I recently wrote a blog post about inexpensive gifts that still feel special to the receiver, and one of the ideas was homemade bath salts. It’s something I really enjoy making (and using! and gifting!), but it dawned on me that I have never talked about it before, so I am going to address that today.
Everyone enjoys a soak in the bath, but there are ways to make that little slice of you time even more luxurious. I’ve always loved spa days and a bit of pampering, but it’s expensive, so when I discovered recipes for homemade bath salts, I was all over that.
I’ve got all sorts of weird and wonderful jars and bottles around my bathtub now – my other half is forever cursing when he knocks them over 😂 – and each one has a specific purpose. Want to relax? I’ve got a bath salt recipe for that. Want to feel energised? I’ve got a bath salt recipe for that too. I’ve got one for everything.
The best part is they are really easy and really cheap to make, so there’s nothing stopping you from turning your bathroom into what my fella lovingly refers to as ‘a cross between a pound shop spa and a witch’s pantry.’
What can I say? He’s a charmer. I’m a lucky girl… 🙄
(I actually am, he’s only joking)
A Quick Word About Jars
The obvious thing about these recipes is you will need something to put them in. Now, I want to make this very clear: you do not have to pay a penny for the bath salt containers.
I mean you can if you really want to, but after a few months of hoarding empty jam jars and bottles of hot sauce you will have plenty of options.
If you want to spend a bit of cash on some fancier apothecary type glassware then go for it, but you really don’t have to. Some of the glass containers you get your everyday supermarket bits in look brilliant once the labels are gone and they have been cleaned out.
Anyway, let’s move on to the recipes, but don’t laugh at the names I have made up for them, ok? 🤭
Recipes
Calming Lavender & Chamomile Soak (For Stress)
This is my all-time favourite when I’ve had one of those days. The combination of lavender and chamomile calms my frazzled child weary nerves and sets me up for a peaceful night’s sleep.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup Himalayan pink salt
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- A handful of dried lavender buds (optional, but lovely)
Optional extra: Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for silky-soft skin and an extra touch of luxury.
Citrus Sunshine Blend (For Energy)
This one’s perfect for mornings on days off, or at the weekend if you can convince your other half to take the kids for an hour. The mix of citrus oils gives an instant lift, and leaves a lovely fresh bright scent that keeps you pepped up all day.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup sea salt
- 6 drops sweet orange essential oil
- 4 drops grapefruit essential oil
- 3 drops lemon essential oil
- 1 teaspoon grated orange zest (optional, for a natural fragrance boost)
Optional extra: Add a spoonful of dried calendula petals for a pop of sunshine colour.
Rose & Vanilla Indulgence (For Self-Care)
When you need to feel pampered — really pampered — this blend feels luxurious without the price tag of a spa booking. The rose petals make it beautiful, and the vanilla adds warmth that feels like a hug.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup Himalayan pink salt
- 10 drops rose essential oil (or rose geranium for a more affordable option)
- 5 drops vanilla extract or essential oil
- Dried rose petals
Optional extra: Stir in a teaspoon of powdered milk for an old-fashioned milk bath feel that leaves your skin incredibly soft.
Peppermint & Eucalyptus Reviver (For Muscle Relief)
This one’s a lifesaver after a long day on your feet or a particularly enthusiastic gym session. Not that I have many of those these days. Peppermint cools and refreshes while eucalyptus helps clear your head. You’ll feel ten times better afterwards.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup sea salt
- 8 drops peppermint essential oil
- 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil
- 1 tablespoon baking soda (optional — helps soften water)
Optional extra: Toss in a pinch of dried rosemary or crushed mint leaves for a natural spa scent that opens your sinuses.
Sleepytime Blend (For Deep Rest)
This is my go-to on Sunday nights when the kids are in bed and I’m trying to convince my brain that Monday isn’t scary. The lavender and cedarwood combo is grounding and soothing — like a weighted blanket for your brain.
You’ll need:
- 1 cup Epsom salt
- ½ cup Dead Sea salt
- 6 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops cedarwood essential oil
- 2 drops ylang-ylang essential oil
Optional extra: Mix in a teaspoon of dried chamomile flowers for an extra sleepy scent.
Some Extra Tips
It’s tempting to go mad and make a huge batch of bath salts, but I would recommend making them in small batches as I have described. About one cup per mix. It’s easier to control the ingredients and to mix them properly. Oh, and use rubber gloves.
In terms of storing and using them, the general rule is to store your homemade bath salts in an airtight container, and add about 3 spoonfuls to your bath when it’s time to relax. You can add more if your prefer it that way, but I tend to find 3 is enough.
By the way, don’t worry about buying all of the essential oils at once. Just pick one recipe to start with, and add to your collection over time. They aren’t exactly expensive anyway, but if you spread the cost you won’t even notice the outlay. Plus, if you start gifting them like I do you will be saving a fortune on presents throughout the year. Honestly, they go down a treat, and I have even been asked where I bought them a few times – I didn’t feel smug at all!
I also encourage you to experiment. You can’t really get this wrong, and if you create something you don’t like you can just throw it away. It’s not as if it costs much to make. A bag of Epsom salt is about £3 and you are only using a few drops of essential oils per recipe. So chuck in some botanical flowers, try combinations of different salts, add some raisins – alright, that’s taking it a bit far, but you get my point.
Have fun making your bath salts, and then enjoy indulging. Happy bathing!