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This homemade lavender salt scrub recipe has become one of my favorite small rituals in this season of life- one where I’m now a stay-at-home mom, pregnant with baby number three (our first girl!), and often making things at the kitchen counter with my boys nearby or helping.
There was a time when my showers were rushed and purely functional. Back when I worked as a nurse practitioner, they were something I fit in between long shifts, charting, and bedtime routines. Now, life feels slower in different ways- still full, still busy, but more intentional.
These days, this scrub often comes together with little hands helping measure salt, count essential oil drops, and ask a hundred questions along the way. And later, when I use it in the shower- gently on my growing belly- it feels like everything comes full circle. Care for my body. Time with my kids. A quiet moment of calm.
Table of Contents
Why This Homemade Lavender Salt Scrub
There are plenty of store-bought scrubs out there. I’ve tried them. Some smell amazing. Some promise a lot. Some cost way more than they should. But I always come back to this one. Why? Because it’s simple. Because I trust the ingredients. Because it supports my body without overwhelming it.
Even though I’m practicing less as a nurse practitioner, that foundation never really leaves you. I still care deeply about what goes on my skin- especially now that I’m pregnant again. I want ingredients that nourish, soothe, and support, not ones that make me question whether I should be using them at all. This scrub feels safe, grounding, and genuinely supportive.
Pregnancy Changed How I Think About Body Care
Being pregnant again has softened me in ways I didn’t expect. My body feels different. My skin feels different. Even my nervous system feels different, more sensitive, more aware, more in need of gentleness. Some days I feel strong and energized, capable of carrying it all with ease. Other days I feel stretched, tired, and tender in ways that are harder to put into words.
Using this scrub on my belly in the shower has become a small gift I give myself in the middle of it all. It’s not about “fixing” anything or chasing some version of a pre-pregnancy body. It’s about slowing down long enough to honor what my body is doing, growing life, adapting, carrying more than anyone can see. That simple shift has quietly changed the way I think about care, not just for my body, but for myself as a mom, too, choosing gentleness, patience, and presence over perfection.
The Ingredients (And Why I Feel Good Using Them)
I like knowing why something works- not just that it does. Here’s why each ingredient earned its place in this recipe.
Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is known for supporting:
- Muscle relaxation
- Tension relief
- Gentle exfoliation
During pregnancy, my back, hips, and legs feel the extra load. I keep the scrub gentle on my belly and use it more generously on areas that carry tension- like my shoulders and calves.
Coconut Oil (Cold-Pressed, Unrefined)
Quality really matters here.
Cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil:
- Deeply moisturizes stretching skin
- Supports the skin barrier
- Helps lock in hydration
As my belly grows, my skin craves moisture. This oil leaves it soft and nourished without feeling heavy or greasy.
Jojoba Oil
I especially love this ingredient during pregnancy.
- Closely mimics the skin’s natural oils
- Absorbs easily
- Helps keep skin balanced
- It’s lightweight but incredibly effective.
Fresh Lemon Juice
Adds a fresh, clean brightness.
I love how it:
- Enhances the scent naturally
- Adds a light clarifying feel
- Balances the richness of the oils
Because lemon can increase sun sensitivity, I personally use this scrub in the evening and rinse well- especially when using it on my belly.
Essential Oils: Lavender + Lemon
This blend is intentional and gentle.
- 15 drops lavender essential oil – calming, soothing, grounding
- 10 drops lemon essential oil – uplifting, fresh, light
Lavender has always felt like a deep exhale to me- especially during pregnancy when emotions and overstimulation can run high.
As with anything during pregnancy, I keep the essential oil concentration low and listen to my body. If a scent ever feels “too much,” I adjust.
Dried Lavender
A sprinkle of dried lavender on top is completely optional, but it adds a beautiful finishing touch that instantly makes the jar feel special. I especially love including it when I plan to gift the scrub, it gives that subtle handmade-but-elevated look that feels thoughtful and intentional. It also hints at what’s inside, adding a soft, natural scent and a little visual reminder that this is something made slowly and with care.
Homemade Lavender Salt Scrub Recipe
Here’s the full recipe written out clearly so you can save it, print it, or come back to it later.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup epsom salts
- ½ cup coconut oil (cold-pressed, unrefined)
- 1–2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh-squeezed lemon juice (optional)
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 15 drops lavender essential oil
- Dried lavender (optional, for topping)
Directions:
- If your coconut oil is solid, gently melt it by placing the jar in a bowl of warm water.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the epsom salt and coconut oil until evenly mixed.
- Stir in the jojoba oil and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the essential oils and mix thoroughly.
- Spoon the scrub into small glass jars.
- Sprinkle dried lavender on top if using.
- Seal tightly and label.
That’s it.
Simple, nourishing, and approachable.
When My Kids Help Me Make This Scrub
One of my favorite parts about this homemade lavender salt scrub recipe isn’t just how it feels to use- it’s how it comes together. Because more often than not, I’m not making it alone.
