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.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Rolling pin
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Baggie
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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.

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.

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.



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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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

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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.
