9 Aromatherapy Blends for DIY Bath Salts

I often underestimate the power of a bath. Whenever I wasn’t feeling well as a kid, the answer was always to have a warm bath. I did, in fact, feel much better afterward. But I tend to forget about that feeling these days until I finally settle into the warm water, and the reassuring memories return.

Baths are great for all sorts of ailments from cold and flu to achy, sore muscles, and everything in between. And DIY bath salts are super simple and inexpensive to make at home with inexpensive ingredients like salt and coconut oil.

Sea salt is a type of salt that is obtained by evaporating seawater. It is a natural and unrefined salt that contains a wide range of minerals and trace elements, such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. One of the benefits of sea salt is that it is a healthier alternative to table salt, which is highly processed and lacks many of the minerals found in sea salt. Sea salt can also help improve skin health and is often used in beauty products due to its exfoliating and moisturizing properties. In addition, sea salt can be beneficial for the respiratory system, as inhaling sea salt particles can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms of conditions like asthma and allergies. Sea salt soap and coconut oil can be great for your skin as well.

Wellness Aromatherapy Bath Salts

Wellness aromatherapy bath salts have become a popular way to enhance self-care routines and promote relaxation. These bath salts are infused with essential oils and botanicals to create a soothing and aromatic experience. The term “welleness aromatherapy bath salts” refers to the use of fragrant oils and natural ingredients to stimulate the senses and provide therapeutic benefits – and let me tell you, they work wonders. 

One of the most commonly used essential oils in wellness aromatherapy bath salts is lavender oil. Lavender is known for its calming properties and can help to alleviate stress and anxiety. Other popular essential oils used in aromatherapy bath salts include eucalyptus oil and spearmint oil, which can help to clear the sinuses and promote respiratory health. These oils are often combined with other natural ingredients like coconut oil and Himalayan salt botanicals to create a luxurious and nourishing home aromatherapy spa experience.

To use wellness aromatherapy bath salts, simply stir them into a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. Many brands offer bath salts with an average rating value of 4 or higher, indicating high customer satisfaction. By incorporating aromatherapy bath salts into your self-care routine, you can create a relaxing and rejuvenating experience that benefits both your body and mind. So why not indulge in the benefits of wellness aromatherapy bath salts today? Store them in reusable jar and keep topping up your favorite mix.

How to make bath salts with essential oils

Wellness aromatherapy bath salts are a popular way to unwind and relax after a long day. These bath salts are made with a combination of minerals and essential oils, which work together to soothe the mind and body. Wellness aromatherapy bath salts can help to reduce stress and anxiety, promote better sleep, and ease sore muscles. They are available in a variety of scents, such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, and can be used as part of a home aromatherapy spa experience. Simply add a scoop of these bath salts to a warm bath and stir to dissolve. The result is a luxurious and rejuvenating bath that can leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. If you’re looking for a way to pamper yourself and promote overall wellness, wellness aromatherapy bath salts are definitely worth trying.

A great all-purpose bath salt is made with 2 parts Epsom salt, 2 parts kosher salt, and 1 part baking soda. The salts contain minerals that are absorbed through the skin to help ease muscle soreness and relieve tension, while the baking soda soothes the skin surface.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is my bath salt of choice because it contains a plethora of vitamins and minerals that are great for skin. Plus, it has a very fine grain, so it dissolves quickly under running water. But feel free to use any natural salt you like.

Epsom Salt

This not-really-a-salt salt is a great source of magnesium, a mineral that has many benefits. Magnesium helps your body produce energy, and when you’re deficient, you might feel more anxious, experience more painful PMS symptoms, and have muscle aches [source].

An Epsom salt soak is a simple way to boost magnesium levels because it can be absorbed into the skin while you bathe. Just make sure you do not use magnesium internally because it can be toxic [source].

Making Salt Bars

An alternative to bath salts would be salt soap. Salt soap is a type of soap that is made by adding salt to a soap mixture. The salt acts as a natural exfoliant and can help to remove dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling smoother and softer. Salt soap is also believed to have antimicrobial properties, making it a popular choice for people with acne-prone skin. Additionally, salt soap can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, making it a great option for people with eczema or psoriasis. Salt soap has become a popular choice for those looking for a natural and effective way to care for their skin. You can also add ingredients like coconut oil to your salt soap for even more moisturizing benefits! They make an beautiful gift, too. 

