Everyone loves to recreate a luxurious spa experience in their own home – think candles, a tub full of hot water and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine to maximise the relaxation factor. Undoubtedly one of the most relaxing parts of a spa experience is the amazing scent of the essential oils they use, but how do you recreate this at home?
Bath oils are a fantastic way of filling your bathroom with aromatherapy scents while moisturising dry skin and aiding sleep. But which one will work best for you? Get the bathwater running as we’ve checked retailers such as Amazon and Boots to pick our favourites. From Radox to ESPA and Jo Malone, we’ve got everything you need for the perfect spa night in!
Bath oils are made from an unscented carrier oil for moisturisation, such as a seed oil or jojoba, as well as essential oils to provide aromatherapy scents to relax, uplift or calm. The oil floats on top of the water and coats your skin as you soak, leaving a layer to massage into your skin when you step out of the bath.
Unlike bath foams, you add the oil to your bath after you’ve finished running the water. If you add your oil whilst the water is running the heat and turbulence of the water mean that any essential oils will be dispersed quicker and you won’t get their full aromatic benefit.
We all love a hot soak, but when choosing what to add to our bath to make it scented and relaxing, we tend to reach for the bubbles. However, you may be surprised to know that you can get a whole lot more from your bath by switching out the bubbles for a rich oil. Read on to discover how!
Different essential oils and their properties can really change your mood, and using them in a bath is a great way of maximising their benefits. Chances are, you’re looking to feel either more relaxed or energised, or less stressed or under the weather. So, let's have a look at some of the oils that can help in these areas.
If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, choose a bath oil containing lemon, orange, grapefruit, bergamot, mint, or eucalyptus for an instant mood boost.
Oils with awakening and mood-boosting ingredients are great for those who like to bathe in the morning, or before heading out for the evening.
Finding it hard to switch off after a long day? A bath oil with lavender, rosemary, chamomile, bergamot, sage, or geranium is sure to help you unwind before you head to bed.
Oils with these sleep-inducing scents are also ideal for sharing with babies or young children.
Baths are ideal for when you’re not quite feeling yourself either inside or out, and oils containing lemon, eucalyptus, ginger, clove, or mint should help to make you feel better.
For example, eucalyptus is especially good if you have a cold with symptoms of congestion, as well as helping to reduce pain, inflammation and muscle tension. Ginger and mint have similar anti-inflammatory properties, and also stimulate blood flow to relieve aches and tiredness.
If there’s lots on your mind, choosing a bath oil containing lavender, rosemary, ylang ylang, orange, rose, or jasmine is sure to help you clear your head and feel more in control.
Along with the essential oils, you may find other things on the ingredients list of your bath oil that will help you skin in various ways. Let’s have a look at what some of these ingredients are and what they do.
Jojoba oil is often used as a carrier oil for the essential oils, but in itself it has some important benefits for your skin.
These include being anti-inflammatory, anti-redness, helping the skin repair itself, and easing the effects of eczema and rosacea. It also contains very high levels of antioxidants and nutrients, such as omega 6 and 9 acids and vitamins D, A, and E.
Like jojoba oil, sweet almond oil is used as a carrier oil but it is also well known for helping to reverse sun damage, reduce puffiness, and improve complexion and skin tone.
Plus, it can also reduce the appearance of stretch marks and scars, making it a great choice for use during and after pregnancy.
Vitamin E is found in many skincare products as it's well known for its anti-aging properties, as well as being able to protect against damage from pollution and generally improve skin health and appearance.
Though both the jojoba and sweet almond oils we've mentioned are high in vitamin E, there are many other plant-based ingredients such as sunflower oil, grape seed oil, and wheat germ oil which are very high in this super ingredient too.
Tocopherols are the major forms of vitamin E, so can also be an added ingredient to look for in your bath oil.
If you’ve ever experienced sensitive or itchy skin, then you may benefit hugely from using oils in your bath in place of bath foam.
Products that produce bubbles contain foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), which strip your skin’s protective layer making it more prone to sensitivity and dryness. Because they don’t foam, bath oils tend not to contain any of these ingredients, though we'd advise checking if they are irritating to you.
Different carrier oils are used as the oil's base, and while paraffin can be used it is generally best avoided unless you’re using it as part of treatment for skin conditions like eczema, as it can clog pores and cause rashes.
Now that you know your jojoba from your ylang ylang, let’s check out our top 10 bath oil picks for the ultimate soaking session!
