’t have the violet fragrance oil, I used frankincense instead. Could that have been the problem or the fact that my mp soap was bought from Michael craft rather then brambleberry ? Please help. These would make great gifts during the upcoming holiday season and would love to be able to make more
Hi Desirae!
I’m not entirely sure why that’s happening! I went and checked the cubes we have on hand and I didn’t notice any rubbery feeling. They feel firm to the touch and then break apart when squeezed. They won’t have a lot of lather because the extra sugar and oil weighs that down, but they shouldn’t be rubbery. I’m wondering if the sugar melted? If so, that could make the cubes feel rubbery or sort of like taffy. What temperatures were you using?
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I’m sorry for the delay, I was not notified that there was a remark made to my post, only saw it now when I came back to check. To be honest I’m not sure what the temp wasv when I mixed it all together, I melted the mp soap and I want to say it was about 120 degrees or so when it was all fully melted, I had to do about 10- 30 sec bursts in other for all of it to melt completely . When I mixed in the sugar it only took about 15 sec when it all started to solidify , so back into the microwave it went to get it to remelt. How do you keep it from solidifying so you don’t have to put it back in the microwave ? I do notice wit the mp, ad soon as its melted I have about a minute to add my color and fragrance and then pour it into the mold, it I’m not super fast at this, it starts to harden up again and back into the microwave it goes. I’m starting to think this might be an issue with the mp I’m buying from Michaels craft store. But when I made these after the mp was done melting I added the sugar and it immediately started to become solid and impossible to pour into the mold so I had to go back to the microwave and melt it all, this time with the sugar inside the mp till it was liquid like consistent so that I can pour it into the molds. Any advice ?
Once you add the sugar to your soap, you will only have about 15 seconds to stir and get it into the molds. You do need to move really quickly! You can see that process in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awISdSEsBbE
If it does harden up on you, you can pop it back in the microwave to loosen it. Try not to do it too much or the sugar will melt and can make it rubbery. We haven’t worked with the Michael’s bases a lot, but our bases do allow you some time to spoon that mixture into your mold before it melts fully. They may be worth a try. 🙂
Melt and pour bases: https://www.brambleberry.com/Melt-Pour-Bases-C151.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Ok I’ll try it with your mp bases , thanks for the help
You’re welcome! Let me know if they work well. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
From my experience with soap bases from Michael’s or Hobby Lobby, please avoid them because they are poor quality. I believe that you will have better luck if you buy soap bases from Brambleberry Soaps Inc.
I have made these and they became like little bricks. I have no idea why
Hi Patti! These cubes will be fairly hard after they’re made. They do have a solid texture. The glycerin helps them transfer to the skin more easily. Are they still washing and scrubbing the skin? If so, they should be just fine to use!
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Love this project! I have some LaBomb colors that I would like to use up…may I use those colorants in this project?
So glad you love the cubes Heather! La Bomb Colorants will work for this. Like the Liquid Violet, they are mixed in glycerin, so you can incorporate them to same way. 🙂
La Bomb Colorants: https://www.brambleberry.com/For-Bath-Bombs-C50.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thanks Kelsey! I made these (finally) today and they turned out perfectly!!! And the La Bomb Colorant- Rosy Pink worked perfectly..I can’t wait to make more!!!
You’re welcome, so glad they turned out well! Enjoy Heather. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Rosy Pink La Bomb Colorant: https://www.brambleberry.com/Rosy-Pink-La-Bomb-P4285.aspx
Just a quick question why is the glycerin needed if the base is glycerin can i skip it? By the love your videos they are my go to for all my ideas your so informative and a very funny thank you for helping along my journey in soap making. I want to make a good solid sugar scrub cube but just need a basic recipe to tweek to my liking as far as color and fragrance sticking to m&p base clear and shea and love Almond oil and coconut oil
Thank you so much Yvonne, glad you love the videos! We added glycerin to the recipe to help the scrubs break apart in your hand more easily. You can leave it out if you like! The scrubs will still feel great without the glycerin. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hi. I do not have clear M&P soap base on hand. Can I use Shea Butter M&P soap base instead? I am aware that i’ll lose transparency but that’s okay. 🙂
Thanks
Myca
The Shea Melt and Pour Base will work just fine! It feels really nice on the skin too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Shea Melt and Pour Base: https://www.brambleberry.com/SFIC-Shea-Melt-and-Pour-P3192.aspx
If I wanted to use coconut oil in place of almond oil, would you suggest increasing the amount of glycerin?
Thanks! I made these the other day and they are beautiful and felt great to use.
