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With more of us realising the power of taking regular baths, what you put into your bath can make all the difference to your current mood. If you’re feeling under the weather, need a bit of a boost, or merely want to soak away those aches and pains, a bath infused with essential oils is a wonderful treat at any time of the day. Here at The Bathroom Showroom, we’ve put together a quick list of the best essential oils that will help encourage a fabulous bathing experience.

How Do You Use Essential Oils in a Bath?

Firstly, it’s worth stressing that essential oils need to be used with care. Many people ask, is it okay to put essential oils in your bath? The answer is yes if they’re treated first. Fortunately, it isn't difficult to prep your essential oils ahead of running your bath. All you need to do is combine them in a carrier oil to start.
As a rule of thumb, add one tablespoon of carrier oil per 5 to 20 drops of essential oil.
Carrier oil is a product that is used to dilute essential oils. So gentle in its formula, it doesn't interfere with the scent of your essential oil or its therapeutic properties. It merely dilutes the mixture to make it safer for your skin and allows the essential oil to do its work. Examples of carrier oil include olive oil, grape seed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, and jojoba oil.
When you’ve mixed your oils, add them into the running bath water, and then stir them in to circulate.
We also recommend doing a patch test first with each different essential oil that you want to try, erring on the side of caution. 
Oil and water don't mix, so essential oils should never be added directly into your bathwater. By applying them directly, you can irritate and potentially burn the skin. You’ll also end up with a rather unattractive gleam of oil sitting on the top of your bathwater.

Which Essential Oil Is Best for Bathing?

When selecting an essential oil to use in the bath, there are so many available that you’ll be spoilt for choice.
There are, however, several popular oils considered the most effective. The top three essential oils for a thoroughly relaxing and luxurious bath session are lavender, chamomile, and rose.

  • Lavender

Perhaps the most well-known essential oil, lavender is a multipurpose plant that derives fantastic benefits when used in the bath.
Though commonly a go-to for essential oils for sleep purposes, lavender is a thoroughly healing and therapeutic choice. Associated with skin healing, it's also said to hold several analgesic properties. This makes it extremely beneficial for helping with aches and pains as it aids healing. Encouraging a calming bath time, lavender has long been the first choice for reducing stress and anxiety, as well as promoting sleep. This essential oil also boasts a gorgeous fragrance.

  • Chamomile 

Not just a stress-relieving tea choice, chamomile essential oil makes an incredible self-care product. Considered a favourite oil in Roman times because of its therapeutic properties, used in the bath, it works to massage, nourish, soften, and moisturise the body. This oil takes care of the skin and hair. Promoting rejuvenating features, chamomile is considered one of the healthiest plants. So adding this essential oil to your bath helps restore normal function to your entire body and is immensely helpful to those with dry and sensitive skin. What's more, chamomile has a deliciously sweet apple scent, filling the bathroom with a pleasant aroma throughout your bathing sessions. 

  • Rose

This popular fragrant plant is a gorgeous essential oil choice for so many reasons. Alongside boasting the most delectable of aromas, rose oil is said to offer comfort to aches and pains, and decrease stress and anxiety levels. Rose is also considered to improve mood thanks to the rose oil stimulating the release of the chemical known as dopamine. This is the feel-good hormone that can also offer light pain relief when used regularly in the bath. Used in essential oils, rose provides a most luxurious bathing experience that not only lifts your spirits but ultimately enriches your skin in the process.
There are several more high-quality essential oils that you can consider adding to your bath for a spectacular bathing experience every time, including:

  • Eucalyptus 

A refreshing and stimulating essential oil, eucalyptus oil is a congestion reliever and soothes aches and pain when used as a bath oil. The scent of eucalyptus oil can be a little overpowering for some people, so you may want to reduce the number of drops used in your bath.

  • Rosemary

Used to soothe tired muscles, rosemary oil helps comfort those aches and pains when used in the bath. A stimulating and rejuvenating oil choice, rosemary also has a distinctive energising aroma. 

  • Peppermint 

Though considered one of the best essential oils for headaches, peppermint is a super-concentrated oil. So, it’s best to use just a few drops here as a little goes a long way with this one.

  • Tea Tree oil

Another favourite essential oil for an invigorating bath, tea tree oil works wonders at clearing the sinuses and helping with congestion. 

  • Lemon Oil

A wonderfully uplifting and citrus-filled choice, lemon essential oil is fabulous for restoring both the body and mind and brightening your day as it fights against exhaustion. This is a fantastic choice when used in the bath to combat those winter blues.

  • Bergamot

A truly luxurious essential oil choice, Bergamot is a rich citrus oil that works exceptionally well at moisturising the skin. This also makes it ideal when used in the shower for the best skincare routine. Many people also find that it reduces stress and fatigue.

  • Sandalwood

An essential oil boasting a distinctive classical scent, sandalwood oil used in the bath helps promote sleep and soothe the skin.

Essential Oils for the Bath Can Offer a Solution to Suit Every Mood 

Whether you want to add a bit of luxury, restore your skin or sleep or simply relax both the body and mind, essential oils for the bath are a fun and fabulous bath time treat for all.
For more bathroom ideas and bathroom inspiration, take a look at our Rest and Relaxation blog section.