This post will share how to make bath salts in a few different ways. I want you to find the recipe that is best suited to you needs and desires! I will share some popular bath salts ingredients, and how to mix them into adorable little bath salt shots* that are ready to add to your bath at a moments notice! And at the very end, I will share some of my favorite bath salts recipes with you. This is such a fun and simple activity – children love to join in on this one!
Popular Ingredients:
The combination of bath salt ingredients are positively endless! I recommend you take a moment and ask yourself a few questions, like: What sounds nice to you? Do you want scented, lightly scented? Are you wanting to support your body in a specific way? Do you want herbs, flowers? What kind of salt do you want to use? Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Essential Oils are a popular ingredient choice because they add scent and can support your body in targeted ways. For example, lavender is known to be calming, citrus essential oils are known to be energizing, mints are known to be invigorating. You can choose the desired strength of the essential oils by using more or less. (My favorite place to purchase essential oils is Young Living.)
- Herbs and Flowers really take bath salts up a notch on the luxurious scale! They add visual interest with their colors and shapes. They can also add light scent to the bath salts – herbs and flowers are usually a good choice for someone who is hyper-sensitive to aromas or have sensitive skin. Lavender, chamomile, rosemary, rose, cornflower, and calendula are all common choices. (I purchased these lovely bottled organic ones through one of my favorite small shops: Whimesey + Wellness.)
- Baking Soda added to your bath offers different health benefits. Baking soda is naturally cleansing and detoxifying as it helps regulate PH levels because it is neutralizing for both acids and alkaline. It offers many skin benefits, like aiding in the healing process of minor skin irritations. It is a fabulous addition to your homemade bath salts!
- Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt are great for their ability to cleanse and detoxify the skin. Sea salt can improve circulation, which supports total body relaxation. Unrefined sea salts contain trace minerals which your skin can absorb during a relaxing bath! What a simple way to get extra minerals into your body. Some minerals contained in sea salts are: zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
- Epsom Salt or Magnesium Flakes are a great way to get more concentrated amounts of magnesium into your body! Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate and magnesium flakes contain magnesium chloride – often people think they are the same, but they’re completely different, as you can see. Each of these have many skin benefits. They can also help with overall body relaxation, making this a great addition to a bedtime bath or during times of stress. It is also known for reducing tenderness and swelling in your joints. Magensium is a popular natural remedy for growing pains, making this a great ingredient choice for fast growing children!
How to Make Bath Salts:
1: Choose your ingredients. (If you would like some ideas, my top 5 bath salts recipes are at the end of this post. In these photos, I am making number 5: Herbal Bath Salts.)
2: Add 1 cup total of salt, baking soda, and/or flakes to a medium sized mixing bowl.
3: Add in desired essential oils. For 1 cup of salts, I would personally add about 10-20 drops of essential oils. Mix well.
4: Add in any desired herbs and/or flowers. Gently mix.
5: Add salt mixture into glass test tubes and seal with cork. (You can get these lovely tubes here.)
6: Add to your bath and enjoy!
5 Best Bath Salts Recipes:
1. Relaxing Herbal Epsom Salt Bath
- 1/2 cup of Epsom salt
- 1/2 cup of magnesium flakes
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 10 drops of German chamomile essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of dried lavender and chamomile flowers
2. Skin Soothing Calendula Sea Salt Bath
- 3/4 cup of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 2 tablespoons of dried calendula flowers
- For extra skin soothing power, you can add 1 cup of ground oatmeal to each bath too.
3. Luxurious Rose and Pink Himalayan Salt Bath
- 3/4 cup of Himalayan salt
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 10 drops of palmarosa essential oil
- 10 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of dried rose petals or buds
4. Detoxifying Salt Bath
- 1/2 cup of sea salt
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 20 drops of Purification essential oil blend
- For extra detoxification support, add 1 cup of Epsom salt to each bath; apple cider vinegar and bentonite clay are other great additions.
5. Herbal Salt Bath
- 1/2 cup of Himalayan salt
- 1/4 cup of sea salt
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 10 drops of bergamot essential oil
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
- 2 tablespoons of mixed herbal flowers
- I like adding an additional cup of Epsom salt to my bath with this.
Other posts you may enjoy:
Lavender Essential Oil shares many benefits and uses for this skin-loving essential oil.
Introduction to Essential Oils answers the top common questions people have about essential oils.
Glow Serum Essential Oil Recipe is another simple DIY that will leave you feeling pampered.
Healthy Hair Spritz Recipe will leave your hair feeling nourished and cared for.
References:
- The Aromatherapy Encyclopedia, Schiller, Carol & Dave (2012) Basic Health Publications, Inc.
- Essential Oils Desk Reference 8th Edition, (2019) Life Science Publishing
- Botanical Skin Care Recipe Book 2nd Edition, (2019) Herbal Academy
