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This & That โ€บ Hostess Gifts
22 Comments

Lemon & Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Jan 3, 2025

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Long pin for Homeade DIY antibacterial hand scrub top image of free pretty printable label and bottom image of glass jar filled with salt scrub and a sliced lemon.
DIY antibacterial Hand Scrub with essential oils with image of glass jar filled with hand scrub and tied with twine and a dried lemon and wood scoop.

Not only is this lemon & peppermint antibacterial hand scrub practical, but it is also beautiful, exfoliating and leaves your hands feeling silky smooth. Plus it comes together in about 5 minutes!

Making my own homemade gifts or something just for myself, always makes me smile. After all you save serious money by doing it yourself and you have the enjoyment of knowing exactly what goes into the finished product.

If you like DIY, Homemade gifts, I know you will love making this tasty Homemade Golden Milk Mix, or Homemade Vanilla Extract (one of my most popular posts), or maybe just this simple everyday Carrabba’s seasoning.

Lemon Peppermint Antibacterial Hand Scrub on cutting board with essential oils and scooper filled with salt scrub.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

With all of the hand-washing going on these days, my hands are parched, like dried, cracking, rough parched.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve battled dry skin and eczema* my whole life and wintertime in a dry climate is always hard on them. But with a little extra hand-washing, they are perpetually parched!

Open glass jar with wooden scoop inside of lemon peppermint antibacterial hand scrub.

Enter, this beautiful, all-natural, cleansing antibacterial hand scrub!

Ingredients & Substitutions

  • fine sea salt | cleanses, heals and nourishes skin. Kosher or coarser salts are a bit harsh on the delicate skin of hands, in fact, you may even want to use brown sugar if your hands are extra sensitive.
  • sweet almond oil | sweet almond oil keeps your skin cells healthy, protects your skin from UV radiation damage, and helps your skin look smooth, soft, and free of fine lines, thanks to the Vitamin E in the oil. The fatty acids help your skin retain moisture and can heal chapped and irritated skin.
  • pure coconut oil |“benefits for skin, including reducing inflammation, keeping skin moisturized and helping heal wounds. The medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil also possess antimicrobial properties that can help treat acne and protect the skin from harmful bacteria.”
  • Jojoba oil |“Jojoba oil contains oodles of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties, but what sets it apart from the others is that it’s technically not an oil, but a wax ester. What does this mean for your skin? “Jojoba oil has a similar molecular structure and composition to sebum, which the skin naturally produces for moisturization“
Anitbacterial Handscrub on wooden cutting board ingredients. Kosher Salt, Fresh Lemon, Jojoba Oil, Coconut Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Esseintial Oils.
  • Tea Tree Oil | Tea tree oil contains a number of compounds, including terpinen-4-ol, that have been shown to kill certain bacteria, viruses and fungi (1Trusted Source, 2Trusted Source). Terpinen-4-ol also appears to increase the activity of your white blood cells, which help fight germs and other foreign invaders (3Trusted Source). These germ-fighting properties make tea tree oil a valued natural remedy for treating bacterial and fungal skin conditions, preventing infection and promoting healing. I highly recommend reading more about this powerhouse of essential oils!
  • Peppermint essential oil | Besides smelling fabulous, peppermint oil may have some antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. (Optional)
  • Lemon Essential oil and fresh lemon zest | Another “smells marvelous” ingredient, but some people swear by lemon essential oil as an ingredient that fights exhaustion, helps with depression, clears your skin, kills harmful viruses and bacteria, and reduces inflammation. (Optional). Peppermint and Lemon are optional, you might also try Rosemary & Sweet Orange. Or Lavender is always a big hit, be creative.
  • Liquid Castille Soap | this ingredient is optional, but ads additional gentle cleansing notes.
Beautiful glass weck jar filled with lemon antibacterial hand scrub with dried lemon and wooden scoop tied on for presentation with free printable label.

This is a fabulous starter kit for essential oils.

DISCLAIMER | I am not a physician or specialist; I have done my own research and using natural products like this have worked for my family. As always consult your medical provider, if you have concerns.

Process shot for antibacterial hand scrub, top ingredients for hand scrub, 2) adding peppermint essential oil 3) stirring hand scrub, 4) spooning into pretty jars.

How to DIY Antibacterial Hand Scrub

  1. Measure ingredients. To evenly distribute oils, put drops into one of the carrier oils (almond, jojoba work great), then add everything in a small mixing bowl (or double, triple or quadruple if making as gifts).
  2. Mix well to combine. Scoop into container with a lid and provide a small scoop or spoon. Ta-da! Takes all of 5 minutes!

