6 Coffee Scrub Facial Recipes for Every Skin Type

The most popular use of coffee is turning it into a magical potion that gives your body the boost it needs to start your day. But as surprising as it may sound, coffee can also serve as a powerful ally in your beauty routine.

You heard that right. Coffee is used in masks, shampoos, and even scrub recipes. The latter is a popular option for anyone who wants to enjoy its amazing exfoliating benefits. But what makes coffee so great for your face, and how do you use them?

Let’s find out the benefits of coffee face scrubs, how to use them, and recipes for making your own DIY coffee scrub at home!

5 Coffee Face Scrub Benefits

1. Improve circulation

Rubbing coffee scrubs on your skin can improve blood circulation, which can improve the condition of your skin.

2. Calm inflammation

Coffee can act as an anti-inflammatory [source]. It contains chlorogenic and hydrocinnamic acids [source], phenolic compounds known to protect your skin and tissues from inflammation.

3. Exfoliate dry skin

Because it contains powerful antioxidants [source], coffee can help remove dead skin cells and improve dry skin. As such, a coffee scrub can act as a powerful exfoliant [source] for your skin, leaving it fresh and smooth.

4. Reduce acne

Coffee’s antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties also help to reduce acne. Coffee can also nourish your skin, soothing it. Don't just stick to coffee face masks; make a DIY coffee body scrub while you're at it!

5. Combat skin aging

Thanks to the power of its antioxidants [source], coffee can help combat aging signs, such as fine lines, sagging, large pores, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.

Are coffee scrubs safe for your face?

Coffee scrubs are safe for your face. But it’s always best to do a patch test before applying coffee scrubs to your face. Some individuals can end up with allergic dermatitis when coffee grounds are used on their skin, particularly if they don’t consume coffee regularly.

And yes, the texture of coffee is okay for facial skin if it's finely ground into a powder texture. And as with all homemade face scrubs, you should use very gentle pressure when applying it.

How to Use a Homemade Coffee Scrub on Your Face

If you’ve never used a coffee face scrub before or just any facial scrub in general, it might be a good idea to learn how to apply it first. It’s not difficult, but you must know all the steps to avoid hurting your skin.

Start by making your coffee scrub. Mix it with the desired ingredients based on what benefits you wish to get. Then, form a thick paste by adding 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water.

Once the mixture reaches the right texture, apply it to your face. Begin to scrub your face very gently, then allow the mixture to sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. It will dry, so you’ll have to rinse it with warm water and pat your face dry.

Coffee Scrub Facial Recipes for Every Skin Type

Here are some recipes you can try:

1. Prevent Acne with Coffee + Coconut Oil

Ingredients

—2 tablespoons finely ground coffee

—1 tablespoon coconut oil

—1-2 tablespoons water

—3 drops clary sage essential oil

Instructions

1. Mix the coffee grounds with coconut oil add water until you get a spreadable consistency.

2. Add the clary sage essential oil.

3. Mix everything until it forms a paste.

4. Apply it on your face and scrub gently for 1-2 minutes.

5. Leave the scrub on your face for 5–10 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.

Why it works

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, which is useful in boosting blood circulation. This can work to treat skin conditions like eczema and acne. Putting coconut oil on your face can also help treat eczema as it hydrates the skin and reduces itching. Furthermore, clary sage oil’s antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity [source] can fight skin irritation and prevent acne.

2. Exfoliate Dry Skin with Sugar + Coffee

Ingredients

—1 tablespoon olive oil

—1 tablespoon granulated sugar

—2 tablespoons finely ground coffee

—3 drops of geranium essential oil

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients to make a thick paste.

2. Apply the mixture to your skin and gently scrub using circular motions.

3. Leave it on your face for 5–10 minutes.

4. Rinse and pat dry.

Why it works

Coffee’s antioxidants are powerful and can effectively exfoliate the skin. Granulated sugar has an abrasive quality that will help remove dead skin cells. Geranium essential oil improves circulation to boost cell regeneration [source]. Olive oil packs in more antioxidant power and gives the skin the moisture it needs [source].

3. Slow Aging with Yogurt + Coffee

Ingredients

—1 tablespoon plain, unflavored yogurt

—½ tablespoon coffee powder

Instructions

1. Mix the coffee powder and yogurt.

2. Apply the mixture to your face and scrub gently.

3. Let it dry for 10 minutes.

4. Rinse with warm water, then pat your face dry.

Why it works

Coffee’s antioxidants treat the signs of aging. Additionally, yogurt contains lactic acid, an alpha-hydroxy acid known for softening the skin and preventing fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Nix Excess Oil with Clay + Coffee

Ingredients

—1 tablespoon bentonite clay

—1 tablespoon coffee powder

—½ tablespoon of melted coconut oil

—2–3 drops of lavender essential oil

Instructions

1. Mix the bentonite clay with the coffee.

2. Add the melted coconut and then the lavender essential oil, and stir the mixture well to combine.

3. Apply your scrub to your face and begin scrubbing using circular motions.

4. Allow it to sit for 15–20 minutes.

5. Use warm water to rinse, then apply toner and moisturizer per your usual routine.

Why it works

Coffee can unclog pores and cleanse the skin deeply. Lavender essential oil reduces inflammation [source] and aids in collagen production [source].

5. Boost Antioxidants with Cocoa + Coffee

Ingredients

—1 tablespoon espresso powder

—1 tablespoon cocoa powder

—2 tablespoons whole milk

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.

2. Apply on your face, scrubbing gently.

3. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

4. Wash the scrub off with warm water and then pat dry.

Why it works

Both cocoa and coffee contain natural antioxidants. And the lactic acid in milk has exfoliating powers, which can help remove dead skin cells and make the skin smooth.

6. Slim a Double Chin with Egg White + Coffee

Ingredients

—2 tablespoons finely ground coffee

—1 tablespoon avocado oil

—1 egg white

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the coffee grounds with the avocado oil, and then add the egg white.

2. Make sure to stir until they’re all incorporated.

3. Scrub your face with the mixture, rubbing from the jawline to your neck.

4. Leave it on your skin for 10 minutes.

5. Rinse your face.

Why it works

Caffeine can help remove excess liquids from your skin. This can make the area underneath the chin look slimmer.

Coffee Scrub FAQs

Are coffee scrubs good for your face?

Coffee scrubs are great for your face. They can get rid of dead skin cells, unclog pores, and address the inflammation caused by acne.

How long should you leave a coffee scrub on your face?

This depends on the other ingredients in the scrub. On average, you can leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes.

Can a coffee scrub for the face be used daily?

You should use coffee scrubs on your face no more than 2 to 3 times per week.

Will coffee scrubs darken your skin?

Coffee scrubs will not darken your skin. They hydrate it and make it look smoother and brighter.

What kind of coffee should I use?

Both fresh and old coffee grounds can work in a coffee scrub, but fresh coffee grounds are a much better option. They have higher amounts of caffeine and antioxidants.