Discover the magic of Korean face scrub recipes at home!
Korean sugar scrubs are unique because they blend natural ingredients that nourish your skin. They gently clean away dead cells, leaving your face glowing.
Below, we’ll show you three easy DIY at-home recipes. Plus, expert tips on using these exfoliators to enhance your facial care routine.
Dive into the world of K-beauty facial scrubs and watch your skin glow like never before!
1. Red ginseng
Description: This Korean exfoliator uses the revitalizing properties of red ginseng, a staple in Korean skincare, combined with sugar for a rejuvenating and invigorating exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of red ginseng powder (available at Korean grocery stores or online)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
Instructions:
- Mix the sugar and red ginseng powder in a bowl.
- Add the olive oil and stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Store the scrub in an airtight container.
How to Use:
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Use 1-2 times a week for the best results.
Benefits: Red ginseng helps to rejuvenate your complexion, promoting a healthy, youthful glow. Sugar gently exfoliates, removing dead skin cells.
Enjoy the luxurious experience of this Red Ginseng & Sugar Scrub, and let your skin bask in its natural, Korean-inspired benefits!
Is red ginseng safe for facial use?
Yes, red ginseng is generally safe for the face and is actually a popular ingredient in many Korean skincare products. It is known for its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Plus, it can help rejuvenate and revitalize a tired looking face.
2. Mugwort
Description: Mugwort is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare known for its soothing properties. This scrub combines it with sugar for gentle exfoliation.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoon of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of dried mugwort (you can find this at Korean grocery stores or online)
- 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil or coconut oil
Instructions:
- Grind the dried mugwort into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Mix the sugar, powdered mugwort, and jojoba oil in a bowl until well combined.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container.
How to Use:
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Use 1-2 times a week for the best results.
About Mugwort
Mugwort, known as “ssuk” in Korean, is a key ingredient used for sensitive, troubled, inflamed, and dry, dull skin types.
It soothes sensitivity, fights bacteria, reduces inflammation, and improves skin texture and radiance.
Note: If you have troubled skin, it’s advisable to consult with a dermatologist before incorporating mugwort or any new skincare ingredient into your routine.
Rice and almond scrub
Description: The combination of rice flour with the exfoliating power of sugar, is great for achieving that smooth, glowing, “glass-like” Korean skin look.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of white sugar
- 1 teaspoon of rice flour
- 1 tablespoon of almond or olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine the sugar, rice flour, and oil in a bowl.
- Mix until you get a consistent texture.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.
How to Use:
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Apply a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your skin.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Use 1-2 times a week for the best results.
Benefits of rice and almond flour
While using rice and almond flour as a scrub may sound strange, they’re often used in traditional Korean beauty rituals.
Koreans have long valued natural ingredients for skincare, and rice has been a staple for centuries due to its brightening and exfoliating properties.
Similarly, almond flour’s moisturizing benefits align with the Korean emphasis on hydrating and nourishing the skin. And both flours calm sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Korean Honey & Oatmeal Scrub for Dry Skin
The moisturizing properties of honey with the gentle exfoliation of oatmeal, is perfect for hydrating and soothing dry skin.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons of finely ground oatmeal
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 tablespoon of yogurt (optional, for extra moisture)
Instructions:
- Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
- Mix the ground oatmeal, honey, and yogurt (if using) in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
- Store the scrub in an airtight container.
How to Use:
- Wet your face with warm water.
- Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
- Avoid the eye area while applying the scrub.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
- Use 1-2 times a week for the best results
A sugar scrub uses sugar crystals. The benefits include gentle, moisturizing, and good for sensitive skin.
An exfoliating scrub uses natural particles, synthetic beads, or chemical exfoliants. The benefits include versatility and targeted treatments, making them suitable for various skin needs.
Salt and sugar both work in face scrubs, but sugar is gentler, dissolves easily, and hydrates skin. Salt offers intense exfoliation, ideal for oily skin, but may irritate sensitive skin. Choose based on your skin type and do a patch test before use.
Face scrub tips
Consistency Check: Don’t be afraid to adjust the quantities of sugar to achieve the desired consistency. These scrubs should be a bit grainy to properly exfoliate the skin.
Optional Ingredients: You can substitute white sugar with brown or cane sugar, or even powdered for gentle exfoliation. Explore our guide on sugar face scrubs for more ingredient ideas!
Korean Face Mask: You can turn any of these face scrubs into a mask by simply leaving it on for 10-15 minutes, and then gently massaging before rinsing off. This allows the hydrating ingredients to deeply nourish your skin while exfoliating.
Side effects
Side Effect Warnings:
- Perform patch tests before trying any of the Korean face scrubs listed above. Discontinue if irritation occurs. Avoid if allergic to any ingredients.
- Don’t over exfoliate or massage too hard. Pay attention to your skin. And avoid the eye area.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional.
Ginseng may cause hormonal changes:
There isn’t conclusive evidence to definitively state that applying red ginseng topically causes hormonal changes.
However, red ginseng does possess adaptogenic properties, which means it may have the potential to influence hormone levels in the body.
As with any skincare ingredient, it’s advisable for individuals with hormonal imbalances to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
