After a long day, there’s nothing quite like sinking into a warm bath infused with soothing, fragrant bath salts. Whether you call them bath salts or a bath soak, the goal is the same—to help you relax, recharge, and invigorate your body.

The best part? Bath salts are incredibly easy to make, and you can customize them to suit your mood, skin type, or wellness needs. From choosing the perfect salt base to blending your favorite essential oils, every element can be tailored to create your ideal soak. Part of the fun is actually choosing the base.

My definition of a bath salt is that its primary function is to help me relax and soothe achy muscles—something I can accomplish with just one simple ingredient: Epsom salts. Ok, maybe two ingredients - epsom salts and lavender essential oil.  When making bath salts, I always ensure that epsom salts make up at least 50% of the total mix. 

A bath soak, on the other hand, is a skin treat for me. This is where I bring in luxurious ingredients like milk and honey, add more bicarbonate of soda to soften the water, and sometimes even include SCI or SLSA powder for a little bit of foamy indulgence.

Do you have a similar of different definition of bath salt vs bath soak?

You can use a single type of salt or mix a few to create a balanced bath soak. Some great options include:

✔ Epsom Salt – Known for its magnesium content, it helps soothe sore muscles and reduce stress.

✔ Kalahari Desert Salt – Rich in minerals, it detoxifies and softens the skin.

✔ Himalayan Pink Salt–  Packed with trace minerals, it promotes relaxation and circulation.

Simple DIY Bath Salt Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Epsom salt (or a mix of salts)

• ½ cup each Himalayan course salt, Himalayan fine salt, Kalahari Desert salt,

• 1 tbsp baking soda (optional, for extra skin softness)

• 10–15 drops essential oil of your choice

• 1 tbsp carrier oil (jojoba oil , coconut oil, or  sweet almond oil)

• 1 tsp polysorbate 80 (optional, helps disperse oil evenly)

• a half a cup dried botanical powder (optional, for a luxurious touch)

Ingredients:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the salts and bicarbonate of soda.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the essential oils, carrier oil, and Polysorbate 80 to ensure even distribution.
3. Pour the oil mixture into the salts and mix well until fully incorporated.
4. Stir in the dried herbs if using.
5. Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool, dry place.

To use, add a generous amount  to warm bath water, stir to dissolve, and enjoy a beautifully scented, non-greasy soak!

Why Use Polysorbate 80?

Polysorbate 80 is a natural emulsifier that helps essential oils and carrier oils disperse evenly in bathwater. This prevents oils from floating on the surface or sticking to the tub, making your bath experience smoother and safer.