How To Make Korean Face Scrub: At Home Recipes

by: Linda Robison

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.

A woman mixing Korean face scrub ingredients at home.Korean Face Exfoliating Recipes.

I LOVE using sugar based scrubs. But these Korean masks are off the charts!

Below, we'll show you three easy DIY at-home recipes. Plus, expert tips on how to use 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

Red ginseng and other ingredients used to make a Korean face exfoliating mask.

Description: This Korean exfoliator uses the revitalizing properties of red ginseng, a staple in Korean skincare. When you mix it with sugar, it offers an amazing exfoliation experience.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Mix the sugar and red ginseng powder in a bowl.
  2. Add the olive oil and stir until the mixture is well combined.
  3. Store the scrub in an airtight container.

How to Use:

  1. Wet your face with warm water.
  2. Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
  4. 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

Making a Korean face mask at home.

Description: Mugwort is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare known for its soothing properties. This scrub combines it with sugar for gentle exfoliation.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

  1. Grind the dried mugwort into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
  2. Mix the sugar, powdered mugwort, and jojoba oil in a bowl until well combined.
  3. Store the mixture in an airtight container.

How to Use:

  1. Wet your face with warm water.
  2. Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
  4. 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.

3. Rice and Almond Scrub

korean

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:

  1. Combine the sugar, rice flour, and oil in a bowl.
  2. Mix until you get a consistent texture.
  3. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.

How to Use:

  1. Wet your face with warm water.
  2. Apply a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your skin.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
  4. Use 1-2 times a week for the best results.

Benefits of Rice Flour

While using rice flour as a scrub may sound strange, it's 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, hydrating and exfoliating properties.

It can also help calm sensitive skin, reducing redness and irritation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What's a good Korean face scrub at home for dry skin?

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:

  1. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder using a blender or food processor.
  2. Mix the ground oatmeal, honey, and yogurt (if using) in a bowl until you get a smooth paste.
  3. Store the scrub in an airtight container.

How to Use:

  1. Wet your face with warm water.
  2. Take a small amount of the scrub and gently massage it onto your face in circular motions.
  3. Avoid the eye area while applying the scrub.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat your face dry.
  5. Use 1-2 times a week for the best results

What's the difference between sugar scrub and exfoliating scrub?

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.

Is salt or sugar better for face scrubs?

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

Here are some great tips to help you get the most out of your scrubs.

Highlighted points on the face after a deep face scrub.

Concentrate on High Points: Exfoliation enhances your skin's natural radiance, especially on "highlight points." Focus on these areas to remove dead skin cells. This helps the high points of your face catch and reflect light, naturally boosting your youthful glow.

These points include:

  • Above the eyebrows
  • Tops of the cheeks (cheekbones)
  • Bridge of the nose
  • Center of the forehead
  • Cupid’s bow (the curve of the upper lip)
  • Chin

Note: For more effect, try applying a highlighter makeup on these points. Wow, it really makes the areas pop, creating a truly radiant look.

Consistency Check: Don't be afraid to adjust the quantities of sugar to achieve the desired consistency. These scrubs should be soft and a bit grainy, not too rough. 

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: Turn any of these face scrubs into a mask by simply leaving it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off. This allows the hydrating ingredients to deeply nourish your skin while exfoliating.

Circle Up Rub Massage: Try this uplifting circular massage before rinsing the mask off. This massage can depuff and firm up your complexion.

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.


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