We all heard about the various health benefits of drinking coffee in moderation. But do you know about the skincare benefits of coffee when applied topically? Extensive research has been done on coffee and it shows that coffee is a potent ingredient for the skin since it is naturally packed with numerous mineral compounds. So no wonder that coffee body scrub has quickly became a popular treatment at the spas, as well as an affordable and effective at-home exfoliator.
In addition to being a great natural exfoliant, coffee grounds are also rich in antioxidants, caffeine, vitamin B3, polyphenols, and other elements that support healthy skin appearance and provide skin rejuvenation. As a matter of fact, coffee can be used for a variety of skin issues and concerns.
Coffee Body Scrub Benefits
It comes as no surprise that coffee is one of the most popular and desired ingredients in body scrubs. In particular, coffee body scrubs are amazing as they combine the benefits of exfoliation with the nutritional benefits of a coffee bean. In fact, a number of clinical studies have shown that coffee extract outperforms green tea, vitamin C and vitamin E due to its high content of antioxidants and polyphenols. So let’s take a closer look at the benefits of using coffee scrub.
√ Exfoliation. Coffee grounds make a great natural exfoliant as their fine grainy particles buff away dead skin cells, encourage fresh skin cell renewal and increase blood circulation. In addition to improving overall skin texture coffee scrub also makes skin look smooth, bright, healthy and glowing.
√ Anti aging. The high content of antioxidants and caffeine in coffee beans contributes to the anti aging and skin rejuvenating properties of coffee. In particular, caffeine is considered a potent anti aging ingredient that helps to regulate cell re-growth, restore skin elasticity, tighten skin, stimulate blood flow, and improve fine lines, wrinkles, and pigmentation.
√ Anti-inflammatory. Since coffee is packed with the antioxidants like flavonoids, it is effective in reducing inflammation, redness, and skin irritation.
√ Antimicrobial. Caffeic and ferulic acids within coffee bean have antimicrobial properties and help to unclog pores and reduce acne and blemishes by protecting against some types of bacteria.
√ Cellulite reduction. Coffee is also a scientifically proven ingredient used to minimize the appearance of cellulite. In fact, a high concentration of caffeine in coffee has proven to increase blood microcirculation and prevent excessive accumulation of fat in cells.
√ UV protection. Being packed with antioxidants, coffee also protects skin from sun damage, free radicals, and decreases the risk of formation of skin cancer.
Best Coffee Scrub For Body
Body exfoliation with coffee is a very simple procedure even when it’s done at home. If you are on a tight budget or enjoy experimenting with diy skincare, you can try making your own homemade coffee scrub with our easy DIY coffee scrub recipes (scroll down). However, there are also plenty of well-crafted pre-made body scrubs with coffee that are formulated with various nourishing and rejuvenating ingredients. So with this in mind, we narrowed it down to the 10 best coffee scrubs for body that will leave your skin smooth and more radiant.
SheaMoisture Ground Coffee Scrub
This coffee scrub is made with clean ingredients like sea salt, raw shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, lavender and scented with essential oil blend. It is restoring and nourishing, and great for dull and dry skin.
Maui Babe Coffee Scrub
Hawaiian goodness in a jar. This all natural coffee body scrub is made with Hawaiian inspired ingredients including Kona coffee, raw Hawaiian cane sugar, oil blend (coconut, macadamia, almond, avocado, kukui and grapeseed), and aloe vera.
M3 Naturals Arabica Coffee Scrub +
This is not your regular coffee scrub but so much more! The scrub is infused with collagen, fruit stem cells, Dead Sea salt, cacao extract and a rich blend of oils (olive, almond, grape seed, Arabica seed, and shea butter). In addition to exfoliating and moisturizing, this scrub also has potent anti aging and blemish clearing properties.
Basd Mint Scrub
All-natural invigorating scrub made with clean and organic ingredients like ground Arabica coffee, sea salt, coconut sugar, sweet almond oil, vitamin E and peppermint oil. It leaves skin well moisturized, hydrated and soft. Also comes in coffee-crème brulee scent.
Frank Body Coffee Scrub
When it comes to coffee body scrubs, Frank Body brand offers the biggest variety. All their scrubs are infused with vitamin E, brown sugar, salt and various natural oils. The Coconut Coffee Scrub is their best seller, but also try their new brightening A-Beauty Coffee Scrub with vitamin C and fruit-derived AHA.
Naturopathica Espresso Mud Body Scrub
This luxurious body scrub is at the higher price point, but is it is packed with spa-quality ingredients. In addition to Arabica coffee, the scrub is formulated with black silt clay, volcanic pumice, safflower seed oil, shea butter, honey, willow bark, witch hazel and many other herbs and premium oils. It is nourishing, soothing and hydrating.
Majestic Pure Coffee Scrub
Organic and budget friendly scrub for body with hydrating and rejuvenating properties. It is packed with ingredients like Dead Sea salt, Kona coffee, olive oil, almond oil, Arabica seed oil, grapeseed oil, shea butter, and pleasantly scented with cacao and coconut extracts.
Purlisse Coconut Oil + Plumeria Scrub
Deeply moisturizing, soothing and gently exfoliating cofee scrub that promotes skin firmness and elasticity. It is infused with rich oil blend, sugar cane, and nourishing plant and fruit extracts.