Because we haven’t tested this with coconut oil, I’m not entirely sure! I think more glycerin can help, as coconut oil is quite firm. I would recommend making a small test batch with the coconut oil and increase the glycerin by .5 ounces or so. That way you can see if you need more or less glycerin before making a larger batch. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank You I went on threw the browser and was able to find all my information
You’re welcome! If you have any other questions let us know. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I can’t wait to make this beautiful recipe!
I love the “rainbow” theme this summer, I have to order some more violet FO.
I also have a question about (Shea oil versus Shea butter) in lotion recipe.
Is their a difference if you use Shea butter or Shea oil?
Like would Shea oil be “oily-er” ?
Hi Robin!
Thank you, so glad you’re loving #SoaptheRainbow! We really enjoyed seeing what everyone made. 🙂
Shea oil in lotion will give the lotion a thinner consistency than shea butter. Because shea butter is solid at room temperature, it gives the recipe a thicker texture and feel. Both feel awesome in lotion. Which one you use is personal preference. I would recommend making a small test batch with both to see which one you like best!
Shea oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Oil-Liquid-P4892.aspx
Shea butter: https://www.brambleberry.com/Shea-Butter-P3220.aspx
Read more about formulating lotion recipes here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/how-to-create-homemade-lotion-recipes/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Thank you Kelsey,
That makes sense, I definitely want to use the Shea oil then because I’m making a recipe that I want to be more liquidity, it’s a good time to get ready to make a nice pre-fall lotion recipe😊
You’re welcome Robin! 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I love these! I can’t wait to make them with the glycerin in it. I love the Pumpkin and Brown Sugar scent for these. My family loved them as gifts. I think I will try and sell some. I also made them with Hello Sweet Thang and they were awesome! I have just enough of both scents to make these!!! Thank you for the new recipe!!!
You’re welcome Kristie! A Pumpkin and Brown Sugar version sounds amazing. I think your customers will love them too. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Pumpkin and Brown Sugar Fragrance Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Pumpkin-and-Brown-Sugar-Fragrance-Oil-P6123.aspx
Hello Sweet Thang Fragrance Oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Hello-Sweet-Thang-Fragrance-Oil-P3632.aspx
hello I was wondering why I don’t get a email or something saying my order number but I don’t get anything? is this a normal process? I spent over $50? Thank You.
When you place an order it will send a confirmation email! You will also get an email notification when the product ships. I checked our system and don’t see an order, so I’m going to have our customer service team contact you to see if they can find it. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Hello,
Do we need to add any preservative for sugar? What is the shelf life of this soap?
This recipe doesn’t need a preservative! Preservatives are needed for recipes that have water (like lotion) or will get water splashed in them (a scrub stored in the shower). Because these cubes will be kept in a dry area and each cube is used only once, it doesn’t need a preservative. Read more about preservatives here: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/lotion/talk-it-out-tuesday-preservatives/
Because the sweet almond oil in this recipe has a shelf life of 6 months to a year, the cubes will last 6 months to a year. They store best in a cool, dry place. 🙂
Read more about the shelf life of products here: https://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/shelf-life-bath-products-ingredients-rancidity-vs-mold/
This post has more information on how to store your products: http://www.soapqueen.com/bath-and-body-tutorials/tips-and-tricks/how-to-store-handmade-bath-products/
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Can you replace the almond oil with another oil? I try not to use almond oil , to many people have nut allergies. What would you suggest?
I would suggest Avocado or Sunflower oil. 🙂
Avocado oil or sunflower oil are great options. Thanks Martina! They have a similar lightweight texture to the sweet almond oil. 🙂
Avocado oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Avocado-Oil-P3198.aspx
Sunflower oil: https://www.brambleberry.com/Sunflower-Oil-P3208.aspx
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have a slightly bigger mold which I think will work well but it might mean that the cubes will be bigger so will not be a one time use. Will this be ok or do I run the risk of them going bad if I use them two or three times?
I had some bigger cubes too, so I would just break off a piece and use it. In my experience they were ok being left in the shower. Not sitting in water of course. Be aware that they might attract ants if you leave it uncovered.
You could also try cutting them smaller, or put in instructions to break off a smaller piece before use. HTH
That should be just fine Gisela! As Martina said, you can break those cubes off in pieces before use. You can also use the whole piece like soap – washing with the cube and then placing it back in the shower. Soap has a pH level that doesn’t allow mold to grow so they will be fine in the shower. Just keep them on a draining soap dish in the driest part of the shower. 🙂
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry