After a long stressful day, there’s nothing better than taking a nice hot bath to calm the mind and soothe the body. As relaxing as a simple soak can be, you can enhance the experience greatly by adding some therapeutic bath oils to your tub. Bath oils moisturize and soften your skin while also providing aromatherapy benefits to boost your mood and relaxation. Using a customized blend of bath oils is even more beneficial than using a single oil, as you can combine different scents and properties to create the perfect soothing soak.
In this post, we’ll cover the top 5 most relaxing DIY bath oil blends that you can make right at home. Read on to learn how to create your own blissful bath oils and transform your tub into a serene spa-like oasis.
Unwind with a Lavender and Chamomile Bath Oil
One of the most classic relaxing oil combinations is lavender and chamomile. Lavender essential oil has a fresh, floral scent that induces calmness and eases anxiety. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve muscle aches and pain. Chamomile essential oil has a sweet, fruity aroma that reduces stress and irritation. It contains chamazulene, a compound that provides anti-anxiety benefits.
Together, lavender and chamomile create the perfect bath blend to wash away worries and unwind. The floral notes of lavender blend beautifully with the fruitiness of chamomile for a soothing aroma. To create this relaxing bath oil, combine:
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup carrier oil like sweet almond, jojoba, or grapeseed
Add several drops of the oil directly to warm bath water and agitate the water to disperse. You can also dilute the oils first by combining with 1 tablespoon of carrier before adding to the bath.
Soak for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the lavender and chamomile to fully penetrate your skin and reach your senses. This bath oil blend eases muscle tension, reduces stress hormones, calms your mind, and promotes overall relaxation. Finish your soak feeling completely unwound and ready for a restful night’s sleep.
Breathe Easy with a Eucalyptus and Peppermint Bath Oil
Got congestion? This eucalyptus and peppermint bath oil blend is the perfect decongestant and energy boost. Both eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils contain menthol, a compound that provides cooling, anti-inflammatory relief. Eucalyptus oil opens up your airways and sinuses to improve breathing. Peppermint oil provides an invigorating sensory experience to pick you up.
Together, eucalyptus and peppermint make an aromatherapy bath oil to help fight nasal and lung congestion. This blend also boosts circulation and leaves you feeling energized. To make an invigorating eucalyptus peppermint bath oil, combine:
- 8 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup carrier oil like coconut, jojoba, or olive
Add a few drops of the blend to your bath and swirl the water to disperse. For extra sinus relief, lean over the tub to breathe in the vapors as the bath fills up. The menthol in the oils will provide that telltale cooling sensation. Be careful not to use too much peppermint oil as it can be overstimulating.
After your soak, you’ll be able to breathe freely again. Save any leftover oil blend for future sinus relief or post-workout muscle recovery. Just a few whiffs of this energizing bath oil can perk you up whenever you need it.
Lift Your Mood with a Bergamot and Ylang Ylang Bath Oil
Feeling stressed or anxious? Create an uplifting bath oil blend using citrusy bergamot and floral ylang ylang oils. Bergamot oil contains a compound called linalool which has natural sedative effects to reduce anxiety. It has an invigorating citrus aroma that lifts mood and boosts energy. Ylang ylang oil has an exotic floral scent that’s intensely soothing. It acts as a natural tranquilizer by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.
Together, bergamot and ylang ylang create a mood-boosting blend that reduces anxiety and promotes joyful calm. To make this brightening bath oil, combine:
- 6 drops bergamot essential oil
- 8 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup carrier oil like jojoba, fractionated coconut, or avocado
Add several drops of the oil directly to your bath and swish around. You can also dilute first with a tablespoon of carrier oil before adding to water. Lean back and inhale the uplifting citrus and floral aromas.
Within minutes of soaking in this blend, you’ll feel happier and more at ease. The stress-relieving benefits will continue even after you’ve drained the tub. This is a great oil blend to use first thing in the morning or in the middle of a hectic day when you need an instant mood boost.
Relax Mind and Body with a Sandalwood and Frankincense Bath Oil
For a deeply soothing experience, relax in a bath infused with sandalwood and frankincense. Sandalwood essential oil has a rich, woody aroma that helps induce calm and relaxation. It also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties to soothe muscle and joint pain. Frankincense oil also has an earthy, woody scent that reduces anxiety and tension. It boosts circulation to relieve muscle soreness.
Together, sandalwood and frankincense make the ultimate mind and body relaxing bath blend. To create this soothing oil combo, combine:
- 7 drops sandalwood essential oil
- 5 drops frankincense essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup carrier oil like hemp seed, jojoba, or argan
Add several drops directly to your bath and disperse thoroughly in warm water before soaking. You can also dilute first with a tablespoon of carrier oil if desired.
