Homemade Bath Oil Recipes by an Aromatherapist

Making my own homemade bath oils has not only saved me hundreds of dollars but also given me the chance to create customized bath oils for myself and my family.

As a Certified Aromatherapist, I love using my favorite oils to create soothing, relaxing, and relieving bath oils with quality essential oils. I get all my essential oils from Plant Therapy for this reason.

In this article, I’ll go over the reasons why you too will love making your own homemade bath oils, give you various recipes to use, as well as provide a list of supplies and how to use your bath oils.

Homemade Bath Oil Recipe — This article may contain affiliate links, please see my full disclaimer here.

Why You’ll Love Making Homemade Bath Oils

Making your own homemade bath oils is much fun and a great way to take care of your skin.

Unlike store-bought options, when you make your own, you know exactly what goes into them. I love that you can choose natural ingredients that are good for your skin and avoid anything that causes skin irritation or itchy skin.

You’ll also love that making bath oils is an easy way to try out DIY product making without needing a lot of ingredients. These take up such little space too.

One of the biggest benefits of bath oils is how they turn a simple bath into a luxurious bath experience.

Adding body oils to your bath water helps moisturize dry skin, especially during the winter months.

You can pick your favorite essential oils for their scents and benefits, making every bath time a custom spa experience.

Another reason to love making bath oils is the cost-effectiveness. I have found so many times that ingredients in bulk and creating your recipes can save money in the long run.

Homemade bath oils can also be a thoughtful and personal gift for friends and family, showing them you care with a custom blend you made yourself. These bath oils can also double as massage oil if you only use the base oil and the essential oils.

Homemade Bath Oil Supplies

To start making your own bath oil, you’ll need a few supplies, such as a base oil, essential oils, and a dark color bottle to store your bath oil. The most important are your base oil and essential oils.

For the base oil, good options are jojoba oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, almond oil, and apricot oil. If you need to, you can also use olive oil, though it’s not my preferred option.

These are gentle on the skin. You can use the carrier oil of your choice for the DIY Bath Oil Recipe for diluting essential oils.

You’ll also need essential oils to give your bath oil blend its fragrance and therapeutic properties.

Lavender essential oil is perfect for a relaxing bath oil, while Tea Tree oil can be added for its antibacterial properties.

For a refreshing scent, try sweet orange essential oil or drops of Eucalyptus Radiata.

The combination of essential oils you choose depends on your personal preference and the benefits you want.

Besides oils, having a few glass jars or 1-2 oz glass bottles on hand is essential for storing your oil mixes.

Make sure to label bottle each one with the recipe and date made, so you always know what you have. A dark, cool place is the best spot to keep your oils to help them last longer.

For those interested in adding a bit more to their bath, Epsom salt, dried flowers, or even homemade bath salts can be great additions. They can enhance the bath experience with a soothing homemade bath soak that benefits your skin.

Making your own DIY bath oil is an easy way to improve your bath time. I love that bath oils allow you to customize your body care to meet your needs perfectly.

With just a few supplies and some creativity, you can create bath treatments that rival those found in high-end spas, all from the comfort of your home.

Homemade Bath Oil Recipe for Relaxation

Creating a relaxing bath oil can transform your bath into a sanctuary of calm after a long day.

Certain essential oils are known for their ability to ease stress and promote relaxation.

For a truly soothing bath oil blend, consider using Ylang-Ylang and Lavender Essential Oil. These pure essential oils give deep relaxation to both mind and body.

For the carrier oil, avocado oil is a great option. It’s rich and nourishing for all skin types, providing moisture without leaving a greasy feel. Plus, it mixes well with most essential oils.

Recipe for Relaxation Bath Oil

Pour 50 ml of carrier oil (like avocado oil) into a clean dark-colored glass jar.
Add 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and 5 drops of ylang ylang. This combination of oils creates a deeply relaxing essential oil blend.
Close the jar and shake well to mix the oils thoroughly.
Label your jar with the contents and date, then store it in a dark place until you’re ready to use it.

To use, simply add a few drops of your homemade bath oil recipe to warm bathwater. The oil will float on top of the water, slowly releasing the soothing scents and soon you’ll feel the relaxation from the essential oils.

Homemade Bath Oil Recipe for Sleep

Good sleep is so important for health and well-being. Aromatherapy can be a sweet friend in your bedtime routine, helping to signal your brain that it’s time to wind down.

Roman Chamomile and Lavender Essential Oil are among the best essential oils for promoting sleep due to their calming properties.

Sunflower oil makes an excellent carrier oil of choice for sleep-inducing bath oils. It’s light and easily absorbed, making it comfortable to use right before bed.

Recipe for Sleep Bath Oil

Measure 50 ml carrier oil (like Sunflower oil) into a dark-colored glass jar.
Add 15 drops of Lavender Essential Oil and 5 drops of Roman Chamomile oil. This blend of oils is perfect for easing into a peaceful night’s sleep.
Secure the lid and shake the jar to ensure the oils are well combined.
Don’t forget to label the bottle with the recipe and date for future reference.

