Dipping your toes into a warm bath can melt away the mundane, and by swirling in a few drops of Young Living essential oils, you can elevate “me” time the natural way. Use these essential oil tips and tricks to turn a normal bath into a luxury spa experience.

Which essential oils are best for bathtime?

Ever wish you could just bathe in your favorite oil? Incorporate these favorites into your routine using the methods discussed in this post and soak up their natural properties in a steaming, aromatic bath:

  • Lavender: This gentle scent promotes a relaxed atmosphere and is a perfect treat for a nighttime bath before bed.
  • Eucalyptus Globulus: Take a bath with Eucalyptus after a long day or a workout for a refreshing and stimulating experience. This oil is stronger than other oils, so use less of it or blend with another oil like Sandalwood or Geranium.
  • Roman Chamomile: The warm and gentle aroma creates a calm atmosphere. It soothes dry skin while unwinding during your nighttime routine.
  • Ylang Ylang: Traditionally known for its romantic appeal, Ylang Ylang has a calming, relaxing, and comforting aroma. Massage into the scalp while you bathe to increase the appearance of healthy, shiny hair.
  • Sacred Frankincense™: This fan favorite can be diffused while you meditate in the bath for increased spiritual awareness and grounding.
  • Rose: Has a sensual aroma that creates a peaceful, loving, and nurturing environment while promoting a healthy complexion.
Filled bath tub with botanicals - Young Living Lavender Life blog
  • Patchouli: Provides an earthy, grounded atmosphere while occasionally improving the appearance of dry, chapped skin.

YL tip: Start with fewer drops and add more as desired. You can always add a little more, but you can’t take any out of the bath.

Essential oils not to use in the bath

Before you begin using essential oils in your bath time routine, it is important to note that not all essential oils are right for the bathtub. Some can cause skin irritation, such as Peppermint. Many of these oils that should not be used in the bath are “hot” oils, or oils that can cause a hot or warming sensation when applied undiluted to the skin. Some of these include: Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Oregano, Hyssop, Black Pepper, Lemongrass, Thyme, and Thieves®.

Follow label instructions and patch test any essential oils you are unsure about before using them in the bath. To perform a patch test, apply 1–2 drops of essential oil to a patch of skin such as the forearm. Observe that area of skin over the course of 1–2 hours for any noticeable reaction; however, reactions usually occur within 5–10 minutes. If you experience a hot or burning sensation or develop a rash, add V-6™ Vegetable Oil Complex or another carrier oil to the affected area as often as needed. Avoid using any oils topically that you have a negative reaction to.

Hands in bath with flower petals - Young Living Lavender Life blog

How to use essential oils in the bath

It is important to never add essential oils directly to your bath water. As you likely know, oils and water do not mix. If you place drops into your bath water without first diluting, the concentrated oil will sit on the water’s surface and will stick to your skin and other tender areas. This can cause irritation or burns. But don’t sweat it; we’re here to show you the various ways you dip into the bath safely using some of our favorite essential oils!

Combine essential oils with a carrier oil

To help the essential oils dilute and disperse throughout the bath, combine them with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or V-6 Vegetable Oil Complex.

Add 5–6 drops of essential oil to 1 tablespoon of carrier oil depending on your skin sensitivity and desired scent strength. Mix to incorporate. Fill the tub and turn off the water before adding the oil blend to achieve the full aromatic effect. Stir the oils around before climbing in to help circulate the mixture.

Create your own custom essential oil bath blends or use a Young Living blend like Stress Away™ or One Heart™ to create an environment of inspiration and to help you achieve a happy and positive day.

Bubble bath

Nothing beats the memories of a childhood bubble bath. Re-create your favorite pastime growing up using essential oils blended into our Bath & Shower Gel Base. Simply add 10–15 drops of your favorite essential oils to the bottle and shake to mix for a personalized aromatic and skin-loving experience. Try out some of these blends the next time you draw a bath.

Indulgent

Indulge in some soothing quiet time as you soak in the soothing, tranquil, and grounding aromas of Lavender, Roman Chamomile, and Cedarwood.

  • 5 drops Lavender
  • 5 drops Roman Chamomile
  • 5 drops Cedarwood

Paradise

Enter paradise with the romantic and calm aroma of Ylang Ylang, sweet and uplifting Bergamot, and fresh Grapefruit.

  • 7 drops Ylang Ylang
  • 4 drops Bergamot
  • 4 drops Grapefruit
Woman sitting in bubble bath - Young Living Lavender Life blog

Floral Luxe

Treat yourself to a luxurious floral bath with alluring and romantic aromas of Rose, Geranium, and Jasmine.

  • 6 drops Rose
  • 5 drops Geranium
  • 4 drops Jasmine

YL tip: Want the same spa experience without the soak? Add these same blends to our bath gel base for a luxurious shower experience, too!

Get crafty with your bath

Elevate your “me” time with bathing DIYs that’ll help you spark your creativity during the day while helping you relax at night as you slip into the bath.

  • Slip into bathtime bliss with your own DIY bath salts.
  • If your skin is dry and in need of some extra TLC, add the luscious moisturization of DIY bath melts to your soak.
  • If you are looking to make bathtime more exciting for your little ones, make essential oil-infused bathtub crayons or bath jellies.

Don’t have time to DIY? Try our Lavender Calming and Stress Away™ Relaxing Bath Bombs. Simply drop a bath bomb into a tub filled with warm water. Breathe in the inviting aroma and a moment of peace and calm.

Thieves Kitchen & Bath Scrub sitting on bath tray with cloth and brush - Young Living Lavender Life blog

How to clean up after an oil-infused bath

Adding oils to your bath hydrates your skin but can also make your tub slippery. It is important to clean out the oils to prevent any accident or injury caused by slipping. After draining the water, use a cleaner like baking soda, soap, or Thieves® Kitchen & Bath Scrub to get rid of any oil residue, leaving your bath ready for your next soak.

Want to elevate your bathroom routines? Try these 10 genius bathroom products you never knew you needed!

Which way will you use essential oils to elevate your bathtime routine?