Other salts you can use

Himalayan Pink Salt

This pretty pink salt is hand-mined from ancient sea salt deposits and is considered the purest form of natural salt. Himalayan salt contains 84 nourishing trace elements and minerals like calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium and zinc. A pink salt bath soak not only replenishes those minerals, it also eliminates toxins, balances the body’s pH, increases circulation, and brings relief to inflammation and irritations like eczema, psoriasis or bug bites.

Dead Sea Salt

A soak with Dead Sea salt can help replenish 21 minerals, including magnesium, calcium, sulfur, bromide, iodine, sodium, zinc and potassium. Those minerals help relax the body and muscles and cleanse and soften the skin. The sulfur in Dead Sea salt is natural disinfectant that can treat skin conditions like acne and eczema. Both sulfur and sodium are detoxifying agents that help the liver and cells get rid of waste.

Baking soda

Baking soda helps prevent the bath from being too irritating to the skin. As soon as you add baking soda to water, you can feel the difference—the water feels a little silkier, without being outright slippery on your skin. Taking a baking soda bath can reduce skin irritation, scaly skin, and itching, too [source].

Essential oils

Ready to add essential oils to your bath? Infusing bath salts adds aromatherapy benefits. And, depending on the blend you decide to use, they can help with relaxation [source], better sleep, clearing the mind, rejuvenation, and even relief for stuffy noses.

It just so happens that these are a few of my favorite blends. Don’t feel like you have to stick to these particular ones, though. Feel free to make up your own blends using any combination of essential oils you already have on hand.

1. Clear breathing: Combine eucalyptus and peppermint

2. Romantic: Use a blend of rose absolute, cardamom, and vanilla

3. Relax: Mix up clary sage, bergamot, lavender, and Roman chamomile

4. Clear your mind: Nix anxious thoughts with lemon and rosemary

5. Balancing: Invite calm with sage, mint, and tea tree

6. Calming: Make a peaceful blend with Egyptian geranium, lavender, and rose absolute

7. Sore muscles: Combine juniper berry, lavender, and ylang ylang

8. Energizing: Try lemon, sweet orange, and rosemary

9. Stress relief: Blend lemon, clove bud, cedarwood, and orange essence

Important note: The time to add your bath salts is after the bath is full, and you’re in it. If you add them while the water is running, then the aromatherapy scents will evaporate before you get into the tub.

Quick and Easy Soap Recipes

Of course, there’s nothing better than a fresh bar of soap to accompany your bath. You can make a great bar of soap with simple ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter. Try these quick and easy recipes: 

Basic Sea Salt Soap Recipe

• 10 oz coconut oil
• 6 oz shea butter
• 2.5 oz lye
• 6 oz distilled water
• ¼ cup fine sea salt
• 1 tablespoon sea salt soap

Instructions:

1. Melt the coconut oil and shea butter in a double boiler over low heat.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the lye and water together. Be sure to wear protective gloves and goggles, and mix the lye into the water slowly.
3. Allow both the oil mixture and lye mixture to cool to around 90-100°F.
4. Slowly pour the lye mixture into the oil mixture, stirring continuously.
5. Add the fine sea salt and stir until well combined.
6. Pour the mixture into a soap mold and let it sit for 24-48 hours to harden.
7. Once the soap has hardened, remove it from the mold and cut into bars.
8. Allow the bars to cure for 4-6 weeks before using.

This sea salt soap recipe produces a beautiful and gentle soap that is perfect for exfoliating and moisturizing your skin. The addition of sea salt provides a mild exfoliating effect while the coconut oil and shea butter work together to moisturize and nourish the skin. Sea salt soap is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite essential oils for added fragrance. If sea salt soap isn’t for you, try making salt bars. 

Salt bars

Homemade Bath Salt FAQs

Can I use fresh herbs instead of essential oils?

