10 Best Essential Oils for Bath Bombs

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants.
The oils capture the plant’s scent and flavor, or “essence.”
Unique aromatic compounds give each essential oil its characteristic essence.
Essential oils are obtained through distillation (via steam and/or water) or mechanical methods, such as cold pressing.
Once the aromatic chemicals have been extracted, they are combined with a carrier oil to create a product that’s ready for use.
The way the oils are made is important, as essential oils obtained through chemical processes are not considered true essential oils.

Essential Oil Benefits in Bath Bombs

Using essential oils in homemade bath bombs offers a range of benefits:
Aromatherapy Benefits: Essential oils are well-known for their aromatherapy benefits. When added to bath bombs, they can create a soothing, relaxing, or invigorating atmosphere in your bath.
Skin-Nourishing Properties: Some essential oils have skin-soothing and moisturizing properties to help leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed after a bath. Oils like lavender and chamomile are particularly known for their gentle effects on the skin.
Natural and Chemical-Free Option: Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils are derived from plants and offer a natural and chemical-free way to add scents to your bath bombs.
Therapeutic Benefits: Beyond the pleasant scents, many essential oils offer therapeutic benefits. For example, eucalyptus oil can help clear congestion and promote easier breathing, while peppermint oil can provide a refreshing and revitalizing sensation.
Mood Enhancement: Aromatic baths with essential oils can enhance your mood. Whether you're looking to relax, boost your energy, or unwind after a long day, the right essential oil can help set the tone.

How to choose the right essential oils

Many companies claim that their oils are “pure” or “medical grade.” However, these terms aren’t universally defined and therefore hold little weight.
Given that they’re products of an unregulated industry, the quality and composition of essential oils can vary greatly (43Trusted Source).
Keep the following tips in mind to choose only high-quality oils:
Purity: Find an oil that contains only aromatic plant compounds, without additives or synthetic oils. Pure oils usually list the plant’s botanical name (such as Lavandula officinalis) rather than terms like “essential oil of lavender.”
Quality: True essential oils are the ones that have been changed the least by the extraction process. Choose a chemical-free essential oil that has been extracted through distillation or mechanical cold pressing.
Reputation: Purchase a brand with a reputation for producing high-quality products.

10 Best Essential Oils for Bath Bombs

Here are 10 essential oils that I love to use in my homemade bath bombs. They rock in terms of aromatherapeutic benefits:

Cedarwood

Cedarwood essential oil comes from the bark, berries and needles of cedar (also called juniper). This essential oil is used to treat acne and dry flaky scalp. Inhaling the scent promotes a sense of grounding and encourages deep sleep.

Chamomile

Many people find chamomile essential oil incredibly soothing on the skin. Use with rashes or eczema or itching skin to reduce irritation. Chamomile is naturally anti-inflammatory.

Eucalyptus

This amazing oil has been used since ancient times comes from the Blue Gum, which is one of 400 species of eucalyptus. This is a popular ingredient in decongestant vapor rubs and can loosen phlegm. Early research shows that eucalyptus oil can boost the immune system.

Frankincense

Considered a holy oil by the ancient Egyptians, this essential oil gives off a woody scent. It is used in skincare products to soothe dry skin and research is promising that frankincense can reduce pain from arthritis.

Lavender

Numerous studies show that the scent of lavender oil relieves stress and anxiety. Not surprisingly, smelling the essential oil of lavender can lead to a better night’s sleep. Lavender oil can be used to treat wounds, fight fungal infections and reduce hair loss.

Lemongrass

When I sniff my bottle of lemongrass oil, I swear I can smell the lemon and the grass, even though it really comes from a tropical plant. Lemongrass oil has a sweet scent that is energizing and clears my head right away. Research shows that it has antibacterial properties and also decreases pain from rheumatoid arthritis.

Rose

The essential oil of rose is almost miraculous. Not only does it reduce anxiety, but also it relieves pain from menstrual cramps. (To learn more about how to relieve period cramps by using essential oils in the bath, read this post.) The scent of rose can also stimulate the libido.

Tea Tree

For a while there, tea tree oil was the trendiest oil of all time. From shampoos to makeup, you couldn’t escape it. Turns out there’s a good reason. This essential oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat all kinds of skin conditions from dry skin to acne.

Turmeric

This essential oil is distilled from the turmeric root, which is known as Indian Saffron. It has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for more than 4,000 years. Curcumin is the natural chemical compound in the turmeric root, and a 2014 study found that its oil provides a similar effect as Prozac to patients suffering with major depressive symptoms. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties.

(If you’re interested in taking a detox turmeric bath, read this post. I’ll walk you through how to take a detox bath with turmeric and explain the amazing benefits.)

Ylang Ylang

This essential oil is extracted from flowers that are native to the Philippines and Indonesia. Research finds that the aroma is a natural stress reducer and can relieve symptoms of anxiety. Ylang Ylang can also reduce blood pressure and heart rate, providing a sedative effect. The oil is often used in cosmetics to treat skin and promote hair growth.

How to add essential oils to bath bombs

We recommend starting with the light recommendation. Essential oils are nice and strong, so start with the smaller amount and go from there. You can measure it out into a glass container or use a dropper.
Once all your other bath bomb ingredients are incorporated, add the essential oil. Mix well for a few minutes - it takes a bit to get that oil fully blended. It helps to squeeze any clumps smooth. Then, pack into molds and enjoy.