
Orange & Mango Butter Sugar Scrub
A simple and beginner-friendly emulsified sugar scrub
A simple and beginner-friendly emulsified sugar scrub that gently exfoliates the skin while leaving it feeling soft and moisturised.
Sugar provides gentle physical exfoliation and helps remove dead skin cells. Mango butter and nourishing oils give the scrub a rich texture, while Emulsifying Wax NF helps the oily base emulsify when it comes in contact with water. This gives the scrub a smoother, less greasy after-feel compared with a simple oil-based sugar scrub.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil adds a fresh citrus fragrance, while Carrot-Infused Oil complements the orange-inspired formulation.
Ingredients Required – 100 g
Phase | Ingredient | Percentage | Quantity |
Heated Phase | Mango Butter | 25% | 25 g |
Sweet Almond Oil | 9.2% | 9.2 g | |
Carrot-Infused Oil | 0.5% | 0.5 g | |
Emulsifying Wax NF | 8% | 8 g | |
Cetyl Alcohol | 2% | 2 g | |
Stearic Acid | 4% | 4 g | |
Cool-Down Phase | Granulated Sugar | 50% | 50 g |
Sweet Orange Essential Oil | 0.5% | 0.5 g | |
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) | 0.3% | 0.3 g | |
Preservative Euxyl PE 9010 | 0.5% | 0.5 g | |
Total | 100% | 100 g |
Equipment Required
Heat-resistant glass or stainless-steel beaker
Digital weighing scale
Spatula or stirring rod
Double boiler or Bain Marie
Clean and dry jars or containers
Important: Ensure that all equipment and containers are clean and completely dry before starting.
Procedure
Step 1: Prepare the Heated Phase
Weigh the following ingredients into a heat-resistant beaker:
Mango Butter
Sweet Almond Oil
Carrot-Infused Oil
Emulsifying Wax NF
Cetyl Alcohol
Stearic Acid
Heat the mixture gently using a double boiler or Bain Marie at approximately 70–75°C, or until all the solid ingredients have completely melted.
Stir occasionally to ensure even melting. Once everything has melted, remove the mixture from heat.
Avoid overheating the mixture or heating it for longer than necessary.
Step 2: Allow the Mixture to Cool Slightly
Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly while stirring occasionally.
Do not allow it to cool completely, as the butters and structuring ingredients will start to solidify.
Step 3: Add the Cool-Down Ingredients
When the mixture has cooled slightly but is still fluid, add:
Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Vitamin E
Preservative Eco
Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
Step 4: Add the Sugar
Gradually add the granulated sugar while stirring continuously.
Mix until the sugar is evenly distributed throughout the base.
As the mixture cools, it will gradually become thicker.
Step 5: Fill the Containers
Transfer the scrub into clean and dry jars while the mixture is still soft enough to fill easily.
Allow the scrub to cool and set completely before closing the containers.
Your Orange & Mango Butter Sugar Scrub is now ready!
Simple Substitutions
To keep this formulation beginner-friendly, only a few simple substitutions are suggested:
Carrot-Infused Oil: Pumpkin Seed Oil can be used instead.
Sweet Almond Oil: Sunflower Oil can be used instead.
Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Another skin-safe essential oil or cosmetic fragrance may be used, following its recommended usage level.
Note: When substituting an ingredient, replace it with the same percentage unless otherwise specified.
Beginner Tips & Precautions
Always use clean and completely dry equipment.
Avoid introducing water into the scrub during manufacturing.
Use a clean, dry spatula to remove the product from the jar during use.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and not a preservative.
Essential oils should always be used within their recommended skin-safe usage limits.
Make a small test batch before making any substitutions or changes to the formulation.
Changes in oils or structuring ingredients may affect the final texture and consistency of the scrub.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is Emulsifying Wax NF used in this scrub?
It helps the oils emulsify when the scrub comes in contact with water, making it easier to rinse off and reducing the greasy after-feel.
2. Why is Vitamin E added?
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps protect oils from oxidation. It is not a preservative.
3. Why has my scrub become too hard?
The scrub may become firm due to the mango butter, emulsifying wax, cetyl alcohol and stearic acid. Temperature changes can also affect the final consistency.
4. Do I need to use a preservative?
Although this formulation does not contain a water phase, water may be introduced during use. The need for preservation should be evaluated based on the product, packaging and intended use.
5. Why is my scrub melting or becoming soft?
High storage temperatures can soften the butter-based structure. Store the product in a cool, dry place and avoid excessive heat.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this formulation is for educational and informational purposes only and is based on our best knowledge and understanding. Always conduct appropriate formulation, stability, compatibility and safety testing before manufacturing or commercialising any product.
Power in Numbers
Programs
Locations
Volunteers