For best results, add a generous amount to your hot bath before bedtime. The warmth of the water helps to release the fragrances, setting the stage for a good night’s sleep.

Homemade Bath Oil Recipe for Sore Muscles

When you’ve had a long day filled with physical activities, your muscles can often feel sore and tight.

A good bath with a specially formulated bath oil can provide much-needed relief.

As an Aromatherapist, I use Eucalyptus Radiata and Peppermint oils, as they are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, making them ideal for muscle-soothing bath oil.

For a carrier oil, Grapeseed oil is a great option here. It’s light, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is easily absorbed by the skin, making it perfect for sore muscles.

Recipe for Sore Muscle Bath Oil

Start with 60 ml carrier oil (like grapeseed oil) in a dark-colored glass jar.
Add 10 drops of Eucalyptus Radiata and 10 drops of Peppermint oil. This essential oil blend is perfect for easing muscle tension.
Securely close the jar and shake to mix the oils well.
Always label the bottle with the recipe and the date it was made.

To use, pour the oil into warm water and soak it in the bath tub for at least 20 minutes. At that time, you can also add 1 cup of Epsom salt for additional relief.

The warm bathwater helps the oils penetrate your skin, soothing sore muscles and providing relief.

Homemade Bath Oil Recipe for Kids

When making bath oils for kids, it’s important to choose essential oils and carrier oils that are safe and gentle on sensitive skin. For children, you want to be very careful which essential oils you use. I also suggest using these sparingly.

Lavender Essential Oil is widely recommended for children due to its calming properties and safety profile. It can help soothe them before bedtime, making it easier for them to fall asleep.

For carrier oil, sunflower oil is an excellent choice for kids, as it helps to promote good rest. It’s mild, nourishing, and well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin.

Recipe for Kids’ Bath Oil

In a glass jar, mix 30 ml of carrier oil (like sunflower oil) with 3 drops of Lavender Essential Oil. This gentle combination of oils is safe for most children.
Shake the jar to blend the oils thoroughly.
Don’t forget to label the bottle with what’s inside and the date you made it.

For a child’s bath, use just a small amount of the oil in warm bathwater. This makes sure their skin stays moisturized without being overwhelmed by the essential oils.

Always supervise children during bath time for safety.

Remember, when using essential oils, especially with children, less is more. It’s always best to start with a lower concentration of oils and increase as needed, based on personal preference and skin reaction.

What is the Best Carrier Oil for Bath Oils?

Choosing the best carrier oil for your bath oils is important because it affects how your skin feels and absorbs the essential oils.

I personally love having a variety of carrier oils to use for my DIY body care products. Also, having vitamin E oil is good as it can preserve the life of your body oil, as well as being amazing for the skin.

Here’s a list of carrier oils that you can choose from based on your needs.

Sesame oil is known for its antioxidant properties, making it a great option for those looking to protect their skin from environmental damage.
Rice bran oil is packed with vitamin E and fatty acids, excellent for dry skin and improving skin texture.
Castor oil is thicker and can be used for its hydrating properties, especially beneficial during dry winter months.
Sunflower oil is rich in vitamin E, which makes it an excellent choice for nourishing and protecting the skin against damage from the sun and aging.
Grapeseed oil contains powerful antioxidants, including vitamin E and proanthocyanidins, which are known for their skin soothing and protective qualities.
Apricot oil is gentle and light, packed with vitamins A, C, and E, making it ideal for sensitive skin while helping to maintain skin elasticity and softness.
Olive oil is deeply moisturizing and loaded with antioxidants and vitamins A, D, E, and K, offering benefits for skin repair and renewal, making it a staple in skincare routines for its nourishing properties.

When selecting a carrier oil, the best way to do so is by considering your skin type and the outcome you desire.

For sensitive skin, choose a light oil like sunflower oil. If you have dry skin, opt for something more hydrating like avocado oil.

For general use, sweet almond oil and coconut oil are versatile and well-loved options.

How to Store Your Homemade Bath Oil

Proper storage is key to extending the shelf life of your homemade bath oils. Essential oils and carrier oils can degrade or become rancid if not stored correctly.

Keep your oils in dark glass bottles to protect them from light, which can deteriorate the oil’s quality.
Store your bottles in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cabinet in a cool room or a basement is ideal.
Make sure your bottles are tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can also degrade the oils.

By following these storage tips, you can help ensure your bath oils retain their therapeutic properties and pleasant fragrances for as long as possible.

How Much Bath Oil to Use for Best Results

The amount of bath oil you use can greatly affect your bath experience. Too little and you may not reap the full benefits. Too much and you might find your bathtub slippery.

A good starting point is to use about 1 to 2 tablespoons of bath oil per bath. This provides enough oil to moisturize the skin without leaving a heavy residue.
Consider the size of your bathtub and your personal preference. Larger tubs may require a bit more oil, while smaller ones might need less.
Start with a smaller amount and adjust based on your experience. You can always add more oil if you find the effect too subtle.

By considering your skin type, desired outcomes, and how you store and use your bath oils, you can enhance your bath time routine, making it a luxurious, spa-like experience right in your own home.