How to Make Pumpkin Spice Tallow Sugar Scrub

Pumpkin spice tallow sugar scrub is the ultimate fall self-care treat, blending gentle exfoliation with deep skin nourishment. Made with creamy grass-fed tallow, this scrub leaves your skin soft, hydrated, and glowing, perfect for combating dry autumn air.

The warm, cozy scent of pumpkin spice makes it a seasonal favorite, while its all-natural ingredients keep your skincare routine toxin-free. If you prefer a plant-based option, coconut oil can be easily substituted.

For more ways to craft simple, wholesome products at home, explore my Natural Living page.

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Quick Summary Instructions

• Step 1: Melt and mix the tallow and jojoba oil thoroughly.
• Step 2: Add the essential oils and stir well to distribute evenly.
• Step 3: Let the balm sit for a few hours to solidify.
• Step 4: With a mixer, mix the balm and blend in sugar.
• Step 5: Put in jars and always do a patch test on a small area of skin.

Why Make a Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub?

There’s something cozy and indulgent about blending the warm spices of fall with a nourishing body scrub. Not only does this recipe give your skin a healthy glow, but it also makes your self-care routine feel like a seasonal treat. Homemade scrubs are easy to make, customizable, and free of questionable additives that store-bought versions often contain.

Benefits of Exfoliation

Exfoliating regularly helps remove dead skin cells that can leave your skin looking dull and uneven. A sugar scrub gently buffs the surface while locking in moisture, leaving your skin soft and refreshed. Regular exfoliation can also improve circulation and help your skin absorb nourishing oils more effectively.

Seasonal Scents for Fall Self-Care

Pumpkin spice isn’t just for lattes; it’s a fall mood. The comforting mix of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg instantly brings on feelings of warmth and coziness. Using a pumpkin spice scrub turns your shower into a seasonal spa, making your self-care routine something to look forward to all autumn long.

Send Me The Free Guide!

Why Use Tallow in Skincare (and a Vegan Alternative)

Tallow, a rendered animal fat traditionally used for skincare, is making a comeback for its deeply nourishing properties. Packed with vitamins A, D, E, and K, it closely resembles the oils our skin naturally produces, making it especially soothing for dry or sensitive skin.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 1/2 cups Organic Brown Sugar – Provides gentle exfoliation to remove dead skin cells while locking in moisture. Learn how to simply make your own brown sugar here.
• 3/4 cup Grass Fed Tallow – A nutrient-rich fat that deeply nourishes and softens skin, leaving it silky smooth. Render your own tallow for the best outcome, but you can also buy it from a reputable source.
• 3 Tbsp Organic Jojoba Oil – Lightweight and skin-balancing, it mimics the skin’s natural oils for hydration without greasiness.
• 1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice – Adds a warm, seasonal scent and a touch of antioxidant-rich spices for a cozy spa feel.
• 6 drops Cinnamon Leaf Essential Oil – Gives a warm, spicy note.
• 3 drops Clove Essential Oil – Deep, cozy spice scent; it’s strong, so use it sparingly.
• 12 drops Orange Essential Oil – Brightens and balances the spice blend

Supplies Needed for Making and Gifting

• Small Silicone Spatulas – I love these silicone spatulas for mixing and scraping. These mini spatulas come in handy sometimes, too, when I need to get into a small jar.
• Bowl for melting and mixing
• Hand Mixer – For whipping and mixing the sugar into the balm.
• Containers for Storage – I love these containers with the cork tops & cute labels. These make a great gift too.
• Wooden Spatulas – This is optional, but it’s great to have on hand so you don’t get wet hands in your balm. When I give these balms away as gifts, I always tie a wooden spoon to the jar.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure and melt the tallow in a double boiler or in an oven set to a low temperature. Once the tallow is melted, mix in the jojoba oil.

Add the essential oils when the tallow mixture is at about 100ºF and stir well to distribute evenly.

Let the balm sit for a few hours to solidify. Put it in the fridge to solidify more quickly. Now, you’ve made a scented tallow balm! You could stop here if you wanted a nourishing balm.

With a hand mixer, start to whip the balm, getting all of the solid pieces off of the sides and bottom of the bowl. Pour in sugar and spices, blend again until everything is incorporated.

