Pineapple and Vanilla Sweet Rice Exfoliating Powder

I have created a gentle and highly-effective daily exfoliating powder that uses freeze-dried pineapple, powdered vanilla, finely ground sweet rice flour and white kaolin clay.  It is a water-activated facial exfoliator that polishes your skin and helps banish blemishes and uneven skin tone.

I used organic freeze-dried pineapple and finely-milled sweet rice flour.  Pineapple is loaded with an enzyme called bromelain. I have read that bromelain may be useful when used topically due to it's anti-inflammatory properties.  It may help reduce redness and help your blemishes heal quicker.  It works by gobbling up the dead skin cells on your face. This recipe also deeply exfoliates the skin to reveal a brighter and more even layer of skin.

You will need one ounce of freeze-dried pineapple for this recipe. You will need to grind it up as finely as you can. I used a mortar and pestle to break it down.

After you have ground it up as best you can, run the powder though a fine-mesh strainer.


You don't want any crunchy and jagged bits remaining in your recipe because it will scratch up your face and hurt like heck!

See the large pieces left after I sifted it? Don't toss the pineapple bits out....add it to some tea leaves and brew it for a pineapple kissed tea infusion. Delicious!

See how fine the ground pineapple powder is!


To your powdered pineapple, add in a 1/4 cup of sweet rice flour.  This is what gives this recipe the awesome exfoliating power.  It is gentle, yet highly effective at deeply exfoliating your skin.

Mix it into the freeze dried pineapple.

Now add in a 1/4 cup of white kaolin clay.  I buy mine from Mountain Rose Herbs.  It is the mildest of all clays and is suitable for people with sensitive skin. It helps stimulate circulation to the skin while gently exfoliating and cleansing it. It does not draw oils from the skin, so it can be used on dry skin types without negative results. 


Give the ingredients a quick stir with a small whisk. 


Sprinkle in a 1/2 tablespoon of Pure Vanilla Powder.  I added this in because it makes the recipe smell so amazing!! Think of it as powdered aromatherapy for your spirit.  There is just something super special about vanilla and the way the aroma makes me feel so calm and relaxed.  Having said that, you can leave it out if you want.  


Whisk it up!!!!


Your recipe is finished and ready to be transferred to a container with a tight fitting lid. 


Another optional step you can take with this recipe is by adding in a few moisture absorbing desiccant packs to your jarred powder. This will help keep the exfoliating powder dryer and prevent any mold from growing. I save up all my desiccant packs that come in my vitamins and supplements so I can re-use them in my homemade recipes.  


Make sure you choose a jar that has a very tight fitting lid.  You don't want any moisture to get into your powder.  Use a spoon to measure out the powder for each facial. 


To use: Cleanse face with a mild cleanser and rinse with warm water.  Keep your skin a bit moist and massage in about two teaspoons of the Pineapple and Vanilla Sweet Rice Exfoliating Powder for about one minute. Rinse well with warm water and moisturize as normal.  Your face will feel super polished and refreshed. Avoid eye area.