DIY Bath Soaks

Hot baths are a fabulous way to relax and relieve tension after a long day. Adding mineral-rich salts to your bath can further ease aches and pains, soothe and soften skin, promote detoxification, and calm nerves all at once. Homemade bath salts are the perfect self-care treat. If you're interested in learning how to make your own DIY bath salts, you've come to the right place.

There is no right or wrong way to make bath salts. The main ingredients are typically a mix of rock salt or sea salt (sodium chloride), Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate), dead sea salt (composed primarily of magnesium, sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, and bromide salt), baking soda (bicarbonate of soda), and essential oils. For me, Epsom Salt is my go-to, for no specific reason, really. You'll see my ingredients all with Epson Salt, but feel free to choose what you like best, but please make sure you do your research.

Benefits:

Beyond minerals, bath salts may offer additional benefits depending on the ingredients in them - such as the medicinal powers of herbs, skin healing benefits of colloidal oatmeal, or soothing aromatherapy of essential oils. Here are a few other benefits that I know you'll love...

Inexpensive - Sooo, I've seen the price of store-bought bath salts lately, have you? Wow! Making them at home will save you so much money and it's so rewarding.
Healthy - I only use natural ingredients in my bath salts.
Soothing - The magnesium in Epsom Salt can help ease muscle tension, while sea salt and baking soda can make your bath more pleasant.
Beauty - Put your homemade bath salts in a glass jar next to your bathtub for a little home decor that is both beautiful and functional.
Great for Gifts - Putting in the time and effort to make a beautiful, fabulous-smelling gift for someone goes a long way in making them feel special.

Ingredients:

1 cup rock salt or sea salt
1 cup Epsom Salt
2 tablespoons of baking soda
10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil (adjust to your preference). Avoid contact of undiluted essential oils with your skin as this may result in a skin reaction in some people).

*OPTIONAL - You can add a few tablespoons of neutral oil that you would put on your skin such as coconut oil.

Instructions:

Mix the salts in a metal or glass bowl. Slowly add the baking soda and stir with a metal spoon to combine. Add your favorite essential oil and mix all ingredients thoroughly. You can also add dried flower petals or herbs to your salt if you like. Generally, I don't add these if I am making them for myself for regular use as it is an extra step when cleaning up after the bath, but they really do make a beautiful addition to your bath salts, especially if you're using them as home decor.

Storage:

Store in a glass container with a lid such as a mason jar in a cool dry place. IMPORTANT! Baking soda in glass jars can develop high air pressure in humidity or at high elevations. Please use caution. We recommend punching a few holes in the top of your lid to be safe.

Use:

Dissolve 1/2 cup of bath salts under running water and relax! If you have used petals in your bath mixture, you may want to use a plug strainer to prevent the petals from clogging up your bath.

Optional Essential Oil Additions

Essential oils are a great addition to your bath. Incorporate these favorites into your routine using the methods discussed in this post and soak up their natural properties in a steaming, aromatic bath:

Lavender: This gentle scent promotes a relaxed atmosphere and is a perfect treat for a nighttime bath before bed.
Eucalyptus Globulus: Take a bath with Eucalyptus after a long day or a workout for a refreshing and stimulating experience. This oil is stronger than other oils, so use less of it or blend it with another oil like Sandalwood or Geranium.
Roman Chamomile: The warm and gentle aroma creates a calm atmosphere. It soothes dry skin while unwinding during your nighttime routine.
Ylang Ylang: Traditionally known for its romantic appeal, Ylang Ylang has a calming, relaxing, and comforting aroma. Massage into the scalp while you bathe to increase the appearance of healthy, shiny hair.
Sacred Frankincense™: This fan favorite can be diffused while you meditate in the bath for increased spiritual awareness and grounding.
Rose: Has a sensual aroma that creates a peaceful, loving, and nurturing environment while promoting a healthy complexion.
Patchouli: Provides an earthy, grounded atmosphere while occasionally improving the appearance of dry, chapped skin.

YL tip: Start with fewer drops and add more as desired. You can always add a little more, but you can’t take any out of the bath.

Note: Not all essential oils are good for your bath.

Before you begin using essential oils in your bathtime routine, it is important to note that not all essential oils are right for the bathtub. Some can cause skin irritation, such as Peppermint. Many of these oils that should not be used in the bath are “hot” oils, or oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied undiluted to the skin. Some of these include: Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, Hyssop, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Thyme, and Thieves®.

Follow label instructions and patch test any essential oils you are unsure about before using them in the bath. To perform a patch test, apply 1–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction; however, reactions usually occur within 5–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Avoid using any oils topically that you have a negative reaction to.

IMPORTANT: It is important to never add essential oils directly to your bath water. As you likely know, oils and water do not mix. If you place drops into your bath water without first diluting, the concentrated oil will sit on the water’s surface and will stick to your skin and other tender areas. This can cause irritation or burns. But don’t sweat it; we’re here to show you the various ways you dip into the bath safely using some of our favorite essential oils!

Always combine essential oils with a carrier oil

To help the essential oils dilute and disperse throughout the bath, combine them with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex.

Add 5–6 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil depending on your skin sensitivity and desired scent strength. Mix to incorporate. Fill the tub and turn off the water before adding the oil blend to achieve the full aromatic effect. Stir the oils around before climbing in to help circulate the mixture.

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