If you plan to use your bath salts right away (say, within the next couple of days), then go for it. Otherwise, you run the risk of the herbs going bad and ruining your bath salts before you have a chance to use them. When you have them cut and ready for the bath, put them in a small mesh or net bag to keep them in place while they diffuse into the water, so they won’t scatter while you bathe.

Can I use sea salt instead of kosher salt? Or Himalayan salt?

Sure. Natural sea salt contains a plethora of minerals, just like kosher salt, so it makes a great substitute. Any kind of sea salt will do, so go ahead and pick a fine-ground favorite or use whatever you have on hand. 

One note about Himalayan salt: the salt pieces tend to be larger than with sea salt or kosher salt, and sitting on them can be a little uncomfortable in the bath. You can pulse them in the food processor to make more finely ground pieces or just give them a few extra minutes to dissolve before getting into the tub. You can also choose this extra-fine grain Himalayan salt.

What’s the shelf life of homemade bath salts?

I recommend using your salts within 1–2 months simply because they’ll start to clump if left sitting for too long.

How can I keep my bath salts from clumping?

It’s the moisture in your bath salts that eventually makes them clumpy and unusable. To fix that, combine all the ingredients in a bowl, then spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Pop them in a 200°F oven, and bake for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally throughout. Let cool completely before transferring to a storage container.

Help! My glass jar exploded. What gives?

Although I have never had this happen with my bath salts, a few readers mentioned this in the comments. Something in the bath salts, whether it be the essentials oils or mixing baking soda with the salt, can cause pressure to build inside airtight glass containers.

I use this jar to store my own DIY bath salts and have never noticed a build-up of pressure, probably because it doesn’t create an airtight seal.

You can also use Weck jars without the rubber gasket, and you shouldn’t run into any issues. To be safe, pop the lid on your container every couple of days to release any pressure that may have built up, but make sure not to let any moisture from the bathroom get in.

What are wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

Wellness aromatherapy bath salts are bath salts that are infused with essential oils and botanicals to create a soothing and aromatic experience. These bath salts are designed to promote relaxation and enhance self-care routines.

How do I use wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

To use wellness aromatherapy bath salts, simply stir them into a warm bath and soak for 20-30 minutes. The salts will dissolve in the water and release their fragrant oils and natural ingredients.

What are the benefits of using wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

Wellness aromatherapy bath salts can provide a variety of benefits, depending on the specific ingredients used. They can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress and anxiety, soothe sore muscles, improve circulation, and nourish the skin.

Can wellness aromatherapy bath salts be used for sensitive skin?

Many brands of wellness aromatherapy bath salts offer options that are suitable for sensitive skin. Look for products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances, and that contain natural ingredients like coconut oil and Himalayan salt botanicals.

Are wellness aromatherapy bath salts safe for children?

While wellness aromatherapy bath salts are generally safe for adults, it is important to use caution when using them with children. Always supervise children during bath time and make sure to use a lower concentration of bath salts than you would for an adult.

How often should I use wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

You can use wellness aromatherapy bath salts as often as you like, depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some people prefer to use them once a week, while others use them more frequently.

More Aromatherapy Bath Salt Recipes

Which blend would you add to your next bath?

References:

1. Gröber U, et al. Magnesium in prevention and therapy. Nutrients. 2015.

2. Philips CA, et al. Severe liver injury due to Epsom salt naturopathy. BMJ case Rep. 2017.

3. Milstone LM. Scaly skin and bath pH: rediscovering baking soda. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010.

4. Hongratanaworakit T. Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Nat Prod Commun. 2011.

This post was medically reviewed by Dr. Holly Smith, a board-certified physician in nephrology and internal medicine with a background in nutrition. Learn more about Hello Glow’s medical reviewers here. As always, this is not personal medical advice, and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Soap Bars

What are salt bars of soap, and how do they differ from regular soap bars?

These bars of soap are made with sea salt, which provides a gentle exfoliation for the skin. Unlike regular soap bars, salt soap bars contain no synthetic fragrances or harsh chemicals, making them a great option for those with sensitive skin. Because sea salt soap bars are made with sea salt as one of the main ingredients, they are known for their exfoliating properties and can be used to help improve the appearance and texture of your skin.

