The Best Homemade Bath Salts: Simple, Natural Recipes for Relaxation and Self-Care

If you love a long soak in the tub after a busy day, then you’ll adore making your own bath salts. Not only are they a natural way to ease stress and soothe tired muscles, but they also make beautiful handmade gifts. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about creating the best homemade bath salts – including the most popular recipes, essential ingredients, and how to store them.

What Are Bath Salts?

Bath salts are a blend of mineral-rich salts and other soothing ingredients designed to be added to bathwater. The most common base is Epsom salt, known for its high magnesium content, which helps relax muscles and improve circulation. Sea salt and baking soda are often added to soften skin, detoxify, and support overall well-being.

Essential oils give your bath salts a personalised aromatherapy boost, and dried herbs or flowers can enhance both the look and scent of your soak.

What You’ll Need

Basic Ingredients:

• Epsom salt

• Sea salt or Himalayan pink salt

• Baking soda

• Essential oils

• Optional: dried herbs or flowers (lavender, rose petals, chamomile)

Supplies:

• Mixing bowl

• Measuring cups/spoons

• Airtight jars or containers

• Labels (if gifting)

The Best Homemade Bath Salt Recipes

Here are five of the most loved and searched-for DIY bath salt blends in 2025:

1. Relaxation Lavender Bath Salts

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• 1/2 cup sea salt

• 10 drops lavender essential oil

• 1 tbsp dried lavender buds

Relaxation Lavender Bath Salts

Perfect for a calming bedtime soak, this blend eases stress and promotes restful sleep.

2. Muscle Relief Peppermint & Eucalyptus

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• 1/2 cup sea salt

• 5 drops peppermint oil

• 5 drops eucalyptus oil

Muscle Relief Peppermint & Eucalyptus

Ideal after workouts or a physically demanding day, this blend helps reduce inflammation and clear sinuses.

3. Rose & Himalayan Salt Detox

• 1 cup Himalayan pink salt

• 1/2 cup baking soda

• 10 drops rose essential oil

• 1 tbsp dried rose petals

Rose & Himalayan Salt Detox

A beautiful and luxurious blend that supports detoxing and makes a stunning gift.

4. Citrus Sunshine Uplifting Soak

• 1 cup Epsom salt

• 10 drops sweet orange oil

• 5 drops lemon oil

• 1 tbsp dried orange or lemon peel (optional)

Citrus Sunshine Uplifting Soak

This energising mix is a morning favourite, perfect for lifting your mood.

5. Chamomile & Oatmeal Skin Soother

• 1/2 cup finely ground oats

• 1/2 cup Epsom salt

• 1/4 cup baking soda

• 10 drops chamomile essential oil or 2 chamomile tea bags (cut open)

Chamomile & Oatmeal Skin Soother

Great for sensitive or dry skin, especially in colder months.

How to Store and Use Your Bath Salts

Store your bath salts in airtight containers in a cool, dry place. Mason jars, reusable pouches or glass bottles work brilliantly. Properly stored, they’ll last around six months.

To use: Add 1/2 to 1 cup to warm running bath water. Swirl to dissolve and soak for 20 minutes.

Bath Salt Gift Ideas

Homemade bath salts make charming, thoughtful gifts. Present them in labelled jars with a scoop or tie a wooden spoon to the side. Perfect for birthdays, self-care hampers, bridal showers or Christmas.

Safety Tips

• Always dilute essential oils properly to avoid skin irritation.

• Perform a patch test before using a new oil.

• Avoid use during pregnancy unless approved by a healthcare professional.

• Don’t use if you have open wounds or certain medical conditions.

Final Thoughts

Making your own bath salts is a simple, affordable way to bring more calm and care into your life. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, muscle recovery, or a special homemade gift, there’s a blend to suit every mood. Have a go, get creative, and enjoy the ritual.

Got a favourite combo? Share it in the comments or tag us on Instagram with your creations!

FAQs

1. Can I use table salt instead of Epsom or sea salt in bath salts? It’s best to avoid table salt as it doesn’t offer the same skin or muscle-soothing benefits. Epsom salt and sea salt are rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, which make them ideal for baths.

2. How often should I use homemade bath salts? You can enjoy a bath with salts 2–3 times a week. For sensitive skin or essential oil use, start with once a week and see how your body responds.

3. Are homemade bath salts safe for children? Yes, if made with gentle ingredients and without strong essential oils. Stick to calming blends like chamomile and avoid oils like peppermint or eucalyptus for young children.

4. Can I use food colouring to tint my bath salts? You can, but it’s better to use skin-safe, natural mica powders or plant-based colourants to avoid staining skin or the bath.

5. Do bath salts expire? Bath salts don’t really expire, but for best scent and potency, use them within 6–12 months. Store in an airtight container to keep moisture and clumping at bay.