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Looking for a natural way to relax, ease sore muscles, and unwind at the end of a long day? This easy DIY bath salts recipe is the perfect solution. With just a few simple ingredients like Epsom salt, lavender essential oil, and sweet almond oil, you can create a spa-like experience right at home. These homemade bath salts help relieve tension, reduce inflammation, and promote restful sleep.
Why Use DIY Bath Salts?
Making your own bath salts gives you full control over the ingredients, letting you avoid synthetic fragrances, dyes, and preservatives commonly found in store-bought bath products. Plus, homemade bath salts are cost-effective and easy to customize based on your skin type, mood, or wellness needs.
Benefits of DIY bath salts include:
- Muscle recovery after workouts
- Stress relief and mood support
- Improved sleep quality
- Detoxification through magnesium absorption
- Soft, hydrated skin thanks to nourishing oils
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
Epsom Salt (Magnesium Sulfate)
Rich in magnesium, Epsom salt is known for its ability to relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and detox the body. When dissolved in warm water, magnesium is absorbed through the skin, offering mental and physical relaxation. This makes it an excellent base for any natural bath soak.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is one of the most popular essential oils for relaxation. It has been shown to:
- Reduce anxiety and stress
- Improve sleep
- Ease headaches
- Calm the nervous system
Adding lavender to your bath salt recipe brings calming aromatherapy benefits and creates a soothing scent that enhances your relaxation routine.
Sweet Almond Oil
This gentle, skin-softening oil moisturizes without clogging pores. It helps:
- Prevent dry skin
- Lock in hydration
- Deliver fat-soluble vitamins like Vitamin E
Sweet almond oil also acts as a carrier oil, helping to disperse the essential oils evenly throughout the bath.
Optional: Dried Rose Petals or Rose Essential Oil
For a luxurious touch, add dried rose petals or a few drops of rose essential oil. Roses have been used for centuries to:
- Soothe the skin
- Promote emotional balance
- Add beauty and fragrance to self-care rituals
DIY Bath Salt Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup sweet almond oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals (optional)
- 5 drops rose essential oil (optional)
Equipment:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Mortar and pestle (if using dried flowers)
- Glass jar with lid for storage
Instructions:
- Add the Epsom salt to a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour in the sweet almond oil and add the essential oils.
- Mix thoroughly until the salts are fully coated.
- If using dried rose petals, grind them in a mortar and pestle until fine, then stir into the mixture.
- Transfer to a glass jar and store in a cool, dry place.
How to Use DIY Bath Salts
Using your homemade bath salts is simple:
- Fill your bathtub with warm water.
- Add 2–4 tablespoons of your bath salt mixture.
- Swirl the water to help the salts dissolve.
- Soak for 20–30 minutes, breathe deeply, and relax.
Tip: For easy cleanup, especially when using dried petals, place the salts in a muslin or reusable tea bag before adding them to the tub.
Customize Your Bath Soak
Want to tailor your bath salts for specific needs? Try these variations:
- For muscle recovery: Add 5 drops peppermint essential oil
- For sleep support: Add 5 drops chamomile essential oil
- For detox: Add 1 tablespoon bentonite clay
- For dry skin: Swap almond oil for jojoba or avocado oil
Storage and Shelf Life
Store your bath salts in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place. If made with dried flowers, use within 3 months for freshness. Without flowers, the salts can last up to 6 months.
Are Bath Salts Better Than Bath Bombs?
Both are great, but bath salts are more focused on therapeutic benefits. Bath bombs are fun and fizzy, but often contain more fillers and synthetic ingredients. If your goal is muscle relief and stress reduction, magnesium-rich bath salts are the better choice.
DIY Bath Salts for Muscle Relief and Relaxation (with Lavender & Epsom Salt)
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Epsom salt
- ¼ cup sweet almond oil
- 10 drops lavender essential oil
- 5 drops rose essential oil optional
- 1 tablespoon dried rose petals or buds optional
Instructions
- Add the Epsom salt to a clean mixing bowl.
- Pour in the sweet almond oil and stir to coat the salt evenly.
- Add lavender essential oil and rose essential oil (if using), then mix thoroughly.
- If using dried rose petals, grind them finely using a mortar and pestle or food processor, then stir into the mixture.
- Transfer the bath salts to a clean airtight glass jar for storage.
- To use, add 2-4 tablespoons of the bath salts to a warm bath, swirl to dissolve, then soak for at least 20 minutes.
Notes
If you prefer no dried flowers, omit and add an extra 5 drops of rose essential oil for fragrance.
Store bath salts in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
This easy DIY bath salts recipe is a simple yet powerful way to add natural self-care into your routine. Whether you’re recovering from a long workout, looking to wind down before bed, or just craving a quiet moment to yourself, a lavender and Epsom salt soak can work wonders.
Make a batch for yourself—and maybe one to gift to a friend. Because everyone deserves a little more calm.
Want to make more relaxing recipes? Look at these!
Hi, I’m Ashley — mama, maker, and lover of all things from-scratch. Around here, you’ll usually find me barefoot in the kitchen, covered in flour or beeswax, with kids underfoot and something simmering on the stove. I believe in slow living, simple joys, and the kind of home that smells like cinnamon rolls and sunshine. Find out more about me here.