How do you make salt soap bars at home?

To make salt soap bars at home, you will need a few key ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils, and sea salt. The process involves melting the oils and mixing them with the sea salt and essential oils, pouring the mixture into molds, and allowing it to cool and harden.

What are the benefits of using sea salt soap?

Sea salt soap is known for its exfoliating properties, which help to remove dead skin cells and promote healthy circulation. It can also help to improve the texture and tone of the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Can you add activated charcoal to salt soap bars?

Yes, activated charcoal is a popular ingredient to add to salt soap bars because of its detoxifying properties. It can help to remove impurities from the skin and leave it looking brighter and clearer.

Are there any precautions to take when using salt soap bars?

Because salt soap bars can be quite abrasive, it is important to use them gently on the skin and avoid using them on sensitive areas or open wounds. It is also important to rinse the skin thoroughly after use to remove any remaining salt crystals.

Can I use regular table salt instead of sea salt in my soap bars?

While you can use regular table salt in your soap bars, sea salt is preferred because it contains more minerals and is less processed. Sea salt also has larger crystals, which make it better for exfoliating.

What are the benefits of using coconut oil in my soap bars?

Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing properties and can help keep your skin soft and supple. It is also high in lauric acid, which has been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Coconut oil is also great for your hair. 

How do I store my sea salt soap bars?

To store your sea salt soap bars, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It’s best to store them in a soap dish or on a wire rack to allow air to circulate around them and prevent them from getting soggy.

Can I add other ingredients to my salt soap bars?

Yes, you can customize your salt soap bars by adding other ingredients like honey, oatmeal, or even dried herbs. Just make sure to do your research to ensure that the ingredients are safe to use on your skin.

What are the benefits of using sea salt in my soap bars?

Sea salt can help exfoliate your skin and remove dead skin cells, leaving it looking and feeling smoother. It can also help to balance the natural oils in your skin and reduce inflammation.

Can I use sea salt soap bars on my face?

Yes, sea salt soap bars can be used on your face. However, because they are exfoliating, it’s important to be gentle and not rub too hard. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using them on your face.

How long do homemade salt soap bars last?

Homemade salt soap bars can last for up to 6 months if stored properly. However, they may start to lose their scent or effectiveness over time, so it’s best to use them within a few months of making them.

What are some essential oils I can add to my salt soap bars?

Lavender, peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are all popular essential oils to add to salt soap bars. They not only add a pleasant scent, but also have their own skin benefits. Just make sure to use high-quality, pure essential oils.

Can I use salt soap bars if I have eczema or psoriasis?

While sea salt can be helpful for some skin conditions, it’s best to talk to your doctor before using salt soap bars if you have eczema or psoriasis. They may be too harsh for your skin and could make your condition worse.

How do I know if my salt soap bars are ready to use?

Salt soap bars will harden as they cool, so once they are firm to the touch, you can unmold them and use them. It’s best to let them cure for a few days before using them to allow any excess water to evaporate.

How often should I use wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

You can use wellness aromatherapy bath salts as often as you like, depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some people prefer to use them once a week, while others use them more frequently.

Can wellness aromatherapy bath salts be used in a Jacuzzi or hot tub?

While some brands of wellness aromatherapy bath salts may be safe for use in a Jacuzzi or hot tub, it is important to check with the manufacturer before using them. Some ingredients may be harmful to the equipment or to other bathers.

What are the most popular essential oils used in wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

Some of the most popular essential oils used in wellness aromatherapy bath salts include lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, and spearmint oil. These oils are known for their calming and soothing properties.

Can wellness aromatherapy bath salts help with insomnia?

Some wellness aromatherapy bath salts may contain ingredients that can help to promote relaxation and improve sleep, such as lavender oil. However, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider if you are experiencing chronic insomnia or other sleep issues.

Where can I buy wellness aromatherapy bath salts?

Wellness aromatherapy bath salts can be found at many health and beauty stores, as well as online retailers. Look for products that are made with high-quality ingredients and that have positive customer reviews.

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