Acure Energizing Scrub
Coffee scrub formulated specifically for combination and oily skin. In addition to Robusta coffee grounds this scrub contains charcoal, aloe vera, lemon peel, coconut, oil blend, and calming herbal and floral extracts.
Easy DIY Coffee Scrubs
If you are still not convinced if coffee scrub is a good fit for your skin, try making a small “tester” batch at home. In fact, you can make your own coffee body scrub by mixing a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
When preparing homemade coffee scrub, it is recommended to use fresh coffee grounds, as they contain more nutritional elements than used coffee. However, used coffee grounds are a great way to repurpose and reduce waste.
The fineness of the grounds will determine how gentle your scrub will be. Obviously, more coarse grounds will result in a stronger and more abrasive scrub, while a finer grind will provide a gentler exfoliation.
♥ The Original Coffee Scrub (basic)
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of fresh or used ground coffee
- 1 tbsp. of carrier oil (grape seed, coconut, sweet almond oil or other)
You can modify the basic coffee scrub and turn it into a spa-quality body scrub by adding to it some nourishing ingredients depending on your skin concerns.
Optional Add-Ons:
- For extra exfoliation: ½ cup of fine brown sugar | fine sea salt | Epsom salts
- For oily or acne-prone skin: 1 tbsp. of honey | 2 tbsp. of grated cucumber | 1 tbsp. of cinnamon | few drops of tea tree oil
- For dry skin: ¼ cup of plain yogurt | few drops of vitamin E oil | ground oats | 1 tbsp of honey
Directions: Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and stir them well.
Related: Choosing sugar scrub vs salt scrub.
♥ Oil-Free Coffee Scrub
Most coffee scrubs (homemade and purchased) are made with some type of natural carrier oil. However, there are few options of preparing a coffee scrub without the oil.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of fresh or used ground coffee
- 4 tsp aloe vera gel (on Amazon)
Optional: you can substitute aloe vera with 1 tsp of rose water (on Amazon)
How long does homemade scrub last?
Most homemade coffee scrubs can be stored in an airtight container in a cool place for up to 4 – 6 weeks. You might need to stir the scrub before using it, as some of the ingredients may separate.
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How often should you use body scrub?
As you know, skin exfoliation is an essential procedure that should be part of your skincare routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells from the surface, boost cell regeneration, and reveal brighter and younger-looking skin.
Even though some manufacturers suggest using body scrub 3-4 times a week, most dermatologists warn against over exfoliating your skin. In fact, exfoliating your body once or twice a week is sufficient for maintaining healthy skin appearance. Keep in mind that over exfoliation can cause skin dehydration, dryness, severe irritation, redness and inflammation.
- For those with normal, dry, or sensitive skin, exfoliating once a week is enough.
- But if you have oily, combination or blemish-prone skin, you might need to exfoliate twice a week to keep your pores unclogged.
How To Use Coffee Scrub
Since coffee is generally quite abrasive, it is best to apply coffee scrub on a damp or wet skin. For the best experience, try exfoliating your body after taking a hot shower or bath. This way the steam will allow the softening of the skin, opening up pores and will prepare the body for the treatment.
Apply a small amount of coffee scrub in a circular motion using gentle pressure and massage the desired areas of body with your fingertips.
Let the scrub to sit on for about 5 minutes. This will allow for the ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin.
Stay away from the direct water while exfoliating as it can wash off your scrub too soon.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water and avoid towel rubbing.
Follow with hydrating body lotion or cream to sooth the skin after exfoliation.
WARNING: Coffee scrubs are messy! Unlike sugar or salt scrub which are light in color and dissolve in water, coffee grounds don’t dissolve in water and are somewhat messy to use in the shower.
Tip: It is much easier to clean up your shower after the coffee scrub if you have a detachable showerhead.
Sources:
Bessada S, Alves R, et al. “Coffee silverskin: a review on potential cosmetic applications.” Cosmetics, Jan. 2018, Vol. 5
Brown, A. “Breaking down body scrubs.” Skin Inc., Oct, 2018
Chiang HM, Lin TJ, Chiu CY, et al. “Coffee arabica extract and its constituents prevent photoaging by suppressing MMPs expression and MAP kinase pathway.” Food And Chemical Toxicology, Jan. 2011, Vol. 49
“Coffee composition & nutritional information.” CoffeeAndHealth.org
Farris P. “Idebenone, green tea, and coffee berry extract: new and innovative antioxidants.” Dermatologic Therapy, Sep. 2007, Vol. 20
“How to safely exfoliate at home.” American Academy Of Dermatology
Howard, D. “Skin exfoliation 101.” The International Dermal Institute, Apr. 2019
Johnson J. “Eight ways to use coffee on the skin, scalp, and hair.” Medical News Today, Aug. 2018
Magnani, C., Isaac, V. L. B., Correa, M. A., Salgado, H. R. N. “Caffeic acid: a review of its potential use in medications and cosmetics.” Analytical Methods, Jan. 2013, Vol. 6
Stallings A, Lupo M, “Practical uses of botanicals in skin care.” Journal of Clinical And Aesthetic Dermatology, Jan. 2009, Vol. 2
Vinson J.A. “Coffee is number one source of antioxidants.” American Association for the Advancement of Science, Aug 2005
