Benefits of Coffee for Skin: 40 Easy DIY Hacks, Masks & Scrubs

by: Linda Robison

The benefits of coffee for skin care? Where do I start?

I was surprised to learn, they're practically endless—exfoliation, anti-inflammatory properties, anti-aging, brightening, enhanced circulation… the list goes on!

Coffee Skin Hacks Chart. Recipe for face and body scrub and masks.

In this fun article, I'll dive into 40 easy DIY homemade hacks, masks, and scrubs that use coffee to give your skin a rejuvenating boost.

Yup! Java isn't just your morning hero; it's also a skincare superstar.

These homemade scrubs are tailored to various skin types, leaving your face looking healthy and refreshed.

From simple fresh grounds and coconut facials to creative buffs made with fruits and essential oils, I've got a perfect recipe for every type and need.

And, you can easily incorporate these into your favorite sugar scrub facials too!

Let's get started!

The Basics of Our DIY Face Scrub Recipes

  1. Each recipe combines coffee grounds with various natural ingredients to provide specific benefits.
  2. You can use fresh ground coffee (which is better due to a higher level of caffeine) or used coffee grounds. Just make sure they're not hot.
  3. The directions on how to use the masks are at the end.

Face Scrub/Mask Recipes by Complexion Type

Scrub/masks are listed by complexion types like dry, irritated, oily skin, even bumpy chicken skin, etc... 

Explore and enjoy!

Exfoliating

Various ingredients to use in a coffee scrub recipe.Various ingredients for a DIY coffee face scrub.

1. Basic Coconut Oil

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp coconut oil.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin cells, moisturizes, and improves circulation.

2. Brown Sugar Mix

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, smooths, and moisturizes.

3. Sea Salt Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, detoxifies, and smooths.

4. Oatmeal Coffee Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp finely ground oatmeal, 1 tbsp honey.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates gently, soothes, and reduces irritation.

5. Cinnamon Coffee Facial

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tbsp coconut oil.
  • Benefits: Stimulates circulation, exfoliates, and reduces acne.

6. Orange Peel Polish

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp dried orange peel powder, 1 tbsp yogurt.
  • Benefits: Brightens, exfoliates, and provides vitamin C.

7. Baking Soda Buff

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp baking soda, 1 tbsp water.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, reduces blackheads, and balances pH.

8. Cranberry Coffee Cleanser

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp cranberry purée.
  • Benefits: Provides antioxidants, brightens, and exfoliates.

9. Kiwi Balm

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp mashed kiwi.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and provides vitamin C.

10. Strawberry Buff

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 mashed strawberries. 
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and provides antioxidants.

Hydrating Masks

Jar of honey and coffee beans.

One of the benefits of coffee for skin issues is that they can be used as both a scrub and a mask. Just leave on for a few minutes before massaging and rinsing.

1. Honey & Coffee

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp honey.
  • Benefits: Hydrates, has antibacterial properties, and promotes a healthy glow.

2. Yogurt Facial

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp plain full fat yogurt.
  • Benefits: Gently exfoliates, soothes, and brightens the skin.

3. Coconut Milk Quencher

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp coconut milk.
  • Benefits: Hydrates deeply, reduces redness, and improves skin texture.

4. Olive Oil Bean Buff

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Benefits: Moisturizes, provides antioxidants, and softens the skin.

5. Shea Butter Balm

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp melted shea butter.
  • Benefits: Deeply moisturizes, soothes, and softens.

6. Avocado Mash

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1/2 ripe avocado (mashed).
  • Benefits: Deeply nourishes, hydrates, and soothes.

7. Almond Oil Exfoliant

  • Ingredients**: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp almond oil.
  • Benefits: Moisturizes, nourishes, and softens.

8. Peach Polish

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp mashed peach purée.
  • Benefits: Hydrates, provides vitamins, and softens.

