7 Essential Oil Bath Salt Recipes to Make at Home (and save $$$)
Love the idea of a relaxing bath but don't have much time? Essential oil bath salts are an easy way to care for yourself, even when time is short.
With just a few minutes, some essential oils, and your favorite salts, you can create a soothing bath experience.
A warm bath is one of life’s simple pleasures. After a long day, a soak in the tub can help you unwind and recharge. Adding nourishing aromatherapy bath salts enhances the experience, making it more enjoyable and beneficial.
Plus, these DIY bath salts make thoughtful gifts!
Not a fan of full baths? These essential oil bath salt recipes can also be used for refreshing foot soaks, especially if your feet are tired or sore.
Aromatherapy Bath Salt Benefits
Using bath salts can provide a range of benefits:
Stress Relief and Relaxation: A warm bath is already a stress reliever, but adding bath salts infused with calming essential oils like Roman chamomile or cedarwood offers triple the relaxation.
Deep Skin Cleansing: Bath salts have cleansing and purifying properties that help deeply clean your skin as you soak.
Soothe Muscle Aches & Pains: A warm bath with bath salts can ease sore muscles and body aches. Try the Sore Muscle Bath Salts recipe (#4) for added relief.
Improve Skin Hydration: Bath salts not only soften the skin but also enhance hydration when combined with nourishing oils like lavender and jojoba. Recipe #1 is perfect for combating dry skin.
Detoxify Your Body: Detoxify with natural salts and essential oils that draw out toxins from your body.
Sinus & Respiratory Relief: The steam from a warm bath, combined with the aromatherapy of essential oil bath salts, can help open your airways and provide sinus relief. Try the Eucalyptus Lavender Bath Salt recipe (#2).
Stimulate Circulation: Homemade bath salts in warm water can increase circulation. Cypress essential oil is particularly effective for this.
Improve Sleep: Lavender bath salts before bedtime can promote relaxation and improve sleep. Recipe #3 is a perfect sleep-inducing blend.
Menstrual Cramp Relief: Ease period discomfort with a soothing soak in bath salts. Recipe #5 is ideal for menstrual cramps.
How to Make Essential Oil Bath Salts
While Epsom salts are most commonly used, you can experiment with different types of salts for your homemade recipes. Epsom salt, pink Himalayan salt, and Dead Sea salt are popular choices.
The grain size of the salt varies (fine, medium, coarse), so choose based on your preference and purpose. For salt scrubs, grain size matters—coarse salt can be too harsh on the skin. For baths, however, any grain size works well.
Some recipes include baking soda, but a simple mix of salts, carrier oils, and essential oils can be just as effective.
Basic Bath Salt Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup salt of choice (Epsom, Himalayan, or sea salt)
- 2 tablespoons carrier oil of choice (jojoba, fractionated coconut, or sweet almond oil)
- 6-8 drops of essential oils of choice
Steps:
- Place 1/2 cup of salt in a glass bowl.
- Mix in 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
- Add 6-8 drops of essential oils.
- Stir all ingredients together.
- Optional: Add dried herbs, flower petals, or color. Transfer to a storage jar until ready to use or gift. If using immediately, you can skip this step.
How to Use Bath Salts
Fill your tub with warm, comfortable water. Avoid hot water. Before stepping in, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of bath salt to the water and swirl to blend. Soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
If you have a large bathtub, you may want to use the full recipe amount (1/2 cup of bath salt).
These recipes make about 1/2 cup (4 oz). If you like the blend, feel free to double or triple the recipe for future use or gifting. An 8 oz mason jar (1 cup) is perfect for gifts.
Using Bath Salt for Foot Soaks
A foot soak can be a great alternative when a full bath isn’t an option. It soothes sore feet and improves foot health.
- Fill a foot basin with warm water.
- Add 1 tablespoon of bath salt to the water and swirl to mix.
- Soak your feet for 15-20 minutes or until the water cools.
- Dry your feet well and follow with a moisturizer.
**Caution:** Bath salts can make the tub slippery. Rinse the tub thoroughly after use to remove any oil residue.
DIY Essential Oil Bath Salt Recipes
Here are seven DIY recipes to try:
1. Simple Lavender Bath Salt
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
Benefits: Nourishing and moisturizing for the skin, brings comfort to the mind.
2. Eucalyptus Lavender Bath Salt
- 1/4 cup Himalayan pink salt
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 4 drops lavender oil
- 3 drops eucalyptus oil
Benefits: Soothes respiratory and sinus issues.
3. Sweet Dreams Bath Salt
- 1/4 cup Himalayan pink salt
- 1/4 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 3 drops sweet orange essential oil
Benefits: Promotes relaxation and better sleep.
4. Sore Muscle Bath Soak
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 4 drops frankincense essential oil
- 3 drops Roman chamomile essential oil
Benefits: Calms aches and pains in muscles and joints.
5. Bath Salt for Menstrual Cramps
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 3 drops clary sage essential oil
- 3 drops geranium essential oil
Benefits: Eases pelvic or abdominal cramps and discomfort.
6. Blissful Bath Salt
- 1/2 cup Dead Sea salt
- 2 tablespoons jojoba oil
- 3 drops frankincense essential oil
- 2 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 2 drops bergamot essential oil
Benefits: Uplifts the mind and body, promotes peace and joy.
7. Energizing Bath Salt
- 1/4 cup Dead Sea salt
- 1/4 cup Himalayan pink salt
- 2 tablespoons sweet almond oil
- 3 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops lavender essential oil
Benefits: Refreshing for a morning bath, energizing scent.
Don’t forget to add a cute gift tag if giving bath salts as a gift!
FAQs About DIY Bath Salts
What Salts Can You Use to Make Bath Salts?
Epsom salt is the most versatile for bath salts, but Dead Sea salt and Himalayan salt are also excellent options. Avoid table salt, as it may irritate the skin.
How Long Does Homemade Bath Salt Last?
Proper storage is key for longevity. Store your DIY bath salts in a glass jar with an airtight lid, like a mason jar, and keep them in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness.
How Much Epsom Salt Should You Use for a Bath?
Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Epsom salt per bath for the best therapeutic benefits. Soak for at least 20 minutes to fully enjoy the detoxifying effects.