Stay on Hawai’i a little while longer. This DIY Piña Colada body scrub is your ticket to tropical paradise. It will take you straight back to sipping that Piña Colada on the beach or at a luau. The scrub captures the scents of local Maui Gold pineapple, sugar cane, and creamy coconut.

Origin of the Piña Colada Cocktail

One popular claim attributes the invention to Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. According to this account, Marrero created the Piña Colada in 1954, combining rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to create the iconic tropical cocktail.

Another story suggests that the Piña Colada dates back to the 19th century and was invented by pirates or privateers in the Caribbean as a mix of coconut, pineapple, and rum. How exciting!

This Piña Colada body scrub is a delightful way to exfoliate and moisturize your skin while enjoying the tropical scents of coconut and pineapple. 

DIY Piña Colada Body Scrub Recipe

Here’s a simple recipe for you to make your own Piña Colada body scrub at home:

• 1/2 cup granulated brown sugar
• 1/2 cup of powdered coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of fresh pineapple juice (no added sugar please)
• 2 tablespoons of rum, preferably Kula toasted coconut rum
• 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
• Zest of one lime
• a few drops of coconut extract or coconut essence (optional)
• a few drops of pineapple extract or pineapple essence (optional)
• Airtight container for storage

In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar (grind if you want a finer texture), powdered coconut milk, coconut oil, and lime zest. Mix well until you have a consistent, grainy texture.

Store like this in a jar until ready to use.

[flatlay ingredients mixing together]

Add the pineapple juice and rum to the mixture and stir thoroughly. The pineapple juice and rum will provide a refreshing scent and some liquid to help bind the ingredients.

[pour in pineapple juice]

Mix in the coconut extract and pineapple extract to enhance the tropical aroma of your scrub (optional). Adjust the amounts according to your preference for a stronger coconut or pineapple fragrance.

Your Piña Colada body scrub with powdered coconut milk, lime, pineapple, and a hint of rum is now ready to use. Transfer the mixture into an airtight container for storage.

How To Use Your DIY Piña Colada Body Scrub?

• Remember to do a patch test before applying the scrub all over your body, especially if you have sensitive skin.
• Make sure your skin is clean and damp before applying the scrub.
• Take a small amount of the Piña Colada body scrub and gently massage it onto your skin using circular motions. Focus on areas where you want to exfoliate and soften your skin.
• Let the scrub sit on your skin for a few minutes to allow the coconut milk to moisturize and nourish your skin.
• Rinse off the scrub with warm water and pat your skin dry with a towel.
• Enjoy the invigorating tropical scent and the silky-smooth feeling of your skin after using the Piña Colada body scrub!

What Does the Piña Colada Body Scrub Do For Your Skin?

We use Maui Gold pineapple, for its vibrant yellow juice and high enzyme content, but really any ripe pineapple will work. Pictured above: Kauai Sugarloaf, Maui Gold, & Oahu Dole.

Pineapple contains enzymes like bromelain, which act as natural exfoliants, gently sloughing off dead skin cells and promoting a brighter complexion. Its high vitamin C content aids in collagen production, contributing to firmer and more elastic skin.

Additionally, pineapple’s antioxidants help combat free radicals, reducing signs of aging and promoting a healthier, radiant skin tone.

Coconut milk and oil are natural moisturizers that deeply hydrate the skin, leaving it soft and supple. Packed with vitamins C, E, and B-complex, they provide antioxidant benefits, promoting healthier-looking skin. Rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, coconut milk and oil combat free radicals and shield the skin from environmental damage. The oil’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties soothe irritation, reduce redness, and combat bacteria.

Using rum in a homemade scrub can offer benefits like natural exfoliation due to its alcohol content, promoting smoother skin texture. Additionally, rum’s antiseptic properties can contribute to maintaining skin hygiene by potentially combating bacteria. However, if you have sensitive or dry skin, omit the rum or do a patch test before using as alcohol can be drying.

My favorite is Kula toasted coconut rum, made in Upcountry from Maui-grown sugar cane. It adds an amazing aroma! definitely ties that Piña Colada vibe together! Also yummy to drink, of course!

Enjoy your homemade Piña Colada body scrub for a luxurious and refreshing skincare experience that will take you straight back to your Hawai’i vacation!

Continue Your Tropical Skincare Journey

Check out these popular Hawai’i skincare recipes:

> Enzymatic Papaya Pineapple Face Mask

> Ginger Spice Massage Bar

> Ayurvedic Hibiscus Hair Oil

Hope to see you in paradise soon!