How to Make Bath Salts

Wondering how to make bath salts in the comfort of your own home? Fortunately for you, making bath salts is easy and inexpensive, and you can tailor your bath salts to be exactly how you like them. With a few simple instructions, you will understand the bath salt supplies and techniques needed to create your own instead of paying high prices at the salon.

Salt
Every bath salt mixture starts with the most important ingredient: salt. You may think there is only one choice for salt, but there are many different options for you to choose from. Some people like to make their salts using just one salt, but most like to mix and match salts to give their mixture a variety of textures. You can choose from Epsom salt, sea salt, Dead Sea salt, Icelandic geo-thermal brine salt or Hawaiian Red Salt. Many of these salts are known to have medicinal properties as well.

Colorants
There are three kinds of colorants you can consider using in bath salts. You'll want to make sure the colors you purchase are non-staining and non-irritating. You can also use multi-colored salts, since several different colors of salts are available.

• Powdered mica: Mica provides a gentle tint with a pearl-like iridescence that many people find appealing
• FD&C dyes: These dyes in liquid coloring is another option (some people use this in a glycerin base, but that can make your bath salts clump)
• Powdered soap colorant: This is one more option which many beginners choose since it is readily available in a variety of colors and scents

Botanicals
If you wish to add botanicals to your bath salts, consider packaging them in mesh or tea bags (you can buy empty tea bags at specialty tea stores) and then using your bath salts just like you would a tea bag. Botanicals can add color and scent to your salts, creating an aromatherapy effect. The following are botanicals that are safe to use in the bath and are pleasant and medicinal in their effects:

• Aloe Vera extract: This is known to have healing properties. Aloe Vera is good for healing after a sunburn, but it is also good for healing any cuts or scrapes you may have.
• Calendula flower petals: This is soothing and good for the skin, especially if you are prone to acne.
• Chamomile flowers: These pretty flowers have a relaxing scent and a calming effect on the psyche. When made as a bath, they can induce a state of serenity that is dreamlike.
• Eucalyptus leaves: Used sparingly, eucalyptus leaves are used to clear sinus congestion. Make sure you do not have a skin sensitivity to these leaves before using them in a bath because they may irritate the more sensitive areas of the body.
• Lavender flowers: These flowers produce a calming effect and are quite lovely visually.
• Lemon peel powder: The natural yellow coloring will tint the bath slightly and the energizing scent will lift you up and rejuvenate you.
• Peppermint leaves: For a refreshing scent, try a few of these in the bath.

Botanicals and Essential Oil Fragrances You Should Not Use in Bath Salts
Basil, oregano, thyme, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon and bay leaf are all botanical or essential oil fragrances that can be too irritating to be used in a bath salt. Your sensitivity level will determine which fragrances or botanicals you find soothing or irritating, so make sure you test your skin for sensitivity before immersing yourself in a bath enhanced with potentially irritating fragrances.

Essential Oils for Fragrances
Essential oils are available in bath and body shops, holistic stores and online through suppliers who work only with essential oil fragrances. These potent but natural fragrances are effective for aromatherapy products such as bath salts. They are available in a wide variety of scents.

Natural Moisturizers to Add to Your Salts
You'll want to add a natural moisturizer to your bath salts. The following oils are wonderful additions to any bath salt recipe:

• Avocado oil: This oil is golden in color and has extra moisturizing effects.
• Apricot kernel: This is great for oily skin because it moisturizes without clogging pores.
• Castor oil: This oil is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Olive oil: This oil is very gentle and soothing.

Basic Bath Salt Recipe
2 cups sea salt
1 cup Epsom salt
1 cup moisturizing oil
5-10 drops essential oils
1 cup baking soda

Combine ingredients, mix together and store for at least two days before using. Put a scoop into the bath and enjoy!