Looking for a little extra luxury at bath time? Handmade bath salts are a lovely way to turn an ordinary bath into a relaxing sensory experience. But what are bath salts, how do you use them and what makes one blend different from another?
At The Stable Soap Company, I make my luxury bath salts in small batches here in Dorset, using a blend of Himalayan, Epsom and Dead Sea salts, essential oils and carefully chosen additional ingredients.
In this guide, I’ll explain what goes into my bath salts, how to use them and how to choose the essential oil blend you’ll love.
What are bath salts and what are their benefits?
Bath salts are ingredients added to bath water to create a more enjoyable bathing experience. Depending on their formulation, they can dissolve in warm water, add scent and give your bath a little extra something.
My bath salts combine three different types of salt with essential oils, sweet almond oil, bicarbonate of soda and citric acid.
One of the simplest benefits of a bath is the opportunity to slow down. A warm bath, a beautiful aroma and a little time away from everyday distractions can make a lovely addition to your self-care routine.
Although Epsom and other mineral salts are often associated with relieving muscle aches and other therapeutic benefits, the scientific evidence for many of these claims is limited. I prefer to focus on the simple pleasure of a beautifully scented bath.
What's in my handmade bath salts?
Every ingredient has a purpose in my formulation.
Himalayan salt (fine and Course)
A mineral-rich salt that forms part of the base of my bath salts.
Epsom salts
Epsom salts are magnesium sulphate. They dissolve in water and are commonly used in bathing products.
Dead Sea salt
Another mineral salt that adds to the blend of salts in my formulation.
Bicarbonate of soda and citric acid
These ingredients work together when they come into contact with water, creating a gentle fizz that adds to the bathing experience.
Sweet almond oil
I add sweet almond oil to my bath salts for its lovely skin-conditioning properties. Rich in fatty acids, it helps to soften, nourish and moisturise the skin, leaving it feeling smooth and cared for. It also adds a little extra richness to the bath salts, making them more than just a blend of mineral salts.
Helping the Oils Disperse
I also include an ingredient that helps disperse the oils throughout the bath water. This helps the sweet almond oil and essential oils mix more evenly into the water, rather than sitting in droplets on the surface. It also helps reduce the amount of oil settling on the bath surface, making for a more comfortable bathing experience and helping to avoid an overly slippery bath.
Essential oils
These give each blend its own distinctive aroma, from floral lavender to fresh herbs, bright citrus and warm, aromatic notes.
Together, these ingredients make bath time feel a little more special.
How do you use bath salts?
Using bath salts is simple. Here’s how I recommend enjoying yours:
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Run a warm bath at a comfortable temperature.
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Add one to two handfuls of bath salts.
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Swirl the water gently to help the salts dissolve.
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Step in, settle down and enjoy the scent.
My recommendation is to enjoy your bath for around 15 minutes, or for as long as feels comfortable. You don't need an excessively hot bath or a long soak to enjoy a little time to yourself.
Afterwards, gently pat your skin dry. If you have sensitive skin, start with a smaller amount and stop using the product if irritation occurs.
Always follow the instructions and precautions on the product label.
Did you know you can use bath salts for a foot soak, too?
You don't need a bath to enjoy my handmade bath salts! They're also lovely for a simple foot soak, especially after a long day on your feet or when you fancy a little bit of pampering.
It's so easy to do. Simply fill a bowl with comfortably warm water, add a small handful of bath salts and give them a moment to dissolve. Then sit back, relax and soak your feet for around 15 minutes.
When you're finished, gently dry your feet, paying particular attention between your toes, and follow with my Peppermint Foot Balm for a little extra foot care.
It's a lovely way to give your feet some attention at the end of a busy day, without needing to run a bath. Sometimes it's the simplest little rituals that make all the difference.
Which essential oil blend should you choose?
One of my favourite things about creating bath salts is choosing essential oils that work beautifully together. Different aromas appeal to different people, so I've created four blends to choose from.
Lavender
A familiar, floral fragrance that's a lovely choice when you want a quiet, relaxing bath at the end of a busy day.
Rosemary, Lavender & Lemongrass
A fresh, herbal combination with a balance of fragrant lavender, rosemary and bright lemongrass notes. A lovely option if you prefer a fresher aroma.
Neroli & Sweet Orange
A bright, sweet citrus fragrance balanced with the delicate floral aroma of neroli. This is a lovely choice if you enjoy uplifting, citrusy scents.
Frankincense & Bergamot
An aromatic combination with warm, woody and fresh citrus notes. Choose this blend if you prefer a more grounding, distinctive fragrance.
There isn't one perfect blend for everyone. Think about the scent you naturally gravitate towards and choose the one that makes your bath feel special.
What makes the packaging special?
I want my products to be enjoyable to use, but I also think about what happens to the packaging afterwards.
My bath salts are presented in glass jars, giving them a lovely appearance on a bathroom shelf and making them a thoughtful gift.
Once you've used all your bath salts, the clean, empty glass jar may be suitable for reuse around the home or recycling according to your local council's guidance. A jar could be useful for storing small household items or other suitable things, provided it is thoroughly cleaned and repurposed safely.
Where packaging components can be reused, I love the idea of giving them another life rather than throwing them away.
It's a small way to make the most of something you've bought and enjoyed.
A note on bath salts and pregnancy
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, please take extra care when choosing bath products. My bath salts contain essential oils and advice on their use during pregnancy can vary depending on the oils and the formulation.
If you’re unsure whether a particular blend is suitable for you, please speak to your midwife, GP or pharmacist before use. Choose a comfortably warm bath rather than very hot water and take care when getting in and out, as bath surfaces can become slippery.
During pregnancy, you may prefer to choose a fragrance-free bath product without essential oils.
Your safety and wellbeing always come first.
Discover my handmade bath salts
My bath salts are handmade in small batches in Dorset, using carefully chosen ingredients and essential oil blends.
Whether you prefer lavender, fresh herbal notes, uplifting citrus or a warm, aromatic fragrance, there's a blend to suit your personal preference.
And remember, a little pampering doesn't have to wait for a special occasion. Sometimes, the simplest way to make an ordinary evening feel special is to run a warm bath and take a little time for yourself.
Explore the four blends in my handmade bath salts collection and find your favourite.
Handmade with care in Dorset.