Slip into the tub and inhale the rich woodsy aroma filling the room. Feel your stress and worry melt away as you soak in this healing blend. The anti-inflammatory benefits will penetrate deeply to relieve muscle soreness while the calming scent envelops your senses. After your soak, you’ll feel completely relaxed in both body and mind.
Uplift Your Spirit with a Rose and Geranium Bath Oil
For an aromatherapy bath oil that nourishes skin while also lifting your spirit try a blend of rose and geranium essential oils. Rose oil has a rich, floral scent that promotes emotional wellbeing. It acts as a natural antidepressant and contains antioxidants that nourish, smooth, and rejuvenate skin. Geranium oil has a bright, rosy floral aroma that reduces anxiety and boosts energy levels. It also has powerful cicatrisant properties to heal scars and minimize the appearance of wrinkles.
Together, rose and geranium make a luxurious bath oil to uplift your mood and beautify your skin:
- 5 drops rose essential oil
- 6 drops geranium essential oil
- 1⁄4 cup carrier oil like jojoba, evening primrose, or extra virgin olive
Add several drops to your warm bath, swirl the water to disperse. Lean back and inhale the sweet floral aromas as the oils penetrate your skin, leaving it soft, glowing, and hydrated. The rosy scent invokes feelings of joy and positivity. Your body is nurtured by the oils while your spirit feels lifted after a soak.
Tips for Using Relaxing Bath Oils
To get the most out of your therapeutic bath oils, follow these tips:
- Shoot for bath water temperature of 92-100°F for optimal relaxation
- Ideal soak time is at least 15-20 minutes to benefit from aromatherapy
- Add oils directly to tub or dilute first with a tbsp of carrier oil before dispersing in water
- Store unused bath oil blends in dark bottles out of direct sunlight
- Always handle spilled oils carefully as they can make wet tub slippery
- Clean up spilled oils using dish soap and warm water, avoid abrasives
- Pair oils with Epsom salts, dried flowers, oats, etc. for more benefits
- Do a patch test if you have sensitive skin and limit soak time
- Discard if blend smells rancid or off, shelf life is about 6 months
Following these tips will help ensure your diy bath oils provide the maximum relaxation and skin nourishing benefits possible. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different oil combinations and add-ins like dried flowers or epsom salts to create your own custom relaxation ritual.
FAQs About Relaxing Bath Oils
If you’re new to using essential oils and bath oils at home, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How often can I use essential oils in the bath?
For most people, using diluted essential oils in the bath 2-3 times per week is fine. Those with extra sensitive skin may want to limit to 1-2 times weekly.
Are essential oils safe to use in bath water?
Yes, when properly diluted in a carrier oil and dispersed evenly in bath water, most essential oils are safe for bathing. Always do a patch test before initial use to check for any irritation or allergic reaction.
Will bath oils stain my bathtub?
Certain oils like castor oil are thick and may leave residue. But most carrier and essential oils rinse cleanly from the tub with proper cleanup. Exfoliate tub regularly to prevent any buildup.
Should I rinse off after using bath oils?
No need to rinse unless you notice significant oil residue on skin. Otherwise, gently pat skin dry with towel and allow the moisturizing oils to be absorbed.
Can I use bath oils if I have sensitive skin?
Yes, but dilution is very important. Do a patch test before use and limit soak time to 10-15 minutes. See how skin reacts initially before reusing oils.
How long do bath oil blends last?
When properly stored in a cool, dark place, most blended bath oils will last 6 months to a year before going rancid. Citrus scents have shorter shelf life, around 3-6 months.
What’s the best way to blend bath oils?
Use a small glass bottle or jar, start with carrier oil then add essential oils drop by drop. Cap and shake or stir to blend. Dark containers prevent oxidation.
Which carrier oils work best in bath oils?
Light, moisturizing oils like sweet almond, grapeseed, jojoba, coconut, olive, sunflower, argan etc. Easily rinse from tub without residue.
Can I use bath oils while pregnant or nursing?
Check with your doctor first before using as some essential oils are not recommended. When given the okay, stick to gentle oils like lavender and chamomile.
Relax and Unwind with Soothing Bath Oils
As you can see, bath oils are a simple yet luxurious way to relax and practice self-care at home. Blending your own bath oil combinations using different essential oils allows you to create custom soaking experiences to lift mood, ease aches, alleviate congestion, reduce stress and more.
Experiment with the top 5 relaxing bath oil blends we covered to find your favorites. Nothing beats slipping into a warm, fragrant bath at the end of the day and feeling your stress melt away. Bath oils nourish your skin while also providing aromatherapy benefits that enhance feelings of peace and calm. They make excellent gifts too for the wellness-lover in your life.
Take a break from your busy routine and treat yourself to an aromatherapy bath soak a few times per week. Keep a stash of relaxing bath oil blends on hand for when you need to recharge. Let us know which essential oil combinations you find most soothing. We’d love to hear your favorite bath time rituals!