£1.99
Essential Oils | - |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Vitamin E, almond oil, coconut oil |
Best For | Congestion, sore muscles, dry skin |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 200 ml |
£9.19
Essential Oils | - |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Castor oil |
Best For | Moisturising dry and irritated skin |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 400 ml |
£45.25
Essential Oils | Patchouli, chamomile, sandalwood, vetivert |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Coconut oil |
Best For | Relaxation, calming the mind |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 55 ml |
£15.50
Essential Oils | Bergamot, ylang ylang, lavender |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sweet almond oil, olive oil |
Best For | Energising and uplifting |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 100 ml |
£7.65
Essential Oils | Jasmine, sandalwood, lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sweet almond oil |
Best For | Aiding a good nights sleep |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 200 ml |
£18.00
Essential Oils | Rose, lemon, violet |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil |
Best For | Relaxation |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 30 ml |
£20.00
Essential Oils | Sweet orange, camphor, eucalyptus, clove |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sweet almond oil, sunflower oil |
Best For | Reducing stress and relieving tired muscles |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 100 ml |
£30.00
Essential Oils | Lavender, sweet orange, rose geranium |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sweet almond oil, tocopheryl |
Best For | Calming the mind and reducing stress |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 100 ml |
£8.66
Essential Oils | Lavender, chamomile |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Sunflower oil, hemp oil |
Best For | Dry or itchy skin |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 200 ml |
£9.00
Essential Oils | Sandalwood, patchouli, ylang ylang |
---|---|
Other Notable Ingredients | Vitamin E, jojoba oil, sunflower oil |
Best For | Calming and relaxing |
SLS/Paraffin | No |
Volume | 100 ml |
Image | 1 ![]() Mrs Frisbee's All Naturals | 2 ![]() Balmonds | 3 ![]() ESPA | 4 ![]() Cowshed | 5 ![]() Jo Malone | 6 ![]() Tisserand | 7 ![]() Neal's Yard | 8 ![]() Aromatherapy Associates | 9 ![]() Eucerin | 10 ![]() Radox |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Name | Sensual Bath Oil | Bath & Body Oil | Restorative Bath Oil | Indulge Blissful Bath & Body Oil | London Red Roses Bath Oil | Sleep Better Bath Oil | Mothers Bath Oil | Deep Relax Bath and Shower Oil | AtoControl Bath and Shower Oil | Bath Oil Revitalising Eucalyptus |
Features | A Luxurious Oil With an Exquisite Fragrance | A Versatile, All-Natural Oil to Soothe Skin Flare Ups | A Calming Oil Blend From a Well-Known Spa Brand | A Treat for Tired and Fatigued Muscles | A Sumptuous Bathing Treat to Leave Your Skin Rosy | A Blend of Essential Oils to Cocoon Your Senses and Help You Sleep | A High-Quality Bath Oil That's Safe to Use During Pregnancy | Treat Yourself to a Restorative, Calming Bath | Daily Relief for Dry and Irritated Skin | A Bath Oil Infusion for When You Need to Clear Your Head |
Price | £9.00 | £8.66 | £30.00 | £20.00 | £18.00 | £7.65 | £15.50 | £45.25 | £9.19 | £1.99 |
Essential Oils | Sandalwood, patchouli, ylang ylang | Lavender, chamomile | Lavender, sweet orange, rose geranium | Sweet orange, camphor, eucalyptus, clove | Rose, lemon, violet | Jasmine, sandalwood, lavender, bergamot, ylang ylang | Bergamot, ylang ylang, lavender | Patchouli, chamomile, sandalwood, vetivert | - | - |
Other Notable Ingredients | Vitamin E, jojoba oil, sunflower oil | Sunflower oil, hemp oil | Sweet almond oil, tocopheryl | Sweet almond oil, sunflower oil | Sweet almond oil, jojoba oil | Sweet almond oil | Sweet almond oil, olive oil | Coconut oil | Castor oil | Vitamin E, almond oil, coconut oil |
Best For | Calming and relaxing | Dry or itchy skin | Calming the mind and reducing stress | Reducing stress and relieving tired muscles | Relaxation | Aiding a good nights sleep | Energising and uplifting | Relaxation, calming the mind | Moisturising dry and irritated skin | Congestion, sore muscles, dry skin |
SLS/Paraffin | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Volume | 100 ml | 200 ml | 100 ml | 100 ml | 30 ml | 200 ml | 100 ml | 55 ml | 400 ml | 200 ml |
Link |
You've got that bath oil sorted, so light some candles, pour yourself your favourite drink, and have a look at these other products to help create the perfect spa feeling at home.
Bath oils are perfect for relaxing at home as they impart their aromatherapy powers to calm, relax or uplift you. Plus, their thirst-quenching oils replenish your skin's moisture to keep it healthy and supple. We hope you've enjoyed having a look at these fantastic products, and that we've inspired you to reach for the bath oil rather than the bubble bath next time you fancy a long soak!
Author: Catherine Torrance
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