How to Make an Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub at Home

A guide to making a fresh facial scrub

Creating your own facial scrub can be a lovely way to explore botanical skincare ingredients and enjoy a little time for yourself.
At Busy Bee Blossom®, I originally developed an Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub using four separate botanical blends. The ingredients were mixed just before use to create a fresh facial exfoliant with a soft, creamy texture.
Over time, this product also helped inspire the development of my Botanical Oat & Honey Cream Facial Cleanser — a ready-made option for customers who prefer a simpler everyday cleansing routine.
In this guide, I’ll share how the original apricot kernel oil scrub was prepared, the ingredients used and how my facial cleansing range has evolved.

What is Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub?

Apricot kernel oil face scrub combines conditioning botanical oils with finely ground ingredients that provide gentle physical exfoliation.
Apricot kernel oil is a lightweight emollient that helps soften and condition the skin, while finely ground exfoliating ingredients help lift away surface dead skin cells during gentle massage.
A facial scrub is different from a cream cleanser. A scrub provides physical exfoliation and is generally used occasionally, while a cream cleanser is designed to remove everyday impurities as part of a regular cleansing routine.
The most important part of using a facial scrub is to use a light touch. Firm rubbing is not necessary, particularly on delicate facial skin.

Four Botanical Ingredients in My Original Face Scrub

My original Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub was made using four separate ingredient blends.

Raw Jarrah Honey

Australian Jarrah honey gives the mixture a naturally rich texture.
Honey is also a humectant, helping attract and retain moisture within the skin.

Apricot Kernel Oil and Castor Oil

Apricot kernel oil is valued in skincare for its softening and conditioning properties.
Combined with castor oil, it creates a smooth oil blend that helps the scrub spread comfortably across the skin.

White Kaolin Clay and Fine Almond Meal

White kaolin clay is a fine mineral clay commonly used in facial masks and cleansing products.
Finely ground almond meal provides the physical exfoliation, helping loosen surface dead skin cells during gentle massage.

Orange Floral Water

Orange floral water adds a delicate botanical aroma and helps bring the ingredients together.
The amount can be adjusted slightly depending on whether you prefer a thicker or creamier consistency.
Together, these ingredients create a fresh facial scrub that can be prepared immediately before use.

How to Mix Your Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub

My original facial scrub was supplied in four separate containers, labelled A through D.
The ingredients were mixed in stages to create a soft exfoliating paste.

Step 1 – Combine the Honey and Oils

Add the raw Jarrah honey to the apricot kernel oil and castor oil blend.
Stir gently with a clean spoon until the ingredients are evenly combined.

Step 2 – Add the Clay and Almond Meal

Gradually add the honey and oil mixture to the white kaolin clay and finely ground almond meal.
Mix gently until the ingredients begin to form a soft paste.

Step 3 – Add Orange Floral Water

Using a clean dropper, add a few drops of orange floral water.
Stir gently and add a little more if needed until the scrub reaches your preferred consistency.
A smaller amount of floral water will create a thicker paste, while a few extra drops will make the mixture softer and creamier.

Step 4 – Apply Gently

Apply a small amount to damp skin using clean fingertips.
Massage very gently using small circular movements, avoiding the delicate eye area.
There is no need to scrub firmly. Light pressure is sufficient.

Step 5 – Remove with a Warm Face Cloth

Moisten a soft cotton muslin face cloth with lukewarm water.
Gently wipe away the scrub, rinsing the cloth as needed.
Pat the skin dry with a clean towel.
Finish with your usual moisturiser or a few drops of facial oil.

Tips for Using a Homemade Facial Scrub

A freshly mixed facial scrub can be a pleasant occasional addition to your skincare routine.
Start with occasional use and adjust according to how your skin feels.
Always use finely ground exfoliating ingredients and massage gently rather than scrubbing firmly.
Avoid using a physical facial scrub on broken, irritated or inflamed skin.
As a precaution, only make up enough to use straight away as there are no preservatives in this product. 
Keep wet fingers out of the finished product as this could spoil the scrub.
If your skin is sensitive or you prefer a simpler daily routine, a gentle cream cleanser may be a more comfortable option.

From Apricot Kernel Face Scrub to Botanical Oat & Honey Cream Facial Cleanser

Developing the original Apricot Kernel Oil Face Scrub was an important part of my skincare formulation journey.

I enjoyed experimenting with the way botanical oils, honey, clay and finely ground ingredients could come together to create a soft, creamy exfoliating texture.
However, I also recognised that mixing several ingredients before each use is not always practical.
Sometimes we simply want a cleanser that is ready to use.

This helped inspire the development of my Botanical Oat & Honey Cream Facial Cleanser.
The new cleanser brings together ingredients including colloidal oatmeal, honey will be released soon. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

Last updated 1st November 2026