*Eczema Warning | I have battled eczema since childhood and my hands are the worst; however, tea tree oil can be harsh with eczema. Use sparingly and with caution. I personally use this scrub once daily and it leaves my hands soft and nourished.

Top down shot of jar of lemon peppermint antibacterial hand scrub with free label, tied with dried lemon and a wooden scoop.

How to Gift Homemade Hand Scrubs

You all know I love great homemade gifts, and this one is no different! In fact, I love the way my friend Lynn, from Nourish and Nestle puts it, Homemade Gifts that Don’t Scream DIY!

Since I wanted this gift to look beautiful, like it was from a specialty store; I chose my favorite 12.5 oz tulip shaped Weck jar — they are a bit pricey, but so pretty. These ball jars work great too! Note that the recipe makes about 1 cup (8 oz) so it didn’t quite fill up the above 12 oz jar.

Tie some bakers twine or jute around it, secure a cute wooden scoop to the jar, tie on a dried slice of lemon. Also try a sprig of fresh rosemary, lavender, a cinnamon stick or fresh thyme!

FREE PRINTABLE LABELS

A label makes all the difference, I created these pretty labels for you to print and punch out to either tie or glue onto the jar’s. Simply click the link below for the free printable antibacterial hand scrub labels.

There are two designs, one specifically for Lemon & Eucalyptus and the second a generic Antibacterial Hand Scrub label that you can fill in the scents.

Typically, I use 65# white or kraft paper for most my gift tags, they hold up well and punch well. I have a couple of punches to make tags easier not requiring me to use a whole sheet of labels; this 1 ยฝ inch punch and 3 inch punch are great!

That’s about it! Check out the DIY “recipe” below, and be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom; I have gathered a few of my own and other bloggers fabulous “non-sucky” homemade gifts for you to peruse.

Think Mother’s Day, birthday gifts, hostess gifts, teacher appreciation gifts, get well gifts, just because, new neighbor gifts, Easter, Holiday and Christmas…oh, you get the idea!

More homemade gift ideas:

  • Homemade Bourbon Vanilla Extract | so amazing, especially in this Kentucky Butter Cake!
  • Rocky Mountain Barbecue Sauce | thick, rich, amazing!
  • Homemade Teriyaki Sauce | Use for anything that needs teriyaki sauce, like this Grilled Pork Loin.
  • Cookie Dough Gifts | yes, it’s a thing!
  • DIY Pumpkin Spice Mix | great around the holidays, especially with a warm Pumpkin Spice cake!

Recipe heavily adapted from Hello Glow.

Like this recipe?

Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

Top down shot of jar of lemon peppermint antibacterial hand scrub with free label, tied with dried lemon and a wooden scoop.
Print
5 from 4 readers

Antibacterial Hand Scrub

Make your own easy DIY antibacterial hand scrub that promotes healthy, clean, soft skin.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Hostess Gifts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: antibacterial hand oil, antibacterial hand scrub, DIY, hand scrub, Homemade, Hostess Gifts, salt scrub, tea tree oil
Yield: 8 ounces
Author: Kathleen Pope
Cost: $8

Equipment

  • Ball Wide Mouth Half Pin Mason Pint Jars-8oz 8 jars 
  • 6 Mini Tulip Jelly Jar with Glass Lids 6 Rings and 12 Clamps

Materials

  • 1 cup fine sea salt or pulse kosher salt in food processor until fine
  • 3-4 tablespoons Sweet almond oil
  • 3-4 tablespoons pure coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon Jojoba oil optional
  • 1 tablespoons liquid Castille soap (optional)
  • ยฝ teaspoon Tea Tree Oil
  • 10-15 drops Peppermint essential oil optional
  • 5-10 drops Lemon essential oil optional
  • Lemon zest optional
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in small mixing bowl, mix to combine well. Spoon into desired jar or storage container with lid.
  • If making as gifts, place in desired lidded jar(s), apply label (see post for free printable), small scoop and tie with jute or twine.
  • Scoop small amount into palm of hand, gently rub all over hands for 20 seconds, then rinse with warm water. Use once or twice daily. Avoid introducing water into the scrub.
  • Makes about 1 cup (8 oz), easily double, triple or more the recipe for multiple gift options.

Notes

Shelf Life: to avoid oils turning rancid, always keep the lid on the container, most salt scrubs will last about 6 months, if it starts smelling rancid, then it’s time to throw out.
I love to tie some bakers twine or jute around it, securing a cute wooden scoop to the jar and if you want, tie on a dried slice of lemon, but a sprig of fresh rosemary, lavender, a cinnamon stick or thyme would work great too!
*Eczema Warning | I have battled eczema forever and it’s always the worst on my hands; however, tea tree oil can be harsh with eczema, so use sparingly and with caution. I personally just use this hand scrub once or twice daily.
Recipe heavily adapted from HelloGlow.

