DIY Peppermint Candy Cane Lip Scrub for Soft Lips

I love making homemade lip scrubs, and this peppermint candy cane lip scrub is one of my favorites. It’s simple to make with only a few wholesome ingredients and a touch of peppermint essential oil. The result smells and tastes like candy canes and makes a delightful, thoughtful DIY gift for friends and family during the holidays.

peppermint candy can lip scrub title image with lip scrub in glass jar next to custom label on top

What you’ll need to make this peppermint lip scrub

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  • Superfine sugar

    Smaller granules gently exfoliate lips and remove dry, flaky skin for a softer, smoother finish.

  • Mini candy canes

    Ground into a fine powder, candy canes add gentle exfoliation and a candy cane scent. A mini cane also makes a cute jar decoration.

  • Apricot kernel oil

    A light, skin-friendly oil that absorbs easily and helps hydrate lips. It contains fatty acids and vitamins that support smooth, nourished skin.

  • Peppermint essential oil

    Peppermint adds a refreshing scent and a mild cooling sensation. Use a food-safe grade and keep the amount small for lip use.

  • Rolling pin

  • Baggie

  • Small 1 oz jar (glass or PET plastic)

Tip: Choose jars that are safe for use with diluted essential oils—either glass or PET plastic. You can find 1 oz PET and glass jars from many suppliers.

ingredients and tools for candy cane lip scrub

How to make the peppermint candy cane lip scrub

Step 1: Add sugar

Add 2 tablespoons superfine sugar to a small bowl. Superfine sugar works best because its tiny crystals exfoliate gently and leave a silky finish.

sugar added to small bowl to start making peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

Step 2: Crush candy canes

Place 2–3 small candy canes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they form a fine powder. Add about 1½ teaspoons of the crushed candy cane to the sugar and mix.

three candy canes ready for use in peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

rolling pin breaking candy canes inside ziploc bag into tiny pieces for use in peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

adding smashed candy cane pieces to bowl with sugar for use in peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

Step 3: Mix oils

Measure 2 teaspoons apricot kernel oil into a small bowl and add 4–6 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir to combine. Adjust the peppermint to your preference, but keep it moderate for lip use.

adding peppermint essential oil dropped from bottle into apricot kernel oil in measuring spoon for use in peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

Step 4: Combine ingredients

Pour the oil mixture into the sugar and candy cane powder. Stir thoroughly so the oil coats the sugar evenly and the mixture holds together slightly when pinched.

adding peppermint essential oil and apricot kernel oil to candy cane pieces and sugar in creation of peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils

Step 5: Mix well

Stir the mixture until uniform. If it seems too dry, add a few more drops of apricot oil. If it’s too oily, add a bit more superfine sugar.

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils ingredients sugar, candy cane pieces, peppermint essential oil, apricot kernel oil mixed together with wooden spoon

Step 6: Jar the scrub

Scoop the scrub into a small 1 oz jar. This recipe yields about 3 tablespoons. Seal the jar and label it. Use glass or PET jars that are suitable for products containing diluted essential oils.

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils overflowing in small open glass jar

Step 7: Label and gift

Print a label or hand-write one. For a festive gift, tie a mini candy cane and a sprig of greenery around the jar with baker’s twine.

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils in glass jar closed with lid and custom label

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils in glass jar with custom label, candy cane and twig garnish tied to jar

How to use

  • Use a pea-size amount.
  • Gently rub over lips to buff away dry skin.
  • Wipe or lick off any excess, then apply a moisturizer or lip balm.
  • Use 1–2 times per week or as needed.

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils overflowing in glas jar, candy cane, essential oils bottles

Where to get supplies

  • Superfine sugar
  • Mini candy canes
  • Apricot kernel oil
  • Peppermint essential oil (food-safe)
  • Rolling pin and a small zip-top bag
  • Small 1 oz jars (glass or PET plastic)
  • Optional: printable labels and baker’s twine for gifting

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils in glass jars plus title card

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Please note: Products mentioned have not been evaluated by the FDA. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about any medical concerns.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

peppermint candy cane lip scrub with essential oils in glass jar with custom label lid, three candy canes