My boys love helping me in the kitchen, especially when it feels like a “project” instead of a chore. When I tell them we’re making a scrub instead of baking cookies, they’re immediately curious.
“What’s it for?”
“Can I pour?”
“Can I smell that one?”
And suddenly, it becomes something shared.
I let them help measure the Epsom salt.
They take turns scooping coconut oil.
They love counting the drops of essential oil out loud- very seriously, I might add.
It’s messy sometimes. There’s usually salt on the counter. And yes, someone always wants to add “just one more drop.”
But I love these moments.
They’re learning that caring for your body is normal. That making things with your hands is valuable. That gifts don’t have to come from a store.
I talk to them about why we use certain ingredients in a simple, age-appropriate way:
- Salt helps our muscles feel better
- Oils keep our skin soft
- Lavender helps us feel calm
And when we’re done, they’re so proud of the jars lined up on the counter. Especially when I tell them one is going to be a gift for someone we love. Those moments matter to me just as much as the finished product. They’re part of the reason I choose homemade again and again.
How I Use This Scrub (Especially While Pregnant)
Some showers are quick. Some are slow. Some include kids talking through the door. When I do use the scrub, I scoop a small amount into my hands. Gently massage it onto my belly in circular motions. Use deeper pressure on legs, arms, and shoulders. Take a few intentional breaths. Rinse with warm water.
The oils leave my skin incredibly soft.
The lavender helps me unwind.
And the act itself feels like care- not obligation.
It’s one of my favorite ways to connect with my body and this baby.
The Jars I Use and Labeling
I always store this lavender salt scrub in small glass jars with screw-top lids. I prefer glass because:
- Essential oils can break down plastic
- It’s reusable and sustainable
- It feels clean and elevated
These are the jars I use– they’re perfect for bathroom storage and gifting.
I also add a simple label on the cap with the name, ingredients, and date made. It’s a small detail, but it makes the whole thing feel intentional.
One of My Favorite Gifts to Give
One of my favorite ways to use this homemade lavender salt scrub is as part of a simple, thoughtful homemade gift basket. I started doing this a few years ago when I wanted to give gifts that felt personal, but not complicated or expensive. Now it’s my go-to for just about everything: holidays, birthdays, thank-you gifts, hostess presents, and even those “just because I was thinking of you” moments.
I usually build the basket around a cozy, self-care theme. The lavender salt scrub is the anchor, it feels indulgent, smells incredible, and instantly elevates the whole gift. From there, I add a small jar of homemade vanilla (always a crowd favorite), a tube or tin of homemade lip balm, and a whipped jar of mango coconut body butter. Together, they feel curated and intentional, like something you’d find in a boutique, except it’s all made at home with good ingredients.
What I love most is how flexible these baskets are. For the holidays, I’ll wrap everything in a small crate or basket with dried orange slices or a sprig of rosemary. For birthdays, I’ll keep it bright and simple. For thank-you gifts, I might just tuck everything into a reusable linen bag with a handwritten note. The same four homemade items work every time, you just change the presentation.
If you’re trying to move away from last-minute store-bought gifts (or spending way too much on candles), this is such an easy solution. Every item in these baskets is made with ingredients I already keep on hand, and they always feel meaningful because they’re homemade.
And the best part? You don’t have to guess how to make any of it. I share the recipes for the lavender salt scrub, homemade vanilla, homemade lip balm, and mango coconut body butter right here on my blog, so you can mix and match, scale up for gifting, or make a little extra to keep for yourself. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to generic gift sets again.
Heres the link to each homemade recipe in my gift baskets:
- This lavender salt scrub
- My homemade vanilla extract
- A DIY beeswax lip balm
- A mango coconut body butter lotion
It’s thoughtful, useful, and made with care. I’ve written another blog all about creating these gift baskets and how I pull everything together, linked here!
A Few Gentle Safety Notes (Especially for Pregnancy)
…because some habits from my healthcare days never really leave.
- Use gentle pressure on the belly- no aggressive scrubbing
- Avoid using on broken or freshly shaved skin
- Rinse well to prevent slipping
- Keep water out of the jar to extend shelf life
- Always patch test if you have sensitive skin
If you’re pregnant, always listen to your body. You can also reduce the essential oils or skip them entirely if preferred.
Why This Recipe Means Even More to Me Now
This scrub connects so many seasons of my life.
- My years in healthcare.
- My transition into staying home.
- My journey through motherhood.
- And now- this pregnancy with our baby girl.
It reminds me that care doesn’t need to be loud or complicated. That small rituals matter. That slowing down is a skill worth practicing.
If you make this homemade lavender salt scrub, I hope it becomes a moment of grounding for you too- whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or simply craving a little more intention in your day.
And if nothing else, let it remind you:
Your body is worthy of care, exactly as it is, right now.
With love,
Bri & Cat
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