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Ready to unwind after a long day? These homemade bath oil recipes are just what you need! Soothing, therapeutic, and all-natural, this bath oil is sure to elevate your bath experience. 

A homemade bath oil in an amber dropper bottle with a clean towel and textured soap bars next to it.
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Whenever I have a little extra time at the end of the day, I love treating myself to a warm bath. With a lit candle and some peaceful music, it is a great way to relax and unwind. 

I’m always looking for new ways to make a soothing bath even more special. I love to use homemade bath bombsbath salts, and even a bubble bath-don’t judge. 

To mix it up, I decided to try bath oil, and it could not be more perfect!

Not only is bath oil easy to make, but it also stores well, so I can have some on hand whenever I need it. 

These seven luxurious bath oils are also incredible for creating the ultimate soothing bath. 

What is a Bath Oil?

Bath oil is made up of a base oil, or carrier oil, mixed with a combination of essential oils. Bath oil is added to warm bathwater to add a therapeutic scent, as well as benefits for the skin. 

The warm water releases the aroma of the essential oils, which can help with relaxation, mood support, and more. The carrier oil dilutes the essential oil and provides moisturization for the skin. 

Bath oil comes in a variety of scents and with differing base oils and blends. Making your own, however, allows for complete customization and careful ingredient selection. It is also much more affordable!

These recipes use a natural, nourishing carrier oil paired with a blend of some of my favorite essential oils. DIY bath oils hydrate and soothe the skin while providing therapeutic benefits

With six different recipes, you can try one nearly every night of the week!

What You’ll Need

Carrier oil of your choice: I offer some suggestions with each recipe below, or you can use any of your favorite carrier oils

Pure essential oils: Try a custom blend of your favorite essential oils, or use one of the six soothing recipes below. 

Clean glass jar or glass bottle: This is for storing your bath oils. You can make them in advance and keep them on hand for a quick bath without any preparation. 

Be sure that your bottles are glass or heavy-duty plastic, and for best results, use dark-colored ones such as amber or blue glass. This prevents light from oxidizing the essential oils. 

DIY Bath Oil Recipe

Making your own bath oil is very simple. In just a couple of minutes, you’ll be ready to enjoy a delightful, relaxing bath time. 

Before you begin, pick which bath oil blend you wish to make from the ‘choosing your blend‘ section. Then, follow the instructions below.

Each of these recipes can be made ahead of time and kept in a glass jar to use whenever you need them! Here’s how to make bath oil:

1. Add your carrier oil to the jar using a funnel.

Pouring the carrier oil into the dropper bottle.

2. Next, add the specified amount of essential oils.

Adding the lavender essential oil directly to the dropper bottle for the bath oil.

3. Cap the jar, shake well, and let it sit for 24 hours for the scents to meld.

To use, add a tablespoon or two of the bath oil to warm running bathwater.

Securing the lid to the bath oil container.

Choosing your blend

1. Calming Lavender Dreamscape

Perfect for the end of a long day, this relaxing bath oil uses naturally calming and soothing essential oils. Add it to a bath when you need to unwind and decompress.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (grapeseed, sweet almond, apricot kernel)
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops chamomile essential oil

2. Invigorating Citrus Burst

This delightful combination of citrus and bergamot essential oils energizes and invigorates. Use it when you need to reset and rejuvenate. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba)
  • 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops bergamot essential oil

3. Soothing Eucalyptus

Ideal for those days with achy muscles and soreness, this eucalyptus bath oil is soothing and nourishing. 

This recipe is made with three of the most calming essential oils. I love sinking into a bath with this herbaceous, cooling blend. It smells just like a spa!

Note: this recipe includes spearmint oil for a refreshing feel. While it’s generally well-tolerated, a patch test is recommended as some people may experience reactions.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (jojoba, coconut)
  • 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 10 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops spearmint essential oil (optional)

4. Sleep-Promoting Lavender Chamomile

If you have trouble falling asleep, this bath oil may be a game-changer. The soothing, warm water paired with the perfect blend of sleep-promoting essential oils makes me sleepy and relaxed every time. 

Take a calming lavender chamomile bath before bed and enjoy the ultimate relaxation as you drift off for the night.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (sweet almond, grapeseed)
  • 20 drops lavender essential oil
  • 15 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 5 drops clary sage essential oil (optional)

5. Uplifting Citrus Ginger

Sometimes, you just need a mood boost or a pick-me-up, and this citrus ginger bath oil is perfect for that. Take a bath with some of this uplifting oil, and you’ll feel more positive and inspired. When I need a bit of a reset for my day, this essential oil blend does the trick.

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (grapeseed, jojoba)
  • 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops ginger essential oil
Holding a bottle of bath oil in my hands.

Bonus! Luxurious Rose Bath Oil Recipe

As a bonus, I couldn’t help but include this ultra-luxurious rose bath oil recipe! Rose is one of my favorite scents with its delicate floral notes that smell like summer. 

