Why you have to dilute
Essential oils don't dissolve in water. Drop them in neat and they sit on the surface as tiny concentrated beads, then cling to your skin, often somewhere sensitive. Aromatherapy safety bodies such as Tisserand Institute advise against adding them to the bath undiluted.
Three ways to mix them
- Carrier oil (easiest). Stir 5–10 drops into a tablespoon of sweet almond, jojoba, sunflower or fractionated coconut oil. This dilutes them, though they still float.
- Unscented bath base or solubiliser (best). A dispersing bath base or a solubiliser such as polysorbate 80 actually spreads the essential oil through the water. It's the safest option.
- Full-fat milk or cream. The traditional "Cleopatra" method. Fats in the milk carry the oils. It works reasonably and is cheap.
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How many drops
- Adults: 5–10 drops in total for a full bath, mixed as above. Start at the low end with a new oil.
- Children, pregnancy, sensitive skin: use fewer or none, and ask a qualified practitioner or your doctor first. Some oils (peppermint and eucalyptus, for example) are not recommended for young children.
Oils to avoid in the bath
These are known skin irritants even when diluted. Keep them out of the bath or use only a drop:
- Cinnamon (bark and leaf) and clove
- Oregano and thyme
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint in more than a drop or two. It feels icy on warm skin.
Gentle oils that work well
- Lavender: the classic relaxing bath oil.
- Roman chamomile: soft and calming.
- Frankincense and sandalwood: warm, woody, grounding.
- Eucalyptus: for a stuffy-nose bath (adults only, a few drops).
- Geranium and rose: floral.
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Three blends to try
Each is for one bath, mixed into a tablespoon of carrier oil or bath base:
- Sleep: 4 lavender + 2 Roman chamomile + 1 vetiver.
- Clear head: 3 eucalyptus + 2 lavender + 1 rosemary.
- Warm and woody: 3 frankincense + 2 sandalwood + 2 sweet orange.
Prefer something ready-blended? Luxury aromatherapy bath oils are already diluted correctly. See the best luxury bath oils.