Oily Skin

Coffee grounds, beans, and lemons. All can be used for skin scrubs.

1. Lemon Infusion Polish

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  • Benefits: Brightens, evens out skin tone, and reduces oiliness.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Buff

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp honey.
  • Benefits: Balances pH, reduces acne, and exfoliates.

3. Grapeseed Oil Treatment

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp grapeseed oil.
  • Benefits: Lightly moisturizes, balances oil, and provides antioxidants.

4. Tomato Masque

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp tomato purée.
  • Benefits: Brightens, reduces oiliness, and provides antioxidants.

Sensitive Complexion

Note: Prior to use, always do a patch test. And, those with increased sensitivity, consider using these facial scrubs as masks instead of massaging them onto your face to minimize the risk of irritation.

1. Aloe Vera Smooth

Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp aloe vera gel.

Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, and reduces inflammation.

2. Rosewater Elixir

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp rosewater.
  • Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, and tones.

3. Chamomile Tea Treatment

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp brewed chamomile tea (cooled).
  • Benefits: Soothes, reduces inflammation, and calms the skin.

4. Cucumber Cooler

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp cucumber purée.
  • Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, and reduces puffiness.

Dry Complexion

Beautiful jar filled with sugar and coffee oil.

1. Cocoa Powder Mix

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp coconut oil.
  • Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, moisturizes, and improves skin texture.

2. Banana Mash

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 ripe banana (mashed).
  • Benefits: Hydrates, provides vitamins, and softens the skin.

3. Milk Coffee Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp milk.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates gently, hydrates, and brightens.

4. Buttermilk Mask

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp buttermilk.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and soothes.

5. Vitamin E Glow

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp fresh grounds, 1 tbsp coconut oil, 1 vitamin E capsule (pierced and squeezed).
  • Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, moisturizes, and heals.

Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle

1. Pumpkin Coffee Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp pumpkin mashed.
  • Benefits: Rich in vitamins, brightens, and exfoliates.

2. Carrot Cleanse Facial

Ingredients: 2 tbsp fresh ground, 2 tbsp carrot mash*.

Benefits: Rich in vitamins, soothes, and improves skin tone.

*To make the carrot mash, peel, cook, and mash one carrot. Make sure it's  cooled before using.

3. Green Tea Soothe

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp brewed green tea (cooled).
  • Benefits: Antioxidant-rich, soothes, and reduces redness.

4. Turmeric Coffee Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tbsp yogurt.
  • Benefits: Brightens, reduces inflammation, and evens skin tone.

5. Lavender Coffee Blend

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tsp lavender oil, 1 tbsp olive oil.
  • Benefits: Calms, soothes, and moisturizes.

Enlarged Pores

1. Mint Coffee Cocktail

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves (chopped), 1 tbsp yogurt.
  • Benefits: Refreshes, soothes, and reduces acne.

2. Papaya Blend

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 2 tbsp papaya purée.
  • Benefits: Exfoliates, brightens, and provides vitamins.

Inflamed and Irritated

1. Aloe & Honey Paste

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp aloe vera gel, 1 tbsp honey.
  • Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, and has antibacterial properties.

2. Chamomile Tea Coffee Scrub

  • Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp brewed chamomile tea (cooled).
  • Benefits: Soothes, reduces inflammation, and calms the skin.

Benefits of Coffee for Skin Care: Tips & How-To's

How to Use These Coffee Scrubs

1. Combine the listed ingredients for each recipe until well blended.

2. Apply and gently massage the scrub onto your face in circular motions, avoiding the eye area.

3. Let the scrub sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to penetrate.

4. Rinse with warm water, pat dry and apply moisturizer.

Enjoy experimenting with these coffee scrubs and discover the perfect recipe that suits your skin's needs!

Note: Do a patch test first, avoid allergens, and consult a specialist for any skin issues.

Explore and enjoy!

Don't forget to explore exotic Korean face scrubs and skin tightening turmeric face masks.


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