Infusing the carrier oil with real rose petals gives this oil a lovely smell and leaves rose petals swirling in your bath water. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz carrier oil (sweet almond, avocado)
  • Petals of one rose flower (approximately 1/3 cup)
  • 5 – 10 drops rose essential oil (depending on desired strength)

Instructions:

  1. Bring a few inches of water in a small saucepan to a boil, then remove it from the heat.
  2. Crush the rose petals and add to a jar with the oil. Gently swirl to combine.
  3. Secure the lid and carefully place the jar in the hot water. Leave it to sit until the water cools.
  4. Finally, place the jar on a sunny window sill for up to 3 days.
  5. Strain the oil, add the rose essential oil, and store it in an amber-colored jar away from direct sunlight.
  6. Secure the lid and gently heat the jar in a warm water bath for 15-20 minutes. This allows the rose petals to infuse the oil with their fragrance.

Tips:

  • The amount of rose petals can be adjusted based on your preference for a stronger or milder rose scent. You can also repeat the process with fresh flowers for a stronger scent, but I find it easier to just add the essential oil to achieve the desired scent level.
  • Start with 5 drops of essential oil and add more for a stronger scent, but be cautious not to overdo it. Essential oils are highly concentrated.
  • You can store this bath oil in a cool, dark place.

Safety Notes

  • Always dilute essential oils in a carrier oil before using them on the skin.
  • Before using the bath oil, do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to a non-sensitive area of your skin, like the inner elbow. Wait 24 hours and watch for any redness, itching, or irritation. If you experience any reaction, avoid using the bath oil.
  • Consult a doctor before using essential oils if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical conditions.

FAQs

How much bath oil should I add to a hot bath?

The amount of bath oil you should use depends on personal preference and how concentrated your oil is. I typically add a few tablespoons of my homemade bath oil to a full bath. If you are unsure, start with a small amount and add more as you go.ย 

What is the best carrier oil for homemade bath oil?

You can use any carrier oil you have on hand, but a few of my favorites are fractionated coconut oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and grapeseed oil. These carrier oils are gentle on sensitive skin and highly moisturizing, making them perfect for all skin types.

What essential oils should not be used in the bath?

Avoid using hot essential oils in your bath like cinnamon, clove, oregano, or thyme. For a safe and relaxing bath, stick to calming oils like lavender or chamomile.

More Recipes for a Relaxing Bath

If you made one of these recipes and loved it, I would love for you to come back and give it five stars!

5 from 5 votes

DIY Bath Oil Recipes for Relaxation & Luxury

Prep: 5 minutes
Active: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 ounces
Ready to unwind after a long day? These homemade bath oil recipes are just what you need!

Equipment

  • 6 oz dropper bottle
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Ingredients 

calming lavender dreamscape

  • 4 oz carrier oil, grapeseed, sweet almond, apricot kernel
  • 15 drops lavender essential oil
  • 5 drops chamomile essential oil

invigorating citrus burst

  • 4 oz carrier oil, grapeseed, jojoba
  • 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops bergamot essential oil

soothing eucalyptus

  • 4 oz carrier oil, jojoba, coconut
  • 15 drops eucalyptus essential oil
  • 10 drops rosemary essential oil
  • 5 drops spearmint essential oil, (optional)

sleep-promoting lavender chamomile

  • 4 oz carrier oil, sweet almond, grapeseed
  • 20 drops lavender essential oil
  • 15 drops chamomile essential oil
  • 5 drops clary sage essential oil, optional

uplifting citrus ginger

  • 4 oz carrier oil, grapeseed, jojoba
  • 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 5 drops ginger essential oil

Instructions 

  • Choose from one of the blends above and add the ingredients to the dropper bottle.
  • Cap the bottle, shake well, and let it sit for 24 hours for the scents to meld.
  • To use, add a few tablespoons of the bath oil to warm running bathwater.

Video

Notes

For a bonus self pampering experience, I’ve also included a recipe for a luxurious rose petal bath oil in the post โ€“ perfect for an extra dose of self-care!
Iโ€™ve includedย step-by-step imagesย in the post above for visual guidance. If you would rather watch, Iโ€™ve included the complete step-by-step video tutorial here in the recipe card!
If this is your first time using essential oils topically (on your skin), please consult your healthcare provider before trying any of these bath recipes.
Tried this recipe?Mention @our_oily_house or tag #ouroilyhouse!

About Laura

Welcome to Our Oily House, Iโ€™m so glad youโ€™re here! Explore DIY cleaners, homemade soaps, skincare and hair care recipes, fragrance-free solutions, and sustainable laundry tips for a naturally inspired home.

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5 from 5 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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2 Comments

  1. hi says:

    5 stars
    great saved my school project

    1. Laura says:

      Wonderful!