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

by: Linda Robison / Facial Fitness Specialist

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

I love coffee—not just for the taste and energy boost, but for what it does for my skin.

Over the years I’ve tried many coffee scrubs and masks, and it’s easy to see why this ingredient has become such a skincare favorite. It can:

• Boost circulation for a temporary healthy glow
• Help lift excess surface oil and debris
• Leaves skin looking smoother. Results are temporary, but it’s a great quick pick-me-up

Below, you’ll find 40 coffee-based scrubs and masks—simple DIY recipes that let you enjoy these benefits right at home.

In this fun article, I’ll share 40 easy coffee scrubs and masks you can make in minutes.

From light, fruity scrubs perfect for spring and summer to creamy hydrating masks that shine in winter, these recipes are designed to refresh, brighten, and smooth every skin type. 

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

The Basics of DIY Face Scrub Recipes

1. Each recipe combines coffee grounds with various natural ingredients to provide specific benefits.

2.  Use a very fine grind (coarser grounds can be scratchy). Used grounds are usually gentler for the face. Make sure grounds are cool.

3. The directions on how to use the masks are at the end.

DIY Coffee Face Masks and Scrubs for Every Skin Type

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

Explore and enjoy!

Exfoliating Coffee Scrubs

Exfoliating with coffee, these natural DIY scrubs help exfoliate, brighten, and smooth your skin, and here's a list of the various ingredients you can use in a coffee scrub recipe.

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 (best for body, not face)

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp sea salt, 1 tbsp olive oil.
• Benefits: Buffs rough body areas. Skip on the face—can be too abrasive.

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. Avoid if sensitive or acne-prone.

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. Rice Flour Refiner

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1 tbsp rice flour (or oat flour), 1–2 tsp water or yogurt.
  Benefits: Gently polishes without disrupting skin 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

Coffee mixes work as either a light scrub or a gentle mask. If your skin is sensitive, skip the scrubbing and just apply a thin layer.

Note: In winter, I usually reach for creamy coffee masks and save the gritty scrubs for spring and summer. They’re perfect when your skin feels dry, tight, or a little dull.

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

1. Gentle Yogurt Coffee Polish

• Ingredients:  2 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1–2 tbsp plain yogurt.
• Benefits: Gently brightens and refreshes

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Buff

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp finely ground coffee, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp diluted apple cider vinegar (½ tsp ACV mixed with 1 tbsp water).
• Benefits:  Polishes and refreshes while helping balance the skin’s surface pH.

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 / Puffy Complexion

Note:  Always patch test first. For sensitive skin, apply as a mask (no scrubbing), use very fine grounds or even used grounds, and limit to once a week.

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

1. Cocoa Powder Mix

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp cocoa powder, 1 tbsp coconut oil.
• Benefits: Moisturizes and improves skin texture.

2. Banana Mash

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 ripe banana (mashed).
• Benefits: Provides vitamins, and leave skin soft.

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 Spice Coffee Scrub (with Turmeric Option)

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp coffee grounds, 1 tbsp pumpkin mashed, 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional)
• Benefits: Vitamin-rich pumpkin and turmeric work together with coffee to brighten, exfoliate, and fight dullness.

Note: After long hot summer my tired skin needs a great PickMeUp. I personally find the pumpkin spice twist especially invigorating.

You’ll also find more about how pumpkin, pineapple, and other enzyme-rich foods boost your skin in my enzyme mask page. 

And if you’re curious about the amazing turmeric’s skin benefits, check out my turmeric scrub page.

2. Carrot Cleanse Facial

• Ingredients: 2 tbsp fresh ground, 2 tbsp carrot mash*.
• Benefits: Rich in vitamins, soothes, and improves skin tone.

*ABZ TIP: To make the carrot mash, peel, cook, and mash one carrot. Make sure it's cooled before using. Pumpkin meat from the can is also a quick, convenient option.

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, 2–3 drops lavender essential oil in 1 tbsp carrier oil (olive, jojoba, or almond).
• 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 Coffee Scrubs for Skin Benefits:

1. Mix the ingredients until combined (coffee blends can be a little chunky — that’s normal). 
2.  For scrubs, gently massage for a few seconds, unless your skin is sensitive. 
3.  For masks, I’ve found they’re easier to apply if you press or dab them onto the skin instead of trying to spread them like a creamy mixture.
4.  Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry, and follow with moisturizer.

I use it at most once weekly on the face (2–3×/week is fine for the body). Coffee’s glow-boosting effect is temporary—think smooth, fresh, and dewy for the day.

Quick ABZ Tip:  Patch test, choose a fine grind, and go once weekly on the face to protect your barrier. If you’re reactive or on actives (retinoids, acids), use as a no-scrub mask or skip altogether.

Explore and enjoy!

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

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