Put the mixture in jars and store in a cool, dry place. Store in the fridge if you want it to last a bit longer. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin to make sure it’s safe for your skin. Make sure no water gets into your container when you’re using it, as this will cause it to mold.

How to Use Your Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub

Before using it for the first time, do a patch test to make sure you don’t have any reactions to the scrub or essential oils added.

Scoop a small amount of scrub into your hands and gently massage it onto damp skin in circular motions. Focus on rough areas like elbows, knees, and heels. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry. For best results, use 2–3 times per week.

This scrub doubles as a perfect hand treatment. Keep a jar by the sink and use a small spoonful to buff away dryness after gardening, dishwashing, or whenever your hands feel rough. Rinse with warm water and follow with a nourishing lotion if needed.

Because this scrub contains oil, it may make surfaces slippery; use caution in the shower. Avoid using it on your face, as the spices and sugar crystals may be too abrasive for delicate skin.

Variations and Add-Ins for Your Sugar Scrub

Coconut Oil Option (Vegan Substitute):
If you prefer a vegan option, coconut oil makes an excellent substitute for tallow. While lighter, it still provides hydration and a smooth texture in scrubs. Coconut oil is naturally antimicrobial and works well for most skin types, though it may feel greasier on oily or acne-prone skin.

Essential Oils:
Add seasonal scents like sweet orange, vanilla, or a touch of calming, floral scents if that’s the feel you’re going for. Keep total essential oils at a safe dilution (about 1% for body use).

Other Spice Blends:
Try chai-inspired spices, a touch of cocoa powder for a chocolatey aroma, or even peppermint for a winter twist.

Sugar Textures:
Swap brown sugar for white sugar if you prefer a finer scrub, or use turbinado sugar for a coarser exfoliation.

How to Store and Shelf Life

Your pumpkin spice sugar scrub can be stored at room temperature in a tightly sealed jar for up to 2–3 months, as long as no water gets into the container. If you prefer extra freshness, store it in the refrigerator, where it can last closer to 6 months. Keep in mind that refrigeration will cause the scrub to harden slightly, but it softens quickly when scooped out.

Always check for signs of spoilage before using. If you notice an off smell, mold growth, changes in texture, or separation that doesn’t stir back together, it’s time to toss the scrub and make a fresh batch.

Packaging for Gifting

Small glass jars with airtight lids work beautifully for gifting, think mason jars, clamp-top jars, or decorative hex jars. Wide-mouth jars are especially practical, making the scrub easy to scoop out. I always like including a little wooden spatula or spoon when I’m giving these types of things away.

Add a homemade touch with kraft paper labels, handwritten tags, or printable labels. Be sure to list the name, ingredients, and a note to use within 2–3 months. A piece of ribbon or twine tied around the lid makes it extra giftable.

If gifting, include a little care card reminding recipients to avoid getting water into the jar, store it in a cool place, and use it within a couple of months for best results.

Explore More DIY Skincare Recipes

If you like making your own simple and natural skincare products, you’re going to love these recipes too. Make them for yourself and for your friends and family as handmade, thoughtful gifts.

• Dandelion Tallow Sugar Scrub – Buff away dry skin with this sunny, nourishing scrub made from wild-harvested dandelions and skin-loving tallow.
• All Purpose Plantain Salve – A soothing, multipurpose salve that calms bites, scrapes, and dry patches with the healing power of plantain leaves.
• Calendula Baby Balm – Gentle enough for baby’s skin, this calming balm softens, soothes, and protects using the magic of calendula flowers.
• Lemon Balm Cold Sore Lip Balm – Naturally ease and protect lips with this antiviral lemon balm lip balm that helps fight cold sore flare-ups.

Pumpkin Spice Sugar Scrub FAQs

Make This Cozy Fall Scrub Today

There’s something magical about the warm, spicy scent of pumpkin spice on a crisp fall day, and now you can bring that comfort to your skincare routine.

Whether you choose nutrient-rich tallow or plant-based coconut oil, this sugar scrub is simple, nourishing, and perfect for gifting (or keeping all to yourself). Try it out today and pamper your skin naturally, then check out my other DIY natural remedies for even more inspiration.