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Kathleen Pope

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Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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  1. Sherry Brown

    Sun, May 18, 2025 at 12:44 pm

    The labels are for a sour dough cheat sheet and not the soap.Could you please revise and email soap labels to me.
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen Pope

      Sun, May 18, 2025 at 1:38 pm

      Yikes changing that now Sherry! Thanks for letting me know-I sent you the labels via email. Xoxo

      Reply
  2. Becky

    Sat, Sep 4, 2021 at 12:19 pm

    What would you suggest for a substitute for coconut oil? Both myself and my grandma are allergic to coconut.

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Sep 6, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      I am sorry to hear that, you can use Olive Oil, Grapeseed Oil or additional Sweet Almond Oil all would be a suitable replacement.

      Let me know how it goes!

      Reply
  3. Julie

    Tue, Mar 16, 2021 at 1:36 am

    5 stars
    I made a batch of this scrub up for a neighbor who loves essential oils and she was so excited to get it and loved it. I keep a batch in the shower and it makes me feel like I’m doing something special for myself.

    Reply
  4. Sandra Shaffer

    Sun, Mar 14, 2021 at 10:31 am

    This is so nice for gardeners too. Picking up some jar to make for Mother’s Day gifts for my girlfriends! Thank you.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Tue, Mar 16, 2021 at 10:19 am

      Absolutely, great for gardeners!

      Reply
  5. Nikki

    Thu, Mar 11, 2021 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    So fresh and makes my hands to so soft! Love!

    Reply
  6. Victoria

    Sat, Nov 28, 2020 at 4:11 pm

    These are so cute. I’m looking to make them as Christmas gifts for friends. What is the shelf life on this? Would i be able to start making them now or should I wait closer to Xmas. Also, does one ingredient list produce 12oz?

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sun, Nov 29, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      Hi Victoria,

      Thank you, they are cute. I have had mine on my counter since April, average shelf life is about 6 months, but it’s smart to keep it covered, avoiding the oils going rancid. If it starts to smell funny it should be thrown out. Also it makes a little over 8 oz, about a cup, thanks for bringing this up, I amended the recipe to include a bit more of this information. Happy DIY’ing!
      Kathleen

      Reply
  7. Chellie

    Mon, May 4, 2020 at 7:59 am

    I love this so much! And I need it!! And… I have all the ingredients, yay. I’m totally going to have my kids make this for me this week for mother’s day. They’ll love making it and I’ll love using it.

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, May 4, 2020 at 9:06 am

      YAY! Love that you have all of this!

      Reply
  8. MICHAELA KENKEL

    Sat, Apr 25, 2020 at 10:13 am

    This worked MIRACLES on my dry hands! I have (like everyone) been washing them SO MUCH!! This was amazing!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Sat, Apr 25, 2020 at 12:18 pm

      Makes me happy to hear Michaela!! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  9. Lynn Spencer

    Thu, Apr 23, 2020 at 5:31 am

    Excited to make this hand scrub! And, what a pleasant surprise to find my gift ideas here! Thanks for sharing, my friend!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Thu, Apr 23, 2020 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Lynn, and well you coined it, handmade gifts that don’t suck! At least yours don’t for sure!Thanks for the inspo!

      Reply
  10. Jennifer Stewart

    Tue, Apr 21, 2020 at 4:10 pm

    With all the hand washing I am doing these days, and all the extra home cooking, my hands are a shit show! This scrub has been such a life safer!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Wed, Apr 22, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      Makes me so happy to hear! Thank you Jennifer! Here’s to softer hands!

      Reply
  11. Jennifer Stewart

    Tue, Apr 21, 2020 at 10:09 pm

    5 stars

    Reply
  12. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

    Sun, Apr 19, 2020 at 10:04 pm

    Oooohhhh, this has to smell so AMAZING when you open the jar!! I am a HUGE essential oils fan and am in love with the idea of making an antibacterial hand scrub! Those printable labels are the cutest too! Thanks for another great idea Kathleen!

    Reply
    • KathleenKathleen

      Mon, Apr 20, 2020 at 5:04 pm

      Thank you sweet Tasia!

      Reply
  13. Julie Menghini

    Mon, Apr 20, 2020 at 2:02 am

    5 stars
    I love bath and shower scrubs and can’t wait to try this one!

    Reply

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Kathleen Pope

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Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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